Single Channel Acoustic Baffle Coupler and Related Methods of Use

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/643,774, filed on May 7, 2024, and titled SINGLE CHANNEL ACOUSTIC BAFFLE COUPLER AND RELATED METHODS OF USE, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

The present disclosure relates generally to the field of ceiling suspension systems for absorbing sound energy. More particularly, some embodiments relate to an acoustic baffle coupler that couples to an acoustic baffle that absorbs sound energy in a ceiling suspension system.

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.

illustrates a perspective view of a ceiling suspension acoustic baffle system that comprises a plurality of acoustic baffle systems. Each acoustic baffle systemmay include an acoustic baffle, an acoustic baffle coupler, and one or more fasteners to secure the acoustic baffle couplerto a ceiling. The acoustic baffle couplermay be coupled to the acoustic baffleand the one or more fasteners to form an assembled configuration. When the acoustic baffle coupleris not coupled to the acoustic baffleand/or the one or more fasteners, than the acoustic baffle systemis in an unassembled configuration. Each acoustic baffle systemmay be hung from a ceiling in a variety of different manners, such as suspension wires or cablesillustrated in. The wiresmay be coupled to the one or more fasteners. In some embodiments, the one or more fasteners may be coupled directly to the ceiling.

As shown in, each acoustic baffle systemmay be suspended and/or hung from a ceiling or wall structure. For instance, in the illustrated embodiment, each acoustic baffle systemis suspended by a plurality of wires. The wiressupport each acoustic baffle systemat a predetermined distance from the ceiling.

The illustrated embodiment ofillustrates five assembled acoustic baffle systemand four unassembled acoustic baffle systemsin which acoustic bafflesare not coupled to a corresponding acoustic baffle coupler. An acoustic bafflemay be coupled to the acoustic baffle couplerto from an assembled acoustic baffle system. A plurality of acoustic baffle systemsmay be used in conjunction with each other to form an aesthetically pleasing appearance. In some embodiments, this may include a plurality of acoustic baffle systemsequally spaced apart and parallel to each other to form the ceiling suspension acoustic baffle system. In some embodiments, the acoustic baffle systemsbe arranged perpendicular to each other to form the ceiling suspension acoustic baffle system. A plurality of different arrangements are within the scope of the present disclosure.

The acoustic bafflemay 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 bafflecomprises polyester and/or fiberglass. In a particular embodiment, the acoustic bafflecomprises polyester. And in another particular embodiment, the acoustic bafflecomprises fiberglass. In certain embodiments, the sound dampening material is fibrous. For example, the acoustic bafflesmay 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 baffle, and/or layers of acoustic baffle, 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 bafflemay absorb.

In some embodiments, the acoustic bafflecomprises mixtures of different types of sound dampening materials (such as mixtures of different types of polyesters). For example, the acoustic bafflecan 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 bafflecomprises 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 bafflemay 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 bafflemay 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 bafflemay be configured to absorb, dampen, and/or reduce acoustic energy. In some embodiments, the acoustic bafflemay 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 bafflemay 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 bafflecan comprise a plurality of layers that are fabricated into a mat. In some of such embodiments, fabrication of the acoustic bafflecomprises 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.

In the illustrated embodiment of, the acoustic bafflehas a rectangular shape. However, the present disclosure is not so limited, and the acoustic bafflemay have a variety of different shapes. For example, in some embodiments, each acoustic bafflemay have a different curvature along the length of a bottom edge, and a height of the first edgeand the second edgemay be different. This may provide a visual or aesthetic appeal to the acoustic baffle systemwhen installed.

illustrate the acoustic baffle coupler.illustrates a bottom perspective view of the acoustic baffle coupler.illustrates a top perspective view of the acoustic baffle coupler.illustrates an end view of the acoustic baffle coupler.

The acoustic baffle couplerincludes a bodywith an upper end, a lower end, a first lateral end, and a second lateral end. In some embodiments, the bodyis an extrusion that extends from a first endto a second end. The length of the bodymay vary depending on the circumstances. In some embodiments, the length of the bodyfrom the first endto the second endis around eight feet. In some embodiments, the length of the bodymay range between one foot and 20 feet. As illustrated in, the length of the bodymay be longer, as illustrated in the phantom lines, or the length of the bodymay be shorter.

The bodyof the acoustic baffle couplermay be fabricated from aluminum. Aluminum provides sufficient strength for the acoustic baffle coupler, but is also lightweight and relatively inexpensive. However, the present disclosure is not so limited, the acoustic baffle couplermay be fabricated from a number of materials that provide sufficient strength for the acoustic baffle coupler, such as steel, stainless steel, fiberglass, titanium, magnesium, brass, copper, alloys, thermoplastics, polymers, and the like. The bodycan be extruded into shape, or formed via another manufacturing process.

The bodyincludes a slotthat is defined in the upper endof the body. The slotextends from the first endto the second endof the body. The slothas a first openingdisposed at the first endand a second openingdisposed at the second end. The slotfurther comprises an upper openingthat extends along a length of the slotfrom the first endto the second endof the body. The upper openinghas a width W.

The slotfurther comprises a cavity. The cavityhas a width Wthat is greater than a width Wof the upper opening. The slotis configured to receive one or more fasteners that are configured to slide into the slot.

The slotfurther comprises a recessdefined in a lower surfaceof the slot. The recessextends from the first endto the second endof the body.

The bodyincludes a channelthat is defined in the lower endof the body. The channelextends from the first endto the second endof the body. The channelhas a first openingdisposed at the first endand a second openingdisposed at the second end. The channelfurther comprises a lower openingthat extends along a length of the channelfrom the first endto the second endof the body. The width of the channelmay be around a ½ inch to accommodate an acoustic bafflearound ½ inch thick. The present disclosure is not so limited and the width of the channelmay be sized to accommodate a variety of different sized acoustic baffles.

The channelfurther comprises a plurality of teeththat extend inward from lateral sidesof the channel. In the illustrated embodiment of, each lateral sideof the channelcomprises three teeth. However, the channelmay comprise more than of fewer than three teeth. Each lateral sideof the channelmay comprise an equal number of teeththat are vertically spaced apart from each other and have a height that corresponds to a toothfrom the other lateral side.

The teethmay comprise a triangular cross-section. Each toothcomprises a tapered portionthat extends upward from the lateral sideand a flat portionthat extends from an apexof the tapered portiontoward the lateral side.

illustrates the assembled acoustic baffle system. The acoustic baffleis configured to be slid into the channelof the acoustic baffle coupler. As the acoustic baffleis slid into the channel, the acoustic baffleslides along the tapered portion. The apexesof the plurality of teethof the channelare configured to secure the acoustic baffleinto the channel. In other words, the plurality of teethallow movement of the acoustic baffleinto the channelbut are configured to prevent movement of the acoustic baffleout of the channel. When the acoustic baffle coupleris vertical as illustrated in, the plurality of teethallow upward vertical movement of the acoustic baffleinto the channelbut prevent downward vertical movement out of the channel.

The lateral sidesof the channelcomprises sufficient strength to prevent bowing of the lateral sideswhen the acoustic baffleis inserted the channel. In other words, the lateral sidesdo not bend, warp, or deform when the acoustic baffleis inserted into the channel.

In some embodiments, the acoustic bafflemay be further secured in the channelby additional means. As illustrated in, a screwor another fastener may extend from the recessof the slotand into the acoustic bafflethat is inserted into the channel. The shape of the recessmay correspond to the shape of the head of the screw. The screwprovides additional securement to secure the acoustic baffleinto the channel. In addition, when the screwis inserted into the acoustic baffle, the acoustic baffleexpands outward due to the displacement of acoustic baffle material that is displaced by the screwwhen the screwis inserted into the acoustic baffle. The displacement of acoustic baffle material outward further secures the acoustic baffleinto the lateral sidesof the channel, thereby further securing the acoustic baffleinto the channelas illustrated in.

The acoustic baffle couplermay be secured to a ceiling by one or more fasteners that are disposed with the slotof the acoustic baffle coupler. In the illustrated embodiment of, the one or more fasteners are bolts. A headof the boltis configured to fit within the cavityof the slotand is dimensioned so that the headcannot be pulled through the openingof the slot. The boltis configured to slide into the slotthrough the first openingdisposed at the first endor the second openingat the second end. The boltis secured to the wireswhich are coupled to and secured to the ceiling. The boltsmay be further secured into the slotby an adhesive. A number of different types of fasteners instead of boltsmay be used and be within the scope of the present disclosure. In one embodiment, the fastener may be inserted into the slotand then rotated to secure the fastener in the slot. In other words, the fastener comprises a first dimension that fits into the slotand a second dimension that is bigger than the slot, thereby securing the fastener in the slotwhen rotated.

depict an embodiment of an acoustic baffle systemthat resembles the acoustic baffle systemdescribed above in certain respects. Accordingly, like features are designated with like reference numerals, with the leading digits incremented to “2.” For example, the embodiment depicted inincludes an acoustic baffle couplerthat may, in some respects, resemble the acoustic baffle couplerof. Relevant disclosure set forth above regarding similarly identified features thus may not be repeated hereafter. Moreover, specific features of acoustic baffle systemand related components shown inmay not be shown or identified by a reference numeral in the drawings or specifically discussed in the written description that follows. However, such features may clearly be the same, or substantially the same, as features depicted in other embodiments and/or described with respect to such embodiments. Accordingly, the relevant descriptions of such features apply equally to the features of the acoustic baffle systemand related components depicted in. Any suitable combination of the features, and variations of the same, described with respect to the acoustic baffle systemand related components illustrated incan be employed with the acoustic baffle systemand related components of, and vice versa. This pattern of disclosure applies equally to further embodiments depicted in subsequent figures and described hereafter, wherein the leading digits may be further incremented.

illustrate the acoustic baffle coupler.illustrates a bottom perspective view of the acoustic baffle coupler.illustrates a top perspective view of the acoustic baffle coupler.illustrates an end view of the acoustic baffle coupler.

The acoustic baffle couplerincludes a bodywith an upper end, a lower end, a first lateral end, and a second lateral end. The some embodiments, the bodyis an extrusion that extends from a first endto a second end. The length of the bodymay vary depending on the circumstances. In some embodiments, the length of the bodyfrom the first endto the second endis around eight feet. In some embodiments, the length of the bodymay range between one foot and 20 feet. As illustrated in, the length of the bodymay be longer, as illustrated in the phantom lines or the length of the bodymay be shorter.

The bodyof the acoustic baffle couplermay be fabricated from aluminum. Aluminum provides sufficient strength for the acoustic baffle coupler, but is also lightweight and relatively inexpensive. However, the present disclosure is not so limited, the acoustic baffle couplermay be fabricated from a number of materials that provide sufficient strength for the acoustic baffle coupler, such as steel, stainless steel, fiberglass, titanium, magnesium, brass, copper, alloys, thermoplastics, polymers, and the like. The bodycan be extruded into shape, or formed via another manufacturing process.

The bodyincludes a slotthat is defined in the upper endof the body. The slotextends from the first endto the second endof the body. The slothas a first openingdisposed at the first endand a second openingdisposed at the second end. The slotfurther comprises an upper openingthat extends along a length of the slotfrom the first endto the second endof the body. The upper openinghas a width W.

The slotfurther comprises a cavity. The cavityhas a width Wthat is greater than a width Wof the upper opening. The slotis configured to receive one or more fasteners that are configured to slide into the slot.

The slotfurther comprises a recessdefined in a lower surfaceof the slot. The recessextends from the first endto the second endof the body.

The bodyfurther includes a pair of slots defined in the upper endof the body. The pair of slots includes a first slotand a second slotthat each extend from the first endto the second endof the body. The first slotis disposed on a first lateral side of the slotand the second slotis disposed on a second lateral side of the slot, which is opposite the first lateral side of the slot.

The bodyincludes a channelthat is defined in the lower endof the body. The channelextends from the first endto the second endof the body. The channelhas a first openingdisposed at the first endand a second openingdisposed at the second end. The channelfurther comprises a lower openingthat extends along a length of the channelfrom the first endto the second endof the body. The width of the channelmay be around a one inch to accommodate an acoustic bafflearound one inch thick. The width of the channelis about twice the width of the channel. The channelmay accommodate a larger acoustic bafflethan the channel. In some embodiments, the acoustic bafflemay be folded on itself and inserted into the channel. In other words, the acoustic bafflemay have a thickness around ½ inch and when folded on itself, the acoustic bafflemay have a thickness around one inch thick. The present disclosure is not so limited and the width of the channelmay be sized to accommodate a variety of different sized acoustic baffles.

The channelfurther comprises a plurality of teeththat extend inward from lateral sidesof the channel. In the illustrated embodiment of, each lateral sideof the channelcomprises three teeth. However, the channelmay comprise more than of fewer than three teeth. Each lateral sideof the channelmay comprise an equal number of teeththat are vertically spaced apart from each other and have a height that corresponds to a toothfrom the other lateral side.

The teethmay comprise a triangular cross-section. Each toothcomprises a tapered portionthat extends upward from the lateral sideand a flat portionthat extends from an apexof the tapered portiontoward the lateral side. In addition, each apexof each toothincludes a hookthat is configured to secure to an acoustic bafflefor additional securement.

illustrates the assembled acoustic baffle system. The acoustic baffleis configured to be slid into the channelof the acoustic baffle coupler. As the acoustic baffleis slid into the channel, the acoustic baffleslides along the tapered portion. The apexesof teethof the channelare configured to secure the acoustic baffleinto the channel. In other words, the plurality of teethallow movement of the acoustic baffleinto the channelbut are configured to prevent movement of the acoustic baffleout of the channel. When the acoustic baffle coupleris vertical as illustrated in, the plurality of teethallow upward vertical movement of the acoustic baffleinto the channelbut prevent downward vertical movement out of the channel.

The lateral sidesof the channelcomprises sufficient strength to prevent bowing of the lateral sideswhen the acoustic baffleis inserted the channel. In other words, the lateral sidesdo not bend, warp, or deform when the acoustic baffleis inserted into the channel.

In some embodiments, the acoustic bafflemay be further secured in the channelby additional means. As illustrated in, a screwor another fastener may extend from the recessof the slotand into the acoustic bafflethat is inserted into the channel. The shape of the recessmay correspond to the shape of the head of the screw. The screwprovides additional securement to secure the acoustic baffleinto the channel. In addition, when the screwis inserted into the acoustic baffle, the acoustic baffleexpands outward due to the displacement of acoustic baffle material that is displaced by the screwwhen the screwis inserted into the acoustic baffle. The displacement of acoustic baffle material outward further secures the acoustic baffleinto the lateral sidesof the channel, thereby further securing the acoustic baffleinto the channelas illustrated in.

The acoustic baffle couplermay be secured to a ceiling by one or more fasteners that are disposed with the slotof the acoustic baffle coupler. In the illustrated embodiment of, the one or more fasteners are bolts. A headof the boltis configured to fit within the cavityof the slotand is dimensioned so that the headcannot be pulled through the openingof the slot. The boltis configured to slide into the slotthrough the first openingdisposed at the first endor the second openingat the second end. The boltis secured to suspension wires or cableswhich are coupled to and secured to the ceiling. The boltsmay be further secured into the slotby an adhesive. A number of different types of fasteners instead of boltsmay be used and be within the scope of the present disclosure. In one embodiment, the fastener may be inserted into the slotand then rotated to secure the fastener in the slot. In other words, the fastener a first dimension that fits into the slotand a second dimension that is bigger than the slot, thereby securing the fastener in the slotwhen rotated.

The acoustic baffle systemandmay be installed in a number of different locations. The location of the acoustic baffle systemsandmay help reduce the sound that is produced in the area. The acoustic baffle system,installation process may include inserting an acoustic baffle,into the channel,of the acoustic baffle coupler,. The plurality of teeth,are configured to secure the acoustic baffle,into the channel,of the acoustic baffle coupler,. One or more screws,or fasteners may be inserted into the acoustic baffle,from the recess,of the slot,to further secure the acoustic baffle,into the channel,of the acoustic baffle coupler,. The acoustic baffle coupler,may be hung from a ceiling by securing one or more fasteners in the slot,of the acoustic baffle coupler,and securing the fasteners to the ceiling, for example, by the wires,.

In some embodiments, acoustic baffle couplers,may be coupled to each other. In this manner, the length of the acoustic baffle coupler may be extended. For example, a first acoustic baffle couplermay be longitudinally coupled to a second acoustic baffle couplerto extend the length of the acoustic baffle system.

In some embodiments, the acoustic baffle systemsormay be attached to adjacent acoustic baffle systemsor. In some embodiments, adjacent acoustic baffle systemsormay be coupled together to change directions.illustrates a first clipthat is configured to couple two adjacent acoustic baffle couplers,together longitudinally. The clipmay be attached in the slotsof the acoustic baffle couplers,. In the illustrated embodiment, the clipcomprises a bodyand a plurality of apertures. The clipmay be used to attach the second end,of one acoustic baffle couplerto the first end,of another acoustic baffle coupler,longitudinally. The clipmay be secured by attaching fasteners through the aperturesto the acoustic baffle coupler,. For example, the apertureson a first endmay be used to secure the clipto the acoustic baffle couplervia fasteners, and the apertureson a second endmay be used to secure the clipto another acoustic baffle coupler,via fasteners. In some embodiments, fasteners may extend through the apertures, through the acoustic baffle coupler,, and into the acoustic baffle (similar to the fasteners described above). The clipmay comprise a central aperturethat may be used for joining, support, and/or fixing adjacent acoustic baffle systemsorand/or other hardware components. In some embodiments, the central aperturemay be used to attach the clipto the ceiling via a cableand a fastener. Such fastener in the central apertureneed not extend into an acoustic baffle. In other embodiments, the central aperturemay be used to integrate lighting into the acoustic baffle systemsor.

illustrates a second clipthat is configured to couple two adjacent acoustic baffle couplers,together perpendicularly or at 90 degrees. In some embodiments, the clipmay have a different angle than 90 degrees, such as 30 degrees, 60 degrees, 120 degrees, 150 degrees, or another angle between 0 and 180 degrees. The clipmay be attached in the slotsof the acoustic baffle couplers,. In the illustrated embodiment, the clipcomprises a bodyand a plurality of apertures. The clipmay be used to attach the second end,of one acoustic baffle couplerto the first end,of another acoustic baffle coupler,perpendicularly. The clipmay be secured by attaching fasteners through the aperturesto the acoustic baffle coupler,. For example, the apertureson a first endmay be used to secure the clipto the acoustic baffle coupler,via fasteners, and the apertureson a second endmay be used to secure the clipto another acoustic baffle coupler,via fasteners. In some embodiments, fasteners may extend through the apertures, through the acoustic baffle coupler,, and into the acoustic baffle (similar to the fasteners described above). The clipmay comprise a central aperturethat may be used for joining, support, and/or fixing adjacent acoustic baffle systemsorand/or other hardware components. The central aperturemay be used to attach the clipto the ceiling via a cableand a fastener. Such fastener in the central apertureneed not extend into an acoustic baffle. In other embodiments, the central aperturemay be used to integrate lighting into the acoustic baffle systemsor.

illustrates a third clipthat is configured to couple up to three adjacent acoustic baffle couplers,together in a T-shape. In some embodiments, the T-shape may be a Y-shape. The clipmay be attached in the slotsof the acoustic baffle couplers,. In the illustrated embodiment, the clipcomprises a bodyand a plurality of apertures. The clipmay be secured by attaching fasteners through the aperturesto the acoustic baffle coupler,. For example, the apertureson a first armmay be used to secure the clipto the acoustic baffle coupler,via fasteners, the apertureson a second armmay be used to secure the clipto another acoustic baffle couple,via fasteners, and the apertureson a third armmay be used to secure the clipto another acoustic baffle coupler,. In some embodiments, fasteners may extend through the apertures, through the acoustic baffle coupler,, and into the acoustic baffle (similar to the fasteners described above). The clipmay comprise a central aperturethat may be used for joining, support, and/or fixing adjacent acoustic baffle systemsorand/or other hardware components. The central aperturemay be used to attach the clipto the ceiling via a cableand a fastener. Such fastener in the central apertureneed not extend into an acoustic baffle. In other embodiments, the central aperturemay be used to integrate lighting into the acoustic baffle systemsor.

illustrates a fourth clipthat is configured to couple up to four adjacent acoustic baffle couplers,together in a cross shape. The clipmay be attached in the slotsof the acoustic baffle couplers,. In the illustrated embodiment, the clipcomprises a bodyand a plurality of apertures. The clipmay be secured by attaching fasteners through the aperturesto the acoustic baffle coupler,. For example, the apertureson a first armmay be used to secure the clipto the acoustic baffle coupler,via fasteners, the apertureson a second armmay be used to secure the clipto another acoustic baffle couple,via fasteners, the apertureson a third armmay be used to secure the clipto another acoustic baffle coupler,, and the apertureson a fourth armmay be used to secure the clipto another acoustic baffle coupler,. In some embodiments, fasteners may extend through the apertures, through the acoustic baffle coupler,, and into the acoustic baffle (similar to the fasteners described above). The clipmay comprise a central aperturethat may be used for joining, support, and/or fixing adjacent acoustic baffle systemsorand/or other hardware components. The central aperturemay be used to attach the clipto the ceiling via a cableand a fastener. Such fastener in the central apertureneed not extend into an acoustic baffle. In other embodiments, the central aperturemay be used to integrate lighting into the acoustic baffle systemsor.