U.S. patent application number 11/035440 was filed with the patent office on 2006-07-20 for diverse acoustical modules with identical outward appearance.
This patent application is currently assigned to RPG DIFFUSOR SYSTEMS, INC.. Invention is credited to Peter D'Antonio.
Application Number | 20060157297 11/035440 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36682716 |
Filed Date | 2006-07-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060157297 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
D'Antonio; Peter |
July 20, 2006 |
Diverse acoustical modules with identical outward appearance
Abstract
Diverse acoustical modules have identical outward appearance. A
series of modules each has an unobtrusive acoustically transparent
surface, each module providing a different acoustical functionality
while each bears a common outward appearance. Therefore, an
acoustical environment can be created specifically suited for the
particular application, but devoid of any distracting differences
of appearance between the respective absorbers, reflectors, and
diffusers that are employed to create the aesthetic appearance. One
manner of installation can include a grid structure suspended from
the existing ceiling and allowing each module to be removably
installed in a space having a desired shape such as a square or
rectangle. Alternatively, the different acoustical treatment
modules can be directly surface mounted to a ceiling or wall,
preferably in a manner permitting easy removal for servicing or
replacing due to damage or changing acoustical characteristics.
Inventors: |
D'Antonio; Peter; (Upper
Marlboro, MD) |
Correspondence
Address: |
H. JAY SPIEGEL
P.O. BOX 11
MOUNT VERNON
VA
22121
US
|
Assignee: |
RPG DIFFUSOR SYSTEMS, INC.
|
Family ID: |
36682716 |
Appl. No.: |
11/035440 |
Filed: |
January 14, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
181/287 ;
181/290 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04B 9/0435 20130101;
E04B 9/003 20130101; E04B 9/0457 20130101; E04B 9/34 20130101; E04B
2001/8452 20130101; E04B 9/045 20130101; E04B 9/001 20130101; E04B
9/0464 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
181/287 ;
181/290 |
International
Class: |
E04B 1/343 20060101
E04B001/343; E04B 1/82 20060101 E04B001/82; E04B 2/02 20060101
E04B002/02 |
Claims
1. In combination, a multiplicity of acoustical modules mounted
adjacent to one another within a room, said modules including: a) a
first module having acoustical characteristics chosen from the
group consisting of absorptive, reflective, diffusive and a
combination of absorptive and diffusive; b) a further module having
acoustical characteristics differing from the acoustical
characteristics of said first module; c) each module having a face
facing toward said room, said face being covered with a surface
veil substantially transparent to sound waves but hiding, from
view, structure of said module.
2. The combination of claim 1, wherein surface veils of said
modules are identical to one another.
3. The combination of claim 2, wherein said surface veils are made
of a material chosen from the group consisting of non-woven glass
fiber mat, woven glass yarns, fine linens, and woven metals.
4. The combination of claim 1, wherein each module includes a frame
with an acoustical treatment mounted on said frame and beneath said
surface veil.
5. The combination of claim 4, wherein said surface veil has
peripheral edges wrapped about said frame.
6. The combination of claim 5, wherein each said frame is
rectangular.
7. The combination of claim 6, wherein said modules are mounted on
a wall.
8. The combination of claim 6, further including a grid system
suspended from a ceiling of said room, said modules mounted in said
grid system.
9. The combination of claim 8, wherein said grid system includes a
multiplicity of rectangular openings, each sized to receive a
module, each module being removably mounted in a said opening.
10. The combination of claim 9, wherein each frame has an L-shaped
cross-section.
11. The combination of claim 9, wherein said first module comprises
a reflector.
12. The combination of claim 9, wherein said first module comprises
an absorber.
13. The combination of claim 9, wherein said first module comprises
a diffuser.
14. The combination of claim 9, wherein said first module comprises
a diffsorber.
15. In combination, a multiplicity of acoustical modules mounted
adjacent one another suspended from a ceiling of a room, said
modules including: a) a first module having acoustical
characteristics chosen from the group consisting of absorptive,
reflective, diffusive and a combination of absorptive and
diffusive; b) a further module having acoustical characteristics
differing from the acoustical characteristics of said first module;
c) each module having a face facing toward said room, said face
being covered with a surface veil substantially transparent to
sound waves but hiding, from view, structure of said module, said
surface veils being made of a material chosen from the group
consisting of non-woven glass fiber mat, woven glass yarns, fine
linens, and woven metals; d) each module including a rectangular
frame with an acoustical treatment mounted on said frame and
beneath said surface veil; and e) further including a grid system
suspended from said ceiling of said room, said modules mounted in
said grid system.
16. The combination of claim 15, wherein said surface veil has
peripheral edges wrapped about said frame.
17. The combination of claim 16, wherein said grid system includes
a multiplicity of rectangular openings, each sized to receive a
module, each module being removably mounted in a said opening.
18. The combination of claim 15, wherein said first module
comprises a reflector.
19. The combination of claim 15, wherein said first module
comprises an absorber.
20. The combination of claim 15, wherein said first module
comprises a diffuser.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to diverse acoustical modules
with identical outward appearance. The sound that is heard in most
environments is a combination of the direct sound straight from the
source or sources, and the indirect reflections from surfaces and
other objects. For instance, in room acoustics, both the direct
sound and the reflections from the walls, ceiling and floor are key
in determining the quality of the acoustical results. Hence, one of
the central topics in acoustics is how to manipulate these
reflections that affect the way the sound propagates, and is
ultimately perceived.
[0002] Sound striking a surface is transmitted, absorbed or
reflected, the amount of energy going into transmission, absorption
or reflection depending on the surface's acoustic properties. The
reflected sound can either be redirected by large flat surfaces
(specularly reflected), or scattered by a diffusing surface. When a
significant portion of the reflected sound is spatially and
temporally dispersed, this is a diffuse reflection, and the surface
involved is often termed a diffuser. FIG. 1 illustrates temporal
and spatial characteristics of absorbing, specularly reflecting and
diffusing surfaces, which form the acoustical palette. In addition
to the surface types shown in FIG. 1, there are also hybrid
surfaces, called Diffsorbers, Abf fusors and Abf lectors, etc.,
which can absorb, reflect and/or diffuse, in combination, to
varying degrees.
[0003] Over the past 100 years, since the founding of architectural
acoustics by Sabine, there has been considerable effort devoted to
studying surface absorption. Over this time, a considerable library
of absorption coefficients has been tabulated based on accepted
standards of measurement, and a reasonable understanding of how
absorbers should be designed and applied has been achieved. This
development continues and, in recent decades, many innovative
absorber designs have been developed, and new ways to predict and
measure absorptive materials produced. In contrast, significant
scientific knowledge about the role of scattering (diffusely
reflecting) surfaces has only been developed much more recently.
Over the past 20 to 30 years, significant research on methods to
design, predict, measure and quantify diffusing surfaces has
resulted in a growing body of scientific knowledge and
understanding.
[0004] Good architectural acoustic design requires the right room
volume, the right room shape and surface treatments, utilizing an
appropriate combination and placement of absorbers, diffusers and
flat surfaces. However, most acoustical surface treatments achieve
only one primary or dual function and have a very different visual
appearance. For example, DECOUSTICS offers a porous absorption
panel faced with an acoustically transparent scrim called "Claro,"
which is used in a proprietary ceiling grid called "Ceilencio."
Others offer scrim covered absorptive panels, however, there does
not exist an integrated system offering multiple acoustical modules
with diverse acoustical functionality. It is with this thought in
mind that the present invention was developed.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The present invention relates to diverse acoustical modules
with identical outward appearance. The purpose of the present
invention is to provide a series of modules with each having an
unobtrusive acoustically transparent surface made of a material
such as fabric, scrim, perf metal or the like, each of which
provides a different acoustical functionality while each bears a
common outward appearance. The present invention includes the
following interrelated objects, aspects and features:
[0006] (1) In a first aspect, central to the present invention as
explained above, the goal is to construct wall and/or ceiling
treatments having a plurality of panels, each of which outwardly
appears identical to other adjacent panels. However, beneath the
outward appearance, acoustically distinct modules are mixed in an
appropriate pattern to achieve the desired acoustical results.
Therefore, an acoustical environment can be created specifically
suited for the particular application, but devoid of any
distracting differences of appearance between the respective
absorbers, reflectors, and diffusers that are employed to create
the aesthetic appearance.
[0007] (2) For example, a conference room may have a different set
of acoustical problems and solutions than a music practice room, a
classroom, a library, museum, office, corridor or atrium. In each
of these separate circumstances, determination is made of what
combination of absorbers, reflectors and diffusers would be
appropriate to optimize the acoustics of the space, including
arranging the pattern of absorbers, reflectors and diffusers. An
architect or designer can select the desired outward appearance and
specify that outward appearance, and all of the acoustical
treatments whether absorber, reflector or diffuser are manufactured
using the identical outward appearance or an outward appearance as
specified by the architect or designer. Thus, for example, a
ceiling could be created out of a multiplicity of modules, either
having the same outward appearance or having differing outward
appearances to create a pattern such as, for example, a
checkerboard-type pattern using darker and lighter materials in
alternating fashion.
[0008] (3) One manner of installation, in accordance with the
teachings of the present invention, can include a grid structure
suspended from the existing ceiling and allowing each module to be
removably installed in a space having a desired shape such as a
square or rectangle.
[0009] (4) Alternatively, the different acoustical treatment
modules can be directly surface mounted to a ceiling or wall,
preferably in a manner permitting easy removal for servicing or
replacing due to damage or changing acoustical characteristics.
[0010] (5) To date, Applicant is unaware of any modular acoustical
treatment system that has ever been devised that utilizes aesthetic
functionality to conceal the acoustical functionality of acoustical
treatments such as reflectors, absorbers, diffusers or, for
example, Diffsorbers, and that also facilitates easy replacement of
each module as well as accessibility behind the modules.
[0011] (6) As is well known to those skilled in the field of
acoustics, architectural acoustical spaces can be loosely divided
into three types of environments, (1) sound production, (2) sound
reproduction, and (3) noise control. An example of a sound
production room is the performing arts facility such as concert
halls for classical music or a theatre where speeches are given.
The room acoustic contributes greatly to the perceived sound of the
music or speech. The arrival time, direction and temporal density
and level of early reflections, coupled with the balance of the
early-to-late energy, decay time, temporal and spatial density of
the late reflections, combine to define the quality of sound that
is heard by listeners where they are located. In large sound
production rooms, reflection and diffuse reflection are the primary
acoustic tools. FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of these
phenomena. Absorption may be used to control reverberance, but
unavoidable absorption due to the presence of paying customers must
also be considered.
[0012] (7) In contrast, the acoustics of sound reproduction rooms
such as recording studios and home theatres, should optimally be
neutral. All of the spectral, timbre and spatial information is
pre-recorded on playback media, and the reproduction room is
provided to allow a listener or listeners to hear that which has
been recorded as closely as possible to the sounds that were
recorded. In a sound reproduction room, absorption and diffuse
reflection play a key role and specular reflection is a minor
contributor to the overall acoustics. This is illustrated
schematically in FIG. 3. Absorption and diffusion in that
environment are used to control the coloration that would otherwise
occur in the space from early arriving reflections and low
frequency modes.
[0013] (8) In noise control situations, such as gymnasiums,
swimming pools, and factories, the objective is simply to reduce
the reverberance and sound level to comfortable amplitudes. These
results are sought to reduce sound levels to prevent hearing damage
or to improve the intelligibility of speech. The primary acoustic
tool employed in such environments consists of uniform distribution
of absorption and specular reflection as well as diffuse reflection
have more minor roles. FIG. 4 schematically represents this
scenario.
[0014] As such, it is a first object of the present invention to
provide diverse acoustical modules with identical outward
appearance.
[0015] It is a further object of the present invention to provide
such modules that may be combined together on a wall, ceiling, or
both, to enhance acoustical results while maintaining aesthetic
standards.
[0016] It is a still further object of the present invention to
provide such modules either surface mounted in the case of a
ceiling or wall or mounted spaced from a ceiling on a grid or frame
provided for that purpose.
[0017] It is a still further object of the present invention to
provide such a system in which the user cannot differentiate
between diverse acoustical treatments due to their identical
outward appearances.
[0018] It is a still further object of the present invention to
provide such modules with surface appearances that are specifically
designed to exhibit a pattern on a wall or ceiling that is
aesthetically pleasing, but does not reveal the inner workings of
the acoustical treatments so installed.
[0019] These and other objects, aspects and features of the present
invention will be better understood from the following detailed
description of the preferred embodiments when read in conjunction
with the appended drawing figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] FIGS. 1a, 1b and 1c show schematic representations of
acoustical treatments, namely, absorbers, reflectors and diffusers
schematically showing temporal response and spatial response for
each one.
[0021] FIG. 2 shows a schematic representation of appropriate
acoustical surface treatment in an optimized sound production
room.
[0022] FIG. 3 shows a schematic representation of appropriate
acoustical surface treatment in an optimized sound reproduction
room.
[0023] FIG. 4 shows a schematic representation of appropriate
acoustical surface treatment in a noise control room.
[0024] FIG. 5a shows a front view, with portions removed to show
detail, of a reflective module.
[0025] FIG. 5b shows a cross-sectional view along the line 5b-5b of
FIG. 5a.
[0026] FIG. 5c shows an enlargement of a portion of FIG. 5b.
[0027] FIG. 6a shows a front view, with portions removed to show
detail, of an absorptive module.
[0028] FIG. 6b shows a cross-sectional view along the line 6b-6b of
FIG. 6a.
[0029] FIG. 6c shows an enlargement of a portion of FIG. 6b.
[0030] FIG. 7a shows a front view, with portions removed to show
detail, of a diffusive/absorptive module.
[0031] FIG. 7b shows a cross-sectional view along the line 7b-7b of
FIG. 7a.
[0032] FIG. 7c shows an enlargement of a portion of FIG. 7b.
[0033] FIG. 8 shows a front view, with portions removed to show
detail, of a diffusive module.
[0034] FIG. 8b shows a cross-sectional view along the line 8b-8b of
FIG. 8a.
[0035] FIG. 8c shows an enlargement of a portion of FIG. 8b.
[0036] FIG. 9 shows a rear view of a frame designed to be mounted
in spaced parallel relation to a ceiling allowing downward access
to facilitate attachment of acoustical modules.
[0037] FIG. 10 shows the grid of FIG. 9 from the front with more
acoustical modules attached thereto.
[0038] FIG. 11 shows a rear view of a further embodiment of frame
designed to be mounted in parallel relation to a ceiling including
the use of torsion springs.
[0039] FIG. 12 shows a front view of the grid of FIG. 11.
[0040] FIG. 13a shows a front view of a concealed ceiling grid
lay-in panel.
[0041] FIG. 13b shows one edge of the panel of FIG. 13a.
[0042] FIG. 13c shows another edge of the panel of FIG. 13a.
[0043] FIG. 13d shows a cross-sectional view along the line 13d-13d
of FIG. 13c.
[0044] FIG. 13e shows a cross-sectional view along the line 13e-13e
of FIG. 13b.
[0045] FIG. 14 shows a front view of a concealed grid ceiling
having modules with diverse acoustics installed using a concealed
grid system.
SPECIFIC DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0046] Reference is first made to FIGS. 5a-c which depict a
reflective module generally designated by the reference numeral 10
and including a frame 11 covered with an absorptive core 13 which
in turn is covered by a non-perforated template 15 and, finally, an
acoustically transparent surface veil 17. With reference to FIGS.
5b and 5c, if desired, the frame 11 can consist of an L-shaped
cross-section profile frame construction including a horizontal leg
14 and a vertical leg 16. Alternatively, the L-shaped profile can
instead be replaced with an F-type profile designed to capture the
side of the panel or with more complex shapes having specific
profiles best facilitating attachment to a ceiling grid. As best
seen in FIG. 5c, the surface veil 17 is preferably wrapped about
the sides of the module 10 as shown at 18. A purpose for the
perimeter frame is to provide a crisp visual edge perimeter to the
panel, provide stability and provide a supporting structure for
grid attachment hardware as will be described in greater detail
hereinafter.
[0047] The acoustically transparent veil can consist of any porous
surface offering a pleasing aesthetic appearance. Examples of
alternative constructions include but are not limited to non-woven
glass fiber mat, either natural or painted with a non-bridging
paint, paintable decorative and acoustically transparent woven
glass yarns preferably treated with a modified starch binder, woven
glass textiles ranging from fine linens to twills to heavy braids
and patterns. Additionally, woven metals and other fabrics may be
employed so long as the central concept of the present invention is
adhered to, namely, that the acoustically transparent surface veil
presents a monolithic flat surface finish that conceals the
particular acoustical functionality of the acoustical treatment
hidden beneath the surface veil.
[0048] The non-perforated panel 15 may be in the range of 3-4
millimeters in thickness and can be made of materials such as MDF,
wood, plastic, mass loaded vinyl or any suitable reflective
surface. At low frequencies, such a reflective membrane also serves
as a diaphragmatically absorptive panel.
[0049] The absorptive core 13 can be a fibrous panel like
fiberglass, mineral wool or the like, or a non-fibrous panel such
as melamine foam, polyester, bonded cotton or the like. The core 15
can be made of any desired thickness, for example, in the range of
1-2 inches. The thicker the panel, the lower the absorption extends
in the case of an absorber.
[0050] With reference now to FIGS. 6a-c, an absorptive module is
generally designated by the reference numeral 20. The absorptive
module 20 includes a frame 21, a porous panel 23, a perforated
template 25, and a surface veil 27. The surface veil 27 is
identical to the surface veil 17 illustrated in FIGS. 5a-c. The
frame 21 has the identical structure and function as the frame 11
illustrated in FIGS. 5a-c. The structure illustrated in FIG. 6c is
analogous to that which is disclosed in FIG. 5c including the frame
21 with its horizontal member 24 and vertical member 26. The veil
27 is similarly seen with a portion 28 wrapped about the side of
the frame 21.
[0051] For effective absorption, the perforated template 25 should
have an open area in excess of 20% of its surface area. If desired,
the perforated template 25 could be replaced with a high density
porous panel weighing in the range of 20 pounds per cubic foot or
greater to provide a solid backing for the surface veil 27. The
absorptive panel 23 is located below the perforated template
25.
[0052] With reference now to FIGS. 7a-c, a diffsorptive panel is
generally designated by the reference numeral 30. The module 30
includes a frame 31, an absorptive panel 33, a binary amplitude
template 35, and a surface veil 37. The frame 31 is identical in
structure and function to the frames 11 and 21 described
hereinabove. The surface veil 37 is identical in structure and
function to the surface veils 17 and 27 described hereinabove. The
pattern of holes best seen in FIG. 7a in the binary amplitude
template 35 forms an optimal binary sequence such as described in
U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,817,992 and 6,112,852. In the embodiment of FIGS.
7a-c, the binary amplitude template 45 is mounted over and adhered
to the porous absorption panel 33. This assembly is attached to the
perimeter frame 31. FIG. 7c shows structure analogous to that which
is shown in FIGS. 5c and 6c and as explained in detail
hereinabove.
[0053] FIGS. 8a-c show a further aspect of the present invention
consisting of a purely diffusive module generally designated by the
reference numeral 40 and having a frame 41, a diffuser 43, and a
surface veil 47. The frame 41 is analogous to the frames previously
disclosed and the surface veil 47 is analogous to the surface veils
previously disclosed.
[0054] The diffuser 43 is a purely 1D or 2D diffuser as disclosed,
for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,401,921 and 6,772,859. Such
diffusers provide scattering in only one or two planes.
[0055] The diffuser 43 is mounted directly to the perimeter frame
41 in a suitable manner and the surface veil 59 covers the diffuser
43. The surface veil 47 may extend around the edge of the frame in
the same manner as before as shown in FIG. 8c.
[0056] With reference now to FIGS. 9 and 10, rear and front views,
respectively, of a grid ceiling are generally designated by the
reference numeral 60, with the grid including a plurality of main
runners 61, 63, 65 and 67, extending parallel to one another, and a
plurality of cross runners 69, 71, 73 and 75, extending parallel to
one another and perpendicular to the respective main runners 61,
63, 65 and 67. These eight legs combine together as shown to
provide a module having nine openings. In the preferred embodiment,
the cross runners insert into the main runners at appropriate
positions based upon the size of each acoustical module. The grid
is suspended from a ceiling in any suitable manner as is well known
to those skilled in the art. Alternatively, the main runners can be
slotted and the cross runners unslotted. Either configuration is
equally effective.
[0057] Modules such as the module 40 are mounted to the grid 60
using snap connectors 77 attached to the perimeter frame 41 which
is designed to snap into the slot 79 formed in the runner 67. A
lanyard 81 is also attached to the frame 41 and snaps over the top
of the runner 67 as shown in analogous fashion by the reference
numeral 83. In the preferred embodiment, each module such as the
module 40 includes at least four snap connectors 77 and four
lanyards 81. Thus, if a module is required to be serviced, all four
snap connectors are released from the grid 60 so that the panel is
suspended below the grid by the lanyards 81. In the preferred
embodiment, two adjacent ones of the lanyards are permanently
fastened to a runner and the other two may be selectively
disconnected from the runner to allow the module to swing downward
as shown in the example of the module 40. In that example, the
lanyards 81a and 81b are fastened to the runner 65 by appropriate
means such as, for example, screws or other threaded fasteners.
[0058] FIG. 10 shows a front view of the structure shown from the
rear in FIG. 9 and shows the module 40, the module 30, and the
other structure including the lanyards 81, with the lanyards 81a
and 81b shown fastened to the runner 65. FIG. 10 also shows a
number of other modules appropriately fastened including modules
designated by the reference numerals 20, 30 and 40 corresponding to
the reference numerals set forth above. The pattern of modules
depicted in FIG. 10 is suitably determined through appropriate
acoustical calculations.
[0059] FIGS. 11 and 12 show a further grid 90 composed of main
runners 91, 93, 95 and 97 as well as cross runners 99, 101, 103 and
105. As before, the cross runners are installed into the main
runners at appropriate positions based upon the dimensions of the
modules to be installed into the grid 90. The entire grid 90 is
suspended from a ceiling (not shown) by attaching the main runners
to the ceiling deck.
[0060] Spring torsion clips such as the clip 107 are attached to
the perimeter of the module, for example, 40, as best seen in FIG.
11. The module 40 is shown hanging from two torsion springs 107a
and 107b that are permanently fastened to cross members 101 and
103, respectively. As also shown in FIG. 11, the other module 20 is
shown hanging from the runners 103 and 105 by virtue of torsion
springs 109a-d. As should be understood from FIG. 11 in particular,
when a module is installed on the grid 90, the torsion springs have
legs that angle away from one another to provide a biasing force
maintaining each module in its installed position. When a module
such as the module 20 is lowered, the springs are flexed inwardly
by virtue of the narrow slots such as the slot 111 through which
they ride. If a module is pulled down far enough, outwardly
extending legs 113 and 115 on each spring engage the edges of the
slot 111 to preclude the spring 109 from being removed therefrom
unless the legs of the spring are squeezed together, thereby
allowing the spring and its associated module to be removed.
[0061] FIG. 12 shows the same structure as shown in FIG. 11, but
from below. The modules installed in the grid 90 are provided in a
pattern determined through acoustical calculations. As is the case
in the grid illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10, the surface veils of all
of the modules are either identical to one another or have
differing configurations allowing an aesthetic appearance without
revealing to the viewer the acoustical characteristics and
performance of each module.
[0062] The visually yet acoustically distinct modules can also be
simply laid into a standard T-bar ceiling grid in a flush or
regular mounting. However, for safety and a more aesthetic
appearance, now described is another embodiment for a concealed
grid ceiling lay-in installation.
[0063] With reference now to FIGS. 13a-e, additional details of the
grid system of FIGS. 11 and 12 are seen in more detail. In FIGS.
13a-e, a module designated by the reference numeral 120 includes
edges 121 (FIG. 13b) and 123 (FIG. 13c) which allow simple lay-in
into the grid and the use of lanyards such as those illustrated in
FIGS. 9 and 10 to secure the panel 120 to the grid. The end
condition 125 (FIG. 13e) allows the panel 120 to slide into a T-bar
127 allowing the opposite side 129 to rest on the T-bar as shown at
131 (FIG. 13e). The two opposite sides shown in FIG. 13d show, at
133, simple touching of the bottom of the T-bar 127. The panel 120
can be removed by pushing upward in the view of FIGS. 13d and 13e,
sliding the panel into the groove 125 and then lowering it.
[0064] With reference to FIG. 14, grid 140 is shown from below as
suspended from a ceiling using hangers 141. One of the panels
identified by the reference numeral 150 is suspended from lanyards
151 and 153 for accessibility. Another panel 160 is shown as
inserted. As before, each of the modules received in the system 140
has a surface veil that obscures to the viewer the acoustical
characteristics thereof.
[0065] As such, an invention has been disclosed in terms of
preferred embodiments thereof which fulfill each and every one of
the objects of the invention as set forth hereinabove, and provide
diverse acoustical modules with identical outward appearance of
great novelty and utility.
[0066] Of course, various changes, modifications and alterations in
the teachings of the present invention may be contemplated by those
skilled in the art without departing from the intended spirit and
scope thereof.
[0067] As such, it is intended that the present invention only be
limited by the terms of the appended claims.
* * * * *