Abstract
A clip (3) for use in a suspension system for the vertically suspended acoustic baffles (2) and a frame element (4) for the acoustic baffle is provided in a suspended ceiling system. The clip and frame facilitate multiple connection options for a vertically suspended acoustic baffle in a single system.
Claims
1. A clip for use in an acoustic baffle suspension system, the clip comprising a body plate, wherein the clip comprises one or more fastening elements for securing the clip to a frame element, wherein the clip comprises a first aperture, wherein the clip comprises more than one legs joined to the body plate by an upwardly-angled joint such that the more than one legs are parallel to the body plate, wherein the more than one legs each comprise a gripper for secure connection to an inverted T-profile, and wherein the clip is provided with wings on opposing edges of the body plate, wherein each wing is connected to the body plate by a U-shaped fold such that the wing lies underneath and spaced from the body plate so as to be configured to receive the frame element between the wings and the body plate.
2. A system for vertical suspension of an acoustic baffle, the system comprising a) a frame element; b) a clip according to claim 1 configured for connection to the frame element; c) a foldable tab comprising a second aperture.
3. The system of claim 2, wherein the more than one legs of the clip are substantially planar legs.
4. The system of claim 3, wherein the first aperture is threaded.
5. The system of claim 2, wherein the first aperture is threaded.
6. The system of claim 2, wherein the foldable tab is a part of the frame element.
7. The system of claim 2, wherein the one or more fastening elements comprise a resilient catch.
8. The system of claim 2, wherein the one or more fastening elements comprise a tongue and slot.
9. The system of claim 2, wherein the body plate of the clip comprises an upper part substantially parallel to a lower part, the upper part and lower part connected by a fold.
10. The system of claim 2, wherein the frame element is a side profile comprising a flap that is foldable around an angle of 90° to an upper minor face of a suspended acoustic baffle.
11. A suspended ceiling comprising the system of claim 2; an acoustic baffle supported by a frame, the frame comprising two side profiles, wherein at least one of such side profiles comprises the frame element of claim 2.
12. The suspended ceiling of claim 11, further comprising suspension means selected from a grid of beams, suspension wires, suspension rods, and hangers, wherein the suspension means are connectable to the suspension system.
13. The suspended ceiling of claim 12, wherein the suspension means comprises a C-shaped hanger, wherein the hanger comprises; a first substantially rectangular plate comprising a first elongate aperture, a second substantially rectangular plate comprising a second elongate aperture and being joined at an edge to an edge of the first plate in a perpendicular relationship, a third substantially rectangular plate comprising a third elongate aperture and being joined to at an edge to an edge of the first plate opposite to the edge of the first plate that is in connection with the second plate, such that the third plate and the first plate are in a perpendicular relationship, the second plate and the third plate are substantially parallel and face one another.
14. The suspended ceiling of claim 13, wherein a plate of the C-shaped hanger connects to the first aperture of the suspension system via a rod.
15. The suspended ceiling of claim 13, wherein the second plate of the C-shaped hanger is connectable to a soffit via a rod and wherein the third plate of the C-shaped hanger connects to the first aperture of each of two adjacent suspension systems as defined in claim 2 via bolts.
16. The suspended ceiling of claim 13, wherein two adjacent acoustic baffles are provided, each acoustic baffle being supported by the suspension system, wherein the foldable tab of the clip of each suspension system is provided in an upstanding position, wherein the second elongate aperture of the C-shaped hanger is positioned in between and in alignment with the second aperture of each foldable tab and a bolt passes through all three apertures, wherein the first plate of the C-shaped hanger is connectable to a soffit by means of a bolt.
17. The suspended ceiling of claim 12, wherein the suspension means comprises a beam hanger connected to the first aperture of the clip by a bolt, wherein the beam hanger comprises a substantially rectangular first plate connected at opposing edges to a second plate and a third plate such that the second plate and third plate are substantially parallel and face each other, wherein each of the second and third plates comprises a tab that is connectable to a C-profile beam.
18. The suspended ceiling of claim 12, wherein the foldable tab of the clip is positioned so as to stand upright from the top of the acoustic baffle and wherein the suspension means comprise suspension wires or suspension rods in connection with the second aperture.
19. The suspended ceiling of claim 12, wherein two adjacent acoustic baffles are provided, each acoustic baffle provided with a suspension system as defined in claim 2, wherein the suspension means comprises a suspension wire or rod and wherein a single suspension wire or suspension rod is connected to the second aperture of each of the two adjacent suspension systems.
20. The suspended ceiling of claim 12, wherein the suspension means comprises a grid of beams having an inverted T-profile, wherein the clip of the suspension system comprises one or more substantially planar legs joined to the body plate by an upwardly-angled joint such that the one or more substantially planar legs are parallel to the body plate, such that a flange of the inverted T-profile is connectable to the suspension system in a gap between the legs and the frame element.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
(1) FIG. 1 is an exploded view of an acoustic baffle and vertical suspension system;
(2) FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a side profile frame element from FIG. 1;
(3) FIG. 2B is a top view of the same side profile frame element, in a folded state;
(4) FIG. 2C is a side view of the same side profile frame element;
(5) FIG. 2D is a plan view of the same side profile frame element, shown flat;
(6) FIG. 2E is a view of the frame element;
(7) FIG. 3A is a perspective view of a clip from FIG. 1;
(8) FIG. 3B is a side view of the same clip;
(9) FIG. 3C is a plan view of the same clip;
(10) FIG. 3D is a detail view along direction A-A of FIG. 3C;
(11) FIG. 3E is a detail view of section B of FIG. 3D;
(12) FIG. 3F is a detail side view of a leg of the same clip;
(13) FIG. 4A is a perspective view of another clip according to the invention;
(14) FIG. 4B is an underneath view of the same clip;
(15) FIG. 4C shows the fastening elements open in the same clip;
(16) FIG. 4D shows the fastening elements closed in the same clip;
(17) FIG. 4E shows the same clip connected to a frame element in supported of an acoustic baffle.
(18) FIG. 5A shows an alternative embodiment of the clip in a closed position;
(19) FIG. 5B shows the same clip embodiment in an open position;
(20) FIG. 6 shows an alternative embodiment of the clip;
(21) FIG. 7A shows the suspension system in combination with a beam hanger and a C-profile beam;
(22) FIG. 7B shows two adjacent baffles suspended by the means shown in FIG. 7A;
(23) FIG. 7C is a side view of the arrangement in FIG. 7C;
(24) FIG. 8 shows the suspension system with rod suspending means;
(25) FIGS. 9A-C show the suspension system with hook suspending means;
(26) FIGS. 10A-B show the suspension system with karabiner and suspension wire suspending means;
(27) FIG. 11 shows a C-shaped hanger;
(28) FIGS. 12A-C, 13A-B, 14A-B and 15 show suspension means using the C-shaped hanger;
(29) FIGS. 16A-C show direct suspension from a beam.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
(30) An embodiment of the invention can be seen in FIGS. 1 to 3D. An exploded view of a suspension system 1 and an acoustic baffle 2 can be seen. The acoustic baffle comprises an upper minor face 2a, a lower minor face 2b, two side minor faces 2c and two major faces 2d.
(31) The suspension system 1 comprises clips 3 and frame elements 4. In FIG. 1, the frame elements 4 form the side profiles of the frame 5 for the acoustic baffle 2.
(32) In this embodiment, the frame 5 further comprises a lower profile 6 and an upper profile 7. The upper profile 7 is not essential for the suspension system 1 if the side profile is the frame element 4. This is because the upper profile 7 will not normally be visible when the acoustic baffle is installed and so a material and cost saving can be made if the upper profile 7 is omitted.
(33) The frame elements 4 each comprise a flap 8 that is shown folded around 90° towards the upper profile 7 of the acoustic baffle 2. Details of the frame elements 4 are shown in FIGS. 2A to 2D.
(34) The upper profile 7 in FIG. 1 comprises a first aperture 9. The first aperture 9 can be positioned in several locations. In the embodiment illustrated by FIG. 1, the first aperture 9 (i.e. a press nut) is present in the upper profile 7, the frame element 4 and the clip 3. When assembled, the clip 3, frame element 4 and upper profile 7 align such that there is a single threaded first aperture 9 passing through all three components in alignment.
(35) FIG. 2A shows the frame element 4 in a detailed profile view. The flap 8 comprises a foldable tab 10, the tab 10 comprising a second aperture 11. The tab 10 may be folded through 90° towards the upper profile of an acoustic baffle with the remainder of the tab 10 when the second aperture 11 is not required for suspension of an acoustic baffle. In this folded state as shown in FIG. 2A, the tab 10 does not interfere with the other suspension mechanisms of the suspension system 1. Alternatively (not shown), the tab 10 may be folded back from the remainder of the flap 8 through approximately 90° to be continuous with the elongate portion 12. This arrangement allows for suspension of an acoustic baffle by means of suspension wires and hooks, karabiners or similar means in conjunction with the second aperture 11 formed in the tab 10.
(36) FIG. 2B shows a plan view of the flap 8 of the frame element 4. The tab 10 is shown folded down with the remainder of the flap 8. The second aperture 11 formed in the tab 10 is shown. This view also illustrates the threaded first aperture 9 formed in the flap 8. When the suspension system is assembled, the threaded first aperture 9 goes through the flap 8, the upper profile 7 and the clip 3 as a single aligned aperture. Two holes 13 formed in the flap 8 align with the fastening elements (shown in FIG. 3A) of the clip 3 when the suspension system 1 is assembled. FIG. 2B shows these as holes 13, but indentations (not shown) may be used as an alternative to the holes 13 to achieve secure connection with the clip 3.
(37) FIG. 2C shows in a side view how the flap 8 is folded through 90° from the elongate portion 12 of the frame element 4 when the suspension system is assembled.
(38) FIG. 2D shows a layout view of the whole frame element 4 in its implementation here as a side profile of the frame 5. This view demonstrates how the frame element 4 can initially be formed from a single sheet of metal or other material and subsequently folded by machine or by hand to form the finished frame element 4. The elongate portion 12 comprises a main plate 12a, a base wing 12b that folds towards the lower minor face of an acoustic panel and two side wings 12c that fold toward each of the two major faces of an acoustic panel. The end portion 14 comprises a flap 8, in which the foldable tab 10, second aperture 11, threaded first aperture 9 and holes 13 can be seen. The tab 10 can be folded by a person using regular hand tools. The elongate portion 12 of the frame element 4 may optionally comprise locking elements 12d and 12e, which help to secure adjacent baffles to one another, thereby facilitating the possibility of neatly aligning an array of vertically-suspended acoustic baffles.
(39) FIG. 2E shows the tab 10 in an open position, which would be pointing upwards in the installed state.
(40) FIG. 3A shows a perspective view of the clip 3. The clip 3 comprises a body plate 15, a first aperture 9, two legs 16 and two fastening elements 17. In this embodiment, the fastening elements 17 are resilient catches, in this example of the sprung click-and-lock type means of securing the clip 3 to the underlying frame element 4. This mechanism is releasable to allow routine maintenance of a suspended acoustic baffle and suspension system. The fastening elements 17 shown here interlock with the holes 13 in the underlying frame element 4 when the suspension system 1 is assembled.
(41) Each leg 16 in FIG. 3A is provided with a gripper 18. In this instance, the gripper is formed by an embossment which is convex in the direction facing an underlying frame element 4 (not shown in FIG. 3A). Each leg 16 is substantially planar and is connected to the body plate 15 by means of an upwardly-angled joint 19. This positions the main part of each leg in an elevated manner relative to the body plate 15, but still substantially parallel to the body plate 15. The space between the legs 16 and the end portion of the frame element 4 when connected together provides a slot into which a flange of a suspension beam (not shown) can fit. The gripper 18 on each leg assists in holding the assembled suspension system to the beam, thereby securing an acoustic baffle in a vertical manner to form an acoustic ceiling.
(42) Each leg 16 further comprises an upturned flange 25 at the end distal to the body plate 15 of the clip 3. The flange 25 aids easy installation of the suspension system to a beam (not shown).
(43) The clip 3 also comprises a wing 20 on each of two opposing sides of the body plate 15 and connected to the body plate 15 by means of a U-shaped fold 21.
(44) The wings 20 can be seen in more detail in FIG. 3B, which is a view in the plane of the body plate 15. The wings 20 fold underneath the body plate 15 so as to provide sliding connection means for connecting the clip 3 to a frame element 4 (not shown). FIG. 3B also shows how the legs 16 are positioned in a plane elevated from the plane of the body plate 15.
(45) The same clip 3 can be seen in FIG. 3C. FIG. 3D is a side view of the clip 3 viewed in the direction A-A shown in FIG. 3C. The gripper 18 can be seen protruding down underneath the leg 16 and the fastening element 17 can be seen.
(46) The fastening element 17 is shown in more detail in FIG. 3E. The angle of the sprung part is shown as 90°, but it may be any other suitable angle that provides a releasable fastening means for securing the clip 3 to a frame element 4.
(47) A leg 16 is shown in more detail in FIG. 3F. The angle of the flange 25 is shown as 30° but any suitable angle may be utilised that enables easy installation of a baffle and suspension system to a beam (not shown). In some embodiments, the flange 25 may be omitted to simplify the construction of the clip 3.
(48) The term “upwardly-angled” as used to describe the joint 19 relative to the body plate 15 can be seen clearly in FIGS. 3A, 3D and 3F.
(49) An alternative implementation of the clip 3 is shown in FIGS. 4A to 4D. In this type of clip 3, the body plate 15 comprises an upper part 15a and a substantially parallel lower part 15b, which are connected by a U-shaped fold 15c. A first aperture 9 is provided in the lower part 15b. In FIG. 4A, the first aperture 9 is of the type known as single thread engaging.
(50) The fastening elements 17 comprise a tongue 22 and slot 23. The tongue is connected to the upper part 15a and the slot is formed in the lower part 15b. The open position of these fastening elements 17 is shown in FIG. 4C and the closed position in FIG. 4D.
(51) The interaction of this embodiment of the clip 3 with a frame element 4 is shown in FIG. 4E.
(52) The clip 3 is connected to the frame element by means of the folding of the two parts 15a and 15b of the plate 15 of the clip 3, that fold around the free end of the flap 8 of the frame element 4 such that the flap 8 lies between the upper part 15a and the lower part 15b of the body plate 15 of the clip 3.
(53) The flap 8 is shown in an assembled state, folded through approximately 90° to the upper minor face 2a of the acoustic baffle 2. The tab 10 is folded down to the upper minor face 2a of the acoustic panel 2. In this position, the second aperture 11 (provided in the tab 10) aligns with the threaded first aperture 9 (provided in the lower part 15b of the body plate 15 of the clip 3).
(54) The gaps 24 between the legs 16 and the flap 8 form a slot into which the flange of a support beam can fit so as to secure the acoustic baffle 2 in a vertical manner as part of an acoustic ceiling.
(55) The term “upwardly-angled” as used to describe the joint 19 relative to the body plate 15 can be seen clearly in FIGS. 4A-E.
(56) FIG. 5A shows a variation on the clip 3. A single fastening element comprising a tongue 22 and slot 23 is provided in the centre of the clip 3. This layout may improve ease of installation. The same clip variation is shown in FIG. 5B in the open state. The upper part 15a and lower part 15b of the body plate are shown in an open position, with rotation about the joint 15c. The clip 3 may be pressed onto the flap of a frame element at the factory or by the installer. The tongue 22 and slot 23 fastening means is secured once the clip 3 is in place around a flap of a frame element.
(57) FIG. 6 shows a variation of the clip 3, similar to that shown in FIGS. 4A-E. The body plate 15 comprises the first aperture 9 and does not have two sections joined by a fold. The clip 3 comprises two legs 16, joined to the body plate 15 via an upwardly-angled joint 19 and terminating an upwardly-angled flange 25. Each leg is provided with a gripper 18, which facilitates secure connection of a suspension system directly to a beam having an inverted T-profile, because the gripper 18 will bear down on the flange of such a beam.
(58) The term “upwardly-angled” as used to describe the joint 19 relative to the body plate 15 can be seen clearly in FIGS. 5A, 5B and 6.
(59) FIG. 7A demonstrates how an acoustic baffle can be vertically suspended by using the suspension system of the invention in combination with a beam hanger and a C-profile beam. The baffle 2 is supported by the frame element 4 which is connected to the clip 3. A beam hanger 26 is secured to the suspension system by means of a bolt 28 in connection with the first aperture (not shown) of the clip. The beam hanger comprises a substantially rectangular first plate 26a connected at opposing edges to a second plate 26b and a third plate 26c such that the second plate and third plate are substantially parallel and face each other, wherein each of the second and third plates comprises a hinged tab 26d that is connectable to a C-profile beam 27.
(60) Adjacent acoustic baffles 2 that are vertically suspended by means of a beam hanger and a C-profile beam are shown in FIGS. 7B and 7C.
(61) Another setup for vertical suspension of an acoustic baffle using the suspension system of the invention is shown in FIG. 8. An acoustic baffle 2 supported by a frame comprising a frame element 4 and an upper profile 7. A clip 3 is secured to the frame element 4. A suspension rod 41 is secured into the first aperture (not shown) of the clip 3, allowing vertical suspension of the acoustic baffle 2 from a soffit either directly or via another device. The suspension rod 41 may be threaded, at least in the lower part, to facilitate engagement with the first aperture (not shown), which may optionally be a single-thread-engaging aperture.
(62) FIGS. 9A, 9B and 9C show how two adjacent acoustic baffles may be suspended using a single hook. In this type of setup, as with any other arrangement where two baffles are suspended so as to be adjacent at a minor face of each baffle, the locking elements 12d and 12e shown in FIG. 2A may be advantageously used to perfect the alignment of adjacent acoustic baffles. This is, however, optional.
(63) In FIG. 9A, two adjacent acoustic baffles 2 are each supported by a frame comprising an upper profile 7 and a frame element 4. The upper profile 7 is an optional feature. The foldable tab 10 of each frame element 4 is folded to an upright position (it is not essential to be exactly vertical, as can be seen in FIG. 9A). “Upright” as used here refers to the position of the foldable tab 10 relative to the system in the installed state, as illustrated in FIG. 9A. A suspension rod 29 terminating at its lower end in a hook 30 supports both baffles 2 by means of connection between the hood 30 and the second aperture 11 of both foldable tabs 10. This arrangement is efficient on the use of suspension rods, because each rod 29 is shared between adjacent baffles 2.
(64) The same setup is shown in FIGS. 9B and 9C. These figures show connection of the rod 29 to a double spring clip, which enables variation in the suspension height.
(65) An alternative setup for vertically suspending acoustic baffles is shown in FIG. 10A. Adjacent acoustic baffles 2 are each provided with a clip 3 secured to a frame element 4. Each baffle 2 is provided with an optional upper profile 7 of the frame. The foldable tab 10 of each frame element 4 is provided in an upstanding position, wherein “upstanding” refers to the orientation of the foldable tab relative to the rest of the system in the installed state as shown in FIG. 10A. The second aperture 11 of each foldable tab 10 is used for connection with a karabiner 33.
(66) In FIG. 10A, a single karabiner 33 is connected to two acoustic baffles 2 via the second aperture 11 of each one. However, if the acoustic baffles 2 are to be located in a spaced-apart arrangement, each second aperture 11 may be connected to its own karabiner 33 (the spaced-apart arrangement is not shown).
(67) A suspension wire 32 is provided, which has the karabiner 33 at its lower end and a connection means 34 at its upper end. The connection means 34 is adapted for connection to the flange 35a of an inverted T-profile beam 35.
(68) The same karabiner and suspension wire setup may be used for connection directly to a soffit (not shown) rather that to a beam. This is illustrated in FIG. 10B. An alternative connection means 36 is provided at the upper end of the suspension wire 32 to facilitate connection to a soffit.
(69) In another example of the invention, the suspension means may be in the form of a C-shaped hanger, illustrated in FIG. 11. The hanger 37 comprises a first substantially rectangular plate 38a comprising a first elongate aperture 38b, a second substantially rectangular plate 39a comprising a second elongate aperture 39b and being joined at an edge to an edge of the first plate 38a in a perpendicular relationship, a third substantially rectangular plate 40a comprising a third elongate aperture 40b and being joined to at an edge to an edge of the first plate 38a opposite to the edge of the first plate 38a that is in connection with the second plate 39a, such that the third plate 40a and the first plate 38a are in a perpendicular relationship, the second plate 39a and the third plate 40a are substantially parallel and face one another. This hanger may be particularly useful for use in environments that normally accelerate corrosion, because this shape of hanger may be easily protected by methods such as galvanisation or powder-coating.
(70) An implementation of the C-shaped hanger 37 is shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B. Two adjacent acoustic baffles 2 are suspended from a single suspension rod 28. The hanger 37 is arranged such that the first plate 38a is vertical and the third plate 40a is lowermost, such that the third elongate aperture 40b extends across the clip 3 of the suspension system supporting each baffle 2. The hanger 37 is secured to each baffle 2 by two bolts 28 that pass through the third elongate aperture 40b. Each bolt 28 connects with the first aperture (not shown) of each suspension system. The hanger 37 also connects to a suspension rod 41 through the second elongate aperture 39b and is secured by nuts 42, shown in detail in FIGS. 12A and 12B. Alternatively, the rod 41 may be secured to the second plate 39a of the hanger 37 by a head 43 at the lower end of the rod 41, as shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B. The full view of two adjacent baffles 2 suspended in this manner is shown in FIG. 12C. This arrangement allows each suspension rod 41 to be shared between adjacent baffles 2, thereby reducing the number of components required to assemble the acoustic ceiling.
(71) Another implementation of the C-shaped hanger 37 is shown in FIGS. 14A and 14B. Two adjacent acoustic baffles 2 are each supported by a suspension system comprising a frame element 4 that is secured to a clip 3. Optional upper profiles 7 of the frame are provided, but are not essential. The foldable tab 10 of each suspension system is in an upright position. The second plate 39a of the hanger 37 is positioned in between the two foldable tabs 10 such that the second apertures 11 of the tabs 10 align with the second elongate aperture 39b of the hanger 37. This arrangement is secure with a bolt 28 and nut 42. The first plate 38a of the hanger 37 is parallel to the upper profile of the acoustic baffle 2. Vertical suspension is achieved by means of a rod 41 that passes through the first elongate aperture 38a of the hanger 37 and is either secured by a nut (not shown) or a head (43) at the lower end of the rod 41.
(72) Another implementation of the hanger 37 is shown in FIG. 15. An acoustic baffle 2 supported by a suspension system comprising a frame element 44 secured to a clip 3 is connected to a rod 41 that is secured into the first aperture (not shown) of the suspension system. At its upper end, the rod 41 passes through the third elongate aperture 40b of the hanger 37. The first elongate aperture 38b and the second elongate aperture 40b are free, thereby enabling the hanger 37 to be attached to a wall bracket, a beam, or another fixture on a wall or soffit.
(73) FIG. 16A shows an arrangement in which the suspension system connects directly to an inverted T-profile beam. An acoustic baffle 2 is provided with an upper frame profile 7 (optional), a side profile 4 and a clip 3. The space 24 that is present between the folded over flap (not visible) of the frame element 4 provides a slot into which the flange 35a of the inverted T-profile beam 35 may be inserted. Each leg 16 is provided with a gripper 18 which bears down onto the flange 35a to improve the hold of the suspension system on the flange 35a.
(74) Two acoustic baffles 2 may be connected in this manner adjacently to the same beam, as shown in FIG. 16B. The full layout of two adjacent baffles suspended in this manner is shown in FIG. 16C. It will be apparent that further baffles may be suspended adjacent to these and that along the beams 35 there may be suspended additional baffles or rows of baffles, to provide an array of acoustic baffles for an acoustic ceiling.
