Patent Grant
7028432
The present invention is in the field of suspended and isolated ceilings. More specifically this invention relates to a hanging device for suspending and isolating a ceiling.
In modern construction, especially commercial and institutional building construction, suspended ceilings using a hanger mechanism are very common. This type of construction is used both to minimize the effects from impact (structure-borne noise) and reduce sound transmission (air-borne noise) between occupied spaces. To further reduce structure-borne and air-borne noise transmitted from one occupied space to another, the hangers used to suspend the ceiling are often equipped with vibration isolators. In the past, these vibration isolation hangers, typically a spring assembly, have consisted of an attachment mechanism from which single or multiple layers of gypsum board are suspended. Another attachment mechanism is used to mount the vibration isolation hanger to a component of the ceiling structure above the hanger. This method typically requires 7–13 inches of space, which for many applications is unacceptable.
In addition to the undesirable amount of space used, these hangers provide no inherent lateral or vertical restraint as may be required during a seismic event. To prepare for the occurrence of a seismic event when lateral and vertical movement is an issue, a separate restraint must be installed. Further, there is no easy way to level the ceiling framing system in the field if adjustments are necessary.
In an attempt to overcome some of these shortcomings, Vibration Mountings and Controls, Inc. developed a low profile ceiling isolation hanger. Their design consists of a vibration isolator supporting opposing receiver arms on either side of the vibration isolator. These receiver arms then support two cold rolled steel channels (one each), which in turn support the isolated ceiling. While this design does indeed reduce the required space, it requires two cold rolled steel channels, which increases isolated ceiling grid materials costs. Further, it does not solve the problem of easily leveling the ceiling grid if any adjustments are needed in the field.
A compact ceiling isolation hanger is desired which would take up a minimum of space, require less ceiling grid material, limit lateral and vertical movement of the suspended and isolated ceiling assembly, and allow for easy leveling of the ceiling grid in the field.
A compact ceiling isolation hanger for suspending and isolating a ceiling from the ceiling structure comprises two vibration isolators, two vibration isolator mounting means, a channel bracket having a channel carrier and opposing flanges, and a ceiling bracket mounted to the ceiling structure, wherein the vibration isolator mounting means mount the vibration isolators and the channel bracket to the ceiling bracket such that the vibration isolator mounting means pass through the channel bracket flanges, and wherein the ceiling bracket is adapted such that the vibration isolator mounting means do not contact the ceiling structure.
Various aspects of the invention are presented in
According to a further aspect of the invention, the ceiling bracket 140 is adapted by having a channel 142, such that the vibration isolator mounting means 120 mounts into the channel 142.
In a further aspect of the invention the channel bracket 130 is mounted such that the flanges 134 are located between the vibration isolators 110 and the ceiling bracket 140.
In one embodiment of the invention the vibration isolators 110 comprise elastomeric elements such as neoprene or natural rubber. In another embodiment the vibration isolators 110 comprise springs. In a third embodiment of the invention the vibration isolators 110 comprise compressed fiberglass elements. These are three examples of commonly used vibration isolators; this does not in any way limit the invention, as any suitable vibration isolator is considered to be within the purview of this invention.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the vibration isolators 110 comprise springs 112 having a top end 111 and a bottom end 113, and further comprise an isolating spring cup 116, wherein the isolating spring cup 116 is on the top end 111, and a spring cap 114 wherein the spring cap 114 is on the bottom end 113. The isolating spring cup 116 serves to reduce the transfer of noise through the metal components. In a further preferred embodiment, the isolating spring cup 116 comprises an elastomeric material.
According to another aspect of the invention, the vibration isolator mounting means 120 each comprise a bolt 122 and a nut 124. In a preferred embodiment, the ceiling 20 may be leveled by loosening or tightening the nut 124.
According to another aspect of the invention, the vibration isolator mounting means 120 each comprise a bolt 122 and a nut 124. In a preferred embodiment, lateral and vertical movement of the ceiling 20 may be limited during a seismic occurrence.
Referring now to
According to another aspect of the invention, a method for suspending and isolating a floating ceiling 20 from a ceiling structure 30 comprises supporting a channel bracket 130 having a channel carrier 132 and two opposing flanges 134, with two vibration isolators 110, mounting the vibration isolators 110 to a ceiling bracket 140 with a vibration isolator mounting means 120, mounting the ceiling bracket 140 to the ceiling structure 30, wherein the ceiling bracket 140 is adapted such that the vibration isolator mounting means 120 do not contact the ceiling structure 30, sliding a cold rolled steel channel 150 into the channel carrier 132 of the channel bracket 130, and attaching the floating ceiling 20 to the cold rolled channel 150.
In a preferred embodiment, the floating ceiling 20 would be attached to the cold rolled channel 150 by attaching an appropriate mounting channel 155 to the cold rolled steel channel 150; and attaching the floating ceiling 20 to a ceiling grid comprised of the cold rolled steel channel 150 and the mounting channel 155. One such appropriate mounting channel 155 is a drywall furring channel, although the method is not limited in any way to a drywall furring channel.
In a preferred embodiment, the vibration isolator mounting means 120 each comprise a bolt 122 and a nut 124, and the method further comprises the step of loosening or tightening the nut 124 to level the floating ceiling 20. If a mounting channel 155 is used to form a ceiling grid, then the loosening or tightening of the nut would level the ceiling grid, and thus level the floating ceiling 20. Further, the type of bolt 122 used can function to limit the lateral and vertical movement of the floating ceiling 20, and provide seismic stability.
One common type of ceiling which may be suspended and isolated using the compact ceiling isolation hanger 100 is a gypsum board ceiling. Although any type of suspended ceiling is within the scope of this invention.
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