US2334484A

US2334484A - Acoustical assembly

Info

Publication number: US2334484A
Application number: US282961A
Authority: US
Inventors: James Y Dunbar
Original assignee: Johns Manville
Current assignee: Johns Manville Corp; Johns Manville
Priority date: 1939-07-06
Filing date: 1939-07-06
Publication date: 1943-11-16
Anticipated expiration: 1960-11-16

Description

Nov. 16, 1943.

AcoUsTIcAL ASSEMBLY Filed July e, 1939 3 Sheets-Sheet l ATTORNEY Nov. 16, 1943. q, Y, D UNBAR 2,334,484

ACOUSTICAL ASSEMBLY Filed July 6, 1939 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 BY uw C. 632.

ATTORNEY Nov. 16,1943. .1. Y. DUNBAR 2,334,484

v y ACOUSTICAL ASSEMBLY Filed July e, 195s s sheets-sheet s .s Y. Daf/V89@ BY 51ml@ ATTORNEY A u? i l hlillllllllllllll Patented Nav. 16, 1943 l 2,334,484

UNITED STATESy PATENT OFFICE y Acous'rioAL ASSEMBLY rJames Y, Dunbar, New York, N. Y., assgnor to; Johns-Manville Corporation, New York, N. Y., a corporation of NewYork Application July 6, 1939, Serial No. 282,961 19 claims. (C1. 18e-85).

The present invention relates to acoustical said means in a similar manner to the acoustical assemblies, and particularly to lighting units to units. The lighting fixtures include leads for be employed therein. connection to electrical outlets placed at accessi- An acoustical treatment' for walls, such as ceilble locations above the treatment. The lighting ings, and the like which has achieved outstanding fixtures may be substituted in any desired arcommercial success is disclosed in patent to Norris rangement for acoustical panels and may be re- No. 1,726,500, issued AugustvZ'l, 1929, the treatarranged as often as desired to obtain advanment including a. perforated facing element .betageous lighting ofA a room. Thus, a construchnd which is disposed a sound-absorbing metion in accordance with the invention permits dium. The facing element; preferably takes the a concentration of the lighting fixtures as may fOrm Of a plurality of metal pans including ver- 'be desired upon one occasion and the rearrangetical edges supported from the wall, the pans ment or distribution of the same as may be recontaining individual fibrous sound-absorbing quired upon'another. pads. The facing elements lie in substantially the My invention will be more fully understood and same piane and form the visual wall of the room further objects and' advantages thereof will ben to which the treatment is applied, come apparent when reference is made to the Prior to the instant invention'lighting fixtures more detailed description thereof which is to of conventional type` have been employed with follow and to the accompanying drawings, in

acousticaltreatments as described above, such which lightingfixtures normally being affixed to the Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a Partial lOOm inner ceiling or other base member and passing. interior, including a combined acoustical treatthrough the acoustical treatment. The convenment vand lighting means in accordance with the tional types of fixtures have not-however, prepresent invention; sented the flexibility of arrangement@` uniformity1 y Fig'. 2 is a perspective view with parts broken of appearance, and other features desired. 525 away looking downwardly' upon' the acoustical An object ofthe instant invention is totprgvide treatment 'andv lighting means of the room of an acoustical systemvincluding lightingr units as F18 l; s aunitary part thereof. Fig. 3` is a sectional view tal-xenon the line A; :Another object of theinvention isltheprovision i3---3 0f Fig- 1;

V0f Lan acoustical construction,particularly of the Y 1 .4 is a face view of assembled racoustical type afs .disclosed-in the` Norris., patentrefer'ree land lightingunits ofthe presentinvention;

struction of the' presentinvention; f

ing unitjof the'lpreseirt invention? f' a perspeetiveview of -a' amhfbar'm;

le u

" tending@ attaching members bi'siilse'exparticularlyIig.

T.bars are formed of any suitable light gauge metal. o

' The acoustical treatment comprises a plurality of shallow metal pans including upstanding side walls having an integral bead 24. Each pan contains a pad 22 of a suitable sound-absorbing material such as mineral wool or the like. The lower or outer faces of the pans lie in substantially the same plane and form the visual surface of the ceiling or wall to which the treatment is applied. In the assembly of the acoustical units in the conventional manner, the beads 24 carried by the walls at the ends of the pans are forced or snapped into place between the lips I8 of the T-bars, whereby the units are securely but readily removably held in position. At the present time, the pans are commonly of a length substantially twice their Width and are suitably demarked by a transverse indentation or groove midwa'y of their length on their outer face (see Fig. 4) to simulate two substantially square units.

As will be understood, the center-to-center spacing of the T-bars will be equal to the lengths of the pans employed.

In accordance with the instant invention, means are provided to support a member including a lighting ilxture in place of any one of the units 20. The lighting xture may occupy the entire area previously occupied by an acoustical unit or only a portion thereof. Referring particularly to Figs. 3 and 4, a construction is illustrated in which elongated acoustical units are' employed, namely, those which are substantially twice as long as they are wide and are divided by a groove to simulate two adjacent square units or tiles as previously referred to. Suitably, the lighting ixture takes the place of one of such simulated square units.

The lighting fixture comprises, as shown in Figs. 3 and 5, a frame 30 formed of angle members or the like of suilicient length to extend between and to partially overlap the bases I4 'of adjacent T-bars. The frame includes lugs 32 adaptedv to be bent around the edges of the T-bar'bases I4 to securely maintain the frame in position (see particularly Fig. 3)". It will be understood that the frame 30 is made of a relatively lightweight metal or the like and the lugs 32 or equivalent means are readily bendable to permit the frame `to be easily secured in and removed from its position on the T-bars. The frame 30 carries an auxiliary short T-bar 34 located approximatelymidway between the -ends of the frame. The T-bar 34 mayA rest loosely on the horizontal flanges of the longitudinal frame members or may be secured thereto by welding or the like. T-bar 34 carries a positioning lug 38 which may suitably comprise an'angle piece having one flange welded, riveted, or otherwise secured to the base ange oi.' the T-bar.

A member, comprising a reflector or the like 38 and a bulb socket or similar means (not shown), is carried by the frame member and short T-bar 34, the reflector abutting againstthe upright flanges of the frame and the positioning lug 38, /whereby the same is retained in proper position against 'sliding movement. Each ofthe lighting members includes an electric cable 48 and a plug 42 to be connected in an outlet 44 (see particularly Fig. 2). The outlets 44 are located' in one or more suitable places above the acoustical treatment, whereby the same may be available for plugging in lighting fixtures wherever located.

`tical members 48 carry abutment members 54 for securing the lens 52 in position within the lens frame. One wall 48 carries a hinge 56 having a leaf ,58- secured by welding or the like to the wall and the other leaf S0 extending substantially the height of the frame and including a locking bead 62, similar to or the same as that carried by the ilanges of the acoustical pans previously referred to. The wall 48 of the lens frame opposite to that carrying the hinge 56 has locking lugs 64 secured thereto by welding or the like (see particularly Figs. 6, 8, and 9).

A catch bar 'I0 is provided (see Fig. 7) comprising an upright ange I2 and a base flange 14, the latter preferably being suitably reinforced, for example, by folding back the metal of the bar as shown. The catch bar includes notches 'I8 for cooperative interlocking engagement with the members 54, as most clearly shown in Figs. 8 and 9. The vupright flange I2 of catch bar I0 includes an extending bead 'I8 similar to or the same as that provided on the hinge 56 and the iianges of the acoustical pans.

In the assembly of an acoustical treatment including lighting ilxtures as a unitary portion thereof, in accordance with the instant invention, the acoustical pans 20, if previously mounted, are removed from the locations where the lighting fixtures are desired. The removal is accomplished in the conventional manner and requires merely the pulling down of the pans to unsnap the beads on their flanges from the T-bars. A frame member 38 is then inserted to overlie each location previously held by an acoustical pan and is securedin position by bending the lugs 32 around the edges of the base flanges I4 of the T-bars. The reflector 38 is then placed in position with its edges conilned by the upright flanges of the frame elements and the lug 36, and plug 42 connected to an adjacent outlet 44. An acoustical unit 82, substantially similar in every detail to the conventional Aunits except that it is made of a length to correspond to the distance between the T-bar I2 and the short T-bar 34, is inserted as illustrated in F18. 3. Catch bar III is snapped into position with its bead 12 engaging a lip oi the short T-bar 34, and leaf of hinge 58 is similarly inserted in the conventional fixed T-bar I2 (see Fig. 3). If desired, the positions of the lens frame and catch bar may be reversed, the hinge leaf 63 being inserted in the T-bar 34 and the catch bar in the T-bar I2. An electric `bulb or other lighting means, if not previously inserted, may then be screwed into the socket (not shown) within the reflector 38 and the lens member swung upwardly on its hinge until the snap members 84 cooperate with the notches 18 in the catch bar to secure the'lens in closed position. The lens may be readily opened at any time for replacing the electric bulb or the like, by pressing inwardly on the catches 44 through the notches 13 of the catch bar, as will be readily understood from an examination o! Fig. 9.

The construction in aordanee with the invention as described above permits the positioning o! the lighting fixtures in any desired arrangement.

fixtures merely requires the removal of the lem frame 48 and of the acoustical unit 82, and dilconnection and removal of the reflector unit 38 and frame 30. All this can be readily done without any great degree of care or skill. The conventional acoustical unit is then removed from the location where the lighting unit is to be inserted and the lighting unit assembled in position as previously described, the acoustical unit being snapped into position in the location formerly occupied by the lighting unit.

As shown in Fig. 10, the lighting fixture may occupy the entire space between the conventional fixed T-bars if desired. rhis construction may be employed, for example, if square, rather than the two element simulating acoustical units, are employed, or if a relatively large lighting fixture is desired. The construction disclosed in Fig. is similar to that previously described, except that the lighting unit and reflector occupy the entire space within the frame 84, the short T-bar being not required. The lens frame and catch bar are preferably of the same types as those previously described.

An acoustical construction in accordance with the invention, in addition to having the ad- Y vantages of ready arrangement and rearrangement of the lighting units, exhibits the further feature of uniformity in appearance of the ceiling or wall to which the treatment is applied and the elimination of projections from the treatment. As a result, a very attractive ceiling or wall construction is obtained, together with an arrangement of lighting as may be desired for any particular use or occasion. The lighting fixtures may be made of any size desired andmay be made, for example, to occupy the space Where any number of acoustical units are normally employed. Also, any desired arrangement may be i' employed to provide ornamental effects such as bars or rows of lighting fixtures or to direct the light to any part of a room.

If desired, types of lighting may be employed other than the conventional reflector and bulb described. Thus, for example, fixtures maybe employed which are wholly contained within the lens frame, with a resulting simplicity of construction and a reduction in the number of parts required.

Having thus described my invention in rather full detail, it will be understood thatthese details need not `be strictly adhered to, but that various changes and modifications will suggest themselves to one skilled in the art, all falling Within the scope of the invention as defined by the subjoined claims.

What I claim is:

1. A partition comprising a base, a plurality of supporting bars suspended therefrom, said bars lying in substantially parallel relationship to one another, a plurality of interchangeable units detachably supported by said bars and bridging the spaces therebetween, certain of said units comprising pan-like members and a sound-absorbent filler therefor, and others of -said units including a lighting fixture carrying a source of illumination and comprising an inverted reflector, said fixture having a substantially uninterrupted light transmission zone underlying the reliector and a lens coextensive with said zone.

2. A partition comprising a base, a plurality of T-bars suspended from said base and lying in substantial parallelism to one another, a plurality of perforated pan-like members containing a sound-absorbent pad detachably supported from said T-bars and bridging the spaces therebetween, and units interpersed with said pan-like' members and each including a lighting fixture carrying a source of illumination, the lighting fixture including an inverted reflector and having a substantially uninterrupted light transmission zone underlying the reflector, said units being detachably supported by said T-bars.

3. A partition comprising a base, a plurality of T-bars suspended from said basel and lying in substantial parallelism to one another, a plurality of perforated pan-like members containing a sound-absorbent filler supported from said T-bars and bridging the spaces therebetween, and units interspersed with said pan-like members and each including a frame supported on said T-bars, a short T-bar carried by said frame, a pan-like member including a sound-absorbent filler supported from one of said first-mentioned T-bars and said last-mentioned T-bar, and a lighting fixture includinga lens member supported fromsaid last-mentioned T-bar and another of said first-mentioned T-bars, and a reflector supported by said frame.

4. A lighting fixture supported on substantially parallel supporting members of an acoustical treatment comprising a frame having opposite ends resting on spaced ones of said supporting members, asupporting `element carried by said frameand extending transversely thereof, a reflector supported on said frame and a lens member including opposite ends detachably engaged with one of said supporting members and said supporting element, respectively.

5. A lighting fixture supported on substantially parallel supporting members of an acoustical ltreatment comprising a frame having opposite ends resting on spaced ones of said supporting members, a supporting element carried by said frame and extending transversely thereof, a reflector supported on said frame, means on said frame and said supporting element for maintaining said reflector against movement on said frame, an acoustical unit carried by said element and one of said members and a lens member including 'means at opposite ends detachably engaged with the other'of said supporting members and said supporting element, respectively.

6. A lighting fixture supported on substantially parallel supporting members of an acoustical treatment comprising a frame having opposite ends resting on spaced ones of said supporting members, a supporting element\carried by said frame and extending transverselyA thereof, one of said supporting members and s'aid supporting -element defining a supporting means, and a lens reflector resting on said frame, and a lens member detachably supported at opposite edges by one of said parallel supporting members and said frame, respectively.

8. Allighting fixture supported from parallel supporting members of an acoustical treatment comprising a frame having opposite ends supported on spaced ones of said supporting members, a reflector resting on said frame, and a lens member having opposite ends interlockingly engaged with said spaced ones of said supporting members.

9. A wall comprising a base and a facing therefor, said facing comprising a. plurality of acoustical units and lighting fixtures, said lighting fixtures including inverted reflectors and carrying a light source, said fixtures having substantially uninterrupted light transmission zones underlying said reflectors, said units and fixtures including outer faces lying in substantially a single plane, and means including members suspended from said base for interchangeably supporting said units and fixtures.

10. A wall comprising a base, a plurality of acoustical units and lighting fixtures forming a facing for said base, each of said lighting fixtures including an inverted reflector and carrying a light source, said fixtures having substantially uninterrupted light transmission zones underlying said reflectors, means for supporting said units and fixtures including members supported from said base and means detachably interlocking said units and xtures to said members.

l1. A partition comprising a base, a supporting structure suspended therefrom, a facing comprising a plurality of acoustical units and lighting fixtures, each of said'lighting fixtures including an inverted reflector and carrying a light source, said fixtures having substantially uninterrupted light transmission zones underlying said reflectors, each of said units and xtures including attaching flanges, and means for detachably interlocking said flanges to said supporting structure.

12. A combined ceiling and lighting appliance comprising a plurality of xed parallel supporting elements each having a dependent clip, a plurality of rectangular tiles,^each having upwardly extending attaching means at opposite ends and receivable by the clips for detachably securing the tiles in place to form the dominant ceiling area in which an opening without any tile may be had at any selected place in the ceiling area, a frame spanning the supporting elements above the opening, a downwardly acting reflector supported by the frame above the level of the tiles, a light source in the reflector, a. light transmitting screen opposite the mouth of the reflector and disposed ceiling, and screen `supporting means including a frame having on one edge thereof attaching.

means cooperable with the clip of one of the supporting elements, and devices for supporting theopposite edge of the screen supporting frame from the reflector' supporting frame, the width of the screen supporting frame being equal to the width of a tile.

13. A combined ceiling and lighting appliance comprising a plurality of ilxed parallel supporting elements each having a dependent clip, a plurality of rectangular tiles, each having up- 'wardly extending attaching means at .opposite ends and receivable by the clips for detachablv securing the tiles in place to form the dominant ceiling area in which an opening without any tile may be had at any selected place in the ceiling area, a frame spanning the supporting elements above the opening, a supplemental supporting element similar to and parallel with the firstnamed supporting-'elements secured midway ot 1 the spanning frame to form two square openings,

a tile similar to the other tiles occupying one of the square openings. and similarly secured between adjacent supporting elements, a downsubstantially inthe plane of -the comprising a' plurality wardly acting reector supported by the spanning frame over the second opening, a light source in the reflector, and a screen supporting means including a frame having attaching means similar to those of the tiles and received in the clips at the opposite sides of the second opening.

14. The combination with a ceiling having fixed supports and a plurality of interchangeable rectangular tile downwardly removable therefrom and normally covering the entire surface of the ceiling, of a luminair, comprising a light source, adownwardly acting reflector, and a light transmitting screen opposite the mouth of the reflector, and luminair supporting means comprising a rectangular screen supporting frame downwardly removably supported from the iixed supports, disposed substantially flush with the ceiling surface and of a size to occupy the entire width of the opening provided by the removal of a tile, and a, reflector support carried by the fixed supports and disposed above the same.

15. In a tile ceiling having parallel dependent clips and tiles whose length is twice the breadth supported at their ends from the clips by concealed supporting elements and disposed about a rectangular opening, a frame spanning the opening and supported above the clips, a downwardly acting reflector supported by the frame above the level of the tiles, a light source in the reflector, a rectangular frame insertible into said opening and having on two opposite ends thereof clip cooperative elements similar to those of the tile, and a light transmitting screen secured therein.

16. A wall comprising a basev and a facing therefor, said'facing comprising a plurality of units and lighting fixtures, said lighting fixtures including inverted reflectors and carrying light sources said fixtures having substantially uninterrupted light transmission zones underlying said reflectors, said units and xtures including outer faces lying in substantially a single plane, and means including members suspended from said base for interchangeably supporting said units and ilxtures.

17. A ceiling or the like comprising a superstructure, a plurality of parallel supporting bars spaced at modular intervals and suspended therefrom at a common level, a plurality of flat rectangular ceiling block members of modularly related size bridging certain of the spaces between the supporting bars and detachably supported by the bars to form a facing in a single plane and leaving unoccupied certain other spaces of modularly related size, and supplemental members of modularly related size occupying the space left vacant by the omission of one or more ceiling block members and including down lighting apparatus, said apparatus carrying a light source and having an outer face, said supplemental members being detachably supported from said bars in position to have their outer faces including the outer faces of the lighting apparatus lie in `substantially the single plane of the facing, all the members in their entirety concealing the barsand their suspension from the superstructure.

18. A combined ceiling and lighting appliance of nxed parallel supporting elements each having a dependent clip, a. plurality of rectangular tiles, each having upwardly extending attaching means at opposite ends and receivable by the clips for detachably securing the tiles in place to form the dominant ceiling area in which an opening without any tile may be had at any selected piace in the ceiling area, a frame spanning the supporting elements above the opening, a supplemental supporting element similar to and parallel with the iirst named supporting elements secured midway of the spanning irameto form two square openings, a tile similar to the other tiles occupying one of the square openings and similarly secured between adjacent supporting elements. a downwardly acting reiiector supported by the spanning frame over the second opening, a light source in the reector, a screen supporting frame having attach ing means similar to those of the tiles and received in the clips at the opposite sides of the second opening, a hinged frame in the screen supporting frame, and a iat screen in the hinged Aframe which completely closes the opening.

i9. A partition comprising a base, a plurality of Tbars suspended from said base and lying in substantial parallelism to one another, a plurality of block members supported from said T-bars and bridging certain of the spaces therebetween, and units interspersed with said block members and leach including a frame supported on said T-bars. a short T-bar carried by said frame, a smaller block member supported from one oi said first-mentioned Tbars and said last-mentioned T-bar, and a light controlling screen supported from said last-mentioned T-bar and another of said mst-mentioned T-bars, and a reflector supported by said frame above the screen.

JAMES Y. DUNBAR.