Acoustic Isolation wall brackets And an Acoustic Isolation wall bracket System And a Method Of Constructing An Acoustically Isolated Wall Field

The present application relates to acoustic isolation wall brackets; and to an acoustic isolation wall bracket system comprising acoustic isolation wall bracket(s) and acoustic isolation shoe(s). In another aspect, the present application also relates to a method of constructing an acoustically isolated wall using the acoustic bracket

Background Of The Invention

It is known to construct a metal framed wall lining system using metal frame drylining system for lining walls. Common components of such a metal framed wall lining system are a metal wall bracket and metal wall fixings as well as metal frames comprising metal upright profiles which are fixed directly to a masonry or stud wall build-up using metal fixings. Such systems suffer from the disadvantage of having poor levels of airborne sound insulation and impact sound insulation.

Summary

Accordingly, a first embodiment of the present application provides an acoustic isolation wall bracket as detailed in claim 1. In another aspect, the present application also provides an acoustic isolation wall bracket system; and in a further aspect, the present application also provides a method of

constructing an acoustic wall. Advantageous embodiments of the acoustic isolation wall bracket, system and method are provided in the appended dependent claims. A significant advantage of the use of the acoustic isolation wall bracket system comprising an acoustic isolation wall bracket and an acoustic isolation shoe in accordance with the present application is that the acoustic isolation wall bracket system provides acoustic isolation of structural elements from other structural elements. In particular, the acoustic isolation shoe is adapted for engaging with the channel of the wall frame structure such that in use, the acoustic isolation shoe is adapted to be located sandwiched between the end of the wall frame channel and a floor or ceiling, with the acoustic isolation shoe engaged in the channel and thereby, providing a physical separation between the frame structure; and the floor or ceiling against which the frame structure would otherwise be in direct contact. The acoustic isolation wall bracket system has the technical effect of improving airborne and structure borne sound insulation. In addition, the use of the acoustic isolation wall bracket system including an acoustic isolation wall bracket and an acoustic isolation shoe in accordance with the present invention also provides improved impact insulation. These above advantage are achieved by the use of the acoustic isolation wall bracket of the present invention comprising an acoustic insulating body, comprising, for instance, rubber, to provide mechanical isolation between the metal fixings that are used in the construction of the wall structure and the metal frame support structure for the wall.

As indicated above, in another aspect, the acoustic wall system of the present invention also includes an acoustic isolation shoe. By inserting the acoustic isolation shoe into the metal channel (known as a C-channel) of the frame structure, complete isolation of elements of the metal frame system from each other, is achieved as well as isolation of the metal frame system from the floor and/or ceiling which would otherwise be a further source of transmission of vibration waves. A further advantage of the system of the present invention is that there is no increase in the time needed to construct the wall nor any change in the complexity of the task of constructing an acoustically insulated wall using the acoustic wall system comprising the acoustic isolation wall brackets and acoustic isolation shoes of the present invention, while nevertheless achieving a an acoustically insulated wall structure.

The acoustic isolation wall bracket and the acoustic isolation wall bracket system of the present invention have the advantage of providing enhanced levels of insulation against airborne vibration as well as vibration in a frame support structure. Thus, use of the acoustic isolation wall bracket and the acoustic isolation wall bracket system of the present invention has the significant advantage of providing enhanced levels of airborne sound insulation as well as enhanced insulation against sound transmitted through structural materials. Accordingly, use of the acoustic isolation wall bracket and the acoustic isolation wall bracket system of the present invention greatly increases the ability of the building elements and structures comprising the acoustic isolation wall bracket and the acoustic isolation wall bracket system of the present invention, to reduce sound transmission and thereby, provide increased sound insulation.

It is to be understood that the acoustic isolation wall bracket and the acoustic isolation wall bracket system of the present invention is suitable for use in any frame wall system including stud walls; and in particular, including metal frame wall lining system or metal ceiling lining system in which there is metal to metal contact between the construction components of the metal frame lining system such as metal fixings, metal wall brackets and/or metal frame support structure. Therefore, references to“wall” or“walls” throughout this patent specification are to be construed as including“ceiling” or“ceilings”, respectively. Furthermore, it is to be understood that the term,“masonry wall” as used throughout this patent specification refers to all forms of solid wall construction including brick, block, precast concrete or cast in-situ concrete.

Brief Description Of The Drawings

The present application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which are shown, by way of example only, two embodiments of the acoustic isolation wall bracket of the present invention:

First Embodiment:

Figure 1 A is a perspective view of an acoustic isolation wall bracket in a first embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 1 B is a plan view from above, of the acoustic isolation wall bracket in the first embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 1 C is a perspective view, of the acoustic isolation wall bracket of Figures 1 A and 1 B, with the acoustic vibration-absorbing member shown formed in two parts, with the first part shown separated from the second part, for clarity of showing the arrangement of the wall bracket engaged with the acoustic vibration-absorbing member;

Figure 1 D is a perspective view, of the acoustic isolation wall bracket of the first embodiment shown in Figures 1A, 1 B and 1 C with one part of the acoustic vibration-absorbing member shown removed for clarity of showing the arrangement of the wall bracket engaged with the acoustic vibration-absorbing member;

Figure 2A is a side view of the acoustic vibration-absorbing member shown without the acoustic isolation wall bracket, purely for clarity; Figure 2B is a side view of the acoustic vibration-absorbing member shown with the acoustic isolation wall bracket;

Figure 3 is a plan view of the wall bracket shown by itself, without the acoustic vibration-absorbing member, purely for clarity;

Figure 4A is a perspective view, of the acoustic isolation wall bracket of the first embodiment shown in Figures 1 A, 1 B and 1 C with one part of the acoustic vibration-absorbing member shown removed for clarity of showing the arrangement of the wall bracket engaged with the acoustic vibration-absorbing member and showing the juxtaposition of the slot in the wall bracket with the aperture of the acoustic vibration-absorbing member;

Figure 4B is a plan view of each of the two parts of the acoustic vibration- absorbing member showing the juxtaposition of the slot in the wall bracket with the aperture of the acoustic vibration-absorbing member;

Figure 4C is a perspective view, of the acoustic isolation wall bracket of the first embodiment shown in Figures 1A, 1 B and 1 C with each of the two parts of the acoustic vibration-absorbing member shown in cut-away so as to show the arrangement of the wall bracket engaged with the acoustic vibration- absorbing member and showing the juxtaposition of the slot in the wall bracket with the aperture of the acoustic vibration-absorbing member;

Figure 4D is a further perspective view, of the acoustic isolation wall bracket of the first embodiment shown in Figures 1A, 1 B and 1 C with each of the two parts of the acoustic vibration-absorbing member shown in cut-away so as to show the arrangement of the wall bracket engaged with the acoustic vibration-absorbing member and showing the juxtaposition of the slot in the wall bracket with the aperture of the acoustic vibration-absorbing member; Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view, of the acoustic isolation wall bracket of the first embodiment with each of the two parts of the acoustic vibration-absorbing member shown exploded so as to show the arrangement of the wall bracket engaged with the acoustic vibration-absorbing member and showing the juxtaposition of the slot in the wall bracket with the aperture of the acoustic vibration-absorbing member;

Figure 6A is a side view of the acoustic vibration-absorbing member shown with the acoustic isolation wall bracket; and

Figure 6B is a plan view of the acoustic vibration-absorbing member shown with the acoustic isolation wall bracket of Figure 6A;

Second Embodiment:

Figure 7A is a plan view of an acoustic isolation wall bracket in a second embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 7B is a perspective view of the acoustic isolation wall bracket in the second embodiment of the present invention shown in Fig 7A;

Figure 8 is a plan view of the wall bracket of the acoustic isolation wall bracket in the second embodiment, with the wall bracket shown by itself, without the acoustic vibration-absorbing member, purely for clarity;

Figure 8A is a plan view of the acoustic isolation wall bracket of the second embodiment showing the arrangement of the wall bracket engaged with the acoustic vibration-absorbing member;

Figure 8A is a side view of the acoustic vibration-absorbing member with the acoustic isolation wall bracket; Figure 9A is a perspective view of the acoustic vibration-absorbing member in the second embodiment shown without the acoustic isolation wall bracket, purely for clarity;

Figure 9B is a plan view of the acoustic vibration-absorbing member in the second embodiment shown without the acoustic isolation wall bracket;

Figure 9C is a perspective view of the acoustic vibration-absorbing member in the second embodiment shown without the acoustic isolation wall bracket, and with a spacer (also known as a“washer”) in the form of thin, planar plate with an aperture concentrically located and aligned with the aperture in the vibration-absorbing member;

Figure 9D is a perspective view of the acoustic vibration-absorbing member in the second embodiment shown without the acoustic isolation wall bracket, and with the spacer inserted in a spacer-receiving seat formed in the vibration-absorbing member of the acoustic isolation wall bracket;

Figure 10A is a side view of the acoustic vibration-absorbing member of the second embodiment shown without the acoustic isolation wall bracket; and

Figure 10B is a side view of the acoustic vibration-absorbing member of the second embodiment shown without the acoustic isolation wall bracket, for clarity only;

Another aspect of the present invention: Acoustic insulating shoe member:

Figure 11 A is a front view of an acoustic vibration-absorbing shoe member in another aspect of the present invention; Figure 11 B is a side view of the acoustic vibration-absorbing shoe member of Figure 11A;

Figure 11 C is a plan view from above, of the acoustic vibration-absorbing shoe member of Figure 11 A;

Figure 11 D is a perspective view, of the acoustic vibration-absorbing shoe member of Figure 11A;

Figure 11 E is a further perspective view, of the acoustic vibration- absorbing shoe member of Figure 11 A;

Figure 11 F is a plan view from underneath, of the acoustic vibration- absorbing shoe member of Figure 11 A;

Figure 12 is a plan view of the acoustic isolation wall bracket in the first embodiment in use as part of an acoustic isolation wall bracket system for constructing an acoustically insulated wall;

Figure 13 is a plan view of the acoustic isolation wall bracket in the second embodiment in use as part of an acoustic isolation wall bracket system for constructing an acoustically insulated wall;

Figure 14 is a perspective view of a channel of a wall frame structure with an acoustic isolation wall bracket secured thereto (the acoustic isolation wall bracket includes the acoustic isolation body though the acoustic isolation body is not shown in Fig 14); and

Figure 15 shows the use of the acoustic isolation shoe in use in a method of constructing an acoustically isolated wall together with using the acoustic isolation wall bracket of the first embodiment or the second embodiment together with the acoustic isolation shoe member of the second aspect of the invention; in conjunction with the upright members as shown in Figures 12 or 13; and 14 for use in the construction of an acoustically isolated wall in accordance with the present application.

Detailed Description Of The Drawings

The present invention will now be described more particularly, with reference to the drawings.

First Embodiment:

Referring initially to Figures 1 to 6B, a first embodiment of the acoustic isolation wall bracket of the present invention is indicated generally by reference numeral 100. The acoustic isolation wall bracket 100 of the present invention comprises a wall bracket 120 and an acoustic isolation body 150. The wall bracket 120 is generally elongate in profile. In one embodiment, the wall bracket 120 comprises a planar body 121 provided with serrated teeth 122 on the longitudinal side walls thereof. In other embodiments, the planar body may not include any such teeth but may simply be straight-edged or include any other pattern of indentation along the edge. In the embodiment shown in the drawings, the wall bracket 120 also comprises an elongate aperture 125 for receiving a metal fixture therethrough for fixing the wall bracket to a wall or to an upright located against a wall; the elongate aperture 125 is generally oblong in profile. Of course, it is to be understood that any profile of aperture can be accommodated using the acoustics system of the present invention. Thus, in alternative embodiments, the wall bracket may comprise a circular aperture, for instance. The wall bracket 120 also comprises two indents, 123 and 124, each indent located at either side of the elongate aperture 125 and defining a first strip 127 of the body 121 adjacent to the first indent 123; and defining a second strip 128 of the body 121 adjacent to the second indent 124 of the wall bracket 120. The acoustic isolation wall bracket 100 of the present invention also comprises an acoustic isolation body 150 provided in a predetermined location on the wall bracket 100. The acoustic isolation body 150 is preferably in the form of a block of polymeric material; the polymeric material may most preferably, comprise rubber.

For the purposes of description, in a first embodiment, the acoustic isolation body 150 is represented as comprising a first moulded sub-body 170 and a second moulded sub-body 180. One of the first or second moulded sub- bodies 170,180 comprises a raised moulded ridge 152 which is shaped and dimensioned to engage in the elongate aperture 125 of the wall bracket body 121. The moulded ridge 152 is raised i.e. proud of the planar acoustic isolation body 150 and comprises the aperture 155 through which a metal fixing element can be inserted. The raised moulded ridge 152 is dimensioned such that there is a distance between the perimeter of the aperture 155 (the perimeter is the circumference of the aperture 155 assuming that the aperture is generally circular in cross-section) and the perimeter of the aperture 125 of the wall bracket 120. This difference between the perimeters ensures that there is a physical separation of the metal fixing element (not shown) that, in use, is inserted into the aperture 155; and the metal body of the wall bracket 120.

It is to be understood that the shape of the aperture of the wall bracket body can vary and that the shape of the raised moulded ridge will vary correspondingly such that the raised moulded ridge is adapted to engage with the aperture of the wall bracket and is adapted to ensure that in use, there is physical separation of the fixing element and the body of the wall bracket. This is achieved by ensuring that whatever shape of aperture is provided in the wall bracket, the raised moulded ridge of the acoustic isolation body of the acoustic isolation wall bracket is correspondingly shaped and dimensioned to engage in the aperture of the wall bracket, wherein the raised moulded ridge comprises an aperture adapted to receive a fixing element. In one embodiment, the acoustic isolation body 150 may also comprises a first ridge 153 which is shaped and dimensioned to engage with the first indent 123; and a second ridge 154 which is shaped and dimensioned to engage with the second indent 124 of the wall bracket body 121.

The acoustic isolation body 150 also comprises an aperture 155 which extends throughout the entire length of the acoustic isolation body as can be seen in Figures 2, 4, 4a and 5, in particular. The acoustic isolation body 150 also comprises an integrally formed circular shoulder member 160; the inside wall 161 of the shoulder member 160 defines a seat 161 for a spacer (washer)

10 which, for use, may be inserted into the seat 161. The washer 10 includes a centrally disposed aperture 15 into which a fixture member (not shown) can be inserted through the washer 10 and also through the aperture 155 of the acoustic isolation body 150 and also, through the aperture 125 of the wall bracket body 121 of the acoustic isolation wall bracket 100.

The acoustic isolation body 150 also comprises an integrally formed circular shoulder member 160; an inside wall of the shoulder member 160 defines a seat (not shown) for a spacer (washer) [not shown in relation to the first Embodiment but is the same as the spacer 10 shown in Figure 9C in the context of the second embodiment] which, for use, may be inserted into the seat defined by the circular shoulder member 160. The spacer (washer) (10) includes a centrally disposed aperture (15) into which a fixture member (not shown) can be inserted through the washer (10) and also through the aperture 155 of the acoustic isolation body 150 and also, through the aperture 125 of the wall bracket body 121 of the acoustic isolation wall bracket 100. The spacer (washer) (10) is included in the acoustic system of the present invention so as to prevent an installer (operator) from over compressing the metal fixing into the wall. By including the washer in the acoustic isolation wall bracket, there is achieved a spreading of the pressure which the metal fixing exerts on the acoustic isolation body 150, (rubber isolation block 150). Without the spacer (10), it is possible that the installer (operator) could over compress the acoustic isolation body 150 and thereby potentially reduce/minimise the isolation properties/capabilities of the acoustic isolation body 150.

The acoustic isolation wall bracket 100 has the advantage of providing a defined aperture 155 through the acoustic isolation body 150 which means that an installer can readily insert a metal fixture/ metal fixing in through the aperture 155 and that the metal fixture/metal fixing can be located in the pre-determ ined position in the aperture 155 and is then always positioned in the pre-determ ined position in the acoustic isolation wall bracket 100 in which contact between the metal fixing/metal fixture and the metal wall bracket body 121 is prevented, thereby ensuring that there is physical insulation provided at all contact points in the metal wall structure, when assembled using the acoustic isolation wall brackets 100 of the present invention together with the acoustic isolation shoe 300 which is another aspect of the invention as will be described hereinbelow. Thus the metal components of the wall structure are separated from each other by using the acoustic isolation wall bracket 100 as can be seen from the drawings, a fixture element e.g. a metal fixture element which is inserted in through the aperture of the acoustic isolation body 150 and through the aperture 125 of the wall bracket body 121 of the acoustic isolation wall bracket 100, is physically separated from the metal of the wall bracket body 121 by the acoustic isolation body 150. Thus metal to metal contact is prevented by use of the acoustic isolation wall bracket 100. This has the advantage of providing physical isolation of metal from metal components of the wall structure.

Thus, because of the arrangement of the acoustic isolation wall bracket comprising the acoustic isolation body 150 which provides physical separation, metal to metal contact is prevented by use of the acoustic isolation wall bracket 100. This has the advantage of providing physical isolation of metal

components from metal frame structure and therefore, components of the wall structure that would otherwise be in physical contact are now insulated from each other by using the acoustic isolation wall bracket 100, consequently, providing improved sound insulation and improved acoustics.

Second Embodiment:

In an alternative, preferred, embodiment, the acoustic vibration-absorbing member is moulded as a single body, and is integrally formed with the wall bracket to form an integrally formed acoustic isolation wall bracket 200. The integrally formed acoustic isolation wall bracket 200 will be described

hereinbelow as the second embodiment.

Referring initially to Figures 7 A to 10B, the second embodiment of the acoustic isolation wall bracket of the present invention is indicated generally by reference numeral 200. Like features are indicated using like reference numerals. The acoustic isolation wall bracket 200 of the present invention comprises a wall bracket 220 and an acoustic isolation body 250. The acoustic isolation body 250 is preferably in the form of a block of polymeric material; the polymeric material may most preferably, comprise rubber.

The wall bracket 220 is generally elongate in profile. The wall bracket 220 comprises a planar body 221 provided with serrated teeth 222 on the

longitudinal side walls thereof. The wall bracket 220 also comprises an elongate aperture 225 for receiving a metal fixture therethrough for fixing the wall bracket to a wall or to an upright located against a wall; the elongate aperture 225 is generally oblong in profile. The wall bracket 220 also comprises two indents,

223 and 224, each indent located at either side of the elongate aperture 225 and defining a first strip 227 of the body 221 adjacent to the first indent 223; and defining a second strip 228 of the body 221 adjacent to the second indent 224 of the wall bracket 220. The acoustic isolation wall bracket 200 of the present invention also comprises an acoustic isolation body 250 provided in a predetermined location on the wall bracket 200.

The acoustic isolation body 250 is integrally formed with the wall bracket. The acoustic isolation body 250 may comprise a raised moulded ridge (not shown) which is shaped and dimensioned to engage in the elongate aperture 225 of the wall bracket body 121. The acoustic isolation body 250 may also comprise a first ridge (not shown) which is shaped and dimensioned to engage with the first indent 223 of the wall bracket; and may also comprise a second ridge (not shown) which is shaped and dimensioned to engage with the second indent 224 of the wall bracket body 221.

The acoustic isolation body 250 also comprises an aperture 255 which extends throughout the entire length of the acoustic isolation body 250. The acoustic isolation body 250 also comprises an integrally formed circular shoulder member 260; the inside wall 261 of the shoulder member 260 defines a seat 261 for a spacer (washer) 10 which, for use, may be inserted into the seat 261. The spacer (washer) 10 includes a centrally disposed aperture 15 into which a fixture member (not shown) can be inserted through the washer 10 and also through the aperture 255 of the acoustic isolation body 250 and also, through the aperture 225 of the wall bracket body 221 of the acoustic isolation wall bracket 200.

The spacer (washer) (10) is included in the acoustic system of the present invention so as to prevent an installer (operator) from over compressing the metal fixing into the wall. By including the washer in the acoustic isolation wall bracket, there is achieved a spreading of the pressure which the metal fixing exerts on the acoustic isolation body 250, (rubber isolation block 250). Without the spacer (10), it is possible that the installer (operator) could over compress the acoustic isolation body 250 and thereby potentially reduce/minimise the isolation properties/capabilities of the acoustic isolation body 250.

The acoustic isolation wall bracket 200 has the advantage of providing a defined aperture 255 through the acoustic isolation body 250 which means that an installer can readily insert a metal fixture/ metal fixing in through the aperture 255 and that the metal fixture/metal fixing can be located in the pre-determined position in the aperture 255 and is then always positioned in the pre-determined position in the acoustic isolation wall bracket 200 in which contact between the metal fixing/metal fixture and the metal wall bracket body 221 is prevented, thereby ensuring that there is physical insulation provided at all contact points in the metal wall structure, when assembled using the acoustic isolation wall brackets 200 of the present invention together with the acoustic isolation shoe 300 which is another aspect of the invention as will be described hereinbelow.

Thus the metal components of the wall structure are separated from each other by using the acoustic isolation wall bracket 200. As can be seen from the drawings, a fixture element e.g. a metal fixture element which is inserted in through the aperture of the acoustic isolation body 250 and through the aperture 225 of the wall bracket body 221 of the acoustic isolation wall bracket 200, is physically separated from the metal of the wall bracket body 221 by the acoustic isolation body 250. Thus, because of the arrangement of the acoustic isolation wall bracket comprising the acoustic isolation body 250 which provides physical separation, metal to metal contact is prevented by use of the acoustic isolation wall bracket 200. This has the advantage of providing physical isolation of metal components from metal frame structure and therefore, components of the wall structure that would otherwise be in physical contact are now insulated from each other by using the acoustic isolation wall bracket 200, consequently, providing improved sound insulation and improved acoustics. As indicated above, the acoustic isolation body 150, 250 may be formed from a material that does not transmit vibration waves for example, rubber.

Acoustic isolation (vibration-absorbing) shoe member:

Referring now to Figures 11 A to 11 F, there is shown an acoustic isolation- shoe member indicated generally by reference numeral 300 and representing another aspect of the present invention. The acoustic isolation shoe 300 comprises a leg 310 and a foot 320, the leg 310 being adapted to engage with a metal channel of the metal frame used in constructing a metal wall frame of a type known in the art.

An acoustic wall system is provided by the present invention wherein the acoustic metal wall frame comprises metal channel upright profiles and each acoustic isolation shoe 300 is adapted to engage within the metal channel upright profile so as to provide acoustic insulation underneath the metal channel, thereby ensuring that the metal channel profile is maintained in a position out of contact with the floor and ensuring acoustic insulation between the metal channel and the floor.

As indicated above, the acoustic isolation shoe 300 may be formed from any synthetic or natural material that does not transmit vibration waves, for example, rubber.

The present application also provides a method of constructing an acoustic wall using the acoustic elements of the present invention. The method will now be described:

A method of constructing a wall frame using the acoustic isolation wall bracket comprises the following steps:

Positioning a plurality of acoustic isolation wall brackets at desired locations on a masonry wall or stud wall; Fixing each of the acoustic isolation wall brackets to the wall by inserting a metal fixing member through each aperture in each of the acoustic isolation body members of the respective each of acoustic isolation wall brackets and securing the fixing members in place in the wall so as to secure each of the acoustic isolation wall brackets to the wall;

Positioning metal frame channels as desired and affixing the metal frame channels to each of the acoustic isolation wall brackets by bending the bracket legs 122, 120; 222,220 such that the legs are positioned at right angles to the acoustic member body; and securing the metal frame channels to the acoustic isolation wall brackets.

The method of constructing may further comprise the steps of locating an acoustic isolation shoe 300 at a desired location on the floor; and a metal channel profile engaged with the acoustic isolation shoe.

The advantages of the present invention include the provision of an entire system ensuring acoustic insulation at each component of the system. The words comprises/comprising when used in this specification are to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof.