Supports: cabinet structure – Having particular cabinet support – Wheel mounting feature
Patent
1996-06-21
2000-05-02
Wilkens, Janet M.
Supports: cabinet structure
Having particular cabinet support
Wheel mounting feature
3122231, 3122232, 312352, 248634, 248235, 108161, A47B 9600
Patent
active
060563818
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a vibration isolation platform for use with hi-fi audio and other vibration sensitive equipment.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
It is recognised by many experts in the field of hi-fi equipment that for optimum performance, certain components of the equipment need to be isolated from vibration. This is certainly true for record decks, and it is also considered by many experts to be essential for other hi-fi components such as compact disc players and amplifiers and, in particular, valve amplifiers.
In an attempt to avoid interference from external vibrations, many owners of very high quality hi-fi equipment mount the vibration sensitive components of the equipment on a massive platform that is spiked directly to the floor. The platform provides a very rigid and stable surface for the equipment. Such platforms are, however, expensive as well as being very heavy, and they do not entirely isolate the equipment from vibrations transmitted through the floor.
Also available is a gas-damped vibration isolation platform, which is sold under the trade mark SEISMIC SINK. That device provides very effective isolation from vibrations, but it is too expensive for its use to be justified except with the most expensive hi-fi equipment.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to the present invention there is provided a vibration isolation platform comprising a shelf member supported by two beam members, an acoustic isolation member located between the shelf member and each beam member and two support members engaging and supporting each beam member in such a manner as to allow flexing of the beam member.
The shelf member and the beam members are designed to have very different resonant frequencies, so that vibrations which cause resonance in one of those components do not cause vibrations of large amplitude in other component. The acoustic isolation members that are located between the shelf member and each of the beam members absorb and dissipate most of the transmitted vibrational energy. The platform thereby provides very effective isolation from low magnitude vibrations.
The beam members may be provided adjacent opposed edges of the shelf member.
Recesses may be provided in the shelf member to accommodate the beam members and the acoustic isolation members. The recesses may be formed in the edges of the shelf or, alternatively, in the underside of the shelf.
The beam members may be of laminated construction.
The beam members may be made from aluminium, brass, stainless steel, M.D.F. (medium density fiberboard) or other materials, or a combination of those materials.
The beam members may include an acoustic isolation material.
The shelf may be made from M.D.F., float glass, laminated glass, CORIAN or other materials.
The shelf may have a mass of at least 2 kg.
The acoustic isolation members may be made from a material having a specific damping value of at least 50%, and preferably 55%, as measured by dropping a 12 lb. sphere from a height of 6.5 feet, and as calculated using the equation: ##EQU1##
The acoustic isolation members may have a thickness of at least 10 mm, and preferably 12 mm.
Acoustic isolation materials may be provided between the beam members and the support members.
The support members may comprise feet provided on the underside of the beam members. The feet may include acoustic isolation materials.
The beam members and the acoustic isolation members may be housed in a sub-assembly on which the shelf stands.
The present invention further provides a cabinet for hi-fi equipment, the cabinet including a vibration isolation platform as described above. In the cabinet, the support members may comprise shelf supports.
The present invention yet further provides an article of vibration sensitive equipment including a vibration isolation platform as described above.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which:
FIGS. 1 and 2 are front and a cr
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