CA1117268A - Fixed sound absorption wall - Google Patents
Fixed sound absorption wallInfo
- Publication number
- CA1117268A CA1117268A CA000371318A CA371318A CA1117268A CA 1117268 A CA1117268 A CA 1117268A CA 000371318 A CA000371318 A CA 000371318A CA 371318 A CA371318 A CA 371318A CA 1117268 A CA1117268 A CA 1117268A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- sound absorption
- bracket
- members
- panel
- absorption wall
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
Abstract
ABSTRACT
A fixed sound absorption wall for a sound absorp-tion wall system comprises one or more sound absorption panels supported by top frame members. The top frame members are engaged by a hanger bracket having two opposing substantially identical members. A connector connects the bracket members to each other and secures the hanger bracket to a support member, thereby supporting the sound absorption panels.
A fixed sound absorption wall for a sound absorp-tion wall system comprises one or more sound absorption panels supported by top frame members. The top frame members are engaged by a hanger bracket having two opposing substantially identical members. A connector connects the bracket members to each other and secures the hanger bracket to a support member, thereby supporting the sound absorption panels.
Description
'7~
This is a division oE Canadian Application Serial No. 324,296 filed March 28, 1979.
Tl1E B~CKGROUND-O T~IE I~VENTION
(l) Field of the Invention-.. . . . . _ ..
This ~nven-t~on relates to a ~ixed sound absorp-tion wall in a sound absorption wall system.
This is a division oE Canadian Application Serial No. 324,296 filed March 28, 1979.
Tl1E B~CKGROUND-O T~IE I~VENTION
(l) Field of the Invention-.. . . . . _ ..
This ~nven-t~on relates to a ~ixed sound absorp-tion wall in a sound absorption wall system.
(2) ~escriptLon of the Prior ~rt:
In recent years, the construction industry has become increasingly aware of noise pollution, and~ consequently there has arisen the need ~or effective sound absorption systems. In the past, such sound absorption systems have generally been sound absorbing panels attached to a supporting structure such as a wall. In many applications, however, the sound absorption is rèquired in the middle of an already constructed room in order to isolate a sound source. There is also an additional requirement in these situations that t~e sound absorption system be movable in order ~o enable the continuation of an established flow o~ goods or traffic, that had developed prior to the need to isolate the sound source, after the need to isolate it has ended. Along with the requirement for movability, the need has also arisen to u-tilize a combination o~ movable and ~ixed sound absorption walls to produce desirable wall alignments whiich utilize ~l~e properties of both kirnds of wall systems. In this situa~ion, the need may be to immovably enclose -three sides of a generally rectangular area but allow a fourth wall to be horizontally movable to provide access to the area having a machine or other so~ind emitting source. In the past, the me~hods useful for accomplishing this noise abatement were limited to constructing a new wall and using conventional sound absorbing panels, or providing some type of drapery material depending from the ceiling. Recent methods have involved providing de~iountable and movable sound absorption panels. The problems with these more recent systems arise from the fact that multitudinous components are required and installa-~ion costs become high thus inhibiting the flexibili~y desirable for the fast and economical relocation of the soulld absorbing wall to other required noise emission locations. In the ulder methods, it is seen that the construction o a new wall is expensive and fails to provide movability and demountability required in flex-ible floor plan locations. With the use of mere drapery, sound absorption which could be found in conventional sound absorbing panels is lost and additionally, a lack of streng~h in the mate-rlal is present when required to extend vertically for large distances.
One older example of a sound absorbing wall utilizing modular panel construction is shown in U.S. Patent 2,423,199, issued to Milnor, whe~ein sound absorbing material is enclosed by a frame and provided with a foraminous facing. The manner of installing these panels is however disclosed to be by the locking insertion of panel members between channel or studding supports. Horizontal movability of the wall is prohibited and ease of demountability is similarly absent. ~ folding screen-like system is ound in U.S.
Patent 3,713,508, issued to Eckel, which discloses a sound absorb-ing structure having sound absorbing material provided in two separated compartments. Hinged modular units are p~ovided in a free-standing configuration without secu~ement to structural supporting members of a building or the like. In U.S. PatPnt
In recent years, the construction industry has become increasingly aware of noise pollution, and~ consequently there has arisen the need ~or effective sound absorption systems. In the past, such sound absorption systems have generally been sound absorbing panels attached to a supporting structure such as a wall. In many applications, however, the sound absorption is rèquired in the middle of an already constructed room in order to isolate a sound source. There is also an additional requirement in these situations that t~e sound absorption system be movable in order ~o enable the continuation of an established flow o~ goods or traffic, that had developed prior to the need to isolate the sound source, after the need to isolate it has ended. Along with the requirement for movability, the need has also arisen to u-tilize a combination o~ movable and ~ixed sound absorption walls to produce desirable wall alignments whiich utilize ~l~e properties of both kirnds of wall systems. In this situa~ion, the need may be to immovably enclose -three sides of a generally rectangular area but allow a fourth wall to be horizontally movable to provide access to the area having a machine or other so~ind emitting source. In the past, the me~hods useful for accomplishing this noise abatement were limited to constructing a new wall and using conventional sound absorbing panels, or providing some type of drapery material depending from the ceiling. Recent methods have involved providing de~iountable and movable sound absorption panels. The problems with these more recent systems arise from the fact that multitudinous components are required and installa-~ion costs become high thus inhibiting the flexibili~y desirable for the fast and economical relocation of the soulld absorbing wall to other required noise emission locations. In the ulder methods, it is seen that the construction o a new wall is expensive and fails to provide movability and demountability required in flex-ible floor plan locations. With the use of mere drapery, sound absorption which could be found in conventional sound absorbing panels is lost and additionally, a lack of streng~h in the mate-rlal is present when required to extend vertically for large distances.
One older example of a sound absorbing wall utilizing modular panel construction is shown in U.S. Patent 2,423,199, issued to Milnor, whe~ein sound absorbing material is enclosed by a frame and provided with a foraminous facing. The manner of installing these panels is however disclosed to be by the locking insertion of panel members between channel or studding supports. Horizontal movability of the wall is prohibited and ease of demountability is similarly absent. ~ folding screen-like system is ound in U.S.
Patent 3,713,508, issued to Eckel, which discloses a sound absorb-ing structure having sound absorbing material provided in two separated compartments. Hinged modular units are p~ovided in a free-standing configuration without secu~ement to structural supporting members of a building or the like. In U.S. PatPnt
3,934,382, issued to Gartung, a sound absorb;ng screen assembly is provided utilizing sound absorbing panels slidably mounted in upright channel base members. Although providing n~ovability and demountability, the free standing screen disclosed in this patent cannot be provided where large Yertical distances are encoun~ered and support rom upper support members is necessary to attain the strength and ri~idity required, such as in factory or industrial locations~
Other specialized industrial so~nd absorbing wall systems and mountings have been used. An acoustic testing structure is dlsclosed in UIS. Pa~ent 2,519,161, issued to Tucker, and provides significant sound absorbing structures ~or testing machines and the like in heavy industrial situations. However, its pr~ctical~
ity in providing a conventional room-like situatioll is limited since it by necessity requlres a battery o~ parallel sound panels spaced on center which permit the passage oE air fumes and sound waves through a tunnel-like structure pro~ided. Movable walls having fixed floor runner tracks have been used but the floor tracks pre-determine the wall locations. ~ movable partition assembly for sound insulat;ng panels is provided in U.S. Patent 3,140,564, issued to Chapman. In this patent, a pivotably mounted : Eloor channel is required to be constructed within existing flooring. The wall partitions are slidably aligned between opposing pivotably mounted floor channel members but no disclosure of upper support is expressed t}-erein. The invention provides demountability and horizontal movability useful only at the lower edges of the sound insulation curtain, but the utilizatio~ of fixed or movable upper support was not shown. Industrial noise abatement walls necessitate the supportive attachment at upper edges to provide adequate stability and strength.
In two related patents issued to me, U.S. Patent Mos.
Other specialized industrial so~nd absorbing wall systems and mountings have been used. An acoustic testing structure is dlsclosed in UIS. Pa~ent 2,519,161, issued to Tucker, and provides significant sound absorbing structures ~or testing machines and the like in heavy industrial situations. However, its pr~ctical~
ity in providing a conventional room-like situatioll is limited since it by necessity requlres a battery o~ parallel sound panels spaced on center which permit the passage oE air fumes and sound waves through a tunnel-like structure pro~ided. Movable walls having fixed floor runner tracks have been used but the floor tracks pre-determine the wall locations. ~ movable partition assembly for sound insulat;ng panels is provided in U.S. Patent 3,140,564, issued to Chapman. In this patent, a pivotably mounted : Eloor channel is required to be constructed within existing flooring. The wall partitions are slidably aligned between opposing pivotably mounted floor channel members but no disclosure of upper support is expressed t}-erein. The invention provides demountability and horizontal movability useful only at the lower edges of the sound insulation curtain, but the utilizatio~ of fixed or movable upper support was not shown. Industrial noise abatement walls necessitate the supportive attachment at upper edges to provide adequate stability and strength.
In two related patents issued to me, U.S. Patent Mos.
4,016,6~9 and 4,031,664, a sound absorbing panel useful in this present invention is therei~ provided. In the for~er~ a clip is shown useful for adjoining juxtaposed sound panels but does no~
provide hanger bracket attachment capabilities use~ul Eor support to a fixed support member or movable trolley-like member. The connective clip thus shows interconnective means or sound absorb-ing panels at junctures away from support member locations. In the latter patent, a hanger is provided which does allow demount-ability and horizontal movability along a track~ In proyidinghorizont~l movability additional cornponents are llowever necessary such as a slotted connection clip requiring a rod and pin to interconnect the hanger with the horizontally movable trolley assembly. The,present invention provides an improvement in horizontal movement capability and fixed wall attachment in a sound absorption wall. An additional problem with the clip shown in said U.S. Patent 4,031,664, is encountered at panel corners where the vertical and horizontal frame members a~e connected by fastener means having heads such as is common with conventional screw fasteners. The heads of these ~asteners abut against the inside vertical planar surfaces of this clip and thereby prevent flush contact between the clip and the secured panels. It is also necessary, when using this clip in situations where a channel mem-ber having a C-shape or the like is used, to have the opening disposed upwardly. Th'is is necessary so that the upper horizontal plates of the clip members may be interconnected by a screw means which passes therethrough and avoid contacting metal planar sur-faces as would be the situation if the opening o~ a C-shaped channel were not disposed upwardly. In providing interconnection between the channel member and clip, a spring and additional support member are provided within the ~ap of the cl~annel member to provide a fixed sound absorption wall confi~uration.
It is thus seen with thls cross-section of prior art attempts, the attainment of horizontal movability and ease of demountability while r,eta;ning simplistic structures ~nd facile installation has been a problem plaguing the construction in-dustry. Prior to this time, there has not been developed an effi-cient sound absorption system which has all the advantages of providing sound absorption for noise sources but whlch is readily relocatable and horizontal movable using non-complex components to meet industrial needs. The new and useful system pro-vided by this invention is the first system which comes forth to fulfill all the needs of the industry.
SUMMARY OF TH~ INVENTION
The parent application, of which this is a division, relates to a hanger member for use in a sound absorption wall system and provides a hanger bracket member, for engaging a panel frame of at least one sound absorbing panel, the hanger bracket member having upper and lower generally vertical plates residing in offset substantially parallel planes, the lower plate having at least one punched-out tab portion extending ~enerally inwar~ly then upwardly from the lower plate, the punched-out tab portion adapted ~ -to en~age a lip of a panel frame of a sound absorbing panel, the hanger bracket member comprising an integral construction wherein the upper and lower vertical pla*es are integrally connected therebetween by a horizontal portion an intermediate vertical plate having a lower skewed portion, and a lip por-tion, the horizontal portion extending from a lower edge of -the upper vertical plate and the lip portion terminating at an upper edge of the lower vertical pla-te, the hanger bracket member being capable of use with an oppositely facing like member~
The invention of the parent application also contem-plates a hanger bracket comprising two opposing substantially identical bracket members as described above for securing one or more sound absorbing panels to a fixed support member. The bracket members thus have upper and lower generally vertical plates residing in offset substantially parallel planes. The lower plate has at least one punched-out tab portion ex-tend-ing generally inward then upward from the lower plate. The Pg/ - 6 -3~ o~
bracket members are connected to each other, and are secured to the support member, by connector means at said upper verti-cal plates. The sound absorbing panels have a top frame member with a depending lip portion wherein the punched-out tab por-tions engage the depending lip o~ a panel frame to thereby support the panel.
In accordance with the parent application, the hanger bracket comprising two opposing substantially identical bracket members is usable for movably securing one or more sound absorbing panels to a horizontally movable trolley means.
The trolley means is movably attached to a support track. The bracket members are connected to each other, and secured to said trolley means, at said upper vertical plates. The punched-out tab portions engage a depending lip of the panel frame to thereby support the panel and provide horizontal movability in a path along the support track.
The bracket members comprising the hanger bracket of the parent application are of one piece integral construction and have a horizontal portion extending outwardly a distance less than one-hal~ the width of the panel frame member at gener-ally right angles to the upper plate from a lower edge thereof.
This horizontal portion terminates at an edge opposite the upper plate in an intermediate vertical plate depending down-wardly at generally right angles to the horizontal portion.
The intermediate vertical portion has a lower skewed portion skewed obliquely outwardly therefrom. The skewed portion ter-minates at an edge opposite the intermediate vertical portion in a lip portion extending outwardly in a generally horizontal plane. The lip is connected at an edge opposite the skewed portion to the lower vertical plate portion. When the bracket members are opposingly connected, the lip portions oE each bracket member contact opposing upper outer corner portions of the panel top frame. Similarly, the vertical pla-te Pg/~ - 7 -z~
portions contact outer surfaces of the depending lip portions of the panel frame member.
A hollow generally rectangular opening is formed be-tween the bracket members when they are connected. In confor-mance with that invention, the support member may comprise a box C-shaped channel member which is supported by rigid support members and is secured within the hollow generally rectangular bracket opening: Said rectangular opening having sides being the intermediate vertical plates of the opposing bracket members, the bottom of the rectangular opening being the panel frame r and the top of the rectangular opening being the horizontal portions of the bracket members. When the bracket members are connected together at upper vertical plates, the channel member is secured between said members in said rectangular hollow opening~ In the movable sound absorption walls~ in accordance wi-th that in-vention, a box C-shaped channel member may be provided for add-itional strength and rigidity within said hollow rectangular opening and along the top of the panel frames, but in this case does not offer wall support because the bracket members are otherwise engaged at the upper vertical plate portions to the movable trolley means. However, the C-shaped channel used in this movable wall provides connective bridging across the juncture at adjacent panels which increases wall strength and thereby also reduces the number of trolleys.
As an adjunct to the invention of the parent applica-tion, as described above, the present inven-tion broadly provides a fixed sound absorption wall comprising: one or m~re sound absorption panels supported by top frame members; a hanger ,lo/~ ~S;//en 7 bracket having two opposing substantially identical members en gaging the top frame membèrs; a support member, and, connector means connecting the bracket members-to each other and securing the hanger bracket to the support member and thereby supporting the sound absorption panels.
pg// ~
Thus the present invention specificall~ relates to the provision of a fixed sound absorption wall. This wall comprises one or more sound absorp-tion panels supported by top frame members. A hanger bracket is therefore provided having t~o opposing substantially identical members engaging the top frame members. Connecting means is provided for connecting the bracket members to each other and securing the hanger bracket to a support member thereby supporting the sound absorption panels. The fixed sound absorption wall 1~ utilizes panel ~rame members having depending lip portions.
The bracket members have upper and lower generally vertical plates residing in offset substantially parallel planes and the lower plate has at least one punched-out tab portion ex-tending generally inwardly then upwardly from the lower plate.
The bracket members are connected to each other and secured to the support member by connector means at said upper vertical plates. The punched-out tab portions engage a depending lip of the panel frame and thereby support the panel.
~he support member of the fixed sound absorption wall may be a box C-shaped channel. When the bracket members are connected they form a hollow generally rectangular opening there-between. The box C-shaped channel support member extends alon~
the top frame of the panel and is secured within the hollow generally rectangular opening formed by the connected bracket members: Said rectangular opening having sides being intermed-iate vertical plates of opposing bracket members, the bottom of the rectangular opening being the panel frame, and the top of the rectangular opening being horizontal portions of the bracket members. The support member, rather than heing a C-shaped channel, may simply be other conventional ceiling support members wherein the upper vertical plate of each bracket member has at least one opening therethrough with connector means inser-ted therein to connect the bracket member to the support member.
Pg/~,e ~ 9 _ , A preferable sound absorption panel utilized in this invention has a generally rectangular shape. The panel includes a sound absorbing material completely en-closed within a heat shrunk plastic material~ It is desirable that the supporting frame member extend abou-t the ou-ter edge of the enclosed sound absorbing material. A
useful frame member has a U-shaped cross-section.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
This invention may be more fully described, but is not limited, by the attached drawings wherein;
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the hanger bracket of the invention of the parent application showing two bracket members opposingly connected and supporting a sound absorption panel.
FIG. 2 is a front view of one of the hanger bracket members shown in FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 is an~end view o-E one of the hanger bracket members as shown in FIG. 1.
~ 'IG. 4 is an elevational view of a fixed sound absorption wall in accordance with this invention which add-itionally shows (in phantom) the alternate utili~ation of a channel as a support member.
pg/~\ - 10 -~: .
z~
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 4 looking in the direction o~ the arrows, showing the hanger bracket fixedly supporting sound absorp-tion panels to a typical rigid upper support member and additionally shows (in phantom) the alternate embodiment where the support member is a channel.
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 6-6 of FIG. 4, looking in the direction of the arrows, show-ing the h~nger bracket utilized at panel junctures as a panel connector means.
FIG. 7 is an elevational view of a horizontally movable sound absorption wall.
FIG. ~ is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 8-8 of FIG. 7, looking in the direction of the arrows, showing the hanger bracket supporting sound absorption panels and be-ing secured to a conventional trolley means which is movably attached to an upper support track. ~-FIG. 9 is an elevational view of a fixed sound absorp-tion wall in accordance with this invention wherein an individu-al hanger bracket member is utilized for securing sound absorp-tion walls to fixed upper and side support members.
FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along both lines 10 - 10 and 10' - 10' of FIG. 9, looking in the direction of the arrows, showing the fixed support of the hanger bracket member as it engages panel top frames and panel side frame mem-bers to fixed horizontal and vertical support members.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODTMENTS
This invention may be more fully described, but is not to be limited, by reference to the attached drawings and the discussed preferred embodiments.
Referring to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, hanger bracket 10 is shown to pg/>~
be comprised of substantially identical bracket members 11 oppos-ingly connected ~or support o~ sound absorption panel 40. Each bracke~ member 11 is pre~erably of one piece integral construc-tion. Bracket member 11 has an upper vertical plate 12 haYing attached from its lower edge a horizontal portion 18 which extends outwardly at generall~ right angles to the plane of upper vertical plate 12. Horizontal portion 18 terminates at an edge opposite the vertical plate 12 with an intermediate vertical plate 19 depending downwardly at generally right angles. Intermediate vertical plate 19 terminates at its lower end with an obliquely angled skewed portion 20 which extends at an oblique angle out~
wardly therefrom. At the end of skewed portion 20 opposite intermediate vertical plate 19 a generally horizontal lip portion 21 extends therefrom a relatively short distance~ ~t the outward edge o~ lip portion 21 lower vertical plate 13 extends downwardly at generally right angles to lip portion 21. In the preferred embodiment lower vertical plate 13 is provided with punched-out tab members 14 which extends first inwardly at inward portion 15 then upwardly at upward portion 16 and terminates with a ~ent end 17. As seen in F~G~ 1, punched-out tabs 14 facilitate enga~ement between sound absorption panel 40 and hanger bracket 10 Upper ver~ical plate 12 is desirably provided with two inwardly indented pocket portions 27 having openings 2~ centered therein. Connecting bracket members 11 together are connector means 29 inserted through openings 28. Pocket portions 27 have inward facing surfaces 30 which opposingly contact one another when the bracket members 11 are mated. Additionall~, it is pre~
erable Eor upper vertical plate 12 to be provided with an aperture 31 generally centered bet~een pochet portions 27. Through ;~
opposing apertures 31 a connector means 32 is disclosed for connecting the han~er bracket 10 to upper support members (not z~ ~
shown in FIG. 1). Connector means 32 is desirably a nut and bolt fastener.
As shown in FIG. 1, sound absorption panel 40 is shown to have a panel top frame 4I having a generally U-shape ~hereill depending lips 42 comprise the arms of the U. Also provided, is a panel side frame 43 similarly having a U-shape and ~aving lips 44.
In this preerred embodiment, panel top frame 41 and panel side frame 43 are separate frame elements and are not in~egral about the perimeter of the sound absorption panel. At corner junctures, shown in the broken away portion o this Figure, panel frame ~as-teners 48 are therefore provided to connect the top and side frame members. In this embodiment of the invention, panel frame fas-teners 48 are preferably sheet metal screw fasteners having fas-tener heads 49 which project outwardly from the panel framing. In this configuration, an outwardly ex~ending embossmel~t 2S is provided at lower vertical plate 13 to house fasteller heads 49 withln and to allo~ the inward planar surface 26 oE lower vert;cal plate 13 to flushly contact the panel frame surfaces and eliminate abutting abrasive interference which would be present along inward planar surface 26 absent embossment 25.
- `With further reference to FIGS~ 1, 2 and 3, it is desirable to provide additional fastening means between hang~r bracket 10 and the supported sound absorption panel 40. For this reason it is preferable to have a plurality of panel connector holes 23 in lower vertical plate 13 generally centered between punched-out tab members 14. Extending through panel connector holes 23, screw fasteners 24 engage the frame o~ sound absorption panel 40. Sound absorption panel 40 is thus supported by punched-out tabs 14 and additionally secured by means of screw fasteners 24.
When opposing bracket members 11 are connected by connector means 29 they assemble to provide a llollow generally rectan~ular _ 13 -~ 2~ ~
opening 22 therebetween. The sides of generally rectangular open-ing 22 are provided b~ in~ermediate vertical plates 19 as they opposin~ly face each other. The upper surface is provided by the hori~ontal portions 18 of bracket members li. An~, the bottom side o~ the rectangle comprises the panel top frame 41.
With particular reference to FIG. 1, it is seen in this embodiment of the invention that lip portion ~1 is provlded to maintain sound absorption panel 40 in place by preventing upward vertical displacement. Panel top frame 41 is there~y prevented f~om moving upwardly beyond the generally horizontal plane within which lip portion 21 resldes. It is accordingly deslrable to limit the width of each opposing horizontal portion 18 to less than one-half the width o panel top frame ~1 so that when bracket members 11 are connected the opposing lower vertical plates 13 are ln adjacent horizontal alignment with the depending lips 42 of panel top frame 41 to permit punched-out tabs 14 to engage said lipso Also, as ~e'en from this p~eferred embodiment, it is nec-essary that skewed portion 20 be provided to enable attachment of bracket members 11. To engage depending lips 42 the punched-out tabs 14 must be moved vertically such that depending lips 42 are located between inward planar surace 26 and punched-out tabs 140 Skewed portion 20 allows this installation step to take place by a simple vertical movement without bending punched-out tab 14. I~
skewed portion 20 was not provided then the panel rame cornexs would contact intermediate vertical plate 19 during installation and force the deforming bending of the punched-ollt tabs 14 to enable lip 21 to rest over the frame corners. In preventing need-less bending o~ punched-out tab 14, tight securement of sound absorption panel 40 is provided b~ the engagement o punchea~out tabs 14 with depending lips 42.
Turning now to FIGS. 4, 5 and 6, fixed sound absorption wall 50 is shown as a preferred embodiment of the invention disclosed.
Rigid support members 51 and 52 provide the upper support for the wall 50. These support members 51 and 52 are desirably sub-purlins or other substructures depending from an upper ce,iling ~not shown). Hanger brackets 10 are a~ached to support members 51 and 52 by connector means 53 passing through aperture 31 o~ the bracket members 11 and engaging said support members 51 and 52 sandwiched therebetween. The desirable embodiment provides connector means 53 in the form o~ a nut and bolt coi~ventional fas-tener means. As seen from the cross-sectional view depicted ln FIG. 5, sound absorp~lon panels 40 are secured by means o~ depend-ing lips 42 engaged by punched-out tabs 14. The securement between hanger bracket 10 and the rigid upper suppo~t members 51 and 52 necessaril~ prevents horiæontal movability. This embod-iment of the invention is desirable in those situations where access from one side to the other of the wall is not necessary.
However, ease of demountability is still provided in that connec-tor means 53 may be removed without damage to the brackets, panels, or upper support members.
Referring now to FIG. 6, the operability of hanger bracket lQ
for use as merely a connective device ls disclosed. In this fiyure, opposing bracket members 11 are connected by connector means 29 engaging openings 2~ centered in pocket portions 27. The advantages of the hanger bracket'o~ this invention is thus shown by its interchangeable function a5 a connective device without requiring additional elements.
Again, turning to FIG. 5, it i5 seen that the connection to support member 51 is intermediate the inwardly indented pocket portions 27. Bracket members 11 are connected one ~o the other by connector means 29 on either side of bracket member 51. ~mid the pocket portions 27, connector means 53 engages both bracket mem-- lS -bers 11 by passing through apertures 31 and enga~ing support member 51 in sandwich-like manner between the upper vertical plates 12. It is thus seen to be pre~erable to provide the depth o~ the indentation for pocket portion 27 to be approximately one-half the width o a support member such that when opposing brack-et members 11 are connected, the inward f~cing surEaces 30 of pocket portions 27 abut one another and, because they are indented inwardly, provide a space for support member 51 to be supportively inserted between the upper vertical plates 12. This con~orm~tion prevents bendin~ and distortion of the plates as tlley receive interconnectiYe devices being connector means 29 connecting the bracket members.
~ preferable alternate support means is disclosed in FIGS. 4,
provide hanger bracket attachment capabilities use~ul Eor support to a fixed support member or movable trolley-like member. The connective clip thus shows interconnective means or sound absorb-ing panels at junctures away from support member locations. In the latter patent, a hanger is provided which does allow demount-ability and horizontal movability along a track~ In proyidinghorizont~l movability additional cornponents are llowever necessary such as a slotted connection clip requiring a rod and pin to interconnect the hanger with the horizontally movable trolley assembly. The,present invention provides an improvement in horizontal movement capability and fixed wall attachment in a sound absorption wall. An additional problem with the clip shown in said U.S. Patent 4,031,664, is encountered at panel corners where the vertical and horizontal frame members a~e connected by fastener means having heads such as is common with conventional screw fasteners. The heads of these ~asteners abut against the inside vertical planar surfaces of this clip and thereby prevent flush contact between the clip and the secured panels. It is also necessary, when using this clip in situations where a channel mem-ber having a C-shape or the like is used, to have the opening disposed upwardly. Th'is is necessary so that the upper horizontal plates of the clip members may be interconnected by a screw means which passes therethrough and avoid contacting metal planar sur-faces as would be the situation if the opening o~ a C-shaped channel were not disposed upwardly. In providing interconnection between the channel member and clip, a spring and additional support member are provided within the ~ap of the cl~annel member to provide a fixed sound absorption wall confi~uration.
It is thus seen with thls cross-section of prior art attempts, the attainment of horizontal movability and ease of demountability while r,eta;ning simplistic structures ~nd facile installation has been a problem plaguing the construction in-dustry. Prior to this time, there has not been developed an effi-cient sound absorption system which has all the advantages of providing sound absorption for noise sources but whlch is readily relocatable and horizontal movable using non-complex components to meet industrial needs. The new and useful system pro-vided by this invention is the first system which comes forth to fulfill all the needs of the industry.
SUMMARY OF TH~ INVENTION
The parent application, of which this is a division, relates to a hanger member for use in a sound absorption wall system and provides a hanger bracket member, for engaging a panel frame of at least one sound absorbing panel, the hanger bracket member having upper and lower generally vertical plates residing in offset substantially parallel planes, the lower plate having at least one punched-out tab portion extending ~enerally inwar~ly then upwardly from the lower plate, the punched-out tab portion adapted ~ -to en~age a lip of a panel frame of a sound absorbing panel, the hanger bracket member comprising an integral construction wherein the upper and lower vertical pla*es are integrally connected therebetween by a horizontal portion an intermediate vertical plate having a lower skewed portion, and a lip por-tion, the horizontal portion extending from a lower edge of -the upper vertical plate and the lip portion terminating at an upper edge of the lower vertical pla-te, the hanger bracket member being capable of use with an oppositely facing like member~
The invention of the parent application also contem-plates a hanger bracket comprising two opposing substantially identical bracket members as described above for securing one or more sound absorbing panels to a fixed support member. The bracket members thus have upper and lower generally vertical plates residing in offset substantially parallel planes. The lower plate has at least one punched-out tab portion ex-tend-ing generally inward then upward from the lower plate. The Pg/ - 6 -3~ o~
bracket members are connected to each other, and are secured to the support member, by connector means at said upper verti-cal plates. The sound absorbing panels have a top frame member with a depending lip portion wherein the punched-out tab por-tions engage the depending lip o~ a panel frame to thereby support the panel.
In accordance with the parent application, the hanger bracket comprising two opposing substantially identical bracket members is usable for movably securing one or more sound absorbing panels to a horizontally movable trolley means.
The trolley means is movably attached to a support track. The bracket members are connected to each other, and secured to said trolley means, at said upper vertical plates. The punched-out tab portions engage a depending lip of the panel frame to thereby support the panel and provide horizontal movability in a path along the support track.
The bracket members comprising the hanger bracket of the parent application are of one piece integral construction and have a horizontal portion extending outwardly a distance less than one-hal~ the width of the panel frame member at gener-ally right angles to the upper plate from a lower edge thereof.
This horizontal portion terminates at an edge opposite the upper plate in an intermediate vertical plate depending down-wardly at generally right angles to the horizontal portion.
The intermediate vertical portion has a lower skewed portion skewed obliquely outwardly therefrom. The skewed portion ter-minates at an edge opposite the intermediate vertical portion in a lip portion extending outwardly in a generally horizontal plane. The lip is connected at an edge opposite the skewed portion to the lower vertical plate portion. When the bracket members are opposingly connected, the lip portions oE each bracket member contact opposing upper outer corner portions of the panel top frame. Similarly, the vertical pla-te Pg/~ - 7 -z~
portions contact outer surfaces of the depending lip portions of the panel frame member.
A hollow generally rectangular opening is formed be-tween the bracket members when they are connected. In confor-mance with that invention, the support member may comprise a box C-shaped channel member which is supported by rigid support members and is secured within the hollow generally rectangular bracket opening: Said rectangular opening having sides being the intermediate vertical plates of the opposing bracket members, the bottom of the rectangular opening being the panel frame r and the top of the rectangular opening being the horizontal portions of the bracket members. When the bracket members are connected together at upper vertical plates, the channel member is secured between said members in said rectangular hollow opening~ In the movable sound absorption walls~ in accordance wi-th that in-vention, a box C-shaped channel member may be provided for add-itional strength and rigidity within said hollow rectangular opening and along the top of the panel frames, but in this case does not offer wall support because the bracket members are otherwise engaged at the upper vertical plate portions to the movable trolley means. However, the C-shaped channel used in this movable wall provides connective bridging across the juncture at adjacent panels which increases wall strength and thereby also reduces the number of trolleys.
As an adjunct to the invention of the parent applica-tion, as described above, the present inven-tion broadly provides a fixed sound absorption wall comprising: one or m~re sound absorption panels supported by top frame members; a hanger ,lo/~ ~S;//en 7 bracket having two opposing substantially identical members en gaging the top frame membèrs; a support member, and, connector means connecting the bracket members-to each other and securing the hanger bracket to the support member and thereby supporting the sound absorption panels.
pg// ~
Thus the present invention specificall~ relates to the provision of a fixed sound absorption wall. This wall comprises one or more sound absorp-tion panels supported by top frame members. A hanger bracket is therefore provided having t~o opposing substantially identical members engaging the top frame members. Connecting means is provided for connecting the bracket members to each other and securing the hanger bracket to a support member thereby supporting the sound absorption panels. The fixed sound absorption wall 1~ utilizes panel ~rame members having depending lip portions.
The bracket members have upper and lower generally vertical plates residing in offset substantially parallel planes and the lower plate has at least one punched-out tab portion ex-tending generally inwardly then upwardly from the lower plate.
The bracket members are connected to each other and secured to the support member by connector means at said upper vertical plates. The punched-out tab portions engage a depending lip of the panel frame and thereby support the panel.
~he support member of the fixed sound absorption wall may be a box C-shaped channel. When the bracket members are connected they form a hollow generally rectangular opening there-between. The box C-shaped channel support member extends alon~
the top frame of the panel and is secured within the hollow generally rectangular opening formed by the connected bracket members: Said rectangular opening having sides being intermed-iate vertical plates of opposing bracket members, the bottom of the rectangular opening being the panel frame, and the top of the rectangular opening being horizontal portions of the bracket members. The support member, rather than heing a C-shaped channel, may simply be other conventional ceiling support members wherein the upper vertical plate of each bracket member has at least one opening therethrough with connector means inser-ted therein to connect the bracket member to the support member.
Pg/~,e ~ 9 _ , A preferable sound absorption panel utilized in this invention has a generally rectangular shape. The panel includes a sound absorbing material completely en-closed within a heat shrunk plastic material~ It is desirable that the supporting frame member extend abou-t the ou-ter edge of the enclosed sound absorbing material. A
useful frame member has a U-shaped cross-section.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
This invention may be more fully described, but is not limited, by the attached drawings wherein;
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the hanger bracket of the invention of the parent application showing two bracket members opposingly connected and supporting a sound absorption panel.
FIG. 2 is a front view of one of the hanger bracket members shown in FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 is an~end view o-E one of the hanger bracket members as shown in FIG. 1.
~ 'IG. 4 is an elevational view of a fixed sound absorption wall in accordance with this invention which add-itionally shows (in phantom) the alternate utili~ation of a channel as a support member.
pg/~\ - 10 -~: .
z~
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 4 looking in the direction o~ the arrows, showing the hanger bracket fixedly supporting sound absorp-tion panels to a typical rigid upper support member and additionally shows (in phantom) the alternate embodiment where the support member is a channel.
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 6-6 of FIG. 4, looking in the direction of the arrows, show-ing the h~nger bracket utilized at panel junctures as a panel connector means.
FIG. 7 is an elevational view of a horizontally movable sound absorption wall.
FIG. ~ is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 8-8 of FIG. 7, looking in the direction of the arrows, showing the hanger bracket supporting sound absorption panels and be-ing secured to a conventional trolley means which is movably attached to an upper support track. ~-FIG. 9 is an elevational view of a fixed sound absorp-tion wall in accordance with this invention wherein an individu-al hanger bracket member is utilized for securing sound absorp-tion walls to fixed upper and side support members.
FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along both lines 10 - 10 and 10' - 10' of FIG. 9, looking in the direction of the arrows, showing the fixed support of the hanger bracket member as it engages panel top frames and panel side frame mem-bers to fixed horizontal and vertical support members.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODTMENTS
This invention may be more fully described, but is not to be limited, by reference to the attached drawings and the discussed preferred embodiments.
Referring to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, hanger bracket 10 is shown to pg/>~
be comprised of substantially identical bracket members 11 oppos-ingly connected ~or support o~ sound absorption panel 40. Each bracke~ member 11 is pre~erably of one piece integral construc-tion. Bracket member 11 has an upper vertical plate 12 haYing attached from its lower edge a horizontal portion 18 which extends outwardly at generall~ right angles to the plane of upper vertical plate 12. Horizontal portion 18 terminates at an edge opposite the vertical plate 12 with an intermediate vertical plate 19 depending downwardly at generally right angles. Intermediate vertical plate 19 terminates at its lower end with an obliquely angled skewed portion 20 which extends at an oblique angle out~
wardly therefrom. At the end of skewed portion 20 opposite intermediate vertical plate 19 a generally horizontal lip portion 21 extends therefrom a relatively short distance~ ~t the outward edge o~ lip portion 21 lower vertical plate 13 extends downwardly at generally right angles to lip portion 21. In the preferred embodiment lower vertical plate 13 is provided with punched-out tab members 14 which extends first inwardly at inward portion 15 then upwardly at upward portion 16 and terminates with a ~ent end 17. As seen in F~G~ 1, punched-out tabs 14 facilitate enga~ement between sound absorption panel 40 and hanger bracket 10 Upper ver~ical plate 12 is desirably provided with two inwardly indented pocket portions 27 having openings 2~ centered therein. Connecting bracket members 11 together are connector means 29 inserted through openings 28. Pocket portions 27 have inward facing surfaces 30 which opposingly contact one another when the bracket members 11 are mated. Additionall~, it is pre~
erable Eor upper vertical plate 12 to be provided with an aperture 31 generally centered bet~een pochet portions 27. Through ;~
opposing apertures 31 a connector means 32 is disclosed for connecting the han~er bracket 10 to upper support members (not z~ ~
shown in FIG. 1). Connector means 32 is desirably a nut and bolt fastener.
As shown in FIG. 1, sound absorption panel 40 is shown to have a panel top frame 4I having a generally U-shape ~hereill depending lips 42 comprise the arms of the U. Also provided, is a panel side frame 43 similarly having a U-shape and ~aving lips 44.
In this preerred embodiment, panel top frame 41 and panel side frame 43 are separate frame elements and are not in~egral about the perimeter of the sound absorption panel. At corner junctures, shown in the broken away portion o this Figure, panel frame ~as-teners 48 are therefore provided to connect the top and side frame members. In this embodiment of the invention, panel frame fas-teners 48 are preferably sheet metal screw fasteners having fas-tener heads 49 which project outwardly from the panel framing. In this configuration, an outwardly ex~ending embossmel~t 2S is provided at lower vertical plate 13 to house fasteller heads 49 withln and to allo~ the inward planar surface 26 oE lower vert;cal plate 13 to flushly contact the panel frame surfaces and eliminate abutting abrasive interference which would be present along inward planar surface 26 absent embossment 25.
- `With further reference to FIGS~ 1, 2 and 3, it is desirable to provide additional fastening means between hang~r bracket 10 and the supported sound absorption panel 40. For this reason it is preferable to have a plurality of panel connector holes 23 in lower vertical plate 13 generally centered between punched-out tab members 14. Extending through panel connector holes 23, screw fasteners 24 engage the frame o~ sound absorption panel 40. Sound absorption panel 40 is thus supported by punched-out tabs 14 and additionally secured by means of screw fasteners 24.
When opposing bracket members 11 are connected by connector means 29 they assemble to provide a llollow generally rectan~ular _ 13 -~ 2~ ~
opening 22 therebetween. The sides of generally rectangular open-ing 22 are provided b~ in~ermediate vertical plates 19 as they opposin~ly face each other. The upper surface is provided by the hori~ontal portions 18 of bracket members li. An~, the bottom side o~ the rectangle comprises the panel top frame 41.
With particular reference to FIG. 1, it is seen in this embodiment of the invention that lip portion ~1 is provlded to maintain sound absorption panel 40 in place by preventing upward vertical displacement. Panel top frame 41 is there~y prevented f~om moving upwardly beyond the generally horizontal plane within which lip portion 21 resldes. It is accordingly deslrable to limit the width of each opposing horizontal portion 18 to less than one-half the width o panel top frame ~1 so that when bracket members 11 are connected the opposing lower vertical plates 13 are ln adjacent horizontal alignment with the depending lips 42 of panel top frame 41 to permit punched-out tabs 14 to engage said lipso Also, as ~e'en from this p~eferred embodiment, it is nec-essary that skewed portion 20 be provided to enable attachment of bracket members 11. To engage depending lips 42 the punched-out tabs 14 must be moved vertically such that depending lips 42 are located between inward planar surace 26 and punched-out tabs 140 Skewed portion 20 allows this installation step to take place by a simple vertical movement without bending punched-out tab 14. I~
skewed portion 20 was not provided then the panel rame cornexs would contact intermediate vertical plate 19 during installation and force the deforming bending of the punched-ollt tabs 14 to enable lip 21 to rest over the frame corners. In preventing need-less bending o~ punched-out tab 14, tight securement of sound absorption panel 40 is provided b~ the engagement o punchea~out tabs 14 with depending lips 42.
Turning now to FIGS. 4, 5 and 6, fixed sound absorption wall 50 is shown as a preferred embodiment of the invention disclosed.
Rigid support members 51 and 52 provide the upper support for the wall 50. These support members 51 and 52 are desirably sub-purlins or other substructures depending from an upper ce,iling ~not shown). Hanger brackets 10 are a~ached to support members 51 and 52 by connector means 53 passing through aperture 31 o~ the bracket members 11 and engaging said support members 51 and 52 sandwiched therebetween. The desirable embodiment provides connector means 53 in the form o~ a nut and bolt coi~ventional fas-tener means. As seen from the cross-sectional view depicted ln FIG. 5, sound absorp~lon panels 40 are secured by means o~ depend-ing lips 42 engaged by punched-out tabs 14. The securement between hanger bracket 10 and the rigid upper suppo~t members 51 and 52 necessaril~ prevents horiæontal movability. This embod-iment of the invention is desirable in those situations where access from one side to the other of the wall is not necessary.
However, ease of demountability is still provided in that connec-tor means 53 may be removed without damage to the brackets, panels, or upper support members.
Referring now to FIG. 6, the operability of hanger bracket lQ
for use as merely a connective device ls disclosed. In this fiyure, opposing bracket members 11 are connected by connector means 29 engaging openings 2~ centered in pocket portions 27. The advantages of the hanger bracket'o~ this invention is thus shown by its interchangeable function a5 a connective device without requiring additional elements.
Again, turning to FIG. 5, it i5 seen that the connection to support member 51 is intermediate the inwardly indented pocket portions 27. Bracket members 11 are connected one ~o the other by connector means 29 on either side of bracket member 51. ~mid the pocket portions 27, connector means 53 engages both bracket mem-- lS -bers 11 by passing through apertures 31 and enga~ing support member 51 in sandwich-like manner between the upper vertical plates 12. It is thus seen to be pre~erable to provide the depth o~ the indentation for pocket portion 27 to be approximately one-half the width o a support member such that when opposing brack-et members 11 are connected, the inward f~cing surEaces 30 of pocket portions 27 abut one another and, because they are indented inwardly, provide a space for support member 51 to be supportively inserted between the upper vertical plates 12. This con~orm~tion prevents bendin~ and distortion of the plates as tlley receive interconnectiYe devices being connector means 29 connecting the bracket members.
~ preferable alternate support means is disclosed in FIGS. 4,
5 and 6, with phantom lines. A channel member 55 best described as having a box C-shape is provided. Its conformation is such that it may be secured and reside within the hollow rectangular opening 22 which is created by the opposing connection of bracket members 11 of hanger bracket 10. ~s connector means 29 in-terconnect the bracket members 11, channel member 55 is thereby secured between them within said rectangulaE openin~ 22. As shown -in FIG. 4, channel member 5 resides substantially the full horizontal distance along panel top frame members 41 of sound absorption panels 40. Securement to channel member 55 may be ma~e by hanger bracket 10 at any point along the length of the channel member 55, other than, o course, at support member locations. It is pre~erable, that channel member 55 be supported by upper support members 60 and 61. These support members are desirably disclosed to be conventional sub-purlins or other subs~ructures depending from an upper ceiling or aoof. Additionally, channel member 55 may be supported by ~ lower post support member 62 from which channel member 55 would obtain bearing suppor t . Thus the - 16 ~
requirement of an upper support member is eliminated b~ use oE the chantlel member 55 in one embodiment o~ th;s invention. The use of a lower post support member 62 may be desirable when the need for abating sound at a location does not require extending fixed sour.d absorption wall 50 upwardly to unnecessary heights such as in a large ~actory with extremely high substructure members.
The sound absorption panel disclosed as preferred in fixed sound absorption wall 50 is shown to be a sound absorption panel 40 having a panel top frame 41 and panel side frame 43 supportin~
a sound absorbing material 45. In another desirable embodiment o~
this invention, a sound absorption panel 40 havin~ a frame member extending completely about the panel outer edge is also operable.
In compliance with this invention it is only necessary that the sound absorbing panel have a sound absorbing material supported by a frame. It has been found that one especially acceptable type of sound absorbing panel is a sound absorbing panel having a sound absorbing material completely enclosed in a heat sllrunk plastic material with the enclosed sound absorbing material then supported by the frame. Thus as seen in FIGS. 5 and 6, a heat shrunk plastic material 46 is provided around sound absorbing mateeial 45. The sound absorbing material may be of any type necessary to accomplish requisite sound absorption results, but it has been found to be particularly acceptable to use mineral fiber or qlass fiber having a density of from four to six pounds per cubic foot.
Preferably, the sound absorbing material may be coate~ with any conventional heat shrinkable plastic film, examples of which are polyvinyl chloride, polypropylene, polyethylene and the like. A
panel facing 47, is also desirable in providing a decorative exposed sur~ace and added strength if so desired. Panel facin~ 47 is disclosed as bein~ perforated ~ut may as well be non-foraminous.
17 _ fA~
With the alternate form of s~pport provided by channel mem-ber 55 it is seen that a box C-shaped conformation is desirable.
This channel member 55 comprises arm members 56 and 57 terminat-ing at inward ends with opposing lip members 58 and S9 extending into the gap of the C. In allgnment with this invention, channel member 55 may reside with the opening of the C disposed in any direction but preferably either downward or upward.
Looking now to FXG. 7 an~ 8, movable sound absorption wall 65 is disclosed as the pre~erred embodiment providing horizontal movement for a sound absorption wall assembly in compliance with this invention. ~n upper support track 66 is disclosed movably engaged by trolley means 67. Trolle~ means 67 is s~lown to be a conventional trolley means well known to the industry and having wheels 68 movably positioned within the track. ~s best seen in FIG. 7, trolley means 67 terminates at a lower end with a tapered mounting flange 69 fo~ engagement with hanger bracket 10. In an engagement similar to the attachment to rigid support members 51 '' and 52 as shown in FIG. 5, a connector means 70 attaches upper vertic,al plates 12 sandwiched about mounting flange 69. C,onnector ~' means 70 ;s preferably a conventional nut and bolt fastener device. This connector means 70 passes through aperture 31 of upper vertical plate 12 to provide an engageme~t which is similar in manner to the engagement o connector means 53 in ~he fixed sound absorption wall 50 of FIG. 4 Turning now specifically to FIG. 8, the depending lips 42 o panel top frame 41 are supportably engaged by punched-out tab~
Mountin~ flange 69 is shown to be sandwLched between upper ver-tical plates 12 of bracket members 11 and secured therebetween~
Not shown in FIG. 8, is a connector means 29 interconnecting opposing bracket members 11. In simila~ fashion as described with regard to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, the connector means 29 extend through openings 28 centered in the inwardly indented pocket portions 27, to fasten the bracket members together to form hanger bracket 1~.
The abutting at the inward facing surfaces 30 of the pocket portions 27 is shown to provide a space between upper vertical plates 12 sufficient to sandwich mounting flange 69 therebetween without bending or deforming the upper vertical plates to facil-itate the interconnection of bracket members 11.
Movable sound absorption wall 6~ is provided with sound absorption panels 40 having identical characteristics as that disclosed for the preferred embodlment as illustrated with fixed sound absorption wall SO. Namely, a sound absorbing material 45 as previously disclosed is completely enclosed in a heat shrunk plastic bag shown as number 46. As seen in FIG. 7, a perforated panel facing 47 is provided, but may be non-foraminous, or ~nay be eliminated entirely. The panel frame is shown to llave panel top frame 41 and panel side frame 43~ however, it is alternately desirable to provide a panel frame member extending completely about sound absorption panel 40. The sound absorption panel 90 is disclosed as having a generall~ rectangular ~onformation in the embodiments of the invention shown in the drawings.
In the preferred embodimen~ or movable sound absorption wall 65 shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, no alternate form of support member, such as a channel member 55, is envisloned for residing within rectangular opening 22 to peovide support. However, it is within the scope of this invention to add stability and rigidity to this movable sound absorption wall 65 by providing a non-supporting channel member 55 within said rectangular opening. When a C-shaped channel member 55 is included, it provides connective bridging across the juncture at adjacent sound absorption panels 40 which increases wall strength and thereby also reduces the number of trolley means 67 in the movable sound absorption wall 65 since several panels may be br id~ed by the channel member S5 .1.9 _ .
without need for upper support to prevent harmful sa~ging.
FIGS 9 and 10 disclose the preferred embodiment of this invention utilizing a single hracket member 11 for Lixed sound absorption wall 75. ~ flanged upper support member 76 rigidl~
depends from a ceiling 77. Support member 76 is preferabl~ shown ts be a conventional roof substructure member having a depending flange. Similarly, a flanged side support 78 is shown ln FIG.
extending outwardly from a wall stLucture 79. Flanged side support member 78 preferably has an outwardly extencling engage-able web as found in conventional structural elements.
With particular regard to FIG~ 10, a cross-sectional view ls shown taken along lines ld ~ 10 and alternately along lines 10' -10'. The operabilit~ of bracket member 11 is thus sllown for use in both horizontal and vertical support for fixed sound absorp-tion wall 75. Connector means 80 attaches bracket member 11 to flange upper support members 76 and flanged side support member 78 by passin~ through aperture 31 of upper vertical plate 12.
Connector means 80 is preferably shown to be a conventional nut and bolt fastener device. With this connection no engagement is made by any connection ~hrough openings 28 centered in pocke~
portions 27. The inward facing surfaces 30 simply abut planar surfaces of the support members, wl~en the single bracket member 11 is used, which thereby offsets upper vertical plate 12 from flanged upper support member 76 a distance equal to the indenta-tion provided for pocket portion 27.
As depicted in FIG. 10, punched-out tabs 14 engage dependin~
lips 42 of panel frame 41 in similar manner shown in fixed sound absorption wall 50 of FIG~ 4 and movable sound absorption wall 65 of FIG. 7. The difference with the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 10 is that only an individual sin~le bracke~ member 11 is used for support. The embodiment showrl in FIGS. 9 and 10 comprises a sound absorption panel 40 having panel top frame member 41, panel side frame member 43 and panel facing 47. In this preferred embodiment it is again desirable that the panel frame extend about sound absorbing material 45 which ls completely enclosed in a heat shrunk plastic bag 46. The panel ~acing 47 ;s provided as a per-for-ated facing but however it is also an alternate embodiment to provide either a non-oraminous facing or eliminate the facing entirely.
It is thus seen from the preferred embodimen~s of the inven-tion disclosed in FIGS. 1 - 10, and the foregoing description, that a hanger bracket 10 is disclosed useful in the fixed and the movable sound absorption wall systems. Hanger bracket members 11 comblne to form hanger bracket 10. The hanger bracket 10 may engage an upper support member between upper vertical plates 12 or secure a channel support within the hollow rectangular opening 22.
In the horizontally movable wall embodiment in ~ccordance with this invention, a channel member may be provided to provide addi- ;
t;onal rigidity and stability but provide no support for the sound absorbing panels. Moreover, one single bracket member 11 -15 usable alone as a connect;ve and supportive means in a fixed sound absorption wall system. As shown in FIGS~ 4 and 7, adjolning panels may be connected by han~er bracket 10 wherein hanger brack-et 10 is not engaged to a support member but merely acts as a connective device. Hanger bracket members 11 can combine for either supportive or connective functions interchangeably wi~hout need for other components or other interconnecting fastener ~ean~
other than slmple usage of conventional nuts, bolts and scre~
fasteners as disclosed. Although not shown in the drawings, the single bracket me~ber 11 is useful as a connective device at the juncture of two adjoining panels wherein the single bracket mem ber 11 engages the depending lips 42 of the adjoining sound _ 21 _ , absorptioll panels 40 to provide interconnection of panels without attachment to a support member.
In summary, it is seen that th;s invention provides a new an~
useful concept providing horizontally movable and fixed sound absorption walls utilizing a new hanger bracket desiyn and sound absorption wall sys~em. ~ significant advance has thus heen provided for sound absorption systems providing noise abatement for industrial use~
Having ~ully described as no new and unique invention, the following is claimed:
~ ,~2 _
requirement of an upper support member is eliminated b~ use oE the chantlel member 55 in one embodiment o~ th;s invention. The use of a lower post support member 62 may be desirable when the need for abating sound at a location does not require extending fixed sour.d absorption wall 50 upwardly to unnecessary heights such as in a large ~actory with extremely high substructure members.
The sound absorption panel disclosed as preferred in fixed sound absorption wall 50 is shown to be a sound absorption panel 40 having a panel top frame 41 and panel side frame 43 supportin~
a sound absorbing material 45. In another desirable embodiment o~
this invention, a sound absorption panel 40 havin~ a frame member extending completely about the panel outer edge is also operable.
In compliance with this invention it is only necessary that the sound absorbing panel have a sound absorbing material supported by a frame. It has been found that one especially acceptable type of sound absorbing panel is a sound absorbing panel having a sound absorbing material completely enclosed in a heat sllrunk plastic material with the enclosed sound absorbing material then supported by the frame. Thus as seen in FIGS. 5 and 6, a heat shrunk plastic material 46 is provided around sound absorbing mateeial 45. The sound absorbing material may be of any type necessary to accomplish requisite sound absorption results, but it has been found to be particularly acceptable to use mineral fiber or qlass fiber having a density of from four to six pounds per cubic foot.
Preferably, the sound absorbing material may be coate~ with any conventional heat shrinkable plastic film, examples of which are polyvinyl chloride, polypropylene, polyethylene and the like. A
panel facing 47, is also desirable in providing a decorative exposed sur~ace and added strength if so desired. Panel facin~ 47 is disclosed as bein~ perforated ~ut may as well be non-foraminous.
17 _ fA~
With the alternate form of s~pport provided by channel mem-ber 55 it is seen that a box C-shaped conformation is desirable.
This channel member 55 comprises arm members 56 and 57 terminat-ing at inward ends with opposing lip members 58 and S9 extending into the gap of the C. In allgnment with this invention, channel member 55 may reside with the opening of the C disposed in any direction but preferably either downward or upward.
Looking now to FXG. 7 an~ 8, movable sound absorption wall 65 is disclosed as the pre~erred embodiment providing horizontal movement for a sound absorption wall assembly in compliance with this invention. ~n upper support track 66 is disclosed movably engaged by trolley means 67. Trolle~ means 67 is s~lown to be a conventional trolley means well known to the industry and having wheels 68 movably positioned within the track. ~s best seen in FIG. 7, trolley means 67 terminates at a lower end with a tapered mounting flange 69 fo~ engagement with hanger bracket 10. In an engagement similar to the attachment to rigid support members 51 '' and 52 as shown in FIG. 5, a connector means 70 attaches upper vertic,al plates 12 sandwiched about mounting flange 69. C,onnector ~' means 70 ;s preferably a conventional nut and bolt fastener device. This connector means 70 passes through aperture 31 of upper vertical plate 12 to provide an engageme~t which is similar in manner to the engagement o connector means 53 in ~he fixed sound absorption wall 50 of FIG. 4 Turning now specifically to FIG. 8, the depending lips 42 o panel top frame 41 are supportably engaged by punched-out tab~
Mountin~ flange 69 is shown to be sandwLched between upper ver-tical plates 12 of bracket members 11 and secured therebetween~
Not shown in FIG. 8, is a connector means 29 interconnecting opposing bracket members 11. In simila~ fashion as described with regard to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, the connector means 29 extend through openings 28 centered in the inwardly indented pocket portions 27, to fasten the bracket members together to form hanger bracket 1~.
The abutting at the inward facing surfaces 30 of the pocket portions 27 is shown to provide a space between upper vertical plates 12 sufficient to sandwich mounting flange 69 therebetween without bending or deforming the upper vertical plates to facil-itate the interconnection of bracket members 11.
Movable sound absorption wall 6~ is provided with sound absorption panels 40 having identical characteristics as that disclosed for the preferred embodlment as illustrated with fixed sound absorption wall SO. Namely, a sound absorbing material 45 as previously disclosed is completely enclosed in a heat shrunk plastic bag shown as number 46. As seen in FIG. 7, a perforated panel facing 47 is provided, but may be non-foraminous, or ~nay be eliminated entirely. The panel frame is shown to llave panel top frame 41 and panel side frame 43~ however, it is alternately desirable to provide a panel frame member extending completely about sound absorption panel 40. The sound absorption panel 90 is disclosed as having a generall~ rectangular ~onformation in the embodiments of the invention shown in the drawings.
In the preferred embodimen~ or movable sound absorption wall 65 shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, no alternate form of support member, such as a channel member 55, is envisloned for residing within rectangular opening 22 to peovide support. However, it is within the scope of this invention to add stability and rigidity to this movable sound absorption wall 65 by providing a non-supporting channel member 55 within said rectangular opening. When a C-shaped channel member 55 is included, it provides connective bridging across the juncture at adjacent sound absorption panels 40 which increases wall strength and thereby also reduces the number of trolley means 67 in the movable sound absorption wall 65 since several panels may be br id~ed by the channel member S5 .1.9 _ .
without need for upper support to prevent harmful sa~ging.
FIGS 9 and 10 disclose the preferred embodiment of this invention utilizing a single hracket member 11 for Lixed sound absorption wall 75. ~ flanged upper support member 76 rigidl~
depends from a ceiling 77. Support member 76 is preferabl~ shown ts be a conventional roof substructure member having a depending flange. Similarly, a flanged side support 78 is shown ln FIG.
extending outwardly from a wall stLucture 79. Flanged side support member 78 preferably has an outwardly extencling engage-able web as found in conventional structural elements.
With particular regard to FIG~ 10, a cross-sectional view ls shown taken along lines ld ~ 10 and alternately along lines 10' -10'. The operabilit~ of bracket member 11 is thus sllown for use in both horizontal and vertical support for fixed sound absorp-tion wall 75. Connector means 80 attaches bracket member 11 to flange upper support members 76 and flanged side support member 78 by passin~ through aperture 31 of upper vertical plate 12.
Connector means 80 is preferably shown to be a conventional nut and bolt fastener device. With this connection no engagement is made by any connection ~hrough openings 28 centered in pocke~
portions 27. The inward facing surfaces 30 simply abut planar surfaces of the support members, wl~en the single bracket member 11 is used, which thereby offsets upper vertical plate 12 from flanged upper support member 76 a distance equal to the indenta-tion provided for pocket portion 27.
As depicted in FIG. 10, punched-out tabs 14 engage dependin~
lips 42 of panel frame 41 in similar manner shown in fixed sound absorption wall 50 of FIG~ 4 and movable sound absorption wall 65 of FIG. 7. The difference with the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 10 is that only an individual sin~le bracke~ member 11 is used for support. The embodiment showrl in FIGS. 9 and 10 comprises a sound absorption panel 40 having panel top frame member 41, panel side frame member 43 and panel facing 47. In this preferred embodiment it is again desirable that the panel frame extend about sound absorbing material 45 which ls completely enclosed in a heat shrunk plastic bag 46. The panel ~acing 47 ;s provided as a per-for-ated facing but however it is also an alternate embodiment to provide either a non-oraminous facing or eliminate the facing entirely.
It is thus seen from the preferred embodimen~s of the inven-tion disclosed in FIGS. 1 - 10, and the foregoing description, that a hanger bracket 10 is disclosed useful in the fixed and the movable sound absorption wall systems. Hanger bracket members 11 comblne to form hanger bracket 10. The hanger bracket 10 may engage an upper support member between upper vertical plates 12 or secure a channel support within the hollow rectangular opening 22.
In the horizontally movable wall embodiment in ~ccordance with this invention, a channel member may be provided to provide addi- ;
t;onal rigidity and stability but provide no support for the sound absorbing panels. Moreover, one single bracket member 11 -15 usable alone as a connect;ve and supportive means in a fixed sound absorption wall system. As shown in FIGS~ 4 and 7, adjolning panels may be connected by han~er bracket 10 wherein hanger brack-et 10 is not engaged to a support member but merely acts as a connective device. Hanger bracket members 11 can combine for either supportive or connective functions interchangeably wi~hout need for other components or other interconnecting fastener ~ean~
other than slmple usage of conventional nuts, bolts and scre~
fasteners as disclosed. Although not shown in the drawings, the single bracket me~ber 11 is useful as a connective device at the juncture of two adjoining panels wherein the single bracket mem ber 11 engages the depending lips 42 of the adjoining sound _ 21 _ , absorptioll panels 40 to provide interconnection of panels without attachment to a support member.
In summary, it is seen that th;s invention provides a new an~
useful concept providing horizontally movable and fixed sound absorption walls utilizing a new hanger bracket desiyn and sound absorption wall sys~em. ~ significant advance has thus heen provided for sound absorption systems providing noise abatement for industrial use~
Having ~ully described as no new and unique invention, the following is claimed:
~ ,~2 _
Claims (14)
PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1. A fixed sound absorption wall comprising: one or more sound absorption panels supported by top frame mem-bers; a demountable hanger bracket having two opposing substantially identical nonresilient members engaging the top frame members; a support member; and, connector means connecting the brack-et members to each other and securing the hanger bracket to the support member and thereby supporting the sound absorption panels.
2. A sound absorption wall as in claim 1 wherein the panel frame members have depending lip portions, and where-in the bracket members have upper and lower generally verti-cal plates residing in offset substantially parallel planes and the lower plate having at least one punched-out tab por-tion extending generally inwardly then upwardly from the lower plate, and wherein said bracket members are connected to each other, and secured to the support member, by connect-or means at said upper vertical plates, and, wherein said punched-out tab portions engage a depending lip of the panel frame to thereby-support the panel.
3. A sound absorption wall as in claim 2 wherein the bracket members comprising the hanger bracket are of one piece integral construction and have a horizontal portion ex-tending outwardly a distance less than one-half the width of the panel frame member at generally right angles to the upper plate from a lower edge thereof and said horizontal portion terminating at an edge opposite the upper plate in an intermediate vertical plate depending downwardly at gener-ally right angles to the horizontal portion and said inter-mediate vertical portion having a lower skewed portion skew-ed obliquely outwardly therefrom and said skewed portion terminating at an edge opposite the intermediate vertical portion in a lip portion extending outwardly in a gener-ally horizontal plane and said lip is connected at an edge opposite the skewed portion to the lower vertical plate portion whereby, when said bracket members are opposingly connected, the lip portions of each bracket member contact opposing upper outer corner portions of the panel top frame and the vertical plate portions con-tact outer surfaces of the depending lip portions of the panel frame member and said connected bracket members form a hollow generally rectangular opening therebetween.
4. A sound absorption wall as in claim 2 wherein the punch-out portions terminate at upper edges in obliquely angled inwardly bent ends.
5. A sound absorption wall as in claim 2 wherein each bracket member has two punched-out tab portions spaced apart a distance sufficient to engage the depending lip portions of two adjacent abutting panels both which are supported by said hanger bracket.
6. A sound absorption wall as in claim 2 wherein the sound absorption panels have a generally rectangular shape and include a sound absorbing material completely enclosed in a heat shrunk plastic material and supported by a frame member extending about the outer edge of the enclosed sound absorbing material.
7. A sound absorption wall as in claim 6 wherein the frame member has a U-shaped cross-section.
8. A sound absorption wall as in claim 3 wherein the lower vertical plates have one or more panel connector holes having screw fasteners engaged therethrough and engaged to the panel frame members.
9. A sound absorption wall as in claim 3 wherein the lower vertical plates have an outward extending embossment extending outwardly a distance sufficient to accommodate fastener heads located on the panel frame members at upper corners of the panel whereby a remaining inward planar sur-face of the lower vertical plate resides in substantially flush planar contact with planar panel frame surfaces with-out contacting the panel frame fastener heads.
10. A sound absorption wall as in claim 3 wherein the upper vertical plate of each bracket member has at least one inwardly indented pocket portion in positional corres-pondence with an inwardly indented pocket portion on the other, wherein the pocket portions have openings centered therein with connector means inserted therethrough to thereby connect the bracket members one to the other and wherein the pocket portions abut one another at inward facing surfaces to thereby offset the upper vertical plates in parallel planar relationship.
11. A sound absorption wall as in claim 3 wherein the upper vertical plate of each bracket member has at least one aperture therethrough having connector means inserted therein to connect said bracket member to the support member.
12. A sound absorption wall as in claim 3 wherein the support member comprises a channel member having a box C-shaped cross-section and having lips extending into both sides of the gap of the C wherein said channel member ex-tends along the top frame of the panels and is secured with-in the hollow generally rectangular opening formed by the connected bracket members having sides being the intermediate vertical plates of the opposing bracket members, the bottom of the rectangular opening being the panel frame, and the top of the rectangular opening being the horizontal portions of the bracket members.
13. A sound absorption wall as in claim 12 wherein the gap of the C-shaped channel member is disposed down-wardly.
14. A sound absorption wall as in claim 12 wherein the gap of the C-shaped channel member is disposed upwardly.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000371318A CA1117268A (en) | 1978-03-30 | 1981-02-19 | Fixed sound absorption wall |
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US05/891,864 US4227355A (en) | 1978-03-30 | 1978-03-30 | Support system for sound absorbing panels |
| US891,864 | 1978-03-30 | ||
| CA324,296A CA1109848A (en) | 1978-03-30 | 1979-03-28 | Support system for sound absorbing panels |
| CA000371318A CA1117268A (en) | 1978-03-30 | 1981-02-19 | Fixed sound absorption wall |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1117268A true CA1117268A (en) | 1982-02-02 |
Family
ID=27166150
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000371318A Expired CA1117268A (en) | 1978-03-30 | 1981-02-19 | Fixed sound absorption wall |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1117268A (en) |
-
1981
- 1981-02-19 CA CA000371318A patent/CA1117268A/en not_active Expired
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKEX | Expiry |