Suspended flexible sound absorbing banner

Abstract

A suspended flexible sound absorbing banner includes a large rectangular flexible sound absorbing material, preferably made of fiberglass or other low density porous sound absorptive material, and covered with a porous, perforated or non-perforated, impermeable membrane such as NYLON sailcloth or commercial plastic membranes capable of providing for sound absorption in a desired frequency range and structural integrity sufficient to support tension required without damage while permitting application of suitable graphics for desired visual effect. Opposed edges of the banner are clamped between pairs of elongated U-shaped cross-section spreader bars. Each opposed edge is clamped by bending the edge of the banner through four 90° turns. A smaller dimensioned U-shaped spreader bar is receivable within a larger dimensioned U-shaped spreader bar and the two spreader bars may be clamped together with the edge of the banner clamped between them. At least two tension tabs consisting of elongated rigid bars are attached at spaced locations along the spreader bars and include pre-formed holes designed to receive an attachment for an elongated cable. The cables are stretched into attachment with adjacent structures of the ceiling of an arena such as, for example, parallel elongated I-beams. When the cables are tensioned, the banner is stretched and the tension tabs pivot in response to this stretching action so that the banner is stretched to a generally planar configuration extending across a space parallel with the floor and ceiling of the arena. The strength of the sound transparent covering permits the tensioning of the system. The banner has been found to attenuate and absorb sound waves to an unexpected degree.