Sound Attenuation Canopy for Reducing Noise Transmitted Through Suspended Ceilings

Available for licensing and commercial implementation in commercial facilities design and construction are intellectual property rights covering a sound attenuation canopy for reducing noise transmitted through suspended ceiling systems commonly used in most office buildings. The canopy is designed to absorb sound energy and effectively reduce the direct path of sound travelling within open plenum suspended ceilings like those used in most office building environments. The canopy can also act as an umbrella to shield loose debris and dust which may be located in the plenum and potentially fall when ceiling suspended return-air grilles are moved or accessed. The canopy has an added benefit of reducing heating or cooling loss which may naturally ventilate through the return air plenum grille from a conditioned office space below. Also, the canopy controls leakage of heating and cooling, reducing loads on the central building systems thereby lessening energy costs and extending the life-cycle of the building's physical plant.

The canopy does not impede natural air flow for ventilating the plenum cavity but deters the spread of smoke or fire between the plenum and the office space below. The canopy can also act as a secondary air balancer or K Factor balancer to equate supply and return air to control room temperature. The canopy is pliable and therefore allows for ease of adjustment within varying plenum conditions as well as readily installed in ceiling plenums.