Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02756963 2011-11-07
PLENUM BARRIER SYSTEM 1
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to acoustic barriers. In particular, the
present invention
relates to an acoustic bather system for use in a plenum.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Most office buildings are designed with large open areas sectioned off
by a series of
floating walls. In order to maximize the usable space and to accommodate
different office
configurations, a majority of services, such as electricity, air supply ducts,
network cables and
plumbing, are installed above a suspended ceiling. The space between the
suspended ceiling
and the underside of the floor above is typically referred to as the plenum.
In order to more
readily accommodate changes in office layout, walls are typically structured
so that the top of
the wall abuts, but does not pass through, the suspended ceiling. This type of
design does
present the problem that sound emitted from one office space can travel over
the wall, through
the plenum, and be heard by the occupant(s) of the adjacent offices. In
environments where
confidentiality or security are a top priority, such sound transmission in the
workplace can
pose a serious problem.
[0003] Currently there are solutions to this problem, however, the solutions
are either
expensive, sacrifice the modularity of the office design, and/or are less than
ideal for blocking
sound transmission.
[0004] One way the problem of sound transmission through the plenum has been
addressed is
by extending the office walls through the plenum and attaching the top plate
of the wall to the
underside of the floor above, This type of design requires that the suspended
ceiling is
attached to the inside walls of the office, which means that any
reconfiguration of the office
space is labour intensive and, therefore, costly. Moreover, having solid walls
in the plenum
space makes the routing and maintenance of services run through the plenum
more difficult.
[0005] Another solution to this problem has been to place acoustic barriers in
the plenum
surrounding the perimeter of the office space. In these applications, a fabric
or lead sheet type
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of acoustic barrier is suspended from a plate attached to the underside of the
floor above and
draped over the plenum-facing surface of the suspended ceiling. Although this
type of system
does allow for movable walls to be constructed and installed easily, the sheet
or fabric
material does not have adequate acoustical barrier properties. In addition,
slight gaps can be
created between the barrier and the grid system of the suspended ceiling that
extends beyond
the plenum-facing surface of the ceiling tiles. Even though these gaps may be
small, they do
allow for a certain amount of sound to escape the office space and flow to the
adjacent offices
and/or common space.
[0006] Halliwell and Quirt (J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 90(3), 1991) studied the
problem of
controlling interoffice sound transmission through a suspended ceiling, Their
conclusion was
that the most simple and economical technique to improve the noise reduction
between
adjacent offices was to place a stack of absorptive bans, i.e. glass fiber
thermal insulation
batts, around the perimeter of each office space. Although this method would
be economical
feasible and could be moved during an office reconfiguration, the potential
health risks posed
by glass fiber in and around the ventilation system of the office building
causes some
concerns, Moreover, gaps will exist in the barrier to accommodate the services
routed through
the plenum.
[0007] A further solution to this problem is to construct a partition like
structure in the
plenum, consisting of a top and bottom rail, (and sometimes rigid vertical
members), with
drywall or other rigid panels to be attached to either side of the support
members. The interior
of the partition, (between the rigid panels,) may or may not be filled with
absorptive batts.
The disadvantage of these types of construction is that sound is transmitted
by the rigid top,
bottom and vertical members, which typically consist of one piece steel
channels or studs,
This problem may be overcome by building separate vertical walls spaced apart
so that each
side of the barrier has separate, non-connecting supporting members. The
disadvantage of .
this construction is the high cost of materials, and the cost and time of
labour to construct
what are essentially two walls or barriers separated by a non-sound
transmitting space.
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[0008] Based on the preceding discussion, there is a need for a reusable, cost
effective, and
environmentally-friendly way to reduce sound transmission through a plenum.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] It is an object of the invention to provide an improved acoustic
barrier system that
addresses at least some of the limitations of the systems described above.
(0010] According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided an
acoustic barrier
system for use in a plenum space, for example but not limited to the space
defined between a
suspended ceiling system and the underside of the slab or other structure
directly above the
ceiling. The acoustic barrier system comprises a two-part plate or rail for
attachment to a first
surface of the plenum, for example the underside of the slab (e,g, a top plate
or rail); a two-
part second plate or rail for attachment to a second surface of the plenum,
for example a
portion of a suspended ceiling system (e,g, a bottom plate or rail), wherein
the second two-
part plate or rail is parallel to the first two-part plate or rail. In certain
non-limiting
embodiments, the bottom plate is positioned in same the vertical plane as the
top plate. In
addition, at least one semi-rigid acoustic bather panel is provided that
connects the top and
bottom plates. Also, optionally, a fastener may be provided for connecting a
bottom plate to a
portion of a suspended ceiling system.
[0011] Instead of or in addition to using fasteners, it is also envisioned
that adhesives or other
fastening means, e.g. acoustic caulldng, may be used to secure the two-part
plates OT rails in
position.
[0012] In one embodiment, the two-part plates or rails include two rigid
support structures
interspaced from one another by a plurality of low sound transmitting spacers.
Preferably, the
plurality of spacers are rigid foam blocks. The rigid foam blocks can be made
from extruded
polystyrene or polyisocyanate. Alternatively, open or closed cell foam board
with or without
fire retardant additives may be used, such as but not limited to EthafoamTM,
Thermax114 or
131astizoteTm.
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(00133 In an another embodiment, at least one semi-rigid acoustic barrier
panel is used to
connect a longitudinal side of the top plate to the corresponding longitudinal
side of the
bottom plate and a corresponding number of semi-rigid acoustic barrier panels
are used to
connect the opposite longitudinal side of the top plate to the corresponding
longitudinal side
of the bottom plate.
[0014] In a further embodiment, a cavity is formed between the at least one
semi-rigid
acoustic barrier panel and the corresponding number of semi-rigid acoustic
barrier panels.
The cavity can be filled with a sound dampening material.
[0015] In a yet further embodiment, the semi-rigid acoustic barrier panels are
polyester fiber
boards. The polyester fiber boards can further include a foil scrim kraft
facing.
[0016) In another embodiment, the semi-rigid acoustic battier panels are made
from stone
wool insulation with multi-directional fiber orientation.
[0017) In an embodiment, the semi-rigid acoustic barrier panels are cut to
accommodate
portions of the grid system of the suspended ceiling system.
[0018] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention there is
provided a method
of installing the acoustic barrier system in a plenum defined by the space
between a suspended
ceiling system and the underside of the slab directly above the ceiling. The
method comprises
the steps of positioning the first two-part plate or rail on first surface of
the plenum space,
such as but not limited to a portion of the suspended ceiling system;
attaching the second two-
part plate or rail to a second plenum surface, such as but not limited to the
underside of the
slab, and with the two-part plates and rails substantially parallel to each
other. In certain
embodiments, the two-part plates and rails may be positioned in the same
vertical plane. The
method may also comprise connecting e.g. the one of the two-part plates or
rails to a portion
of a suspended ceiling system, e.g. by a fastener or other non-limiting means
such as adhesive
caulking; and attaching at least one semi-rigid acoustic barrier panel to the
top and bottom
plates.
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[0019] While the above described acoustic barrier system is well suited for a
horizontal rail
system, where one of the two-part plates or rails is positioned on or
connected to a portion of
the suspended ceiling system, e.g. as a base rail/plate, and the other two-
part plate or rail is
positioned adjacent to or connected to the underside of the slab, e.g. as a
top rail/plate, it is to
be understood that the two-part rails or plates can also be oriented so that
they run vertically
along vertical surfaces of the plenum space. Both of these orientations can be
accomplished
with a friction fit, or through the use of connectors or adhesives. Acoustic
caulking is
envisioned as an adhesive that would work well in many embodiments, although
other
connectors and adhesives will be known to those of skill in the art.
[0020] In an embodiment of the present invention, at least one semi-rigid
acoustic barrier
panel is connected a longitudinal side of the first two-part plate or rail and
to the
corresponding longitudinal side of the second two-part plate or rail and a
corresponding
number of semi-rigid acoustic barrier panels are connected to the opposite
longitudinal side of
the first two-part plate or rail and the corresponding longitudinal side of
the second two-part
plate or rail.
[0021] In another embodiment, the method further includes filling a cavity
formed between
the at least one semi-rigid acoustic barrier panel and the corresponding
number of semi-rigid
acoustic bather panels with a sound dampening material.
[0022) In a further embodiment, the method further comprises the step of
cutting (e.g. slitting
or notching) the semi-rigid acoustic barrier panels to accommodate portions of
the grid system
of the suspended ceiling system prior to attaching the semi-rigid acoustic
barrier panel to the
first and second two-part plates or rails, e.g. top and bottom plates/rails.
[0023] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided
use of the
acoustic barrier system described above for limiting sound transmission
through a plenum,
[0024] According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is
provided a kit for
limiting sound transmission through a plenum space, e.g. the space between a
suspended
ceiling system and the underside of the slab directly above the ceiling. The
kit comprises a
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first two-part plate or rail for attachment to a first plenum surface, e.g.
the underside of the
slab; a second two-part plate or rail for attachment to a second plenum
surface, e.g. that abuts
a portion of a suspended ceiling system; at least one semi-rigid acoustic
barrier panel that
connects the first and second plates or rails; optionally a fastener for
connecting the second
two-part plate or rail to a portion of a suspended ceiling system; and
instructions for use.
[0025] According to a yet further aspect of the present invention, there is
provided a fastener
for linking an element in a plenum to a main beam in a suspended ceiling
system. The
fastener comprises a plate dimensioned to engage the element in the plenum;
and a passage
for accommodating passage of a spline connected to the main beam in the
suspended ceiling
system.
[0026] In an embodiment of the present invention, the fastener further
comprises a convex
area extending from the plate and surrounding the passage so that the edges of
the passage
frictionally engage the spline to hold the spline in place.
[0027] In another embodiment, the plate further comprises reliefs on either
side of the passage
to facilitate the passage of the spline.
[0028] In a farther embodiment, the sides of the plate that engage a plate or
rail, e.g. the two-
part plate or rail described above, are arched towards the center of the
plate.
[0029] In a yet further embodiment, the passage is a slot,
[0030] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided
use of a
fastener as described above in installing an acoustic barrier system in a
plenum.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0031] These and other features of the invention will become more apparent
from the
following description in which reference is made to the appended drawings
wherein;
FIG, 1 shows an acoustic barrier system in accordance with an embodiment of
the present
invention;
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FIG. 2 shows a top plate in accordance with a farther embodiment of the
present invention;
FIG. 3 shows a bottom plate in accordance with a further embodiment of the
present
invention;
FIG, 4 shows an acoustic barrier system in accordance with a further
embodiment of the
present invention;
FIG. 5 shows a fastener in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention; and
FIG. 6 shows a fastener in accordance with a further embodiment of the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0032] The acoustic barrier system described herein is preferably used in the
plenum resulting
from the installation of a suspended ceiling system in an open building space.
The plenum is
the space between the suspended ceiling system and the underside of the slab
directly above
the suspended Gelling system. This plenum space typically houses a majority of
services, such
as electricity, air supply ducts, network cables and plumbing.
[0033] Typical suspended ceiling systems include a grid system and a plurality
of ceiling tiles.
The grid system typically includes hangars that are positioned around the
perimeter of the
space having the ceiling. Math. beams are positioned parallel to one another
and run from one
hangar to another hangar directly opposite the first hangar. In some cases,
the main beams are
also referred to as T-bars or runners. Cross-tees are connected perpendicular
to adjacent main
beams. The ceiling tiles are supported the grid system formed by the main
beams and cross-
tees.
[0034] As shown in the non-limiting example of FIG, 1, the acoustic barrier
system (1)
described herein is positioned in the plenum. The acoustic barrier system (1)
includes a top
plate (2) which is attached to the underside of the slab (16). For the
purposes of the present
description, the term slab includes a concrete slab that forms the floor of
the floor directly
above, or the roof, if the plenum exists on the highest floor of the building.
Furthermore, the
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term slab can include structures attached to the underside of the slab, in
which the top plate
can be attached.
[0035] The acoustic barrier system (1) also includes a bottom plate (3) which
is initially
placed on the grid system of the suspended ceiling system (10). Preferably,
the bottom plate
(3) is positioned over and parallel to a main beam (12) of the grid system.
However,
positioning the bottom plate (3) over and parallel to a cross-tee (11) may be
necessary in some
applications, In any case, the bottom plate (3) should be positioned
substantially in the same
vertical plane as the top (2). In other words, the edges of the top (2) and
bottom (3) plates to
which the acoustic barrier panel (4) is attached, should be in the same
vertical plane to ensure
a tight seal between the plates (2, 3) and the acoustic barrier panel (4).
[0036] The acoustic barrier system (1) also includes an optional fastener for
connecting the
bottom plate (3) to a portion of the suspended ceiling system (10).
[0037] The top plate (2) of the acoustic barrier system (1) can be attached to
the slab (16)
using any number of different ways, of which many would be apparent to a
person skilled in
the art. For example, the top plate (2) may be glued to the slab (16) or
masonry fasteners,
such as screws, may be used to attach the top plate (2) to the slab (16). In
the event the slab
(16) includes one or more structures attached thereto, another method of
attaching the top
plate (2) to the slab (16) may be necessary. Once again, appropriate fasteners
for this purpose
would be known to a person skilled in the art. In addition, it is envisioned
that the use of a
friction fit instead of or in combination with certain means of fastening can
be used,
[0038] Both the top (2) and bottom (3) plates can be constructed in a similar
manner, For
example, two rigid support members (20) may be provided in the plates (2, 3)
and separated
from one another by a spacer (21) (as shown in FIG. 1). Wooden or metal wall
studs may also
be used as the top (2) and (3) bottom plates. However, the fire rating and
sound dampening
properties of these materials may be less preferred, then the solid support
member and spacer
construction,
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(00393 In one embodiment, the rigid support members (20) are L-shaped (or
angled) tracks
that are separated by a plurality of spacers (21). Although it is feasible for
the two plates (2,
3) to have identical construction, it is preferred that the rigid support
members (20) of the top
plate (2) have the L-shaped tracks extending away from one another, as shown
in FIG. 2. This
configuration allows for the top plate (2) to be more easily fastened to the
slab (16).
Conversely, it is preferred that the rigid support members (20) of the bottom
plate (3) have the
L-shaped tracks facing inward, in order to support the spacers (21) (see FIG.
3) and to assist in
connecting the bottom plate to the grid system. The L-shaped tracks can be
made of any type
of solid material, preferably metal such as but not limited to aluminum or
steel, or
alternatively a composite material. In certain non-limiting embodiments, a
galvanized metal
may be preferred.
10040] The spacers (21) described herein can be made of any material that is
capable of
providing enough structural support to keep the rigid support members (20)
apart, even under
conditions when the acoustic barrier panels are being fastened to the top (2)
and bottom (3)
plates. However, it is preferred that the spacers (21) be made of a material,
such as rigid
foam, that can absorb or dampen sound transmission. Both extruded polystyrene
and
polyisocyanate are suitable rigid foams for this purpose. In order to provide
sufficient
structural support and to improve sound absorption, the rigid foam may be
provided as blocks.
A further example of a suitable spacer material would be high-density foam
backed up a rigid
or semi-rigid support material, such as aluminum.
(0041] The number of spacers (21) provided in the top (2) and bottom (3)
plates will depend
mostly on the overall length of the plates (2, 3). At a minimum, a spacer (21)
should be
provided at each end of the plates (2, 3) and one optionally in the middle of
the plates (2, 3).
In some applications, it may be advantageous to pack the top plate (2) with
spacers (21) to
provide greater structural support. However, as shown in FIG.3, gaps between
spacers (21)
are desired in the top and bottom plates (3), since this will reduce the
acoustical transmission
of the system and allow for passage of a spline (15) attached to the main beam
(12) through
the bottom plate (3). This aspect of the invention will be discussed in
further detail below.
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[0042] Acoustic barrier panels (4) are attached to the top (2) and bottom (3)
plates to
eliminate, or at least minimize, sound transmission through the plenum.
Preferably, the
acoustic barrier panels (4) are attached to the top (2) and bottom (3) plates
through the rigid
support members (20) (FIG. I). Attachment of the acoustic barrier panels (4)
to the plates (2,
3) can be accomplished through standard means, such as gluing and the use of
standard
fasteners. In any event, it is preferred that the method of attachment
selected does not
transmit sound through the system (1). As such, glue is preferred to attach
the panels (4) to
the plates (2, 3).
[0043] In order to reduce the amount of sound that is transmitted through the
plenum, it is
preferred that the acoustic barrier panels (4) extend from the underside of
the slab (16) to the
ceiling tiles (14). In other words, the one edge of the acoustic barrier panel
(4) will abut, or
nearly abut, the underside of the slab (16) and the opposite edge will abut,
or nearly abut, the
ceiling tile (14). The lesser the gap between the slab (16) and the acoustic
barrier panel (4),
and the acoustic barrier panel (4) and the ceiling tile (14), the greater the
noise reduction
properties of the overall system (1).
[0044] As shown in FIG. 4, the acoustic barrier panel (4) will have to
accommodate the cross-
tees (II) or, in some cases, the main beam (12), in order to fit snugly
against the ceiling tiles
(14). In order to accommodate these elements of the grid system, cuts (not
shown) are cut into
the acoustic barrier panels (4) and the panels (4) slid over and around the
cross-tees (11) and
main beam (12). Since the spacing of the cross-tees (11) in connection with
the main beam
(12) are for the most part standard, either two foot or four foot spacing, the
cuts could be
provided on the acoustic barrier panels (4) at the factory. Alternatively, the
panels (4) could
be shipped without the cuts, and the installer cuts the cuts on site,
[0045] The material used for the acoustic barrier panels (4) should be capable
of absorbing or
deflecting sound. However, to avoid an echo in the room in which the sound
originates, it is
preferred that the panels absorb sound instead of deflecting it. In order to
facilitate the
installation of the acoustic barrier system (1), it is preferred that the
acoustic barrier panels (4)
be made out of a semi-rigid material. For the purposes of this description,
semi-rigid means
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that the panels have a certain amount of flexibility, but are not as flexible
as the curtains
currently used for this purpose. Moreover, the panels (4) should not be rigid,
as this will
increase the chances of the integrity of the panels being compromised during
delivery and
installation.
[0046] Polyester fiber board, such as that sold under the trade name Ezobord ,
is a preferred
material for use as an acoustic barrier panel (4). This material is semi-rigid
and has memory,
which is preferred, since this property will allow the slits/notches cut in
the material to form
tightly around the elements of the grid system. Moreover, this material is
made from 42%
recycled material, which along with the fact that the acoustic barrier system
described herein
is completely reusable when an office space is reconfigured, decreases the
overall
environmental impact of the system. Furthermore, polyester fiber board has
excellent sound
absorbing properties, as well is of lightweight, water-resistant, impact-
resistant, bacteria-,
resistant, fire-resistant and formaldehyde free.
[0047] In one embodiment, the polyester fiber board described above is backed
with a foil
scrim kraft facing. Including a foil scrim 'craft facing on the acoustic
barrier panel (4)
improves the overall ability of the panel to absorb sound and improves the
fire rating of the
overall system.
[0048] Another preferred material for the construction of the acoustic barrier
panels (4) is
stone wool insulation with multi-directional fiber orientation, such as that
sold under the trade
name Rockboard .
[0049] During installation, it is preferred that both of the longitudinal
edges of the top and
bottom plates (2, 3), i.e. the sides to the top and bottom plates that are not
pressed up against
the slab or suspended ceiling system or the opposites sides thereof, have
acoustic barrier
panels (4) attached to them (see FIG. 4). However, in some cases, sufficient
noise reduction
can be achieved by attaching the acoustic barrier panels (4) to one of the
longitudinal edges of
the top (2) and bottom (3) plates (see FIG. 1). In either case, the whole
perimeter of the area
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in which the transmission of sound therefrom is not desired should be covered
with acoustic
barrier panels (4).
[0050] In the preferred embodiment, where acoustic barrier panels (4) are
attached to both
longitudinal edges of the top (2) and bottom (3) plates, a cavity (6) will be
formed between the
panels (4). To further limit the transmission of sound across the acoustic
barrier system (1),
this cavity (6) may be filled with a sound dampening material, such as foam or
insulation.
[0051] As mentioned above, the bottom plate (3) is connected to a portion of
the suspended
ceiling system (10) by a fastener. Although some applications may permit the
use of standard
fasteners, such as hexagonal nuts, it is preferred that the fastener (5) shown
in FIG. 5 be used
with the acoustic barrier system (1) described herein. The fastener (5) shown
in FIG. 5
includes a plastic or lightweight metal plate (30). Preferably the dimensions
of the plate (30)
correspond to the inside dimension between the two solid support members (20),
in order to
minimize lateral movement of the plate (30) within the bottom plate (3). The
plate (30)
having a passage (31) disposed therethrough. The passage (31) allows for a
spline (15)
attached to the grid system of the suspended ceiling system (10), or a spline
formed as part of
the grid system, to pass through the fastener (5). For the purposes of this
description, the term
spline means any element attached to the grid system of the suspended ceiling
system or
formed as a part of the grid system that can be inserted through the passage
(31) in the fastener
(5) and used to connect the bottom plate (4) to the grid system. In other
words, hooks,
catches, spring-loaded tensioners are all considered splines for the purpose
of this description,
[0052] In the case where the spline is a threaded bolt, the fastener (5),
along with hexagonal
nut corresponding to the threaded bolt, may be used to compress the bottom
plate (4) against
the grid system of the suspended ceiling (10). However, it is preferred that
the dimensions of
the passage (31) be made slightly smaller than the width of the spline (15),
so that the spline
(15) is held in place in the passage (31) by friction. In order to make the
fastener (5) easier to
work with during installation of the system (1), the plate (30) is designed to
have a convex
area (32) surrounding the passage (31) (see FIG. 6). This convex area (32)
will provide
greater flexibility for the passage (31) to spread apart while the spline (15)
is being inserted
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therethrough, yet will provided sufficient rigidity to frictionally engage
with the spline (15) to
prevent lateral and vertical movement of the fastener (5) in relation to the
spline (15).
[0053] In an effort to provide greater usability with the fastener (5),
including the ability to
accommodate a larger number of splines (15) with different dimensions, reliefs
(33) can be
provided at either end of the passage (31) (see FIG, 5). These reliefs (33)
also allow for the
convex area (32) to be formed on the plate (30).
[0054] The dimensions of the passage (31) can be customized depending on the
type of spline
(15) being used. However, in most cases the spline (15) will have a
rectangular tab shape,
similar to that shown in the drawings. In this case, the passage (31) can be
provided as a slot,
as shown in PIG. 5.
[0055] Although the edges of the plate (30) that engage the bottom plate (4)
can have any
shape, so long as it sufficiently overlaps the bottom plate (4) to hold it in
place, it is preferred
that these edges are arch-shaped as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. This shape allows
for slight
adjustment to the positioning the fastener (5) in relation to the bottom plate
(4) during
installation,
[0056] The fastener (5) described herein is preferably used with the acoustic
barrier system
(1). However, it can also be used to attach other elements to the suspended
ceiling system
(10). For example, wires and networking cables may forced against the grid
system of the
suspended ceiling system to prevent them from coming into contact with other
meclumical
systems in the plenum. Moreover, the fasteners could be used, alone or in
conjunction with
other devices, to put pressure against a ceiling tile to prevent it from
raising up from the grid
system.
[0057] The nature of the acoustic barrier system (1) described herein, allows
for relatively
easy installation without much disruption to the workplace. The system (1) is
typically
installed by positioning the bottom plate (3) on a portion of the grid system
of the suspended
ceiling system (10). Preferably, the bottom plate (3) is aligned with either
the main beam (12)
or a series of cross-tees (11) of the grid system. The top plate (2) is
aligned with the bottom
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plate (4) and is attached to the slab (16) in a vertical plane with the bottom
plate (3).
Although it is desirable to install the bottom plate (3) prior to the top
plate (2), the top plate
(2) could be installed first and the bottom plate (3) aligned in a vertical
plane therewith.
[0058] Once the top (2) and bottom (3) plates are aligned, the bottom plate
(3) can be fastened
to the grid system of the suspended ceiling system (10) by using a fastener
(5) as described
above.
[0059] The acoustic barrier panels (4) are then installed to the top (2) and
bottom (3) plates,
In the case where acoustic barrier panels (4) are placed on either side of the
top (2) and bottom
(3) plates, a sound dampening material may be added to the cavity (6) created
by the panels
(4), prior to the second acoustic barrier panel (4) being attached to the top
(2) and bottom (3)
plates,
[0060] If portions of the grid system of the suspended ceiling system (10) are
in the way of an
acoustic bather panel (4) being attached to the bottom plate (3), then
slits/notches should be
cut in the panels (4) to accommodate those portions of the gild.
[0061] It is contemplated that the individual components of the acoustic
barrier system (1)
described herein may be sold individually or as part of a kit, In this case,
the kit would
include a top plate (2), a bottom plate (3), at least one acoustic barrier
panel (4), one or more
fasteners (5) for attaching the bottom plate (3) to the grid system of the
suspended ceiling
system (10) and a set of instructions for use thereof. Each of these
components could have the
features described above, The kit might also include splines (15) to attach to
the grid system.
As well, sound dampening material for placement between the two acoustic
barrier panels
may also be included in the kit.
[0061] One or more currently preferred embodiments have been described by way
of example.
It will be apparent to persons skilled in the art that a number of variations
and modifications
can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in
the claims.
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