Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02594907 2007-07-26
ACOUSTIC CABINET
Field of the Invention
The present disclosure relates to a cabinet for storing musical instruments in
a
music room and more particularly relates to a musical instrument storage
cabinet that can
improve the acoustics of a room.
Background of the Invention
In any setting where noise is generated, furniture can tend to increase and
distort
the noise by reflecting sound waves around the room. Solutions to this problem
have
been developed for various settings. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,212,355
discloses a
filing cabinet having sound absorptive properties. The filing cabinet has a
door having
metal front and rear panels with an intermediate layer of sound absorbing
material in
between. According to the specification, the door absorbs sound generated in
the
workplace, such as employee conversations, telephones, typewriters and other
office
equipment to create a more pleasant work environment. In another example, U.S.
Pat.
No. 4,325,597 discloses a furniture system that can be provided with sound-
absorbent
fabric layers and can also be used to improve the acoustics of an office.
While these
disclosures may be effective in reducing the noise generated in an office,
they are not
designed to enhance the acoustical performance of rehearsal rooms used for
music
rehearsal or performance.
Thus, there is a need for sound absorbing furniture used in music rooms, such
as
cabinets for storing musical instruments. Instrument storage cabinets are a
necessity in
all school music programs. Due to space constraints, however, many music
programs
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only have space for their instrument storage in the rehearsal room. The
acoustical impact
of placing instrument storage cabinets in rehearsal rooms, though, can be
significant.
A rehearsal room should provide an acoustic environment where the room
acoustics neither enhance nor detract from the acoustic properties of the
instruments but
still provide a sense of support or ensemble to the musicians due to the time
delay of the
reflected sound energy (preferably in the range of 50 - 80 msec). Where
storage cabinets
are required to be kept in the rehearsal room, they decrease the cubic volume
of the room
and also tend to create specular reflections, which hamper the acoustic
performance of
the room. In addition, prolonged exposure to the sound generated in such rooms
and
reflected by prior art storage cabinets can lead to hearing loss.
In order to lessen their acoustical impact, musical instrument storage
cabinets can
be provided with a grill (as opposed to solid) door. Typically, there is a
plurality of grill
doors separably openable to provide individual access to each storage space in
the
cabinet. Each grill door is often comprised of a plurality of vertical bars
and a single
horizontal bar. Such grill doors increase sound diffusion by allowing the
sound to pass
into the cabinet, where it is scattered before it is reflected back out.
However, the vertical
bars of the grill door tend to resonate easily and may continue to vibrate for
a significant
time after playing has stopped. The resonance is intensified where the
vertical bars are
all of the same length, because they will all begin to resonate at the same
frequency.
Accordingly, it would be desirable for a musical instrument storage cabinet to
utilize a
door that decreases or eliminates the effect of resonance on the acoustical
performance of
a rehearsal room while still increasing the cubic volume of the room.
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t..
Even with a grill door, musical storage cabinets tend to reflect sound, which
interferes with the acoustical performance of the room. One solution to this
problem is to
remove the back panel of the storage cabinet and push the cabinet against a
sound-
absorbing-panel that is located on a wall. This configuration allows more of
the sound
reaching the cabinet to be absorbed, rather than reflected. However, this
technique is
inefficient as separate purchases and installations must be made of the
cabinet and the
sound-absorbing panel. In addition, sound-absorbing panels are typically
affixed to the
wall, making relocation of the panels difficult and leaving marks behind in
the wall if
they are moved. Further, many rehearsal room are not big enough to accommodate
wall-
mounted sound-absorbing panels and musical storage cabinets. Accordingly, it
would be
desirable for there to be a simplified and more versatile way to provide sound
absorption
and musical instrument storage to a rehearsal room.
Summary of the Invention
The present invention is directed to an acoustic cabinet for the storage of
musical
instruments. The acoustic cabinet can have a storage portion having a
plurality of
individual storage units contained therein. A grill door can cover the open
end of
acoustic cabinet. The size, shape, and arrangement of grill bars of door can
be configured
to reduce the effect of resonance. Rear panel of acoustic cabinet can include
one or more
sound-absorbing panels that absorb sound as it passes through acoustic
cabinet. A
protective backing can also be disposed between sound-absorbing panels and
individual
storage spaces to protect the panels from damage when instruments and other
objects are
inserted into the storage spaces. A combination of a grill door and sound-
absorbing
panels can allow acoustic cabinet to have a net-absorptive effect on a
rehearsal room.
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One or more acoustic cabinets can be strategically positioned throughout a
rehearsal room
for optimal acoustic performance.
In a broad aspect, the present invention provides a cabinet for the storage of
musical instruments, the cabinet comprising: a storage portion comprising a
top panel, a
bottom panel, and a pair of side panels, the storage portion dividable into a
plurality of
storage units, each storage unit including structure defining a storage unit
interior, a storage
unit front opening, and a storage unit rear opening opposite the storage unit
front opening;
a plurality of doors, each of the plurality of doors coupled to a respective
storage unit
adjacent the storage unit front opening of the respective storage unit and
configured to at
least partially cover the storage unit front opening of the respective storage
unit;
at least one mounting frame operably coupled to the storage portion adjacent
at least one
storage unit rear opening; and an interchangeable sound-absorbing panel
detachably carried
by the at least one mounting frame to substantially, removably cover at least
one storage
unit rear opening, wherein the interchangeable sound-absorbing panel is
attachable and
detachable to the mounting frame without disassembly of the storage portion.
In another broad aspect, the present invention provides a cabinet for the
storage of
musical instruments, the cabinet comprising: a storage portion comprising a
top panel, a
bottom panel, and a pair of side panels, the storage portion dividable into a
plurality of
storage units, each storage unit including structure defining a storage unit
interior, a storage
unit front opening, and a storage unit rear opening opposite the storage unit
front opening
at least one mounting frame operably coupled to the storage portion adjacent
at least one
storage unit rear opening; and an interchangeable sound-absorbing panel
detachably carried
by the at least one mounting frame to substantially, removably cover at least
one storage
unit rear opening, wherein the interchangeable sound-absorbing panel is
attachable and
detachable to the mounting frame without disassembly of the storage portion.
In another broad aspect, the present invention provides a cabinet for the
storage of
musical instruments, the cabinet comprising: a storage portion comprising a
top panel, a
bottom panel, and a pair of side panels, the storage portion dividable into at
least one
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storage unit, the at least one storage unit including structure defining a
storage unit interior,
a storage unit front opening, and a storage unit back opening opposite the
storage unit front
opening; a door coupled to the at least one storage unit adjacent the storage
unit front
opening and configured to at least partially cover the storage unit front
opening of the at
least one storage unit; at least one mounting frame operably coupled to the
storage portion
adjacent at least one storage unit rear opening; and an interchangeable sound-
absorbing
panel detachably carried by the at least one mounting frame to substantially,
removably
cover the at least one storage unit rear opening, wherein the interchangeable
sound-absorbing panel is attachable and detachable to the mounting frame
without
disassembly of the storage portion.
Brief Description of the Drawings
The invention may be more completely understood in consideration of the
following detailed description of various embodiments of the invention in
connection with
the accompanying drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 is a front view of an acoustic cabinet according to the present
disclosure.
FIG. 2 is a front view of an individual storage unit of an acoustic cabinet
according
to the present disclosure.
FIG. 3A depicts a mounting hook that can be used for attaching an acoustic
panel to
an acoustic cabinet according to the present disclosure.
FIG. 3B is a rear perspective view of an acoustic cabinet according to the
present
disclosure.
FIG. 4 is an exploded view of a door of an acoustic cabinet and optional
hardware
according to the present disclosure.
FIG.5A-5D are exemplary door configurations for acoustic cabinets according to
the present disclosure.
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FIG. 6 is an exemplary door configuration for an acoustic cabinet according to
the
present disclosure.
FIG. 7 is an exemplary door configuration for an acoustic cabinet according to
the
present disclosure.
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FIG. 8 is an exemplary door configuration for an acoustic cabinet according to
the
present disclosure.
FIG. 9 is an exemplary door configuration for an acoustic cabinet according to
the
present disclosure.
Detailed Description
Referring to Figures 1 and 2, an acoustic cabinet 100 for the storage of
musical
instruments according to the present disclosure can include one or more
storage portions
102. Each storage portion 102 can include a top panel 104 and opposing bottom
panel
106, first 108 and second 11 0 opposing side panels, and a rear panel 112, all
of which
define an open interior 114. Interior 114 can be divided into a plurality of
individual
storage units 116, each with a door 150. One or more divider panels 118 can
separate
interior into columns and storage shelves 120 can be inserted to define rows.
Storage shelves 120 can include ridges 122 and ventilation channels 124 to
ensure
adequate air flow through storage shelves, which can be crucial to musical
instrument,
equipment, and garment longevity. A suitable storage shelf for use in an
acoustic cabinet
according to the present disclosure is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,826,265
(assigned to
Wenger Corporation). Shelves 120 and divider panels 118 can be added, removed,
and
otherwise adjustable to change the size of individual storage units 116, which
can be
configured to fit virtually any size instrument. For example, larger
individual storage units,
such as individual storage unit 116A can be used to accommodate larger
instruments, such as
baritones and bassoons, and smaller individual storage units, such as
individual storage unit
116B, can be used to
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CA 02594907 2007-07-26
accommodate smaller instruments, such as flutes and clarinets. Individual
storage unit
116 sizes can vary or remain constant within a single storage portion 102.
Tamper-
resistant attachments can be used to secure storage shelves 120 in place to
help deter theft
and prevent damage to instruments.
Rear panel 112 of storage portion 102 can comprise a sound-absorbing panel and
may be made from a sound-absorbing material. Sound-absorbing panels can be
comprised of a porous material, such as, for example, fiberglass batting,
fiberglass
boards, melamine foam, or cotton batting. In general, the thicker the sound-
absorbing
material is, the greater the sound absorption will be in part because thicker
sound
absorbing material allows for increased low frequency absorption. However,
size
constraints of rehearsal rooms and cost considerations will tend to limit the
usable
thickness. A preferred thickness is 3-4 inches because it provides adequate
sound
absorption while not taking up an overly large amount of space, but usable
thicknesses
can be as small as 1 inch. Where desired, acoustic cabinets 100 can be pushed
tightly
against a wall to reduce the thickness of the material (which reduces low
frequency
absorption). If a greater material thickness is desired, multiple sound-
absorbing panels
can be positioned back-to-back to increase overall thickness of the rear panel
112.
Rear panel 112 can include a single sound-absorbing panel that covers the rear
of
all storage units 116, or can include a plurality of individual sound-
absorbing panels that
cover a smaller area, such as the back wall of individual storage units 116 or
individual
rows of storage units 116. Sound-absorbing panels can be hung on mounting
frames 126
attached to storage portion, depicted in Figures 3A and 3B. Mounting frames
126 can
include an attachment portion 128 and a hook portion 130. Mounting frames 126
can be
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CA 02594907 2007-07-26
installed in a horizontally spaced-apart pattern across storage portion 112
between first
108 and second 110 side panels, or between side panels and divider panels, by
securing
attachment portion 128 to a mounting board 132 or other area of storage
portion 102.
Sound absorbing panels can be mounted on mounting frames 126 (e.g., by
puncturing an
outer layer of sound absorbing panels with hook portion 130). Mounting frames
126
thereby provide for easy replaceability of sound-absorbing panels in case of
damage.
This replaceability also allows sound-absorbing panels to be easily
interchanged in case a
differently configured panel is desired.
Because sound-absorbing panels will typically be made of a material that could
be
damaged when instruments and other objects inserted into storage units 116 are
pushed
against rear panel 112, a protective backing element, such as a metal grill or
perforated
hardboard, can be disposed between sound-absorbing panels and storage units. A
protective backing element can simultaneously serve to protect sound-absorbing
panels
from damage while allowing sound to reach and be absorbed by the sound-
absorbing
panels. So long as the protective backing element comprises sufficient open
area, it will
not interfere with the sound absorption of the sound-absorbing panels. Open
area of 24%
or greater is typically sufficient. Another protective backing that can be
disposed
between storage units and sound-absorbing panels is steel or aluminum mesh. In
addition, an acoustic fabric, such as Guilford or Shaw fabric, can be used to
protect the
sound-absorbing panels while still allowing sound to reach them.
A door 150 can cover each individual storage unit 116. Alternatively, a full
or
double full door can cover the entire opening of acoustic cabinet 100.
Referring to
Figures 1, 2, and 4, one side of each door 150 can include one or more hinges
154 that
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CA 02594907 2007-07-26
can be fastened to first 108 or second 110 opposing side panels, or a divider
panel 118, of
storage portion 102. The opposite side of each door 150 can include a latch
156 used to
open and close each door 150. One suitable latch that may be used with an
acoustic
cabinet according to the present disclosure is disclosed in U.S. Patent No.
4,826,265.
Latch 156 can include a lock housing 158 attached to the door 150 and a lock
receiver
160 attached to storage portion 102. A locking slide 162 can slidably attach
to lock
housing 158 and can interlock it with lock receiver 160 to hold the door 150
shut. Door
150 can be unlatched by sliding the locking slide 162 out of the lock receiver
160. A
card holder 164 can also be attached to lock housing 158 to contain an
identification card
for the storage unit. Latch 156 can further include a silencer 166 that can be
affixed to
the locking slide 162. The silencer 166 can be comprised of a soft material,
such as, for
example, foam, and serves to reduce noise caused by the hard (typically metal)
surfaces
of lock housing 158 and locking slide 162 banging together when door 150 is
opened and
closed. Lock housing 158 and locking slide 162 can further define
complementary
apertures by which a padlock can be secured to prevent unlatching. Hinges 154
and
latches 156 can be attached to acoustic cabinet 100 with tamper-proof bolts
that run
completely through the door 150 into the cabinet walls to help deter theft and
prevent
damage to instruments.
Door 150 can have a substantially open, grill-like configuration, including a
frame
168 and a plurality of grill bars 170. This configuration allows sound to
travel into the
open interior of acoustic cabinet, which diffuses the sound and thereby
lessens the
acoustical impact of the cabinet in the room. This can also allow more sound
to be
absorbed by the sound-absorbing panels that can be located on the rear of
acoustic
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CA 02594907 2007-07-26
cabinet. The frame of each door can be formed from a single piece of metal,
bent into the
desired size and shape and welded together. The individual grill bars can be
shaped, the
edges beveled to align with the frame, and welded to the frame. The hinges and
latch can
also be welded to the frame.
The individual grill bars 170 of each door 150 can have a non-linear, curved
configuration. This creates "looser" grill bars 170 that have varying stresses
on the inside
and outside of the curves, which increases the energy required to cause the
bars to
resonate. Further, because the mass of the grill bars has the greatest effect
on the energy
required to make the bars resonate, %4 inch thick diameter grill bars made of
metal, for
example, can be used to decrease the chance of resonance. Although grill bars
thicker
than '/4 inch can further increase the energy required for resonance, cost
factors may
dictate against providing thicker bars and 1/4 inch should be thick enough to
resist
resonance in a typical rehearsal room. Grill bars can also be dipped in vinyl,
epoxy, resin
or rubber to increase their mass and further reduce the possibility and/or
extent of
resonance.
Non-linear grill bars 170 can be oriented generally vertically and door 150
can
include a horizontal cross bar 172, as can be seen in Figures 1, 2, and 4. As
exemplified
by Figures 2A-2D, door 150 can include one or more cross bars 172 having a
variety of
other configurations, such as, for example, horizontal, angled, arcuate and V-
shaped.
Where cross bar 172 divides grill bars into uneven lengths, the likelihood of
an
undesirable resonant effect is even further reduced, because each grill bar
portion of a
different length will resonate at a different frequency.
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CA 02594907 2007-07-26
Referring to Figures 6-9, door 150 can have a variety of other configurations.
Grill bars 170 can be any combination of horizontal, vertical, angled, or non-
linear. The
likelihood of resonance is reduced by each of the depicted doors 150 because
each has
non-linear grill bars and/or straight grill bars of different lengths. Each
door 150 also
allows sound to reach the interior of an acoustic cabinet. The doors 150
depicted in the
Figures are exemplary only, as one of ordinary skill in the art with the
benefit of the
present disclosure will recognize any number of other grill bar configurations
that could
be used with an acoustic cabinet in order to reduce the likelihood of
resonance while
allowing sound to reach a rear, sound-absorbing panel.
Acoustic cabinets 100 according to the present disclosure are advantageous
because they allow the acoustical performance of a rehearsal room to be
enhanced with
equipment that must necessarily be purchased anyway in order to store musical
instruments. Acoustic cabinets 100 can be strategically placed throughout a
rehearsal
room to provide for maximum enhancement of acoustical performance. Different
materials can also be used in different locations around the room and various
non-parallel
surfaces can be added. New rehearsal rooms can be designed with the optimum
placement of acoustic cabinets 100 in mind. Existing rehearsal rooms can also
be retrofit
with acoustic cabinets 100 to enhance their acoustic performance. Strategic
placement
can involve situating acoustic cabinets 100 nearest to instruments that are
the loudest
and/or produce the lowest frequencies. This approach often results in acoustic
cabinets
100 being placed along the back wall and/or the back portion of the side walls
of a
rehearsal room.
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Sound-absorbing panels on the rear of acoustic cabinets 100 can reduce, and
even
eliminate, the need for wall mounted sound-absorbing panels, which increases
the
flexibility and interchangeability of a room's sound absorption capabilities.
This is also
advantageous in smaller rehearsal rooms that would not have space for
additional sound-
absorbing panels. A door 150 with a grill-like configuration allows sound to
reach the
sound absorbing panels and also increases acoustical performance by increasing
the cubic
volume of the room (due to the open interior) and serves to diffuse sound that
isn't
absorbed. In addition, the grill bars 170 can be configured so as to greatly
reduce the
resonance of the door 150. Flutter echo is also reduced by use of acoustic
cabinets 100.
Flutter echo occurs when sound reflects back and forth between two hard,
parallel, flat
surfaces, such as walls or solid cabinet doors in a rehearsal room. By
absorbing sound,
acoustic cabinets 100 reduce or eliminate these sound reflections, thereby
reducing or
eliminating flutter echo.
A combination of an open grill door 150 and rear sound-absorbing panels allows
acoustic cabinets 100 to be "net absorbers," as opposed to "net reflectors."
This means
that acoustic cabinets 100 can absorb more sound than they reflect, which
greatly
enhances the acoustical performance of any rehearsal room in which they are
installed.
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