Patent Publication Number: US-2023148428-A1

Title: Acoustic panels for a ceiling suspension system

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 17/174,099, filed Feb. 11, 2021, and titled “ACOUSTIC PANELS FOR A CEILING SUSPENSION SYSTEM,” which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/975,058, filed Feb. 11, 2020, and titled “ACOUSTIC PANELS FOR A CEILING SUSPENSION SYSTEM,” each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates generally to the field of ceiling suspension systems for absorbing sound energy. More particularly, some embodiments relate to acoustic panels that absorb sound energy in a ceiling suspension system. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The written disclosure herein describes illustrative embodiments that are non-limiting and non-exhaustive. Reference is made to certain of such illustrative embodiments that are depicted in the figures, in which: 
         FIG.  1    illustrates a perspective view of a plurality of main runners and a plurality of cross runners of a ceiling suspension system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  2    illustrates a cross-sectional view of a main runner or a cross runner of the ceiling suspension system of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  3    illustrates a perspective view of a ceiling suspension system with a plurality of acoustic panels coupled to the main runners and cross runners of the ceiling suspension system. 
         FIG.  4    illustrates another embodiment of a ceiling suspension system with a plurality of acoustic panels. 
         FIG.  5    illustrates a perspective view of an acoustic panel according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  6    illustrates a side view of a kerf disposed in a lateral edge of an acoustic panel. 
         FIG.  7 A  illustrates a perspective view of two acoustic panels coupled to either a main runner or a cross runner of a ceiling suspension system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  7 B  illustrates another perspective view of two acoustic panels coupled to either a main runner or a cross runner of a ceiling suspension system. 
         FIG.  8 A  illustrates installing an acoustic panel into a ceiling suspension system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  8 B  illustrates installing the acoustic panel of  FIG.  8 A  into the ceiling suspension system. 
         FIG.  8 C  illustrates the acoustic panel of  8 A installed into the ceiling suspension system. 
         FIG.  8 D  illustrates removing the acoustic panel of  8 A from the ceiling suspension system. 
         FIG.  8 E  illustrates removing the acoustic panel of  8 A from the ceiling suspension system. 
         FIG.  9    illustrates a perspective view of an acoustic panel comprising a cantilever portion according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  10    illustrates a perspective view of an acoustic panel comprising a cantilever portion according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  11    illustrates a perspective view of an acoustic panel according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  12    illustrates a perspective view of an acoustic panel according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  13    illustrates a perspective view of an acoustic panel according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  14    illustrates a perspective view of an acoustic panel according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  15    illustrates a perspective view of an acoustic panel according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Many locations are filled with various sources of sound and/or noise, including people, vehicles, music players, computers, televisions, appliances, musical instruments, etc. These sounds may cause confusions, strain, anxiety, privacy concerns, and/or miscommunication. Accordingly, sound dampening and/or acoustic materials may be used to absorb, dampen, reflect, etc., sound energy in an attempt to control the sound in a desired manner. 
     The present disclosure relates to acoustic mediums and methods for preparing acoustic mediums for absorbing, dampening, or reflecting sound energy. The embodiments may be best understood by reference to the drawings, wherein like parts are designated by like numerals throughout. It will be readily understood that the components of the present disclosure, as generally described and illustrated in the drawings herein, could be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations. Thus, the following more detailed description of the embodiments is not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, but is merely representative of possible embodiments of the disclosure. In some cases, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail. While the various aspects of the embodiments are presented in drawings, the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale unless specifically indicated. 
     The terms “first,” “second,” and the like in the description and in the claims, if any, are used for distinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily for describing a particular sequential or chronological order. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances such that the embodiments of the invention described herein are, for example, capable of operation in sequences other than those illustrated or otherwise described herein. Similarly, if a method is described herein as comprising a series of steps, the order of such steps as presented herein is not necessarily the only order in which such steps may be performed, and certain of the stated steps may possibly be omitted and/or certain other steps not described herein may possibly be added to the method. Furthermore, the terms “comprise,” “include,” and “have,” and any variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements is not necessarily limited to those elements, but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. 
     The phrase “coupled to” is broad enough to refer to any suitable coupling or other form of interaction between two or more entities, including mechanical interaction. Two components may be coupled to each other even though they are not in direct contact with each other. Objects described herein as being “adjacent” to each other may be in physical contact with each other, in close proximity to each other, or in the same general region or area as each other, as appropriate for the context in which the phrase is used. 
       FIG.  1    illustrates a perspective view of a ceiling suspension system  100 . The ceiling suspension system  100  may be an exposed grid system or a concealed mounting system. The illustrated ceiling suspension system  100  includes a plurality of main runners  110  and a plurality of cross runners  120  that form a grid with a plurality of sections  130  or openings. The main runners  110  extend in a first direction and the cross runners  120  extend in a second direction that is different from the first direction. In some embodiments, the first direction and the second direction are substantially perpendicular to each other. Without limitation, the intersections between the main runners  110  and the cross runners  120  may form 4-foot by 4-foot sections  130  of a grid. However, the sections  130  may have a number of different dimensions, depending on certain criteria where the ceiling suspension system  100  will be installed. For instance, the intersections between the main runners  110  and the cross runners  120  may also be configured to form 1-foot by 1-foot sections  130  of a grid, up to 12-foot by 12-foot sections of a grid (e.g., 1 ft×1 ft, 2 ft×2 ft, 3 ft×3 ft, 4 ft×4 ft, 5 ft×5 ft, 6 ft×6 ft, 7 ft×7 ft, 8 ft×8 ft, 9 ft×9 ft, 10 ft×10 ft, 11 ft×11 ft, or 12 ft×12 ft). Smaller and/or larger grid sections  130  can also be formed. In other embodiments, the main runners  110  and the cross runners  120  are different lengths such that the grid sections  130  are not square shaped. 
     As shown in  FIG.  1   , the main runners  110  and the cross runners  120  may be suspended and/or hung from a ceiling or wall structure. For instance, in the illustrated embodiment, the main runners  110  and the cross runners  120  are suspended by a plurality of suspension wires or cables  102 . The suspension wires or cables  102  support the main runners  110  and cross runners  120  at a predetermined distance from the ceiling. In other instances, the main runners  110  and the cross runners  120  are suspended by a wall structure (e.g., between two or more wall structures extending vertically from a floor structure). 
       FIG.  2    illustrates a cross-sectional view of one of the main runners  110 . The cross runners  120  may have the same general cross-sectional shape of the main runners  110 , but for ease of illustration, only the main runner  110  is illustrated. As illustrated, the main runner  110  comprises a bulb  112  that is formed on an upper portion or ridge of the main runner  110 . The illustrated embodiment shows the bulb  112  with a rectangular cross-section. Other shapes are also contemplated. For example, in other embodiments, the cross-section of the bulb  112  may be triangular, round, circular, oval, polygonal, and the like. The bulb  112  may add structural load strength to the main runner  110 . The main runner  110  further comprises a face  114  and a web  116  that extends between and couples the face  114  to the bulb  112 . The face  114  may extend laterally as far as or farther than the bulb  112 . 
       FIG.  3    illustrates the ceiling suspension system  100  with a plurality of acoustic panels  200 , each acoustic panel  200  installed into one of the sections  130  of the grid. Each acoustic panel  200  engages with a pair of main runners  110  and/or a pair of cross runners  120  that form each individual section  130 . The ceiling suspension system  100  may be coupled directly to the ceiling, as illustrated in  FIG.  3    via the suspension wires  102 . 
     The acoustic panels  200  may interact with and/or couple to the main runner  110  and/or the cross runners  120  in a number of different ways. In the illustrated embodiment of  FIG.  3   , some of the acoustic panels  200  include cantilever portions that extend beyond the outer or peripheral main runners  110  and outer or peripheral cross runners  120 . For example, a corner acoustic panel  300  can include cantilever portions on two of the peripheral edges of the acoustic panel  200  that extend beyond the outermost main runner  110  and the outermost cross runner  120  (see e.g.,  FIG.  9   ). A middle edge acoustic panel  400  can include a cantilever portion on a single edge of the middle edge acoustic panel  400  that extends beyond one of the outermost main runner  110  or the outermost cross runner  120  (see e.g.,  FIG.  10   ). A center acoustic panel  500  need not include cantilever portions on any of the edges of the center acoustic panel  500  (see e.g.,  FIG.  5   ). In other embodiments, all the acoustic panels can be configured as a center acoustic panel  500  without cantilever portions that extend beyond the main runner  110  or cross runner  120 . 
     For example,  FIG.  4    illustrates another embodiment of a ceiling suspension system  100 ′ that is suspended via suspension wires  102 ′. In the illustrated embodiment, the ceiling suspension system  100 ′ includes a plurality of acoustic panels  200 ′ that do not have cantilever portions that overlap the main runners  110 ′ or the cross runners  120 ′. In other words, all of the acoustic panels  200 ′ are similar to the center acoustic panel  500  discussed previously in that the edges of the acoustic panels  200 ′ couple to the main runners  110 ′ and/or cross runners  120 ′. As illustrated in  FIG.  4   , the ceiling suspension system  100 ′ may work in conjunction with lighting systems  140 ′, ventilation systems  150 ′, and the like. 
     With continued reference to  FIG.  3   , the acoustic panels  200  may be placed in the individual sections  130  of the ceiling suspension system  100  to absorb, dampen, and/or reflect sound energy. The acoustic panel  200  may comprise various types of sound dampening materials. Exemplary sound dampening materials that can be used include, but are not limited to, cotton, rayon, acetate, nylon, wood, olefins (or polyolefins), polyesters, acrylics, fiberglass, petroleum based fibers, biofibers (e.g., fibers manufactured from soy bean oil, corn oil, sugar cane, bamboo, etc.) and mixtures thereof. In certain embodiments, acoustic panel  200  comprises polyester and/or fiberglass. In a particular embodiment, acoustic panel  200  comprises polyester. And in another particular embodiment, the acoustic panel  200  comprises fiberglass. In certain embodiments, the sound dampening material is fibrous. For example, the acoustic panel  200  can comprise fiberglass, a spunbonded olefin, or a spunbonded polyester sound dampening material. In some embodiments, the fibrous material can also be an extruded fibrous material. 
     The sound dampening material of the acoustic panel  200 , and/or the layers of acoustic panel  200 , can also be non-woven. Non-woven materials can be useful in acoustic sound control due to their porous structure, high surface area, and low cost of production. The non-woven materials may also be porous. For example, non-woven materials can have a porosity greater than 70%, 80%, or 90%. This porosity can increase the amount of sound energy the acoustic panel  200  may absorb. 
     In some embodiments, the acoustic panel  200  comprises mixtures of different types of sound dampening materials (such as mixtures of different types of polyesters). For example, the acoustic panel  200  can comprise a high melt material and a low melt material (e.g., such as high and low melt polyesters). High melt materials can refer to materials having a melting point greater than about 330° F., such as between about 330° F. and about 450° F. Low melt materials can refer to materials having a melting point lower than about 320° F., such as between 220° F. and about 320° F. For instance, in a particular embodiment, the acoustic panel  200  comprises a mixture of at least one high melt polyester having a melting point greater than about 330° F., such as between about 330° F. and about 450° F., and at least one low melt polyester having a melting point lower than about 320° F., such as between 220° F. and about 320° F. In some of these embodiments, the acoustic panel  200  may comprise between about 50% and 95%, or between about 70% and 90% by weight of a high melt material, and between about 5% and 50%, or between about 10% and 30% by weight of a low melt material. 
     The acoustic panel  200  may also comprise acoustic materials having various weights, thicknesses, or deniers. For example, in certain embodiments, the acoustic materials can comprise a first portion of fibers having a first average denier and a second portion of fibers having a second average denier. In some of such embodiments, the first average denier is smaller than the second average denier. Additional sizes, such as a third average denier, fourth average denier, etc., can also be used. 
     As previously indicated, the acoustic panel  200  may be configured to absorb, dampen, and/or reduce acoustic energy. In some embodiments, the acoustic panel  200  may reduce acoustic energy by at least 20%, at least 30%, at least 40%, at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80%, or at least 90%. In other embodiments, the acoustic panel  200  may reduce acoustic energy in an amount ranging from 50% to 90%. The standard for measuring such a reduction of acoustic energy may be a Noise Reduction Coefficient (NRC) as tested under ASTM C423 (2020 or 2021). 
     In some embodiments, the acoustic panel  200  can comprise a plurality of layers that are fabricated into a mat. In some of such embodiments, fabrication of the acoustic panel  200  comprises disposing acoustic material into two or more layers. The acoustic material can then be treated. For example, the acoustic material can be compressed and/or subjected to heat or elevated temperatures, such as with a hot iron or heat press to form a mat. Other manufacturing methods and/or processes can also be used. For example, in some embodiments, acoustic materials can be entangled within a layer. Entanglement can occur prior to laying the adjacent layer (e.g., second layer) or after laying the adjacent layer. 
     As discussed previously, the acoustic panels  200  may engage with the main runners  110  and the cross runners  120  in a number of different ways.  FIG.  5    illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an acoustic panel that may be used in the ceiling suspension system  100 . The acoustic panel in  FIG.  5    may configured to be used as a center acoustic panel  500  in an embodiment that includes cantilevered edges (e.g., ceiling system  100  of  FIG.  3   ), or it may be used as a center or edge acoustic panel  500  in an embodiment that does not include cantilevered edges (e.g., ceiling system  100 ′ of  FIG.  4   ). 
     The center acoustic panel  500  includes a plurality of main blades  510  and a plurality of cross blades  520 . The main blades  510  may extend parallel in a first direction, and the cross blades  520  may extend parallel in a second direction. In some embodiments, the first direction and the second direction are substantially perpendicular, thus creating a grid with the main blades  510  and the cross blades  520 . In some embodiments, the main blades  510  extend laterally past the outermost cross blades  520 . Similarly, the cross blades  520  can extend laterally past the outermost main blades  510 . 
     The acoustic panel  500  is configured such that it couples a pair of adjacent main runners  110  or a pair of adjacent cross runners  120 . For example, the acoustic panel  500  may comprise a plurality of kerfs, cuts, or channels  530  that enable the acoustic panel  500  to be coupled to pair of main runners  110  or pair of cross runner  120 . With reference to  FIG.  5   , for instance, a pair of kerfs  530  are disposed on the main runners  110 . Specifically, each main blade  510  comprises a first kerf  530  that is disposed in a first lateral edge  512  and a second kerf  530  that is disposed in a second lateral edge  514  opposite the first lateral edge  512 . Each kerf  530  is configured as a groove that enables the main blade  510  to couple to either the main runners  110  or the cross runners  120 . In the embodiment of  FIG.  5   , the cross blades  520  do not comprise the same type of kerfs  530 . Rather, the cross blades comprise cutouts  540  that are disposed on each of a first lateral edge  522  and a second lateral edge  524  opposite the first lateral edge  522 . The cutouts  540  are configured to interact with either the main runners  110  or the cross runners  120  (whichever is not coupled to the main blades  510 ) but need not couple to it. For instance, the cutouts  540  can form a void in which the either the main runner  110  or the cross runner  120  (whichever is not coupled to the main blades  510 ) can be disposed. 
     The cross blades  520  may include a plurality of slots  526  disposed along the cross blades  520 . The slots  526  enable the cross blades  520  to slide onto the top of the main blades  510 . In some embodiments, the cross blades  520  may be coupled to the main blades  510  via a friction fit, adhesive, and the like. 
     The number of the main blades  510  and the number of the cross blades  520  may vary. The illustrated embodiment shows four main blades  510  and four cross blades  520 ; however, the present disclosure is not so limited and the center acoustic panel  500  may include more or less than four main blades  510  and four cross blades  520 . The main blades  510  may also be equally spaced apart from an adjacent main blade  510 ; however, the main blades  510  may be unequally spaced for a different design. Similarly, the cross blades  520  may be equally spaced apart from an adjacent cross blade  520 ; however, the cross blades  520  may be unequally spaced for a different design. 
     As previously described, the kerfs  530  enable a user to couple the acoustic panel  500  into one of the sections  130  of the ceiling suspension system  100 . With further reference to  FIG.  5   , at least two main blades  510  comprise kerfs for coupling to either adjacent main runners  110  or cross runners  120 . In some embodiments, such as the illustrated acoustic panel  500 , kerfs  530  are disposed on both lateral edges  512  and  514  of the main blade  510 . In other embodiments discussed below, such as the acoustic panel  300  of  FIG.  9    and the acoustic panel  400  of  FIG.  10   , one kerf  330 ,  430  is disposed on a lateral edge, and one kerf  350 ,  450  is disposed on an upper or top edge (which can create a cantilever portion). 
       FIG.  6    illustrates an exemplary kerf  230  of an acoustic panel  200 . The kerf  230  described below is similar to the kerf  530  briefly discussed above. The kerf  230  is disposed in a lateral edge  212  of a blade of the acoustic panel  200  that accommodates the face  114  of the main runner  110  or the cross runner  120 . The lateral edge  212  that comprises the kerf  230  includes an upper section  211  and a lower section  213 . The lower section  213  of the lateral edge  212  is laterally offset from the upper section  211  a predetermined distance D 1 . In other words, the lower section  213  is disposed laterally outward relative to the upper section  211 . In some embodiments, the upper section  211  and the lower section  213  are substantially parallel to each other. In some embodiments, the upper section  211  and the lower section  213  may be laterally offset from each other at a distance D 1  that is less than about 0.3 inch, less than about 0.25 inch, less than about 0.2 inch, less than about 0.15 inch, or less than about 0.1 inch. In other embodiments, the upper section  211  and the lower section  213  may be laterally offset from each other at a distance that is between about 0.05 inch and about 0.3 inch, between about 0.05 inch and about 0.25 inch, between about 0.05 inch and about 0.2 inch, between about 0.05 inch and about 0.15 inch, or between about 0.1 inch and about 0.15 inch. 
     The illustrated kerf  230  of  FIG.  6    comprises two slots, a first slot  232  (e.g., upper slot) and a second slot  234  (e.g., lower slot). The first slot  232  and the second slot  234  form a stepped shape kerf or groove  230 . The stepped shape of the kerf  230  enables the kerf  230  to engage with the face  114  of either the main runner  110  or the cross runner  120 . The first slot  232  comprises an upper surface  231  and a first lateral surface  233 . The first lateral surface  233  is disposed at least 0.2 inch from the upper section  211  and not more than 0.5 inch from the upper section  211 . In other words, the length of the upper surface  231  is between about 0.2 inch and about 0.5 inch. In another embodiment, the length of the upper surface  231  is between about 0.3 inch and about 0.5 inch, or between about 0.4 inch and about 0.5 inch. 
     The second slot  234  comprises a second lateral surface  235 , a lower surface  236  and an upper surface  237 . The second lateral surface  235  is disposed at least 0.5 inch from the lower section  213  and not more than 1 inch from the lower section  213 . In other words, the length of the lower surface  236  is between about 0.5 inch and about 1 inch. In another embodiment, the length of the lower surface  236  is between about 0.6 inch and about 1 inch, between about 0.7 and about 1 inch, between about 0.8 inch and about 1 inch, or between about 0.9 inch and about 1 inch. 
     In some embodiments, the kerf  230  is disposed at least 0.5 inch from an upper edge  215  of the acoustic panel  200 . In other embodiments, the kerf  230  is disposed between about 0.5 inch and about 1.5 inch from the upper edge  215 . The height of the kerf  230  may range between about 0.25 inch and about 1 inch. In some embodiments, the height of the first slot  232  and the height of the second slot  234  may be about 0.25 inch or more. In other words, the height of each of the first lateral surface  233  and the second lateral surface  235  can be 0.25 inch or more. In other embodiments, the height of each of the first lateral surface  233  and the second lateral surface can be between about 0.1 inch and about 0.5 inch, or between about 0.2 inch and about 0.3 inch 
       FIGS.  7 A and  7 B  illustrate perspective views of multiple acoustic panels  200  coupled to main runner  110 .  FIG.  7    is a side perspective view and  FIG.  8    is a bottom perspective view of the acoustic panels  200  and the main runner  110 . However, it will be appreciated that the acoustic panels  200  may be coupled to a cross runner  120  instead of the main runner  110  as desired. As discussed above, the main runner  110  comprises a bulb  112 , a face  114 , and a web  116  that extends from the bulb  112  to the face  114 . The acoustic panels  200  each comprise a kerf  230  with a first slot  232  and a second slot  234 . When the acoustic panel  200  is coupled to the main runner  110 , the upper surface  231  of the first slot  232  of the kerf  230  is disposed or rests upon an upper surface  115  of the face  114 . Similarly (although not shown), an opposite end of the acoustic panel blade can also comprise a kerf that is disposed upon an adjacent main runner  110 . With two ends of the acoustic panel  200  coupled to adjacent main runners (or cross runners), the acoustic panels  200  can be suspended in place. 
     As shown in  FIGS.  7 A and  7 B , the configuration of the kerf  230  can also enable a gap  250  between two lower edges  213  of adjacent acoustic panels  200  to be relatively small. A smaller gap  250  between adjacent acoustic panels  200  can be aesthetically pleasing and can also provide better acoustic capabilities. In some embodiments, the length of the acoustic panels  200  can be configured such that the gap  250  is minimized. For instance, the longitudinal length of the acoustic panel  200  at the lower section  213  (from one longitudinal end to the other longitudinal end) is between about 0.05 inch and about 0.3 inch, between about 0.05 inch and about 0.25 inch, between about 0.05 inch and about 0.2 inch, between about 0.05 inch and about 0.15 inch, or between about 0.1 inch and about 0.15 inch less than the opening  130  or space between runners  110  or cross runners  130 . As an example, if the opening  130  or space between runners  110  or cross runners is about 48 inches (4 feet), then the longitudinal length of the acoustic panel  200  at the lower section  213  (from one longitudinal end to the other longitudinal end) is between about 47.7 inches and about 47.95 inches, between about 47.75 inches and about 47.95 inches, between about 47.8 inches and about 47.95 inches, between about 47.85 inches and about 47.95 inches, or between about 47.85 inches and about 47.9 inches. As another example, if the opening  130  or space between runners  110  or cross runners is about 24 inches (2 feet), then the longitudinal length of the acoustic panel  200  at the lower section  213  (from one longitudinal end to the other longitudinal end) is between about 23.7 inches and about 23.95 inches, between about 23.75 inches and about 23.95 inches, between about 23.8 inches and about 23.95 inches, between about 23.85 inches and about 23.95 inches, or between about 23.85 inches and about 23.9 inches. As another example, if the opening  130  or space between runners  110  or cross runners is about 36 inches (3 feet), then the longitudinal length of the acoustic panel  200  at the lower section  213  (from one longitudinal end to the other longitudinal end) is between about 35.7 inches and about 35.95 inches, between about 35.75 inches and about 35.95 inches, between about 35.8 inches and about 35.95 inches, between about 35.85 inches and about 35.95 inches, or between about 35.85 inches and about 35.9 inches. As yet another example, if the opening  130  or space between runners  110  or cross runners is about 60 inches (5 feet), then the longitudinal length of the acoustic panel  200  at the lower section  213  (from one longitudinal end to the other longitudinal end) is between about 59.7 inches and about 59.95 inches, between about 59.75 inches and about 59.95 inches, between about 59.8 inches and about 59.95 inches, between about 59.85 inches and about 59.95 inches, or between about 59.85 inches and about 59.9 inches. Similar acoustic panel  200  lengths are also contemplated in relation to other sized openings  130 . In certain embodiments, the gap  250  between adjacent acoustic panels  200  can be between about 0.05 inch and about 0.2 inch, or between about 0.1 inch and about 0.15 inch. Further, in some of such instances, the longitudinal length of the acoustic panel  200  at the upper section  211  (from one longitudinal end to the other longitudinal end) is between about 0.15 inch and about 0.4 inch, between about 0.15 inch and about 0.35 inch, or between about 0.2 inch and about 0.3 inch less than the opening  130  or space between runners  110  or cross runners  130 . Configuring the acoustic panel  200  in such a way can maximize the contact between the runners  110  or cross runners  130  and the upper resting surface  231  of the kerf  230  to provide a more secure installation and/or fit. The relatively small gap  250  also provides for a safer installation as the minimal gap  250  can help prevent adjacent acoustic panels  200  from shifting and/or falling out of position. 
     The configuration of the kerfs  230  also enables a user to couple and/or uncouple the acoustic panel  200  from the cross runners  120  (or main runners  110 ) as illustrated in the schematic diagrams of  FIGS.  8 A- 8 E . It will be appreciated that the schematic diagrams  8 A- 8 E are not drawn to scale, but are illustrative of a method of installing an acoustic panel  200 . As shown therein, the cross runners  120  comprise a bulb  122  that is formed on an upper portion or ridge of the cross runner  120 , a face  124  and a web  126  that extends between and couples the face  124  to the bulb  122 . 
     During installation or coupling, the acoustic panel  200  may be lifted into a section  130  of the ceiling suspension system  100  from the bottom or face  124  side of the cross runners  120 . As illustrated in  FIG.  8 A , a user may lift and slide a first lateral edge  212  of the acoustic panel  200  such that the face  124  of a first cross runner  120  is disposed in each of the second slots  234  of the kerfs  230  of each of the main blades  210  (or cross blades  220 ) of the acoustic panel  200 . As discussed above, the acoustic panel  200  may include multiple main blades  210 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  8 B , with the face  124  of the first cross runner  120  in the second slots  234 , the user can lift a second lateral edge  214  of the acoustic panel  200  upward, as illustrated by arrow A 1 , and align the second kerfs  230  of the second lateral edge  214  with a second cross runner  120 ′ (adjacent the previously mentioned first cross runner  120 ). 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  8 C , with the second kerfs  230  of the second lateral edge  214  aligned, the user may slide or shift the acoustic panel  200  towards the second cross runner  120 ′ such that a face  124 ′ of the second cross runner  120 ′ is disposed in the first slots  232  of the kerfs  230  of the second lateral edge  214 . In other words, the acoustic panel  200  may slide or shift in the direction illustrated by arrow A 2 . As the acoustic panel  200  is shifted or moved towards the second cross runner  120 ′, the first lateral edge  212  of the acoustic panel  200  moves such that the face  124  of the first cross runner  110  transitions from the second slots  234  to the first slots  232  of the kerfs  230  on the first lateral edge  212 . With adjacent runners  120 ,  120 ′ disposed in the first slots  232  of first and second kerfs  230  (on opposite sides of the acoustic panel  200 ), the acoustic panel  200  can be described as being coupled to the cross runners  120 ,  120 ′ and can remain in the suspended position. 
     During removal, the user may lift the acoustic panel  200  and shift or slide the acoustic panel  200  towards a first runner  110  as shown in  FIG.  8 D  and indicated by arrows A 3  and A 4 . In doing so, the first lateral edge  212  of the acoustic panel  200  moves such that the face  124  of the first cross runner  120  transitions from the first slots  232  to the second slots of the kerfs  230  on the first lateral edge  212 . The second lateral edge  214  of the acoustic panel  200  also moves such that the face  124 ′ of the second cross runner  120 ′ transitions from the first slots  232  of the kerfs  230  on the second lateral edge  214  to a position that no longer engages the acoustic panel  200  (e.g., a position outward from the first slots  232 ). The second lateral edge  214  of the acoustic panel  200  can then be lowered and removed from the section  130  of the ceiling suspension system  100 , as illustrated in  FIG.  8 E  and indicated by arrow A 5 . With the second lateral edge  214  of the acoustic panel  200  removed, the first lateral edge  212  of the acoustic panel  200  can also be slid and removed from the section  130  of the ceiling suspension system  100 . 
     In certain embodiments, the main blades  210  (and/or cross blades  220 ) of the acoustic panel  200  can also be fabricated from a flexible material rather than a rigid material such that the user can bend the lateral edges of the main blades  210  (and/or cross blades  220 ) off a longitudinal axis of the main blades  210  (and/or cross blades  220 ), making it easier for the user to couple or uncouple the kerfs  230  of the main blades  210  (and/or cross blades  220 ) onto the runners  110 . For instance, the main blades  210  (and/or cross blades  220 ) can bend when they are being and lifted and shifted into and/or out of the coupled position described above. The lateral width of the blades  210 ,  220  can also be between about 0.1 inch and about 3 inch, between about 0.1 inch and about 2.5 inch, or between about 0.1 inch and about 2 inch, which can help enable the blades  210 ,  220  to bend during insertion and/or removal. 
       FIG.  9    illustrates a corner acoustic panel  300  according to another embodiment. The corner acoustic panel  300  is configured to be placed in a corner section of a grid of the ceiling suspension system  100 . For figure simplification, the main runners  110  and the cross runners  120  are not illustrated in  FIG.  9   . The corner acoustic panel  300  includes a plurality of main blades  310  and a plurality of cross blades  320 . The illustrated embodiment depicts the corner acoustic panel  300  with four main blades  310  and four cross blades  320 ; however, the present disclosure is not so limited and may include more or less than four main blades  310  and four cross blades  320 . In some embodiments, the number of main blades  310  and cross blades  320  is equal. In other embodiments, there are more main blades  310  than cross blades  320 . In further embodiments, there are more cross blades  320  than main blades  310 . Each main blade  310  has a first lateral edge  312  and a second lateral edge  314  opposite the first lateral edge  312 , and each cross blade  320  has a first lateral edge  322  and a second lateral edge  324  opposite the first lateral edge  322 . 
     The cross blades  320  may also include a plurality of slots  326  disposed along the cross blades  320 . The slots  326  enable the cross blades  320  to slide onto the top of the main blades  310 . In some embodiments, the cross blades  320  may be coupled to the main blades  310  via a friction fit, adhesive, and the like. 
     As shown in  FIG.  9   , the corner acoustic panel  300  can include two cantilever portions  306 ,  308  on two of edges  302 ,  304  of the corner acoustic panel  300  that are configured to extend beyond the outermost main runner  110  and the outermost cross runner  120 . Due to the cantilever portions  306 ,  308  of the corner acoustic panel  300 , the locations of kerfs  330  for attaching the corner acoustic panel  300  to the ceiling suspension system  100  are disposed in different locations than the acoustic panel  500  previously discussed. For example, the kerfs  330  are disposed in the first lateral edge  312  of only some of the main blades  310  and cross runners  320 . Specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the kerfs  330  are disposed in three of the main blades  310 , but not in the main blade  310  of the cantilever portion  306  that is disposed on the outermost edge  302  of the corner acoustic panel  300 . 
     Further, there are no kerfs  330  disposed in the second lateral edge  314  of the main blades  310 . Instead, some of the main blades  310  may comprise kerf slots  350 . The kerf slots  350  are configured to couple to the outermost main runner  110  or the outermost cross runner  120 . The kerf slots  350  extend downward from a top edge  316  of the main blade  310  and comprise a slot  352  that extends toward the first lateral edge  312  of the main blade  310  on a first lateral side  354  of the kerf slot  350 . The kerf slot  350  may be disposed at a beginning of the cantilever portion  308  that extends beyond either the main runner  110  or the cross runner  120 . In the illustrated embodiment, the kerf slots  350  are disposed in three of the main blades  310 , but not in the outermost main blade  310  in the cantilever portion  306  in the edge  302  of the corner acoustic panel  300 . 
     The kerf slots  350  may function similar to kerfs  330  during the installation and/or removal process. For example, during installation or coupling, an acoustic panel  300  may be lifted into a section  130  of the ceiling suspension system  100  from the bottom or face  114  side of the runners  110 . In doing so, a user may lift and slide a first side of the acoustic panel  300  such that a face  114  of a first runner  110  is disposed in the second slots of first kerfs  330  of the main blades  310 . With the face  114  of the first runner  110  in the second slots, the user can lift the second side of the acoustic panel  300  (opposite the first side) such that the second runner  110  is disposed in the kerf slots  350  and aligned with the slots  352  of the kerf slots  350 . With the slots  350  aligned, the user may slide or shift the acoustic panel  300  towards the second runner  110  such that a face  114  of the second runner  110  is disposed in the slots  352  of the kerfs slots  350 . As the acoustic panel  300  is shifted or moved towards the second runner  110 , the first side of the acoustic panel  300  moves such that the face  114  of the first runner  110  transitions from the second slots to the first slots of the first kerfs  330 . With the adjacent runners  100  disposed in the first slots of the first kerfs  330  and the slots  352  of the kerf slots  230  (on opposite sides of the acoustic panel  300 ), the acoustic panel  300  can be described as being coupled to the runners  110  and can remain in the suspended position. The cantilevered portion  308  also overhangs and is cantilevered beyond the runners  110 . 
     The cross blades  320  may comprise a cutout  340  that is disposed on a second lateral edge  324 . The cutout  340  is configured to accommodate the main runners  110  or the cross runners  120 . In the illustrated embodiment, the cutouts  340  are disposed in three of the cross blades  320 , but not in the cross blade  320  in the cantilever portion  308  on the edge  304 . Further, there are no cutouts  340  in the first lateral edge  322  of the cross blade  320 . Instead, some of the cross blades  320  comprise a second cutout  360  that is disposed at a beginning of the cantilever portion  306 . The second cutout  360  may be rectangular shaped and accommodate the outermost main runner  110  or the outermost cross runner  120 . In the illustrated embodiment, the second cutouts  360  are disposed in three of the cross blades  320 , but not in the cross blade  320  in the cantilever portion  308  on the edge  304 . The first and second cutouts  340 ,  360  can be configured to receive and accommodate cross runners  120  (or main runners  110 ), but are not configured to be suspended from the cross runners  120  (or main runners  110 ). 
       FIG.  10    illustrates the middle edge acoustic panel  400  according to another embodiment. The middle edge acoustic panel  400  is configured to be placed in between corner acoustic panels  300  in the ceiling suspension system  100 . In some embodiments, there may be multiple middle edge acoustic panels  400  disposed between the corner acoustic panels  300 . For figure simplification, the main runners  110  and the cross runners  120  are not illustrated in  FIG.  10   . The middle edge acoustic panel  400  includes a plurality of main blades  410  and a plurality of cross blades  420 . The illustrated embodiment illustrates the middle edge acoustic panel  400  with four main blades  410  and four cross blades  420 ; however, the present disclosure is not so limited and may include more or less than four main blades  410  and four cross blades  420 . In some embodiments, the number of main blades  410  and cross blades  420  is equal. In some embodiments, there are more main blades  410  than cross blades  420 . In some embodiments, there are more cross blades  420  than main blades  410 . Each main blade  410  has a first lateral edge  412  and a second lateral edge  414  opposite the first lateral edge  412 , and each cross blade  420  has a first lateral edge  422  and a second lateral edge  424  opposite the first lateral edge  422 . 
     The cross blades  420  may include a plurality of slots  426  disposed along the cross blades  420 . The slots  426  enable the cross blades  420  to slide onto the top of the main blades  410 . In some embodiments, the cross blades  420  may be coupled to the main blades  410  via a friction fit, adhesive, and the like. 
     The middle edge acoustic panel  400  includes a cantilever portion  408  on an edge  404  of the middle edge acoustic panel  400  that extends beyond the outermost main runner  110  (or outermost cross runner  120 ). Due to the cantilever portion  408  of the middle edge acoustic panel  400 , the locations of kerfs  430  for attaching the middle edge acoustic panel  400  to the ceiling suspension system  100  are disposed in different locations than the center acoustic panel  500 . 
     For example, some kerfs  430  may be disposed in the first lateral edge  412  of the main blades  410 . And there are no kerfs  430  disposed in the second lateral edge  414  of the main blades  410 . Instead the main blades  410  may comprise kerf slots  450 . The kerf slots  450  are configured to couple to the main runner  110  or the cross runner  120 . The kerf slots  450  extend downward from a top edge  416  of the main blade  410  and comprise a slot  452  that extends toward the first lateral edge  412  of the main blade  410  on a first lateral side  454  of the kerf slot  450 . The kerf slot  450  may be disposed at a beginning of the cantilever portion  408  that extends beyond either the main runner  110  or the cross runner  120 . 
     The cross blades  420  may comprise a cutout  440  disposed both on a first lateral edge  422  and on a second lateral edge  424 . The cutout  440  is configured to accommodate the main runners  110  or the cross runners  120 . In the illustrated embodiment, the cutouts  440  are disposed in three of the cross blades  420 , but not in the cross blade  420  in the cantilever portion  408  on the edge  404 . 
     It will be appreciated that the present disclosure is not limited to the designs of the acoustic panel illustrated in  FIGS.  1 - 10   .  FIG.  11 - 15    illustrate additional designs of acoustic panels that fall within the scope of the present invention. The acoustic panels illustrated in  FIGS.  11 - 14    are similar to the acoustic panels described in  FIGS.  1 - 10    in the way that the acoustic panels are coupled to the main runners  110  and the cross runners  120 . However, the acoustic panels have different bottom edges of the main blades and the cross blades. Each design is designed for acoustic purposes to absorb sound waves that hit them to reduce the intensity and echo.  FIG.  11    illustrates an acoustic panel  600  comprising a plurality of main blades  610  and a plurality of cross blades  620  that are configured to couple to the main runner  110  and the cross runner  120 . In the illustrated embodiment, there are eight main blades  610  and four cross blades  620 ; however, the present disclosure is not so limited, and there may be more or less main blades  610  and cross blades  620 . The main blades  610  have a flat bottom edge  616  that extends from a first lateral edge  612  to a second lateral edge  614 . The main blades  610  may have different heights. The cross blades  620  have a flat bottom edge  626  that extends from a first lateral edge  622  to a second lateral edge  624 . Each of the cross blades  620  has the same height. 
       FIG.  12    illustrates an acoustic panel  700  comprising a plurality of main blades  710  and a plurality of cross blades  720  that are configured to couple to the main runner  110  and the cross runner  120 . In the illustrated embodiment, there are four main blades  710  and four cross blades  720 ; however, the present disclosure is not so limited, and there may be more or less main blades  710  and cross blades  720 . The main blades  710  may have a wave shaped configuration that extends from a first lateral edge  712  to a second lateral edge  714 , wherein the height of the main blade  710  changes over the length of the main blade  710 . Each main blade  710  may have a different wave pattern configuration. The cross blades  720  may have a wave shaped configuration that extends from a first lateral edge  722  to a second lateral edge  724 , wherein the height of the cross blade  720  changes over the length of the cross blade  720 . Each cross blade  720  may have a different wave pattern configuration. 
       FIG.  13    illustrates an acoustic panel  800  comprising a plurality of main blades  810  and a plurality of cross blades  820  that are configured to couple to the main runner  110  and the cross runner  120 . In the illustrated embodiment, there are seven main blades  810  and seven cross blades  820 ; however, the present disclosure is not so limited, and there may be more or less main blades  810  and cross blades  820 . The main blades  810  may have an angled configuration that changes direction multiple times as the main blade  810  extends from a first lateral edge  812  to a second lateral edge  814 . The height of the main blade  810  changes over the length of the main blade  810 . Each main blade  810  may have a different angled configuration. The cross blades  820  may have an angled configuration that changes direction multiple times as the cross blade  820  extends from a first lateral edge  822  to a second lateral edge  824 . The height of the cross blade  820  changes over the length of the cross blade  820 . Each cross blade  820  may have a different angled configuration. 
       FIG.  14    illustrates an acoustic panel  900  comprising a plurality of main blades  910  and a plurality of cross blades  920  that are configured to couple to the main runner  110  and the cross runner  120 . In the illustrated embodiment, there are four main blades  910  and four cross blades  920 ; however, the present disclosure is not so limited, and there may be more or less main blades  910  and cross blades  920 . A bottom edge  916  of the main blades  910  may change heights over the length from a first lateral edge  912  to a second lateral edge of the  914 . The bottom edge  916  of each main blade  910  may have a different design. A bottom edge  926  of the cross blades  920  may change heights over the length from a first lateral edge  922  to a second lateral edge (not shown). The bottom edge  926  of each cross blade  920  may have a different design. 
       FIG.  15    illustrates an acoustic panel  1000  comprising a plurality of main blades  1010  and a plurality of cross blades  1020  that are configured to couple to the main runner  110  and the cross runner  120 . In the illustrated embodiment, there are four main blades  1010  and four cross blades  1020 ; however, the present disclosure is not so limited, and there may be more or less main blades  1010  and cross blades  1020 . The main blades  1010  may have a flat bottom edge  1016  that extends from a first lateral edge  1012  to a second lateral edge  1014 . Each of the main blades  1010  has the same height. The cross blades  1020  have a flat bottom edge  1026  that extends from a first lateral edge  1022  to a second lateral edge  1024 . Each of the cross blades  1020  has the same height. In the illustrated embodiment of  FIG.  15   , each of the main blades  1010  and each of the cross blades  1020  also have the same height. 
     Methods of using and/or making an acoustic system are also disclosed herein. In particular, it is contemplated that any of the components, principles, and/or embodiments discussed above may be utilized in either an acoustic system or a method of using and/or making the same. 
     It will be appreciated that any methods disclosed herein include one or more steps or actions for performing the described method. The method steps and/or actions may be interchanged with one another. In other words, unless a specific order of steps or actions is required for proper operation of the embodiment, the order and/or use of specific steps and/or actions may be modified. Moreover, sub-routines or only a portion of a method described herein may be a separate method within the scope of this disclosure. Stated otherwise, some methods may include only a portion of the steps described in a more detailed method. 
     Reference throughout this specification to “an embodiment” or “the embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the quoted phrases, or variations thereof, as recited throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. 
     Similarly, it should be appreciated by one of skill in the art with the benefit of this disclosure that in the above description of embodiments, various features are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure, however, is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that any claim requires more features than those expressly recited in that claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in a combination of fewer than all features of any single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the claims following this Detailed Description are hereby expressly incorporated into this Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment. This disclosure includes all permutations of the independent claims with their dependent claims. 
     Recitation in the claims of the term “first” with respect to a feature or element does not necessarily imply the existence of a second or additional such feature or element. 
     Without further elaboration, it is believed that one skilled in the art can use the preceding description to utilize the invention to its fullest extent. The claims and embodiments disclosed herein are to be construed as merely illustrative and exemplary, and not a limitation of the scope of the present disclosure in any way. It will be apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art, with the aid of the present disclosure, that changes may be made to the details of the above-described embodiments without departing from the underlying principles of the disclosure herein. In other words, various modifications and improvements of the embodiments specifically disclosed in the description above are within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, the order of the steps or actions of the methods disclosed herein may be changed by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In other words, unless a specific order of steps or actions is required for proper operation of the embodiment, the order or use of specific steps or actions may be modified. The scope of the invention is therefore defined by the following claims and their equivalents.