Patent Publication Number: US-2023151608-A1

Title: Acoustic ceiling baffles and related methods of use

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 17/230,554, filed Apr. 14, 2021, and titled ACOUSTIC CEILING BAFFLES AND RELATED METHODS OF USE, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/010,470, filed Apr. 15, 2020, and titled ACOUSTIC CEILING BAFFLES AND RELATED METHODS OF USE, each of which is hereby incorporated 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 ceiling baffles 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 bottom perspective view of a ceiling suspension system that includes runners and a plurality of acoustic ceiling baffles according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  2    illustrates a top perspective view of the ceiling suspension system of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  3    illustrates a front end view of the ceiling suspension system of  FIGS.  1  and  2   . 
         FIG.  4    illustrates a detailed view of an attachment mechanism of an acoustic ceiling baffle according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  5    illustrates a detailed view of an attachment mechanism of an acoustic ceiling baffle according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  6    illustrates a detailed view of an attachment mechanism of an acoustic ceiling baffle according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  7    illustrates a detailed view of an attachment mechanism of an acoustic ceiling baffle 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 ceiling baffles used to absorb, dampen, and/or reflect sound energy in a ceiling suspension system. 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. 
       FIGS.  1  and  2    illustrate perspective views of a ceiling suspension system  100 .  FIG.  1    illustrates a bottom perspective view and  FIG.  2    illustrates a top perspective view. The ceiling suspension system  100  may be an exposed mounting system. The illustrated ceiling suspension system  100  includes a plurality of runners  110  and a plurality of ceiling baffles  200  that are coupled to the plurality of runners  110 . The runners  110  extend in a first direction and the plurality of runners  110  are parallel to each other and are spaced laterally apart a predetermined amount of distance, such as four feet. In some embodiments, the ceiling suspension system  100  comprises a single runner  110 . In other embodiments, the ceiling suspension system  100  comprises two runners  110 . In further embodiments, the ceiling suspension system  100  comprises three or more runners  110 . 
     As shown in  FIGS.  1  and  2   , the runners  110  may be suspended and/or hung from a ceiling or wall structure. For instance, in the illustrated embodiment, the runners  110  are suspended by a plurality of suspension wires or cables  102 . The suspension wires or cables  102  support the runners  110  at a predetermined distance from the ceiling. In other instances, the runners  110  and are suspended by a wall structure (e.g., between two or more wall structures extending vertically from a floor structure). As illustrated in the detailed view of  FIG.  2   , the runners  110  may comprise a plurality of apertures  111  in a top surface  109  of the runner  110  that may be used to couple the suspension wire or cable  102  to the runner  110 . 
     As illustrated in  FIGS.  1  and  2   , the ceiling baffles  200  are coupled to the runners  110  via attachment mechanisms  250 . Each ceiling baffle  200  comprises a baffle body with a top edge  210 , a left edge  220 , a right edge  230 , and a bottom edge  240 . The attachment mechanisms  250  are disposed in or along the top edge  210  of the ceiling baffle  200 .  FIG.  1    illustrates either the ceiling baffle  200  in the process of being coupled or decoupled to the runner  110  via the attachment mechanisms  250 . 
     The ceiling baffles  200  have a predetermined depth that extends in the longitudinal direction of the runners  110 . Each ceiling baffle  200  may have a similar design, or as shown in the illustrated embodiment, each ceiling baffle  200  may have a different design. For example, the illustrated embodiment illustrates that each ceiling baffle  200  has a different curvature along the length of the bottom edge  240 , and the height of the left edge  220  and the right edge  230  may be different. This may provide a visual or aesthetic appeal to the ceiling suspension system  100  when installed. The present disclosure is not limited to the designs illustrated, but encompasses a variety of different designs. 
       FIG.  3    illustrates a front end view of the ceiling suspension system  100 . For ease of illustration, only a single baffle  200  is illustrated; however, there may be multiple ceiling baffles  200  disposed behind the ceiling baffle illustrated. 
     As discussed above, the ceiling baffle  200  comprises the top edge  210 , the left edge  220 , the right edge  230 , and the bottom edge  240  with a predetermined depth. Each ceiling baffle  200  may have one or more attachment mechanisms  250 . The attachment mechanism  250  is configured to removably couple to the runner  110 . The attachment mechanisms  250  may be laterally spaced apart, such as about four feet. The distance between the attachment mechanism and the lateral edges, e.g. left edge  220  or right edge  230  may vary. 
     The illustrated embodiment shows two attachment mechanisms  250 ; however, the present disclosure is not so limited, and the number of attachment mechanisms  250  may be one, two, three, or more. The ceiling suspension system  100  may have the same corresponding number of runners  110  as attachment mechanisms  250  on the ceiling baffle  200 . The structural details of various attachment mechanisms are discussed in further detail below. 
     The illustrated embodiment of  FIG.  3    illustrates a front end view of the runners  110 . One runner  110  is disposed on the left and another runner  110  is disposed on the right. These runners  110  couple with the attachment mechanism  250  to attach the ceiling baffle  200  to the runners  110 . The runners  110  comprise a bulb  112  that is formed on an upper portion or ridge of the runner  110 . The illustrated embodiment shows the bulb  112  has 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 runner  110 . The runners  110  further comprise 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 . 
     The acoustic ceiling baffles  200  may be coupled to the runners  110  of the ceiling suspension system  100  to absorb, dampen, and/or reflect sound energy. Each acoustic ceiling baffle  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 soybean oil, corn oil, sugar cane, bamboo, etc.) and mixtures thereof. In certain embodiments, the acoustic ceiling baffle  200  comprises polyester and/or fiberglass. In a particular embodiment, the acoustic ceiling baffle  200  comprises polyester. And in another particular embodiment, the acoustic ceiling baffle  200  comprises fiberglass. In certain embodiments, the sound dampening material is fibrous. For example, the acoustic ceiling baffles  200  may 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 ceiling baffle  200 , and/or layers of acoustic ceiling baffle  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 ceiling baffle  200  may absorb. 
     In some embodiments, the acoustic ceiling baffle  200  comprises mixtures of different types of sound dampening materials (such as mixtures of different types of polyesters). For example, the acoustic ceiling baffle  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 ceiling baffle  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 ceiling baffle  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 ceiling baffle  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 ceiling baffle  200  may be configured to absorb, dampen, and/or reduce acoustic energy. In some embodiments, the acoustic ceiling baffle  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 ceiling baffle  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. 
     In some embodiments, the acoustic ceiling baffle  200  can comprise a plurality of layers that are fabricated into a mat. In some of such embodiments, fabrication of the acoustic ceiling baffle  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. 
     Different sized attachment mechanisms  250  may be utilized depending on need and based on the runners  110  used or on any other device for which the ceiling baffle attaches.  FIGS.  4  and  5    illustrate attachment mechanisms that are configured to couple to a T grid runner. The attachment mechanisms may couple to the T grid runner via a snap fit. Examples of T grid runners include USG Centricitee, Armstrong Suprafine, Rockfron Tempera, Certainteed 9/16″ Elite Narrow Stab System, and Gordon Series C-1A. 
       FIGS.  6  and  7    illustrate attachment mechanisms that are configured to couple to a bolt slot grid runner. The attachment mechanisms may couple to the bolt slot grid runner via a snap fit. Examples of blot slot grid runners include the USG Fineline, Armstrong Silhouette, Rockfron Ultraline, and Gordon Series A and B. 
       FIG.  4    illustrates a detailed view of an attachment mechanism  300  of the ceiling baffle  200  according to one embodiment. As discussed above, the attachment mechanism  300  is configured to couple to a T grid runner  110 ′. The runner  110 ′ includes a blub  112 ′, a face  114 ′, and a web  116 ′. 
     The attachment mechanism  300  is formed within the top edge  210  of the ceiling baffle  200  and below a plane that corresponds with the top edge  210  of the ceiling baffle  200 . In some embodiments, a portion of the attachment mechanism  300  may be disposed above the plane of the top edge  210 . The attachment mechanism  300  may be formed in the ceiling baffle  200  by cutting away a portion of the ceiling baffle  200  to form the attachment mechanism  300 . 
     The attachment mechanism  300  comprises a first recessed portion  310 , a second recessed portion  320 , and a third recessed portion  330 . The first recessed portion  310 , the second recessed portion  320 , and the third recessed portion  330  form a pair of retention members  340  and  350 . The first and second retention members  340  and  350  are formed around the first recessed portion  310 . The runner  110 ′ is configured to be inserted into the first recessed portion  310 , and the retention members  340  and  350  are configured to retain the runner  110 ′ in the first recessed portion  310  when the ceiling baffle  200  is coupled to the runner  110 ′. 
     The first recessed portion  310  comprises a first section  311  and a second section  317 . The first section  311  has a generally rectangular shape with an opening  312  between the first section  311  and the second section  317 . The first section  311  further includes top edges  313  that form the opening  312 , side walls  314 , and a bottom edge  315 . The top edges  313  are bottom edges of the retention members  340  and  350 , respectfully. The bottom edge  315  slants upward from each side wall  314  to form an apex  316  at a center of the bottom edge  315 . The apex  316  is configured to engage with a bottom surface  113 ′ of the face  114 ′ of the runner  110 ′, and the top edges  313  are configured to engage with a top surface  115 ′ of the face  114 ′ of the runner  110 ′. The second section  317  comprises side walls  318  that slant downward from the plane of the top edge  210  of the ceiling baffle  200  toward the opening  312 . The side walls  318  are also side walls of the retention members  340  and  350 , respectfully. 
     The second recessed portion  320  and the third recessed portion  330  are disposed on opposing sides of the first recessed portion  310 . The second recessed portion  320  and the third recessed portion  330  may have a substantially triangular shape that is disposed below the plane of the top edge  210  of the ceiling baffle  200 . The second recessed portion  320  and the third recessed portion  330  may be equal in size. Other shapes of the second recessed portion  320  and the third recessed portion  330  are within the scope of the present disclosure. In the illustrated embodiment, the second recessed portion  320  and the third recessed portion  330  each include a first side wall  322 ,  332  and a second side wall  324 ,  334 . The second side walls  324 ,  334  are also part of the retention members  340  and  350 , respectfully. The length of the first side wall  322 ,  332  is less than the length of the second side wall  324 ,  334 , and the absolute value of the slope of the first side wall  322 ,  332  is greater than the absolute value of the slope of the second side wall  324 ,  334 . 
     During the installation process, the first recessed portion  310  is pressed against the face  114 ′ of the runner  110 ′. The outer edges of the face  114 ′ engage with the side walls  318  of the second section  317  of the first recessed portion  310 . While the face  114 ′ applies a force against the side walls  318 , the retention members  340  and  350  are configured to rotate inward and downward and partially into the first section  311  until the face  114 ′ passes the opening  312 . Once the face  114 ′ passes the opening  312  into the first section  311 , the retention members  340  and  350  rotate upward and outward to their original positions. Additionally, the bottom surface  113 ′ of the face  114 ′ engages with the apex  316  and the apex  316  is configured to go downward as the face  114 ′ engages it until the face  114 ′ passes the opening  312  into the first section  311 , at which point the apex  316  returns to its original position. 
     The bottom surfaces  313  of the retention members  340  and  350  engage with the top surface  115 ′ of the face  114 ′ to hold the ceiling baffle  200  up. The apex  316  engages with the bottom surface  113 ′ of the face  114 ′ to secure the ceiling baffle  200  to the runner  110 ′ and prevent movement of the ceiling baffle  200  after installation, thus ensuring a snug fit. 
     During the removal process, the retention members  340  and  350  may be rotated outward into the second recessed portion  320  and the third recessed portion  330 , respectfully. By rotating the retention member  340  into the second recessed portion  320  and rotating the retention member  350  into the third recessed portion  330 , the opening  312  is opened enough to allow the face  114 ′ of the runner  110 ′ to pass through the opening  312  and decouple the ceiling baffle  200  to the runner  110 ′. 
       FIG.  5    illustrates a detailed view of an attachment mechanism  400  of the ceiling baffle  200  according to another embodiment. As discussed above, the attachment mechanism  400  is configured to couple to a T grid runner  110 ′. The runner  110 ′ includes a blub  112 ′, a face  114 ′, and a web  116 ′. 
     The attachment mechanism  400  is formed within and above the top edge  210  of the ceiling baffle  200  and above and below the plane that corresponds with the top edge  210  of the ceiling baffle  200 . The attachment mechanism  400  may be formed in the ceiling baffle  200  by cutting away a portion of the ceiling baffle  200  to form the attachment mechanism  400  and the top edge  210  of the ceiling baffle. 
     The attachment mechanism  400  comprises a recessed portion  410  and a pair of retention members  440  and  450 . The first and second retention members  440  and  450  are formed around the first recessed portion  410 . The runner  110 ′ is configured to be inserted into the first recessed portion  410 , and the retention members  440  and  450  are configured to retain the runner  110 ′ in the first recessed portion  410  when the ceiling baffle  200  is coupled to the runner  110 ′. 
     The first recessed portion  410  comprises a first section  411  and a second section  417 . The first section  411  is disposed above and below the plane of the top edge  210  of the ceiling baffle and the second section  417  is disposed above the plane. The first section  411  has a generally rectangular shape with an opening  412  between the first section  411  and the second section  417 . The first section  411  further includes top edges  413  that form the opening  412 , side walls  414 , and a bottom edge  415 . The top edges  413  are bottom edges of the retention members  440  and  450 , respectfully. The bottom edge  415  slants upward from each side wall  414  to form an apex  416  at a center of the bottom edge  415 . The apex  416  is configured to engage with a bottom surface  113 ′ of the face  114 ′ of the runner  110 ′, and the top edges  413  are configured to engage with a top surface  115 ′ of the face  114 ′ of the runner  110 ′. The second section  417  comprises side walls  418  that slant downward toward the opening  412 . The side walls  418  are also side walls of the retention members  440  and  450 , respectfully. 
     The retention members  440  and  450  may have a substantially triangular shape that is disposed above the plane of the top edge  210  of the ceiling baffle  200 . The retention members  440  and  450  may be equal in size. Other shapes of the retention members  440  and  450  are within the scope of the present disclosure. In the illustrated embodiment, retention members  440  and  450  each include an outer side wall  419 . The length of the side wall  418  is less than the length of the outer side walls  419 , and the absolute value of the slope of the side walls  418  is greater than the absolute value of the slope of the outer side walls  419 . 
     During the installation process, the first recessed portion  410  is pressed against the face  114 ′ of the runner  110 ′. The outer edges of the face  114 ′ engage with the side walls  418  of the second section  417  of the first recessed portion  410 . While the face  114 ′ applies a force against the side walls  418 , the retention members  440  and  450  are configured to rotate inward and downward and partially into the first section  411  until the face  114 ′ passes the opening  412 . Once the face  114 ′ passes the opening  412  into the first section  411 , the retention members  440  and  450  rotate upward and outward to their original positions. Additionally, the bottom surface  113 ′ of the face  114 ′ engages with the apex  416  and the apex  416  is configured to go downward as the face  114 ′ engages it until the face  114 ′ passes the opening  412  into the first section  411 , at which point the apex  416  returns to its original position. 
     The bottom surfaces  413  of the retention members  440  and  450  engage with the top surface  115 ′ of the face  114 ′ to hold the ceiling baffle  200  up. The apex  416  engages with the bottom surface  113 ′ of the face  114 ′ to secure the ceiling baffle  200  to the runner  110 ′ and prevent movement of the ceiling baffle  200  after installation, thus ensuring a snug fit. 
     During the removal process, the retention members  440  and  450  may be rotated outward. By rotating the retention members  440  and  450  outward, the opening  412  is opened enough to allow the face  114 ′ of the runner  110 ′ to pass through the opening  412  and decouple the ceiling baffle  200  to the runner  110 ′. 
       FIG.  6    illustrates a detailed view of an attachment mechanism  500  of the ceiling baffle  200  according to another embodiment. As discussed above, the attachment mechanism is configured to couple to a blot slot grid runner  110 ″. The runner  110 ″ includes a blub  112 ″, a face  114 ″, and a web  116 ″. The bulb  112 ″ and the web  116 ″ are similar to the runner  110 ′, but the face  114 ′ is different. The face  114 ″ has a rectangular cross-section with an opening on the bottom surface  113 ″ of the face  114 ′. 
     The attachment mechanism  500  is formed within the top edge  210  of the ceiling baffle  200  and below a plane that corresponds with the top edge  210  of the ceiling baffle  200 . In some embodiments, a portion of the attachment mechanism  500  may be disposed above the plane of the top edge  210 . The attachment mechanism  500  may be formed in the ceiling baffle  200  by cutting away a portion of the ceiling baffle  200  to form the attachment mechanism  500 . 
     The attachment mechanism  500  comprises a first recessed portion  510 , a second recessed portion  520 , and a third recessed portion  530 . The first recessed portion  510 , the second recessed portion  520 , and the third recessed portion  530  form a pair of retention members  540  and  550 . The first and second retention members  540  and  550  are formed around the first recessed portion  510 . The runner  110 ″ is configured to be inserted into the first recessed portion  510  and the retention members  540  and  550  are configured to retain the runner  110 ″ in the first recessed portion  510  when the ceiling baffle  200  is coupled to the runner  110 ″. 
     The first recessed portion  510  comprises a first section  511  and a second section  517 . The first section  511  has a generally rectangular shape with an opening  512  between the first section  511  and the second section  517 . The first section  511  of the present embodiment is bigger than the first section  311 , previously discussed, because of the enlarged face  114 ″. The first section  511  further includes top edges  513  that form the opening  512 , side walls  514 , and a bottom edge  515 . The top edges  513  are bottom edges of the retention members  540  and  550 , respectfully. The bottom edge  515  slants upward from each side wall  514  to form an apex  516  at a center of the bottom edge  515 . The slope of the bottom edge  515  is greater than the slope of the bottom edge  315  previously discussed. The apex  516  is configured to engage with a bottom surface  113 ″ of the face  114 ″ of the runner  110 ″, and the top edges  513  are configured to engage with a top surface  115 ″ of the face  114 ″ of the runner  110 ″. The second section  517  comprises side walls  518  that slant downward from the plane of the top edge  210  of the ceiling baffle  200  toward the opening  512 . The side walls  518  are also side walls of the retention members  540  and  550  respectfully. 
     The second recessed portion  520  and the third recessed portion  530  are disposed on opposing sides of the first recessed portion  510 . The second recessed portion  520  and the third recessed portion  530  may have a substantially triangular shape that is disposed below the plane of the top edge  210  of the ceiling baffle  200 . The second recessed portion  520  and the third recessed portion  530  may be equally size. Other shapes of the second recessed portion  520  and the third recessed portion  530  are within the scope of the present disclosure. In the illustrated embodiment, the second recessed portion  520  and the third recessed portion  530  each include a first side wall  522 ,  532  and a second side wall  524 ,  534 . The second side walls  524 ,  534  are also part of the retention members  540  and  550 , respectfully. The length of the first side wall  522 ,  532  is less than the length of the second side wall  524 ,  534 , and the absolute value of the slope of the first side wall  522 ,  532  is greater than the absolute value of the slope of the second side wall  524 ,  534 . 
     During the installation process, the first recessed portion  510  is pressed against the face  114 ″ of the runner  110 ′. The outer edges of the face  114 ″ engage with the side walls  518  of the second section  517  of the first recessed portion  510 . While the face  114 ″ applies a force against the side walls  518 , the retention members  540  and  550  are configured to rotate inward and downward and partially into the first section  511  until the face  114 ″ passes the opening  512 . Once the face  114 ″ passes the opening  512  into the first section  511 , the retention members  540  and  550  rotate upward and outward to their original positions. Additionally, the bottom surface  113 ″ of the face  114 ″ engages with the bottom edge  515  and the apex  516  is configured to go into the opening of the bottom surface  113 ″ until the face  114 ″ passes the opening  512  into the first section  511 , at which point the apex  516  returns to its original position. 
     The bottom surfaces  513  of the retention members  540  and  550  engage with the top surface  115 ″ of the face  114 ″ to hold the ceiling baffle  200  up. The bottom edge  515  engages with the bottom surface  113 ″ of the face  114 ″ with the apex  516  in an opening in the face  114 ″ to secure the ceiling baffle  200  to the runner  110 ″ and prevent movement of the ceiling baffle  200  after installation, thus ensuring a snug fit. 
     During the removal process, the retention members  540  and  550  may be rotated outward into the second recessed portion  520  and the third recessed portion  530 , respectfully. By rotating the retention member  540  into the second recessed portion  520  and rotating the retention member  550  into the third recessed portion  530 , the opening  512  is opened enough to allow the face  114 ″ of the runner  110 ″ to pass through the opening  512  and decouple the ceiling baffle  200  to the runner  110 ″. 
       FIG.  7    illustrates a detailed view of an attachment mechanism  600  of the ceiling baffle  200  according to another embodiment. As discussed above, the attachment mechanism is configured to couple to a blot slot grid runner  110 ″. The runner  110 ″ includes a blub  112 ″, a face  114 ″, and a web  116 ″. 
     The attachment mechanism  600  is formed within and above the top edge  210  of the ceiling baffle  200  and above and below the plane that corresponds with the top edge  210  of the ceiling baffle  200 . The attachment mechanism  600  may be formed in the ceiling baffle  200  by cutting away a portion of the ceiling baffle  200  to form the attachment mechanism  600  and the top edge  210  of the ceiling baffle  200 . 
     The attachment mechanism  600  comprises a recessed portion  610  and a pair of retention members  640  and  650 . The first and second retention members  640  and  650  are formed around the first recessed portion  610 . The runner  110 ″ is configured to be inserted into the first recessed portion  610  and the retention members  640  and  650  are configured to retain the runner  110 ″ in the first recessed portion  610  when the ceiling baffle  200  is coupled to the runner  110 ″. 
     The first recessed portion  610  comprises a first section  611  and a second section  617 . The first section  611  is disposed above and below the plane of the top edge  210  of the ceiling baffle  200  and the second section  617  is disposed above the plane. The first section  611  has a generally rectangular shape with an opening  612  between the first section  611  and the second section  617 . The first section  611  of the present embodiment is bigger than the first section  311 , previously discussed, because of the enlarged face  114 ″. The first section  611  further includes top edges  613  that form the opening  612 , side walls  614 , and a bottom edge  615 . The top edges  613  are bottom edges of the retention members  640  and  650 , respectfully. The bottom edge  615  slants upward from each side wall  614  to form an apex  616  at a center of the bottom edge  615 . The apex  616  is configured to engage with a bottom surface  113 ″ of the face  114 ″ of the runner  110 ″, and the top edges  613  are configured to engage with a top surface  115 ″ of the face  114 ″ of the runner  110 ″. The second section  617  comprises side walls  618  that slant downward toward the opening  612 . The side walls  618  are also side walls of the retention members  640  and  650 , respectfully. 
     The retention members  640  and  650  may have a substantially triangular shape that is disposed above the plane of the top edge  210  of the ceiling baffle  200 . The retention members  640  and  650  may be equally size. Other shapes of the retention members  640  and  650  are within the scope of the present disclosure. In the illustrated embodiment, retention members  640  and  650  each include an outer side wall  619 . The length of the side wall  618  is less than the length of the outer side walls  619 , and the absolute value of the slope of the side walls  618  is greater than the absolute value of the slope of the outer side walls  619 . 
     During the installation process, the first recessed portion  610  is pressed against the face  114 ″ of the runner  110 ″. The outer edges of the face  114 ″ engage with the side walls  618  of the second section  617  of the first recessed portion  610 . While the face  114 ′ applies a force against the side walls  618 , the retention members  640  and  650  are configured to rotate inward and downward and partially into the first section  611  until the face  114 ″ passes the opening  612 . Once the face  114 ″ passes the opening  612  into the first section  611 , the retention members  640  and  650  rotate upward and outward to their original positions. Additionally, the bottom surface  113 ″ of the face  114 ″ engages with the apex  616  and the apex  616  is configured to go downward as the face  114 ″ engages it until the face  114 ″ passes the opening  612  into the first section  611 , at which point the apex  616  returns to its original position. 
     The bottom surfaces  613  of the retention members  640  and  650  engage with the top surface  115 ″ of the face  114 ″ to hold the ceiling baffle  200  up. The bottom edge  615  engages with the bottom surface  113 ″ of the face  114 ″ with the apex  616  in an opening in the face  114 ″ to secure the ceiling baffle  200  to the runner  110 ″ and prevent movement of the ceiling baffle  200  after installation, thus ensuring a snug fit. 
     During the removal process, the retention members  640  and  650  may be rotated outward. By rotating the retention members  640  and  650  outward, the opening  612  is opened enough to allow the face  114 ″ of the runner  110 ″ to pass through the opening  612  and decouple the ceiling baffle  200  to the runner  110 ″. 
     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.