Classifications

• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
  • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; ELECTRIC HEARING AIDS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
  • H04R1/00—Details of transducers, loudspeakers or microphones
  • H04R1/02—Casings; Cabinets ; Supports therefor; Mountings therein
  • H04R1/026—Supports for loudspeaker casings
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
  • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; ELECTRIC HEARING AIDS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
  • H04R1/00—Details of transducers, loudspeakers or microphones
  • H04R1/20—Arrangements for obtaining desired frequency or directional characteristics
  • H04R1/22—Arrangements for obtaining desired frequency or directional characteristics for obtaining desired frequency characteristic only 
  • H04R1/28—Transducer mountings or enclosures modified by provision of mechanical or acoustic impedances, e.g. resonator, damping means
  • H04R1/2869—Reduction of undesired resonances, i.e. standing waves within enclosure, or of undesired vibrations, i.e. of the enclosure itself
  • H04R1/2892—Mountings or supports for transducers
  • H04R1/2896—Mountings or supports for transducers for loudspeaker transducers
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
  • F16F—SPRINGS; SHOCK-ABSORBERS; MEANS FOR DAMPING VIBRATION
  • F16F15/00—Suppression of vibrations in systems; Means or arrangements for avoiding or reducing out-of-balance forces, e.g. due to motion
  • F16F15/02—Suppression of vibrations of non-rotating, e.g. reciprocating systems; Suppression of vibrations of rotating systems by use of members not moving with the rotating systems
  • F16F15/04—Suppression of vibrations of non-rotating, e.g. reciprocating systems; Suppression of vibrations of rotating systems by use of members not moving with the rotating systems using elastic means
  • F16F15/08—Suppression of vibrations of non-rotating, e.g. reciprocating systems; Suppression of vibrations of rotating systems by use of members not moving with the rotating systems using elastic means with rubber springs ; with springs made of rubber and metal
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
  • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; ELECTRIC HEARING AIDS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
  • H04R2201/00—Details of transducers, loudspeakers or microphones covered by H04R1/00 but not provided for in any of its subgroups
  • H04R2201/02—Details casings, cabinets or mounting therein for transducers covered by H04R1/02 but not provided for in any of its subgroups
  • H04R2201/021—Transducers or their casings adapted for mounting in or to a wall or ceiling
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
  • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; ELECTRIC HEARING AIDS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
  • H04R2201/00—Details of transducers, loudspeakers or microphones covered by H04R1/00 but not provided for in any of its subgroups
  • H04R2201/02—Details casings, cabinets or mounting therein for transducers covered by H04R1/02 but not provided for in any of its subgroups
  • H04R2201/025—Transducer mountings or cabinet supports enabling variable orientation of transducer of cabinet

Definitions

• This disclosure relates generally to equipment that generates vibration and/or is sensitive to vibration, such as audio equipment. More particularly the disclosure relates to a system and method for dampening vibrations in equipment which generates vibration or is sensitive thereto. Specifically, the disclosure is directed to an isolating system useful for securing vibration-generating equipment or vibration-sensitive equipment to a support structure, particularly to a horizontally- oriented support structure such as a support beam or ceiling.
• the isolating system includes first and second housing sections with are connected to one another via a vibration dampening assembly which dampens vibrations between the first and second housing sections and thereby between the equipment and the support structure.
• Audio equipment such as speakers
• the audio equipment’s performance and the perceived acoustic results are affected by the audio equipment’s location in any particular environment and the equipment’s angle of dispersion in both a horizontal and a vertical plane.
• the isolating system of the present disclosure is utilized to fix audio equipment to a horizontal support structure such as a ceiling.
• Both the wall mounted isolating system and the ceiling mounted isolating system enable the audio equipment to be adjusted in both a horizontal plane and a vertical plane so that the best perceived acoustic results are obtained from that audio equipment.
• the isolating system disclosed herein addresses the aforementioned requirements at a relatively low cost to the consumer.
• the basic construction of an isolating system in accordance with the present disclosure includes a mounting bracket, a lower isolator assembly that is engaged with the mounting bracket, and an upper isolator assembly that is operatively engaged with the lower isolator assembly and with the audio equipment.
• the mounting bracket, the lower isolator assembly, and upper isolator assembly may be fabricated from any suitable material.
• suitable materials include, but are not limited to Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) plastic, any other plastic, composite materials, metals or any combination of such materials.
• ABS Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene
• the specific material selected will depend on the overall weight of the speaker or other audio equipment that the isolating system is to hold. If the speaker or audio equipment is relatively light, at least some of the components of the isolating system will be comprised of ABS plastic or some similar material.
• the overall dimensions (i.e., length, height, and width) of the isolating system are also scaled to suit the shape, size, and weight of the speaker or other audio equipment that the isolating system is to support.
• the present disclosure relates to an isolating system and method for dampening vibrations between vibration-generating or vibration-sensitive equipment and a support structure.
• the isolating system includes first and second housing sections connected to one another via a vibration dampening assembly.
• the first housing section is secured to the support structure and includes a frame and first isolator assembly.
• the second housing section includes a second isolator assembly positioned between the frame and first isolator assembly.
• the vibration dampening assembly connects the first and second isolating assemblies to one another and prevents direct physical contact between them.
• One of a flange assembly and flange assembly of an attachment assembly is engaged with a connector region of the second isolator assembly and is used to secure the equipment to the second isolator assembly.
• the isolators of the vibration dampening assembly are designed to mitigate the transfer of energy from the support structure to the attached audio equipment and from the audio equipment to the support structure.
• the vibration dampening assembly therefore reduces transmission of vibration between first and second isolator assemblies and thereby between the equipment and support structure.
• an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may provide an isolating system comprising a first housing section and a second housing section, wherein the first housing section is adapted to be secured to a support structure; a vibration dampening assembly interposed between the first housing section and the second housing section; a connector region provided on the second housing section, wherein the connector region is adapted to secure equipment which is vibration-generating or vibration-sensitive to the second housing section; and wherein the vibration dampening assembly reduces transmission of vibration between the first housing section and the second housing section and thereby reduces vibration between the equipment and the support structure.
• an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure provides an isolating system comprising a housing adapted to secure equipment which is vibration-generating or vibration-sensitive to a support structure, wherein the housing is operative to dampen vibration transmission between the equipment and the support structure; an attachment assembly selectively engageable with the housing and being operative to secure the to the housing; wherein the attachment assembly comprises a flange assembly and a slider assembly; wherein a user selectively engages only one of the flange assembly and the slider assembly to the housing; and wherein the engaged one of the flange assembly and the slider assembly secures the equipment to the housing.
• an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may provide a method of reducing transfer of vibration between equipment which is vibration-generating or vibration-sensitive and a support structure, said method comprising providing an isolating system including a housing comprising a first housing section and a second housing section, interposing a vibration dampening assembly between the first housing section and the second housing section; securing the first housing section to the support structure; providing a connector region on the second housing section; securing the equipment to the connector region; and reducing transmission of vibration between the first housing section and the second housing section with the vibration dampening assembly and thereby dampening vibration between the equipment and the support structure
• the present disclosure further relates to an isolating system for dampening vibrations from audio equipment and includes a mounting bracket which secures the isolating system to a support structure, particularly a surface located a distance above the ground.
• an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may provide an isolating system for dampening vibrations to or from audio equipment, said isolating system comprising a lower isolator assembly adapted to be operatively engaged with a support structure; an upper isolator assembly located vertically above the lower isolator assembly, wherein the upper isolator assembly is adapted to be operatively engaged with the audio equipment and to bear the audio equipment’s weight; at least one first isolator provided in the lower isolator assembly; at least one second isolator provided in the upper isolator assembly; wherein the at least one first isolator and the at least one second isolator are fabricated from a vibration-dampening material; and at least connector member extends between the at least one first isolator and the at least upper isolator, wherein the at least one connector member is an only point of contact between the lower isolator assembly and the upper isolator assembly.
• the at least one connector member may be of a length sufficient to prevent direct contact between the at least one first isolator and the at least one second isolator.
• the vibration-dampening material of the at least one first isolator and the at least one second isolator may be a resilient material.
• the isolating system may include a mounting bracket adapted to be secured to the support structure; and the lower isolator assembly may be operatively engaged with the mounting bracket.
• the lower isolator assembly may be pivotally secured to the mounting bracket, and the lower isolator assembly and upper isolator assembly may be configured to pivot in unison about a pivot axis.
• the pivot axis may be vertically-oriented and the lower isolator assembly, the upper isolator assembly, and the audio equipment engaged therewith may be pivotable in a horizontal plane about the pivot axis.
• the upper isolator assembly may include a tilt assembly adapted to operatively engage the audio equipment to the upper isolator assembly.
• the tilt assembly may include a tilt axis, and wherein the audio equipment may be pivotable relative to the upper isolator assembly about the tilt axis.
• the tilt axis is horizontally-oriented and the tilt assembly may be operable to pivot the audio equipment in a vertical plane about the tilt axis.
• the upper isolator assembly may be configured to support the audio equipment’s weight directly under the lower isolator assembly.
• an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may provide a method of reducing transfer of vibration between audio equipment and a support structure comprising providing an isolating system having a lower isolator assembly and upper isolator assembly, wherein an only point of contact between the lower isolator assembly and the upper isolator assembly is via a connector member extending between a resilient upper isolator in the upper isolator assembly and a resilient lower isolator in the lower isolator assembly; operatively engaging the lower isolator assembly to the support structure; operatively engaging the audio equipment to the upper isolator assembly; and dampening vibration to or from the audio equipment with the resilient upper isolator of the upper isolator assembly and the resilient lower isolator of the lower isolator assembly.
• engaging the lower isolator assembly with the support structure may include engaging the lower isolator assembly to a mounting bracket and securing the mounting bracket to the support structure.
• engaging the lower isolator assembly to the mounting bracket may comprise pivotally connecting the lower isolator assembly to the mounting bracket.
• the method may further comprise pivoting the lower isolator assembly and upper isolator assembly in unison about a vertically-oriented pivot axis, and moving the audio equipment through a horizontal plane.
• the method may further comprise engaging a tilt assembly with the upper isolator assembly; and pivotally connecting the audio equipment to the tilt assembly.
• the method may further comprise pivoting the audio equipment about a horizontally-oriented pivot axis; and moving the audio equipment through a vertical plane. In one embodiment, the method may further comprise suspending the audio equipment from the upper isolator assembly. In one embodiment, the method may further comprise connecting the audio equipment to the upper isolator assembly at a location vertically below the lower isolator assembly. In one embodiment, the audio equipment has a weight, and the method may further comprise bearing the weight of the audio equipment with the upper isolator assembly.
• the method may further comprise providing a support arm on the upper isolator assembly; defining an aperture in the lower isolator assembly; receiving the support arm through the aperture; dimensioning the support arm relative to the aperture such that no contact is made between the support arm and the lower isolator assembly when the support arm is received through the aperture; and securing the audio equipment to the support arm a distance below the lower isolator assembly.
• FIG.1 is a left side, top, front perspective view of a first embodiment of an isolating system in accordance with the present disclosure, shown mounted on a wall and illustrating audio equipment, in phantom, ready for engagement with the isolating system;
• FIG.2 is a left side, top, front perspective view of the isolating system of FIG.1 in accordance with the present disclosure and shown in isolation;
• FIG.3 is an exploded left side, top, front perspective view of the isolating system of FIG.2;
• FIG.4 is a right side, top, front perspective view of the isolating system of FIG.2;
• FIG.5 is a left side elevation view of the isolating system of FIG.2;
• FIG.6 is a front elevation view of the isolating system of FIG.2;
• FIG.7 is a top plan view of the isolating system of FIG.2;
• FIG.8 is a vertical cross-section of the isolating system taken along line 8-8 of FIG.5;
• FIG.9 is a top plan view showing the isolating system of FIG.2 illustrated pivotal panning motion of the audio equipment in a horizontal plane, where the pivotal motion occurs about a vertical axis;
• FIG.10 is a left side elevation view showing the isolating system of FIG.2 showing a possible tilt motion of the audio equipment in a vertical plane, where the tilt motion occurs about a horizontally-oriented tilt axis;
• FIG.11 is a left side, top, front perspective view of a second embodiment of an isolating system in accordance with the present disclosure, shown mounted on a wall and illustrating differently configured audio equipment, in phantom, ready for engagement with the isolating system;
• FIG.12 is a left side, top, front perspective view of the isolating system of FIG.11 in accordance with the present disclosure and shown in isolation;
• FIG.12
• FIG.15 is a left side, top, front perspective view of a third embodiment of a wall mounted isolating system in accordance with the present disclosure, showing audio equipment, in phantom, ready for engagement with the isolating system;
• FIG.18 is a front elevation view of the isolating system of FIG.17;
• FIG.19 is a top plan view of the isolating system of FIG.17;
• FIG.20 is a vertical cross-section of the third embodiment isolating system taken along line 20-20 of FIG.19;
• FIG.21 is a top plan view showing audio equipment engaged with the wall mounted isolating system of FIG.17 and showing the pivotal panning motion of the audio equipment in a horizontal plane, where the pivotal motion occurs about a vertical axis;
• FIG.22 is a left side elevation view showing the audio equipment engaged with the wall mounted isolating system of FIG.17, and showing a possible tilt motion of the audio equipment in a vertical plane, where the tilt motion occurs about a horizontally-oriented tilt axis;
• FIG.23 is a left side, top, front perspective view of a fourth embodiment of an isolating system in accordance with the present disclosure, shown positioned for mounting on a ceiling and illustrating audio equipment, in phantom, ready for engagement with the isolating system;
• FIG.24 is a left side, bottom, front perspective view of the isolating system of FIG.24 in accordance with the present disclosure and shown in isolation;
• FIG.25 is an exploded left side, top, front perspective view of the isolating system of FIG.24;
• FIG.26 is a top plan view of the isolating system of FIG.24;
• FIG 27 is a vertical cross-section of the isolating system taken along line 27-27 of
• FIG.26
• FIG.28 is a vertical cross-section of the isolating system taken along line 28-28 of FIG.26;
• FIG.29 is a top plan view of the isolating system of FIG.24 showing audio equipment engaged therewith and showing the possible rotation of the audio equipment about a vertical axis;
• FIG.30 is a left side elevation view of the isolating system of FIG.24 showing audio equipment engaged therewith and showing the possible tilting of the audio equipment about a horizontal axis;
• FIG.31 is a top, front, left side perspective view of a fifth embodiment of an isolating system in accordance with the present disclosure.
• FIG.32A is an enlarged exploded view of the first housing section comprising the first isolator assembly and the frame, shown along with the ceiling plate;
• FIG.33 is an exploded bottom, front, right side perspective view of the isolating system of FIG.31 ;
• FIG.34 is a front elevation view of the isolating system of FIG.31 ;
• FIG.35 is a top plan view of the isolating system of FIG.31 ;
• FIG.36 is a vertical cross-section of the isolating system taken along line 36-36 of
• FIG.35
• FIG.37 is a vertical cross-section of the isolating system taken along line 37-37 of FIG.35;
• FIG.38 is a top, front, left side perspective view of the isolating system of FIG.31 shown operatively engaging the audio equipment to a support beam;
• FIG.39 is a left side elevation view of the isolating system and audio equipment shown in FIG.38;
• FIG.40 is a top, front, left side perspective view of the isolating system of FIG.31 with the ceiling plate and flange assembly removed therefrom and showing a slider assembly engaging the audio equipment to the housing of the isolating system;
• FIG.41 is a vertical cross-section of the isolating system taken along line 41-41 of
• FIG.40 showing the slider assembly engaged with the connector region of the second isolator assembly
• FIG.42 is a front elevation view of the isolating system of FIG.40 securing audio equipment to a ceiling via a ceiling plate.
• elements may be described as “configured to” perform one or more functions or “configured for” such functions.
• an element that is configured to perform or configured for performing a function is enabled to perform the function, or is suitable for performing the function, or is adapted to perform the function, or is operable to perform the function, or is otherwise capable of performing the function.
• the term “or” is an inclusive “or” operator, and is equivalent to the term “and/or,” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
• the term “based on” is not exclusive and allows for being based on additional factors not described, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
• the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references.
• the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on.”
• the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
• FIGS.1 through 7 show a first embodiment of an isolating system in accordance with the present disclosure generally indicated at 10.
• Isolating system 10 is configured to be secured to a support structure “SS” such as a flat wall that may be vertically oriented or inclined at an angle to the vertical.
• Isolating system 10 is further configured to suspend audio equipment “AE” on support structure “SS” a distance vertically above a remote horizontal surface such as a floor.
• FIG.1 shows an audio speaker positioned ready for engagement with isolating system 10.
• the audio speaker is exemplary of one type of audio equipment “AE” that may be mounted on a support structure “SS” by isolating system but it should be understood that a wide variety of other desired types of audio equipment “AE” may be mounted on support structure “SS” by isolating system 10.
• the isolating system 10 bears the weight of audio equipment “AE”, dampens vibrations from the audio equipment “AE”, and thereby substantially prevents vibrations from being transmitted to the support structure “SS”. This arrangement improves the sound quality of the audio equipment “AE”.
• isolating system 10 comprises a mounting bracket 12, a lower isolator assembly 14, and an upper isolator assembly 16.
• Lower isolator assembly 14 includes first isolators 18 and upper isolator assembly 16 includes second isolators 20.
• the first isolators 18 and second isolators 20 are fabricated from a resilient material that is capable of dampening vibrations. One suitable material for this purpose is rubber.
• Each first isolator 18 is arranged within lower isolator assembly 14 to vertically align with one of the second isolators 20 arranged within upper isolator assembly 16.
• a connector member 22 extends between each aligned pair of a first isolator 18 and a second isolator 20.
• Isolating system 10 further includes a support arm 24 and a tilt assembly 26. All of these components and their interactions with one another will be described in greater detail hereafter.
• Mounting plate 12, first isolator assembly 14 and second isolator assembly 16 are all cast components. It will be understood, however, that in other instances, one or more of mounting plate 12, first isolator assembly 14 and second isolator assembly 16 may be fabricated in a different way other than casting.
• Mounting bracket 12 is a stylized “l-shape” in configuration but it will be understood that any mounting bracket may have any other desired decorative configuration.
• Mounting bracket 12 comprises a plate having a front surface 12a, a rear surface 12b (FIG.5), and a plurality of holes 12c for receiving fasteners therethrough in order to secure mounting bracket 12 to a support structure such as support structure “SS” (FIG.1 ).
• Mounting bracket 12 further includes a first support 12d and a second support 12e that extend outwardly from front surface 12a. First support 12d and a second support 12e are cast with the plate so that they are integral therewith and are also of a stylized design.
• First and second supports 12d, 12e are vertically spaced a distance apart from one another such that a gap is defined between a lower surface 12d’ of first support 12d and an upper surface 12e’ of second support 12e. This gap can be readily seen in FIG.5 and is indicated by reference character 12f.
• first support 12d defines a through-hole 12d” therein that extends from an upper surface (not numbered) of first support 12d through to the lower surface 12d’ thereof.
• Second support 12e defines an aperture 12e” therein that extends inwardly for a distance from upper surface 12e’ of second support 12e through to a lower surface (not numbered) thereof.
• Aperture 12e’ is threaded.
• Through-hole 12d” and aperture 12e” are vertically aligned with one another.
• Lower isolator assembly 14 comprises a cast housing which is generally triangular in shape when viewed from above and include a hub 14a, a first tubular member 14b, and a second tubular member 14c. Hub 14a, first tubular member 14b, and second tubular member 14c are arranged at the vertices of the triangularly-shaped cast housing.
• First tubular member 14b is connected to hub 14a by a first leg 14d; second tubular member 14c is connected to hub by a second leg 14e, and first and second tubular members 14b, 14c are connected to one another by a crossbar 14f .
• the hub 14a, first leg 14d, first tubular member 14b, crossbar 14f , second tubular member 14c, and second leg 14e bound and define a central opening 14g that extends from a top region of the cast housing to a bottom region thereof.
• Central recess 18c terminates a distance inwardly from bottom wall 18a.
• bottom wall 18a of first isolator 18 may be concavely curved.
• Each second isolator 20 is press-fittingly engaged in one of the first cylindrical member 16a and second cylindrical member 16b.
• the sidewall 16a’, 16b’ of the associated first or second cylindrical members 16a, 16b defines a hole 16f therein which is substantially identical in structure and function to the slot 14h defined in each of the sidewalls 14b’, 14c’ of the associated first or second tubular members 14b, 14c.
• the sidewall 20a on each second isolator 20 is complementary in location, shape, and size to hole 16f (FIG.6).
• isolating system 10 further includes two connector members 22.
• the term “connector member” is used herein to describe a structure that is of either a solid construction or is hollow from an upper end to a lower end thereof.
• the connector members may be cylindrical with a bore extending from an opening in the upper end to an opening in the lower end, or the upper and lower ends may be closed off.
• the connector members 22 may be of any desired cross-sectional shape that suits a particular application in which the connector members are to be used.
• the connector members may be circular in cross-section or oval or rectangular, or hexagonal, or irregular, or of any configuration that suits the application in which isolating system 10 is to be used.
• the cross-sectional shape of the connector members 22 and bores 18c, 20c may be dissimilar.
• the bores 18c, 20c may be oval in shape and the connector members 22 may be circular in crosssection.
• the configuration of the connector members 22 relative to the bores 18c, 20c will be based on the particular application in which the isolator system 10 is to be utilized.
• connector members 22 are inserted into the opposed bores 18c, 20c of first and second isolators 18, 20 and are of a sufficient length to prevent upper isolator assembly 16 and lower isolator assembly 14 from directly contacting one another.
• connector members 22 are of a length that exceeds the combined depths of the bore 18c of a first isolator 18 and the depth of the bore 20c of a second isolator 20 vertically aligned with the first isolator 18.
• upper isolator assembly 16 further includes a support arm 24 that is generally rectangular in cross-section.
• Support arm 24 is cast as part of upper isolator assembly 16 and includes a front wall 24a and rear wall (not shown), and a pair of sidewalls 24b, 24c extending between the front wall 24a and rear wall.
• Support arm 24 has a first end 24d and a remote second end 24e.
• Support arm 24 extends downwardly for a distance below the lower ends of the first cylindrical member 16a and second cylindrical member 16b, terminating in second end 24b.
• support arm 24 extends downwardly through central aperture 14g of lower isolator assembly 14 and extends for a distance downwardly beyond the lower ends of the first tubular member 14b and second tubular member 14c.
• Upper isolator assembly 16 includes a cover 16g (FIG.3) configured to be inserted into an opening (not numbered) defined in the assembly 16 and thereby close off access to first end 24a of support arm 24.
• the sidewalls 24b, 24c of support arm 24 each define a first hole 24f and a second hole 24g therein. Each first hole 24f and each second hole 24g extend between an outer surface and an inner surface of the associated sidewall 24b, 24c.
• the first holes 24f in the two sidewalls 24b, 24c are laterally aligned with one another and the second holes 24g in the two sidewalls 24b, 24c are laterally aligned with one another.
• First holes 24f are located between first end 24d and second end 24e of support arm 24.
• Second holes 24g are located proximate second end 24e of support arm 24. The purpose of first holes 24f and second holes 24g will be discussed later herein.
• upper isolator assembly 16 further includes a tilt assembly 26 that is operatively engaged with support arm 24.
• the tilt assembly 26 is further selectively operatively engaged with audio equipment “AE”, as will be discussed hereafter.
• Tilt bracket 34 is generally U- shaped when viewed from above and comprises a front wall 34a and a pair of sidewalls 34b, 34c that extend outwardly from opposite ends of the front wall 34a. Front wall 34a and sidewalls 34b, 34c bound and define an interior channel (unnumbered) through which support arm 24 extends when isolating system 10 is assembled.
• Tilt bracket 34 has an upper end 34d and a lower end 34e.
• Each of the sidewalls 34b, 34c defines an arcuate slot 34f therein that is located a short distance downwardly from upper end 34d.
• Each slot 34f extends between an outer surface and an inner surface of the associated sidewall 34b, 34c and the two slots 34f are laterally aligned with one another.
• Each of the sidewalls 34b, 34c also defines an aperture 34g therein.
• the apertures 34g extend between the outer surface and the inner surface of the associated sidewall 34b, 34c and are located a short distance upwardly from lower end 34d of tilt bracket 34. As best seen in FIG.5, apertures 34g are located a distance vertically below slots 34f and located between a forward end 34f’ and a rearward end 34f” of slot 34f.
• Apertures 34g in the two sidewalls 34b, 34c are laterally aligned with one another.
• support arm 24 is received within the channel defined by tilt bracket 26, the first holes 24f defined in support arm 24 are aligned with the arcuate slots 34f of tilt bracket 26, and a fastener 36 is inserted through the aligned slots 34f and first holes 24f.
• Fastener 36 secures tilt bracket 34 to support arm 24.
• Fastener 36 preferably is of a type that permits a user to loosen the engagement between tilt bracket 34 and support arm 24, adjust the angular orientation of front wall 34a of tilt bracket 34 relative to front wall 24a of support arm 24, and then be tightened so as to lock the tilt bracket 34 at the selected angular orientation relative to support arm 24. This will be described later herein.
• Front wall 34a of tilt bracket 34 defines one or more openings 34h therein.
• Each of the one or more openings 34h extends between an outer surface and an inner surface of front wall 34a of tilt bracket 34.
• a first of the openings 34h is located proximate upper end 34d of tilt bracket 34 and a second of the openings 34h is located proximate lower end 34e. It will be understood that a single opening 34h may be provided in tilt bracket 34 or two or more openings 34h may be provided therein.
• audio equipment “AE” is able to be secured to tilt bracket 34 utilizing fasteners 41 (FIG.10) that extend between a rear wall of the audio equipment “AE” and openings 34h.
• the shape of the openings illustrated in the attached figures is exemplary only and any type of fastener and any complementary shape of opening may be utilized to secure the audio equipment “AE” to isolating system 10.
• the audio equipment “AE” When the audio equipment “AE” is engaged with isolating system 10, the audio equipment is effectively suspended from the isolating system 10.
• Isolating system 10 is assembled in the following manner.
• Lower isolator assembly 14 is oriented such that the openings to the bores 14b’”, 14c’” defined in first tubular member 14b and second tubular member 14c, respectively face upwardly.
• the lower isolator assembly 14 is operatively engaged with the mounting bracket 12 as described earlier herein. Either before or after engagement of lower isolator assembly 14 with mounting bracket 12, first isolators 18 are press-fitted into bores 14b’”, 14c’” of lower isolator assembly 14.
• first isolators 18 are oriented so that the tabs 18d thereon align with and are ultimately received through the holes 14h defined in the sidewalls 14b’ and 14c’ of the associated first and second tubular members 14b, 14c.
• second isolators 20 are press-fitted into bores 16a’”, 16b’” of first and second cylindrical members 16a, 16b and are oriented so that the tabs 20b on second isolators 20 are received through the complementary holes 16f defined in the first and second cylindrical members 16a, 16b.
• a first end of a connector member 22 is inserted into the bore 18c of each first isolator 18.
• Upper isolator assembly 16 is oriented so that support arm 24 is received through central aperture 14e of lower isolator assembly 14 and a second end of each connector member 22 is received into the bores 20c of the second isolators 20 in the first and second cylindrical members 16a, 16b.
• Upper isolator assembly 18 is pushed downwardly until the second ends of the connector members 22 abuts an interior of the top wall of the second isolators 20 and substantially no further downward motion of the upper isolator assembly 16 is possible.
• a gap 32 is defined between a lower surface of second isolators 20 (and a lower end of first and second cylindrical members 16a, 16b) and an upper surface of first isolators 18 (and thereby an upper end of the first and second tubular members 14b, 14c).
• Connector members 22 are sufficiently long enough to ensure that the second isolators 20 do not come into direct contact with the first isolators 18, and therefore there is no direct contact between first and second tubular members 14 and first and second cylindrical members 16, even when a maximum weight of the audio equipment “AE” is supported by isolating system 10.
• Upper and lower isolators 20, 18 have multiple functions in isolating system 10. The ends of the connector members 22 engage the upper and lower isolators 20, 18 to dampen vertical vibrations while the interference fit of the connector members 22 in the isolators 20, 18 provides dampening of horizontal vibrations while resisting lateral deflection.
• Tilt bracket 34 is slipped around the lower end of the support arm 24 so that front wall 24a of support arm 24 is proximate an interior surface of front wall 34a of tilt bracket 34. Tilt bracket 24 is moved upwardly towards the lower isolator assembly 14 until arcuate slots 34f of tilt bracket 34 are aligned with first holes 24f of support arm 24. Fastener 36 is engaged through the aligned slots 34f and first holes 24f. Holes 34g defined in tilt bracket 34 are also brought into alignment with second holes 24g in support arm 24, and a second fastener 38 is inserted through the aligned holes 34g and 24g. Second fastener 38 will act as a pivot rod for tilt assembly 26. In particular, a pivot axis “X” extends along the shaft of the second fastener 38 and the tilt assembly 26 is able to pivot about the pivot axis “X”, as will be described later herein.
• mounting bracket 12 is secured to a suitable support structure “SS” by inserting fasteners 40 (FIG.9) through the various screw holes 12c defined in mounting bracket 12 and into holes provided in the support structure “SS’.
• Audio equipment “AE” is then engaged with tilt bracket 34 by inserting fasteners 41 (FIG.10) extending from a rear wall of the audio equipment “AE” through holes 34h in front wall 34a of the tilt bracket 34.
• Nuts may be engaged with the fasteners 41 to secure the audio equipment “AE” to tilt bracket 34.
• an adapter may be secured between the audio equipment “AE” and the tilt bracket 34 by fasteners 41.
• the adapter will be configured to be specific to the particular type of audio equipment being mounted to the support structure “SS” by isolating system 10.
• any vibration from the support structure “SS” that are passed on to mounting bracket 12 and thereby to lower isolator assembly 14 will be dampened by first and second isolators 18, 20, and connector members 22, and will therefore not be passed to the upper isolator assembly 16 and thereby to audio equipment “AE”.
• Mounting the audio equipment “AE” to the support structure “SS” using the isolating system 10 therefore attenuates vibration from and to the audio equipment “AE” and therefore greatly improves the quality of sound from the equipment.
• isolating system 10 In addition to dampening vibration from or to audio equipment “AE”, isolating system 10 also provides a way for a user to adjust the orientation of the audio equipment relative to the support structure “SS” in both a horizontal plane and a vertical plane. The user is able to adjust the horizontal and vertical orientation of the audio equipment “AE” using the isolating system 10 and is therefore able to direct sound in a desired direction into a room.
• FIG.9 is a top plan view showing possible pivoting panning motion of the audio equipment “AE” in a horizontal plane which is enabled by the isolating system 10.
• the apertures are arranged in a generally triangular configuration relative to one another with a first aperture 252c (FIG.16) being longitudinally spaced a distance rearwardly of the other two apertures 252d, 252e (FIG.20).
• Apertures 252d, 252e are spaced a distance laterally apart from one another and are laterally aligned with one another.
• the opening 252f (FIG.16) is laterally aligned with the second and third apertures 252d, 252e and is located in a region of plate 252 between the second and third apertures 252d, 252e.
• Hub member 254 defines a bore 254a (FIG.16) therethrough that originates in an opening defined in an upper surface of hub member 254 and terminates in an opening defined in a lower surface of hub member 254.
• Bushings 254b are inserted into the openings to the bore 254a.
• Hub member 254 is sized to be received in the gap 212f defined between first flange 212d and second flange 212e of mounting bracket 12.
• Bottom wall 260a and sidewall 260b bound and define an interior cavity 260d.
• Sidewall 260b of insert 260 is of an exterior diameter small enough to be received through second aperture 252d of plate 252.
• Annular flange 260c is of an exterior diameter that is not sufficiently small enough to be received through second aperture 252d.
• Second upper housing 268 is identical to first upper housing 268 and is engaged with support plate 264 in an identical manner as first upper housing 268.
• Upper isolator assembly 216 and lower isolator assembly 214 are operatively engaged with each other via connector members 222.
• Connector members 222 may be of a similar construction to connector members 22 and therefore will not be described further herein.
• a first end of a first connector member 222 is pressed into the recess 218c of each first isolator 218.
• the length of each connector member 222 is such that a portion thereof extends upwardly and outwardly for a distance beyond upper end 218e of the associated first isolator 218.
• Upper isolator assembly 216 is then moved downwardly into engagement with lower isolator assembly 214 such that the upper end of each connector member 222 is received into the recess of one of the second isolators 220 engaged in an associated upper housing 266 or 268.
• the upper isolator assembly 216 is pushed downwardly until the connector members 222 are tightly retained and captured in the two opposed recesses of the opposed first and second isolators 218, 220.
• a gap 232 (FIGS. 17 and 18) is defined between the first isolators 218 and second isolators 220.
• Gap 232 ensures that the only contact between upper isolator assembly 216 and lower isolator assembly 214 is via the resilient isolators 218, 220 and thus vibration to and from audio equipment “AE” supporting by isolating system 210 is able to be dampened.
• Tilt assembly 224 is provided to operatively engage upper isolator assembly 216 with the audio equipment “AE”.
• Tilt assembly includes a link bracket 270, a tilt bracket 234, a spacer 274, a cover 276, and a plurality of fasteners.
• link bracket 270 comprises an inverted U-shaped having a first arm 270a, a second arm 270b that is parallel to first arm 270a, and a third arm 270c that extends between the first and second arms 270a, and 270b.
• First arm 270a defines a pair of vertically-spaced apart holes 270a’ therein that extend between the inner and outer surfaces of the first arm 270a.
• Cover 276 (FIG.20) is received between the laterally spaced apart second housings 266, 268.
• Cover 276 is a box-like component having has an upper wall 276a and a sidewall 276b extending downwardly from a perimeter of the upper wall 276a.
• Upper wall 276a defines two spaced- apart holes 276c therein. Holes 276c are located so as to be alignable with the pair of third hole 264e defined in support plate 264, as will described later herein.
• Audio equipment “AE” is then engaged with isolating system by slipping tilt assembly 234 back over link bracket 270 and reinstalling the fasteners 284 286. As indicated earlier herein, the full weight of audio equipment “AE” is supported by upper isolator assembly 216.
• isolating system 210 When isolating system 210 is assembled in the above manner it will be understood that it is possible to pivot the upper isolator assembly 216, lower isolator assembly 214, and tilt assembly 224 in unison with hub member 254 in a horizontal plane about the longitudinal axis “Y” as illustrated in FIG.21. Consequently, when audio equipment “AE” is engaged with isolating system 210, it is possible to adjust the position of the audio equipment “AE” in the horizontal plane.
• Isolating system 310 is configured to be secured to a horizontally-oriented support structure such as a ceiling “C” (FIG.27). Isolating system 310 suspends the audio equipment “AE” from the ceiling “C” as shown in FIG.30 and bears the full weight of the audio equipment.
• isolating system 310 includes a mounting bracket 312, a lower isolator assembly 314, an upper isolator assembly 316, a plurality of first isolators 318, a plurality of second isolators 320, and a plurality of connector members 322.
• First isolators 318, second isolators 320, and connector members 322 are substantially identical in structure and function to first isolators 18, 118, 218; second isolators 20, 120, 220; and connector rods 22, 122, 222, and therefore will not be described in any detail herein.
• Mounting bracket 312 comprises a plate having a lower surface 312a (FIGS.27 and 28), and an upper surface 312b.
• Lower surface 312a defines a plurality of depressions 312c therein and into which an upper portion of upper isolator assembly 316 is received.
• Upper isolator 316 includes a plurality of generally circular housings, each housing being received within one of the depressions 312c of mounting bracket 312. This arrangement will be discussed further later herein.
• the depressions 312c defined in lower surface 312a of mounting bracket 312 are arranged in a complementary number and pattern to the number and configuration of the housings provided on upper isolator 316.
• An opening 314e is defined in each wedge-shaped region and the opening extends from upper edge 314b’ down to a lower surface of bottom wall 314a. Each opening 314e is located so as to align with second openings 312e in mounting bracket 312 when isolating system 310 is assembled. Additional cavities (not numbered) are defined in each wedge shaped-region with each cavity extending inwardly from upper edge 314b’ inwardly towards bottom wall 314b but terminating a distance from bottom wall 314b. These additional cavities are provided to reduce the amount of material required to fabricate lower isolator assembly 314. It will be understood that in some embodiments, the additional cavities may be omitted.
• Resilient first isolators 318 are each press-fitted into one of the plurality of tubular members 314c provided in lower isolator assembly 314. This can be seen particularly in FIGS.27 and 28. As is evident from FIG.27, the body of each first isolator 318 is interferencingly fitted into the bore 314c’ of one of tubular members 314c.A portion of each first isolator 318 extends outwardly beyond bottom wall 314a and forms an annular flange 318a that extends radially outwardly away from the associated tubular member 314c along an inner surface of bottom wall 314a. Each first isolator 318 also defines a recess 318b therein (FIG.27), the purpose of which will be discussed later herein.
• each first isolator 318 includes at least one tab 318d which extends radially outwardly from the sidewall of the first isolator 318, in a manner identical to first isolators 18 with associated tabs 18d.
• the plurality of tubular members 314c defined in lower isolator assembly 314 will be provided with at least one complementary slot to receive the at least one tab 318d therethrough and to thereby secure first isolator 318 in place within tubular member 314c.
• upper isolator assembly 316 is a cast component which comprises a plate 316a and a plurality of cylindrical members 316b that extend upwardly from an upper surface of the plate 316a.
• the number and placement of cylindrical member 316b provided on plate 316a is complementary to the number and placement of tubular members 314c provided on plate 314a.
• Each cylindrical member 316b defines an interior cavity 316b’ therein and one of a plurality of second isolators 320 is press-fitted into the interior cavity 316b’, as illustrated in FIG.27.
• each second isolator 320 includes at least one tab 320b which extends radially outwardly from the sidewall (not numbered) of the second isolator 320, in an identical manner to second isolators 20 with associated tabs 20b.
• the plurality of cylindrical members 316b defined in upper isolator assembly 316 will be provided with at least one complementary slot 316c to receive the at least one tab 320b therethrough and thereby to secure second isolator 320 in place within cylindrical member 316b.
• Two of the tabs 320b can be seen in FIG.27
• Fasteners 390 are then inserted through the second openings 312e defined in mounting bracket 312.
• fasteners 390 are inserted in a direction moving from upper surface 312b downwardly towards lower surface 312a.
• the second openings 312e are countersunk so that the heads of fasteners 390 will not protrude above the upper surface 312b of mounting bracket 312 when mounting bracket 312 and lower isolator assembly 314 are secured to one another.
• Fasteners 390 exit mounting bracket 312 and are received into openings 314e defined in lower isolator assembly 314.
• the surface defining openings 314e in lower isolator assembly 314 is internally threaded and configured to threadedly engage fasteners 390 to lower isolator assembly 314.
• a free end of each fastener 390 may be visible where openings 314e exit the lower surface of bottom wall 314a of lower isolator assembly. This is shown in FIG.24.
• FIG. 27 It should be noted that when lower isolator assembly 314 and mounting bracket 312 are secured to one another, there is a clearance gap 394 (FIG. 27) between the uppermost surfaces of the cylindrical members 316b of upper isolator assembly 316 and the lower surface 312a of mounting bracket 312.
• Upper isolator assembly 316 is provided with a support arm 324 (FIG.25) for engaging audio equipment “AE” thereto.
• Support arm 324 includes an upper plate 396, and a lower plate 398.
• Upper plate 396 and lower plate 398, as illustrated, are circular in shape when viewed from above. It will be understood, however, that these plates could be shaped other than circular.
• FIG.27 shows that upper plate 396 has an upper surface 396a and a lower surface 396b.
• a plurality of holes 396c is defined in plate 396 and each hole 396c extends from upper surface 396a through to lower surface 396b.
• a post 396d extends upwardly from upper surface 396a for a distance.
• Post 396d is centrally located on upper surface 396a. As best seen in FIG.27, the post 396d is an integrally formed part of plate 396. A circumferential surface of post 396d proximate a free end thereof (i.e., remote from upper surface 396a of plate 396) is provided with threads. The diameter of post 396d is complementary to the diameter of the central aperture 316d of plate 316a of upper isolator assembly 316. The threaded region of post 396d is threadedly engageable with the threads that circumscribe central aperture 316d.
• upper plate 396 may be engaged with upper isolator assembly 316 by inserting the free end of post 396d into central aperture 316d and rotating upper plate 396 about an vertical axis “Y” that extends along the post 396d.
• lower plate 398 has an upper surface 398a and a lower surface 398b.
• a plurality of arcuate slots 398c are defined in lower plate 398, with each slot 398c extends between upper surface 398a and lower surface 398b.
• a plurality of fasteners 399 are utilized to secure lower plate 398 to upper plate 396. In particular, fasteners 399 are received through the aligned slots 396c and holes 396c.
• the arcuate slots 398c allow a user to selectively rotationally orient lower plate 398 relative to upper plate 396, as will be described later herein.
• a sleeve 398d is integrally formed with lower plate 398.
• sleeve 398d extends downwardly from lower surface 398b of lower plate 398.
• Sleeve 398d defines a bore 398d’ therethrough that extends from an opening in one end of sleeve 398d to an opening in the other end of sleeve 398d. Bore 398d’ is oriented at right angles to longitudinal axis “Y”. This is best seen in FIG.27.
• a user is able to secure audio equipment “AE” to upper isolator assembly 316 of isolating system 310 using an L-shaped bracket 400, for example.
• L-shaped bracket 400 discussed herein and illustrated in the attached drawings should be understood to be exemplary only.
• L-shaped bracket 400 has a first leg 400a and a second leg 400b that are oriented at right angles to one another.
• First leg 400a has a pair of laterally-spaced apart flanges 400c that extend upwardly from an upper surface of the first leg 400a.
• Fastener 402 acts as a pivot rod and a pivot axis “X” (FIG.27) will extend along the shaft of fastener 402 when inserted through bore 398d’ of sleeve 398d.
• Fasteners 340 are inserted through first openings 312d in mounting bracket 312 to secure isolating system 310 to ceiling “C”.
• the L-shaped bracket 400 may be engaged with isolating system 310 before securing the same to the ceiling “C” or after securing the same to the ceiling.
• the upper isolator assembly 316 bears the entire weight of the audio equipment “AE”, the audio equipment is suspended from the upper isolator assembly 316 and has no direct contact with any other part of the isolating system 310 or the ceiling [0172]
• isolating system 310 allows the user to rotate the audio equipment in a horizontal plane (FIG.29) and/or in a vertical plane (FIG.30).
• Mounting bracket 312 fixedly secures the positions of the lower assembly 314 and upper assembly 316 in space.
• the lower isolator assembly 314 is not able to pivot or move in any fashion relative to the mounting bracket 312.
• the support arm 324 extending downwardly from upper isolator assembly 316 is configured to enable the user to change the orientation of the audio equipment “AE” in both the horizontal plane and the vertical plane.
• the supporting arm 324 enables pivotal motion of the audio equipment “AE” about the horizontal axis “X” in the following manner, shown in FIG.30.
• the user will loosen (but not disengage) the nut on the fastener 402 that extends through sleeve 398d.
• the user will grasp the audio equipment “AE” and will push or pull the same to rotate the audio equipment “AE” around the horizontal axis “Y”, thereby moving the audio equipment through the vertical plane as shown in FIG.30.
• the nut on the fastener 402 will be tightened to lock the audio equipment in the selected desired orientation.
• hub 415a of frame 415 defines a central aperture 415f therein which extends from an upper surface of hub 415a through a lower surface thereof.
• Aperture 415f will be generally aligned with the central opening 42d of ceiling plate 412 (if ceiling plate 412 utilized) when isolating system 410 is assembled.
• Aperture 415f will also be generally aligned with the central opening 414d defined in first isolator assembly 414.
• the central aperture 415f of frame 415 is shaped and sized such that a shaft 417a (FIG. 32A) of bolt 417 passes through aperture 415f but the head 417b of bolt 417 does not. This can be seen in FIGS. 36 and 37.
• the locking arm 423 is able to be manipulated to lock frame 415 and thereby lower isolator assembly 414 in position relative to the support structure. In some instances the locking arm 423 may be jammed against the ceiling plate 412 or against the ceiling “C” or a support beam such as beam “SB” shown in FIG.38.
• a gap 415g (FIG.32A) is defined between each adjacent pair of spokes 415b in frame 415.
• FIG.34 shows a first of four gaps 415g provided on frame 415.
• the illustrated gap 415g is defined between a spoke 415b’ of a first pair of spokes and a spoke 415b” of an adjacent second pair of spokes.
• a substantially identically-configured second gap 415g is provided on frame 415 diametrically opposite to the first gap 415g.
• Third and fourth gaps 415g are arranged along an axis oriented at ninety degrees relative to the axis along which the first and second gaps are arranged. The purpose of these axially aligned gaps 415g will be explained later herein.
• the number and placement of cups 415d provided on frame 415 is complementary to the number and placement of tubular members 414c provided on first isolator assembly 414.
• the placement of cups 415d is such that the tubular members 414c and cups 415d are able to be aligned with one another when the isolating system 410 is assembled.
• the through-holes 415c will align with through-holes 414e.
• Fasteners 425 are inserted through the aligned through-holes 415c, 414e to secure frame 415 and lower isolator assembly 414 to one another to form the first housing section of isolating system 410.
• second isolator assembly 416 is configured to be interposed between frame 415 and first isolator assembly 414.
• Second isolator assembly 416 includes a base 427 (FIGS.32, 32B and 33) and a sleeve 429.
• Base 427 includes a first end wall 427a and an opposed second end wall 427b which are arranged parallel to one another.
• Base 427 further includes a first side wall 427c and an opposed second side wall 427d which extend between the first end wall 427a and second end wall 427b.
• First and second end walls 427a, 427b and first and second side walls 427c, 427d bound and define a bore 427e (FIG.32B) that extends through the length of the base 427.
• Four receptors 427f are each connected to an exterior surface of base 427 by a pair of bars 427g. Two pairs of bars 427g which are spaced apart from one another extend outwardly from first side wall 427c and two pairs of bars which are spaced apart from one another extend outwardly from second side wall 427d.
• the bars 427g are located on the respective side walls 427c, 427d proximate first end wall 427a.
• each of the receptors 427f is received within the interior cavity 415e of one of the cups 415d retained by that particular pair of spokes 415b but there is no physical contact between the receptors 427f and associated cups 415d nor between the bars 427g and spokes 415b.
• each of the receptors 427f defines a recess 427g therein.
• Recess 427g is accessible through an opening defined in a lower surface of the respective receptor 427f.
• the lower surfaces of the receptors 427f are those surfaces which face towards the first isolator assembly 414.
• a second isolator 420 is received into one of the recesses 427g of a respective one of the receptors 427f.
• each second isolator 420 defines an interior bore 420a that is open at the end of the second isolator 420 which faces the first isolator assembly 414.
• a connector 422 is inserted into the aligned bores 420a of the second isolators 420 and the bores 418a (FIG.32) of the first isolators 418.
• the connectors 422 of isolating system 410 are of a length sufficient to prevent the first isolators 418 and second isolators 420 from coming into contact with one another. This additionally means that the tubular members 414a of first isolator assembly 414 and receptors 427f of second isolator assembly 416 will be prevented from coming into contact with one another.
• the shapes of the bores 418a and 420a and the connectors 422 will be complementary to one another so that the connectors 422 will be frictionally retained within the first isolators 418 and second isolators 420.
• base 427 of second isolator assembly 416 further includes a first boss 427h on first end wall 427a.
• One or more holes 427h’ extend through first boss 427h and are placed in fluid communication with the bore 427e of base 427.
• First boss 427h provides a region of reinforcement on first end wall 427a.
• Base 427 of second isolator assembly 416 further includes a second boss 427j which extends outwardly from at least one of the first side wall 427c and second side wall 427d.
• a hole 427j’ extends through the second boss 427j and is placed in fluid communication with the bore 427e of base 427.
• Second boss 427j provides a region of reinforcement on first side wall 427c.
• a set screw 431 is provided for selective insertion through hole 427j ’ for a purpose as will be described later herein.
• An aperture 427k (FIG.32B) is defined in second end wall 427b of housing and is placed in fluid communication with bore 427e of base 427. Aperture 427k is vertically aligned with first boss 427h. The purpose of aperture 427k will be later described herein.
• sleeve 429 is configured to be complementary in shape and size to be received within the bore 427e of base 427.
• Sleeve 429 includes a first end wall 429a and an opposed second end wall 429b, a first side wall 429c and an opposed second side wall 429d.
• Sleeve 429 defines a bore 429e which extends through the entire length thereof.
• Sleeve 429 defines a first aperture 429f in first end wall 429a and a second aperture 429g in second end wall 429b.
• Apertures 429f, 429g are aligned with one another and are alignable with aperture 427k defined in second end wall 427b of base 427.
• First and second apertures 429f, 429g are in fluid communication with bore 429e of sleeve 429.
• Sleeve 429 may also define a hole 429h in first side wall 429c which aligns with hole 427j’ in base 427 when sleeve 429 is inserted into bore 427e of base 427.
• Sleeve 429 is retained permanently in place within bore 427e of base 427 by enlarged rim regions 429j provided at each end sleeve 429.
• Set screw 431 is able to be inserted through the aligned holes 429h and 427j’ and is rotatable to extend at least partially into bore 429e of sleeve 429.
• Caps 429m are provided to selectively close off access to bore 429e of sleeve 429.
• Sleeve 429 is fabricated from a low friction material, such as polypropylene, for reasons that will be explained later herein.
• Bore 429e of sleeve forms a passageway through second isolator assembly 416, the purpose of which will be discussed later herein.
• FIGS. 31-38 illustrate flange assembly 498 which may optionally be engaged with the housing to form part of the isolating system 410.
• a consumer or installer will select to either use flange assembly 498 as part of isolating system 410 to mount audio equipment “AE” to the support structure or will use slider assembly 500 for this purpose.
• the slider assembly 500 will be described later herein.
• Flange assembly 498 includes a stem 498a and a flange 498b which is located at one end of stem 498a.
• Flange 498b comprises a plate which is oriented at 90 degrees to a longitudinal axis of stem 498a and extends radially outwardly from the end of the stem 498a.
• Stem 498a is sized to be easily received through the central opening 414d defined in first isolator assembly 414 in such a way that there is no contact between stem 498a, flange 498b, and first isolator assembly 414.
• Stem 498a includes an end wall 498a’ (FIG.32) which is oriented generally parallel to flange 498b and is located a distance remote therefrom.
• Stem 498a bounds and defines a bore 498c therein which extends from an opening 498d (FIG.32B) in a lower surface of flange 498b all the way through to end wall 498a’ of stem 498a.
• a pair of holes 498e (FIG.32) are defined in end wall 498a’ and the holes 498e are in fluid communication with bore 498c.
• Each through-hole 498e is configured to receive a fastener 499 therethrough.
• Lock washers 499a are engaged about the shaft of each fastener 499, the fasteners 499 are inserted through opening 498d defined in flange, through bore 498c of stem 498a, through the openings 427k, 429g of second isolator assembly 416 and are threadedly engaged in 427h’ in first boss 427h of second isolator assembly 416. Fasteners 499 and lock washers 499a thereby secure flange assembly 498 to second isolator assembly 416.
• the configuration and arrangement of flange assembly 498 and second isolator assembly 416 is such that no direct physical contact occurs between flange assembly 498 and first isolator assembly 414.
• flange 498b defines a plurality of holes 498f which extend between an upper and lower surface of flange 498b. Holes 498f are configured to receive fasteners (not shown) to secure flange 498b directly to audio equipment “AE” or to a mounting bracket “MB” which is secured to audio equipment “AE” as illustrated in FIG.38.
• Slider assembly 500 as illustrated in FIG.40, includes a slider bar 502 and a tilt bracket 504.
• Tilt bracket 504 is an example of a suitable bracket for engaging audio equipment “AE” to isolating system 410 but it will be understood that other, differently configured brackets could be used instead of tilt bracket 504.
• Tilt bracket 504 illustrated in FIGS.40 through 42 is substantially identical in structure and function to tilt bracket 34 shown in FIG.10. Audio equipment “AE” is able to be secured to tilt bracket 504 in the same manner as described previously herein with respect to the second embodiment of the isolating system. Tilt bracket 504 and its operation will therefore not be described in any further detail.
• First housing section 414, 415 comprises a first isolator assembly 414 and a frame 415, wherein the first isolator assembly 414 is positioned vertically below the frame 415 and is secured to the frame 415; and wherein the frame 415 is adapted to be secured to the support structure “SB” or “C”.
• Second housing section comprises a second isolator assembly 416 which is interposed between the frame 415 and the first isolator assembly 414 and the second isolator assembly 416 is free of direct physical contact with the frame 415 and with the first isolator assembly 416.
• An attachment assembly 498, 500 is operatively engaged with the connector region 427, 429 and the attachment assembly 498, 500 is adapted to secure the equipment “AE” to the connector region 427, 429.
• the attachment assembly includes a flange assembly 498 and a slider assembly 500, and only one of the flange assembly 498 and the slider assembly 500 is operatively engaged with the connector region 427, 429 at any time in order to secure the equipment “AE” to the connector region 427, 429.
• Flange assembly 498 includes a stem 498a and a flange 498b extending radially outwardly from the stem 498a, wherein the stem 498a is operatively engaged with the connector region 427, 429, and wherein the flange 498b is adapted to be engaged with the equipment “AE”.
• a passageway 429e is defined in the connector region 427, 429 and slider assembly 500 includes a slider bar 502 which is selectively received through the passageway 429e.
• Isolating system 410 further comprising a ceiling plate 412 operatively engaged with the housing 414, 415, 416, 418, 420, 422, wherein the ceiling plate 412 is adapted to secure the housing 414, 415, 416, 418, 420, 422 to the support structure “SB” or “C” and the housing 414, 415, 416, 418, 420, 422 is suspended from the ceiling plate 412.
• the housing 414, 415, 416, 418, 420, 422 includes a frame 415; a first isolator assembly 414 secured to the frame 415; a second isolator assembly 416 interposed between the frame 415 and the first isolator assembly 414, wherein the second isolator assembly 416 is free of direct physical contact with the frame 415 and with the first isolator assembly 414.
• a vibration dampening assembly 418, 420, 422 is interposed between the first isolator assembly 414 and the second isolator assembly 416.
• a method of reducing transfer of vibration between equipment “AE” which is vibration-generating or vibration-sensitive and a support structure “SB” or “C” comprises providing an isolating system 410 including a housing comprising a first housing section 414, 415 and a second housing section 416; interposing a vibration dampening assembly 418, 420, 422 between the first housing section 414, 415 and the second housing section 416; securing the first housing section 414, 415 to the support structure “SB” or “C”; providing a connector region 427, 429 on the second housing section 416; securing the equipment “AE” to the connector region 427, 429; and reducing transmission of vibration between the first housing section 414, 415 and the second housing section 416 with the vibration dampening assembly 418, 420, 422 and thereby dampening vibration between the equipment “AE” and the support structure “SB” or “C”.
• the method further comprises providing an attachment assembly 498, 500 which comprises a flange assembly 498 and a slider assembly 500; selecting one of the flange assembly 498 and the slider assembly 500; engaging the selected one of the slider assembly 498 and the flange assembly 500 to a connector region 427, 429 of the second housing section 416; and engaging the selected one of the flange assembly 498 and the slider assembly 500 with the equipment “AE”.
• the method further comprises suspending the equipment “AE” below the first isolator assembly 414 of the first housing section 414, 415.
• the method further comprises securing a stem 498a of the flange assembly 498 to the connector region 427, 429 of the second isolator assembly 416.
• the method further comprises securing a flange 498b extending outwardly from the stem 498a of the flange assembly 498 to the equipment “AE”.
• the method further comprises providing a passageway 429e through the connector region 427, 429 and receiving a slider bar 502 of the slider assembly 500 through the passageway 429e.
• the method further comprises providing a locking mechanism 431 (i.e., set screw 431 or any other suitable mechanism), engaging the locking mechanism, and preventing movement of slider bar 502 through passageway 429e.
• the method further comprises receiving a first leg 502a of the slider bar 502 through the passageway 429e, providing a second leg 502b of the slider bar 502 at an angle to the first leg 502a thereof; securing a mounting bracket 504 (or any other suitable mounting bracket) to the second leg 502b; and securing the equipment “AE” to the mounting bracket 504.
• the isolating system 410 is configured to be connected below a horizontally-oriented support structure such as a support beam “SB” or ceiling “C” and to suspend audio equipment below the isolating system 410
• the isolating system may be inverted and mounted to a horizontally-oriented support structure and be held vertically above that support structure.
• the audio equipment will extend upwardly and outwardly from the isolating system 410.
• the vibrationdampening qualities of the isolating system 410 will be maintained regardless of whether the isolating system 410 hangs downwardly from the support structure or extends vertically upwardly from the support structure.
• inventive concepts may be embodied as one or more methods, of which an example has been provided.
• the acts performed as part of the method may be ordered in any suitable way. Accordingly, embodiments may be constructed in which acts are performed in an order different than illustrated, which may include performing some acts simultaneously, even though shown as sequential acts in illustrative embodiments.
• the phrase “at least one,” in reference to a list of one or more elements, should be understood to mean at least one element selected from any one or more of the elements in the list of elements, but not necessarily including at least one of each and every element specifically listed within the list of elements and not excluding any combinations of elements in the list of elements.
• This definition also allows that elements may optionally be present other than the elements specifically identified within the list of elements to which the phrase “at least one” refers, whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified.

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• Acoustics & Sound (AREA)
• Signal Processing (AREA)
• Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
• Otolaryngology (AREA)
• Vibration Prevention Devices (AREA)

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• 2023
  • 2023-07-13 EP EP23855919.9A patent/EP4577754A1/de active Pending
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