Baffle assembly
AssigneeSika Technology AG
InventorsMichael C. Niezur, Robert B. Davis
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A baffle assembly for engaging a panel and a method of manufacturing the same are disclosed. A baffle assembly may include at least two baffles, each having a rigid carrier and an expandable material, which are linked by a connecting member which allows each baffle to pivot about the connecting member. The baffles may each include an attachment member configured to engage a first aperture and a second aperture, respectively, in a panel. A method of manufacturing a carrier for engaging a panel may include forming at least two baffles, and forming a connecting member between the baffles that allows the baffles to pivot about the connecting member.
Claims21
A baffle assembly, comprising:
- at least a first baffles and a second baffle, each having a rigid carrier and an expandable material disposed thereon, said first and second baffles each having a respective attachment member configured to engage a first aperture and a second aperture, respectively, in a panel;
- and
- a connecting member positioned between said first and second baffles, wherein each of said first and second baffles are pivotally connected to said connecting member;
- wherein one of said first and second baffles includes a fin portion, said one of said first and second baffles pivotable in a first direction for engagement with the panel, said fin configured to engage said connecting member when said one of said first and second baffles is pivoted in a direction generally opposite said first direction.
A method of manufacturing a baffle assembly, comprising:
- forming at least a first baffle and a second baffle, including:
- forming a first rigid carrier and a second rigid carrier, said first and second rigid carriers each having a first and second attachment member, respectively, configured to engage first and second apertures of a panel;
- and
- forming an expandable material on said first and second rigid carriers;
- forming a connecting member between said first and second baffles, wherein each of said at least two rigid carriers are pivotally connected to said connecting member;
- and
- forming a fin portion on one of said first and second baffles, said one of said first and second baffles pivotable in a first direction for allowing said attachment member of said one of said first and second baffles to engage the panel, said fin portion configured to engage said connecting member when said one of said first and second baffles is pivoted in a direction generally opposite said first direction.
A method of installing a baffle to a base surface, comprising:
- providing a baffle assembly including at least a first baffle and a second baffle, said first and second baffles joined by a connecting member, each of said first and second baffles being pivotally connected with said connecting member, said first and second baffles including first and second attachment members, respectively, configured to engage apertures in the base surface, said first and second attachment members aligned in a first position;
- forming a fin portion on one of said first and second baffles, said one of said first and second baffles pivotable in a first direction for allowing said attachment member of said one of said first and second baffles to engage the panel, said fin portion configured to engage said connecting member when said one of said first and second baffles is pivoted in a direction generally opposite said first direction;
- pivoting said first and second attachment members to a second position to align said attachment members for engaging the first and second apertures, said second position oriented generally orthogonal to said first position;
- and
- inserting said attachment members into the first and second apertures.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.