Acoustic tile frame and method of production

Abstract

An acoustic tile, methods of forming and installing the same, and a frame for such are provided. The acoustic tile includes a substantially planar board, where the board can include fiberglass. A frame, which can include a plurality of frame segments, is disposed about a portion of a periphery of the substantially planar board. The frame is coupled to the board where an edge of the board is disposed within a channel of the frame. The frame imparts a majority of the dimensional stability of the acoustic tile, where the frame can include one of extruded metal, extruded plastic, and pultruded fiberglass. The acoustic tile includes a mounting point on the frame configured for coupling the frame to the building surface. A wrapping can be included that substantially covers a face of the board. The acoustic tile can function to absorb, block, or diffuse sound energy.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An acoustic tile for a building surface comprising:
 a substantially planar board;   a frame disposed about a portion of a periphery of the substantially planar board, the frame coupled to the board, the frame imparting a majority of the dimensional stability of the acoustic tile; and   a mounting point on the frame, the mounting point configured for coupling the frame to the building surface;   wherein the acoustic tile is configured to absorb, block, or diffuse sound energy.   
     
     
         2 . The acoustic tile of  claim 1 , wherein the substantially planar board comprises a material selected from the group consisting of: fiberglass, polyester, polypropylene, vinyl, elastomer, rubber, hardwood, plywood, particle board, textile, cotton, linen, mineral fiber board, gypsum, perforated metal, and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         3 . The acoustic tile of  claim 1 , wherein the substantially planar board comprises fiberglass. 
     
     
         4 . The acoustic tile of  claim 1 , wherein the substantially planar board comprises a substantially planar polygonal board. 
     
     
         5 . The acoustic tile of  claim 1 , wherein the frame comprises extruded metal, extruded plastic, or pultruded fiberglass. 
     
     
         6 . The acoustic tile of  claim 1 , wherein the frame is disposed about an entirety of the periphery of the substantially planar board. 
     
     
         7 . The acoustic tile of  claim 1 , wherein the frame being coupled to the board includes disposing an edge of the board within a channel of the frame. 
     
     
         8 . The acoustic tile of  claim 1 , wherein the frame being coupled to the board includes a mechanical interface connecting the frame and the board. 
     
     
         9 . The acoustic tile of  claim 1 , wherein the frame includes a plurality of frame segments disposed about a portion of a periphery of the substantially planar board, each of the frame segments coupled to the board. 
     
     
         10 . The acoustic tile of  claim 9 , wherein two of the frame segments are coupled by a miter joint. 
     
     
         11 . The acoustic tile of  claim 10 , wherein the miter joint includes a corner key disposed within a slot of each of the two frame segments. 
     
     
         12 . The acoustic tile of  claim 1 , wherein the frame imparting a majority of the dimensional stability of the acoustic tile minimizes any bending or warping of the substantially planar board due to: a change in temperature, a change in humidity, gravity, air movement, or physical impact. 
     
     
         13 . The acoustic tile of  claim 1 , the mounting point includes a plurality of mounting points on the frame. 
     
     
         14 . The acoustic tile of  claim 1 , further comprising a wrapping substantially covering a face of the board. 
     
     
         15 . The acoustic tile of  claim 14 , wherein the wrapping is coupled to the frame by disposing the wrapping within a spline channel formed in the frame. 
     
     
         16 . The acoustic tile of  claim 14 , wherein the wrapping substantially covers a face of the acoustic tile, including the face of the board and the frame. 
     
     
         17 . The acoustic tile of  claim 1 , wherein the frame includes a coupling means configured to couple the acoustic tile to another acoustic tile. 
     
     
         18 . The acoustic tile of  claim 1 , wherein the frame includes a double wall along an edge facing the periphery of the substantially planar board. 
     
     
         19 . A plurality of acoustic tiles for a building surface, each of the acoustic tiles being an acoustic tile according to  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of acoustic tiles is configured to form a substantially continuous array on the building surface. 
     
     
         20 . An acoustic tile for a building surface comprising:
 a substantially planar board, the substantially planar board including fiberglass;   a frame including a plurality of frame segments disposed about a portion of a periphery of the substantially planar board, each of the frame segments coupled to the board where an edge of the board is disposed within a channel of each of the frame segments, the frame imparting a majority of the dimensional stability of the acoustic tile, the frame including one of extruded metal, extruded plastic, and pultruded fiberglass;   a mounting point on the frame, the mounting point configured for coupling the frame to the building surface; and   a wrapping substantially covering a face of the board;   wherein the acoustic tile is configured to absorb, block, or diffuse sound energy.