Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
'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.
(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
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~
-- 3 --
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
-- 5 --
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
- 14 -
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
- 18 -
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
- 20 -
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 _
