Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
TITLE: SOUND ABSORBING PANEL AND SYSTEM
INVENTOR: Maureen Connelly
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to the field of noise reducing and sound
absorbing structures for
use in the construction of buildings, retaining walls, berms, and other
residential, commercial
and industrial structures in which it is desired to control sound conveyance.
BACKGROUND ON THE INVENTION
More than ever before, there are noise disturbances in our daily lives.
Diminishing privacy and
noise pollution can affect peace of mind, increase tension levels, interfere
with communication
between people, and jeopardize safety in public and private places, for
example in areas of high
traffic and in industrial regions.
Outdoor noise propagation is often attenuated with noise barriers. Commonly,
noise barriers are
used along transportation corridors specifically to reduce sound levels in
exterior areas
associated with residential, institutional and park lands. The noise
attenuation is quantified in
terms of insertion loss and is based on the acoustical principle of
transmission loss and optionally
may also be based on the principle of sound absorption. The most common
barriers are modular
panel systems which meet the majority of guidelines of authorities having
jurisdiction. These
panels are over 20 kg/m2, have substantial width and/or small dimensions for
structural integrity
resulting in inefficiencies and high installation cost.
Currently used noise barriers leave much to be desired. They have limited
aesthetic value and as
such are not utilized for applications beyond transportation corridors.
Reduction of
transportation noise to meet World Health Organization guidelines for outdoor
spaces is
required in dense urban setting for residential courtyards, outdoor cafes, and
urban parks yet the
options now available do not offer any panel systems which i) meet required
acoustical criteria,
ii) are dimensionally large for installation efficiency, iii) have flexibility
to meet diverse insertion
loss and absorptive requirements for noise reduction, and/or iv) have a
selection of public faces
for aesthetic and branding needs.
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There remains a need for structures or systems which can adequately and
flexibly address these
and other challenges. It is an object of the present invention to obviate or
mitigate the above
disadvantages.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a noise reducing/sound absorption barrier
system which may be
installed as all or part of a wall in residential, commercial or industrial
(whether public or
private) contexts and which comprises one or more panels, each of said panels
comprising a
filled three-dimensional (3D) frame and at least one face conjoined thereto.
In one aspect, the present invention provides a noise reducing/sound
absorption barrier system
comprising one or more panels, each of said panels comprising a 3D frame
wherein at least one
of the 3D frames is filled with an acoustic fill, which may be a sound
absorptive material as
described further hereinbelow.
In another aspect, the present invention provides a noise reducing/sound
absorption barrier
system comprising one or more panels, each of said panels comprising a 3D
frame wherein at
_
least one of the 3D frames is filled with an acoustic fill and wherein at
least one of the 3D frames
is conjoined with a desired face, which may be a public face.
In another aspect, the present invention provides a noise reducing/sound
absorption barrier
system comprising one or more panels, each of said panels comprising a 3D
frame wherein at
least one of the 3D frames provides support for a garden/green wall.
In another aspect, the present invention provides a noise reducing/sound
absorption barrier
system comprising one or more panels, each of said panels comprising a 3D
frame wherein at
least one of the 3D frames is filled with an acoustic fill and wherein at
least one of the 3D frames
is conjoined with a desired face, which may be a public face, said face having
a degree of sound
absorption as desired for a particular use and operation of the barrier
system.
In another aspect, the present invention provides a noise reducing/sound
absorption barrier
system comprising one or more panels, each of said panels comprising a 3D
frame wherein at
least one of the 3D frames is filled with an acoustic fill and wherein at
least one of the 3D frames
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is conjoined with a desired face, wherein one or more of said panels are
capped with an
additional 3D top piece.
Society, as a whole, benefits from lower noise levels. For people, these
advantages include better
concentration levels, improved performance at work, and enhanced energy level.
Lower noise
levels assist the environment, for example, by making sure that birds and
other migrating species
can hear each other when communicating while in the area. Environmental noise
pollution is
reduced by the use of sound-absorptive barriers. For instance, it is common to
see typical sound-
reflective noise barriers along the highway. Generally, these are concrete or
brick walls which
are solid and dense, causing the noise to hit the walls and bounce back into
the traffic---they are
"reflective". The other solution is a sound-absorptive acoustical barrier
system which allows
sound waves to enter into the barrier, then takes them on a "winding tour"
within the barrier to
ultimately diminish the sound waves.
The sound absorption panel system of the present invention offers a much more
effective and
attractive abatement option. Not only does the system of the invention absorb
or "kill" sound
waves, significantly reducing overall noise but it provides solutions to all
of commercial and
usability challenges, referred to hereinabove. Some advantages of the
invention include, without
limitation, the ability of the panel of the invention which comprises a 3D
frame, filled with
acoustic material, said frame being surface covered with one or two public
faces (for example,
on either side of the frame, thereby effectively covering the 3D frame) i) to
meet required
acoustical criteria, ii) to be dimensionally large for installation
efficiency, due to the
incorporation of the unique 3D frame as the lightweight "holder" for desired
acoustic fill and
also, a secure and rigid point for the desired public faces to be attached;
iii) to have flexibility to
meet diverse insertion loss and absorptive requirements for noise reduction,
and iv) to have a
selection of public faces (conjoinable to the 3D frames) for any desired
functional, aesthetic and
branding needs. All of the above speaks to customizability of the panels on
several levels. For
example, the size and dimensions of the 3D frame may vary as per use in
operations. In roadway
and larger installation, the 3D frame may be larger than uses in a residence,
while retaining all
the advantages offered by the panel. Further, acoustic fill is customizable,
depending on desired
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use. Further, public faces (to be joined to surfaces of 3D frame) are fully
customizable, based
upon degree of sound absorption as desired for a particular use and operation
of the barrier
system. Finally, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, it is to be
understood that each
component of the panel (3D frame, fill, and face {s}) operates synergistically
to offer an improved
and highly effective noise reducing/sound absorption barrier. There is no
known and available
noise reducing panel system with this adaptability, flexibility,
customizability and ease of
transport, installation and use.
Without limiting the general range of applications, the panel and systems and
methods of the
present invention are especially suited to use in walls and ceilings primarily
(although not
exclusively) in outdoor commercial, municipal (for example roadways) and
industrial contexts.
These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will become
more apparent to
those skilled in the art upon reviewing the description of the preferred
embodiments of the
invention, in conjunction with the figures and examples.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The following figures set forth embodiments in which like reference numerals
denote like parts.
Embodiments are illustrated by way of example and not by way of limitation in
all of the
accompanying figures in which:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of an empty, unfilled 3D
frame of the panel of
the invention;
Figure 2 is a side view of an empty 3D frame and conjoined face of the panel
of the invention;
Figure 3 is a top plan view of an empty 3D frame and top piece of the panel of
the invention;
Figure 4 a is a perspective view of two 3D frames of the panel of the
invention, either/both of
which are fillable with acoustic fill and either of which may be covered with
a desired public
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face, such as, for example, a laminate and/or steel, and/or conjoined with a
desired mass-
embedded back. Further detail on faces provided below;
Figure 5 is an isometric view of a panel of the invention, comprising a
perforated face;
Figure 6 is an isometric view of a panel of the invention, comprising a solid
mass face;
Figure 7 is an exploded view of a panel of the invention;
Figure 8 is an isometric view of four conjoined panels of the invention,
forming a noise
reduction system;
Figure 9 is one exemplary system configuration;
Figure 10 is another exemplary system configuration;
Figure 11 is another exemplary system configuration;
Figure 12 is another exemplary system configuration;
Figure 13 is another exemplary system configuration;
Figure 14 is another exemplary system configuration;
Figure 15 is another exemplary system configuration; and
Figure 16 is another exemplary system configuration.
PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
A detailed description of one or more embodiments of the invention is provided
below along
with accompanying figures that illustrate the principles of the invention. As
such this detailed
description illustrates the invention by way of example and not by way of
limitation. The
description will clearly enable one skilled in the art to make and use the
invention, and describes
several embodiments, adaptations, variations and alternatives and uses of the
invention,
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including what we presently believe is the best mode for carrying out the
invention. It is to be
clearly understood that routine variations and adaptations can be made to the
invention as
described, and such variations and adaptations squarely fall within the spirit
and scope of the
invention.
In other words, the invention is described in connection with such
embodiments, but the
invention is not limited to any embodiment. The scope of the invention is
limited only by the
claims and the invention encompasses numerous alternatives, modifications and
equivalents.
Numerous specific details are set forth in the following description in order
to provide a
thorough understanding of the invention. These details are provided for the
purpose of example
and the invention may be practiced according to the claims without some or all
of these specific
details. For the purpose of clarity, technical material that is known in the
technical fields related
to the invention has not been described in detail so that the invention is not
unnecessarily
obscured. Similar reference characters denote similar elements throughout
various views
depicted in the figures.
This description of preferred embodiments is to be read in connection with the
accompanying
drawings, which are part of the entire written description of this invention.
In the description,
corresponding reference numbers are used throughout to identify the same or
functionally similar
elements. Relative terms such as "right", "left" "horizontal," "vertical,"
"up," "down," "top" and
"bottom" as well as derivatives thereof (e.g., "horizontally," "downwardly,"
"upwardly," etc.)
should be construed to refer to the orientation as then described or as shown
in the drawing
figure under discussion. These relative terms are for convenience of
description and are not
intended to require a particular orientation unless specifically stated as
such. Terms including
"inwardly" versus "outwardly," "longitudinal" versus "lateral", "adjacent" and
the like are to be
interpreted relative to one another or relative to an axis of elongation, or
an axis or center of
rotation, as appropriate. Terms concerning attachments, coupling and the like,
such as
"connected" and "interconnected," refer to a relationship wherein structures
are secured or
attached to one another either directly or indirectly through intervening
structures, as well as
both movable or rigid attachments or relationships, unless expressly described
otherwise.
Interconnected, as used herein, generally refers to the relationship between
the platforms and
adjacent blocks. The term "operatively connected" is such an attachment,
coupling or connection
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that allows the pertinent structures to operate as intended by virtue of that
relationship. In
particular, the terms "right" and "left" are used in the claims but could
easily be substituted for
one another. In fact, as a panel is rotated 180 degrees in either direction,
right becomes left, as so
on.
The term "3D frame" is used herein to refer to a three-dimensional chord truss
or chord truss-like
structure. Simply, these structures preferably comprise, in 3D form, straight
members, connected
together with pin joints and connected only at the ends of those members.
Typically, but not
always, these structures generally consist of longitudinal members joined only
by angled cross-
members, forming alternately inverted equilateral triangle-shaped spaces along
its length. Often,
this is made up of wires which are formed in a zigzag configuration between
two parallel wires
with angles of approximately 30 degrees.
There are a variety of truss and truss-like structures which may form the 3D
frame of the
invention. These include but are not limited to: Warren Truss (truss members
form a series of
isosceles triangles, alternating up and down), Pratt Truss, Howe Truss, Ladder
Truss, and King
Post Truss (two angled supports leaning into a common vertical support). The
Warren Truss is
recognized as a very popular architectural truss structure system and is
easily identified by its
construction from equilateral triangles and is considered a preferred 3D
frame, within the context
of the invention. The 3D Frame may be formed of various materials, purpose
driven and this
includes but is not limited to metals, aluminium, steel or wood or the like.
The 3D frame of the
invention is lightweight yet sturdy, providing a structural means to
embed/fill and substantially
retain in place acoustic fill and providing a sufficiently strong and secure
structural means to
attach/conjoin public faces.
In the present disclosure and claims, the panel of the invention comprises at
least a 3D frame, fill
within the structure of the 3D frame and a face or faces affixed to an
exterior of the structural
form of the 3D frame. It is further preferred that the panel of the invention,
comprising the 3D
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frame is buildable and stackable, forming modular elements to form a
vertically and/or
horizontally continuous structure or arrangement of panels. Building, stacking
or otherwise
conjoining the panels can be achieved in a variety of ways, for example, an
inner "mating
member" within the 3D frame can be placed hanging out the bottom of each frame
(or out of the
top of the frame below) such that, when that 3D frame is placed in situ, (for
example in a noise
reducing wall construction), the mating member enables the 3D frame (and thus
the panel of
which it forms part) to be perfectly positioned on top of the 3D frame below
(and panel of which
it forms part) and the mating member also immediately holds the panel being
installed. The 3D
frames are manufactured to desired and precise dimensional consistency, so
assembly of a multi-
story configuration of panels (comprising such 3D frames) is "LegoTM like,"
with identical
pieces aligning with one another. It is well within the purview of a skilled
artisan in this field to
devise a variety of methods of stacking and building multi-panel
configurations. A key
advantage is that the panel of the invention, even with a filled 3D frame and
faces attached
thereto, will be substantially lightweight and easy to arrange for desired
constructions.
In the present disclosure and claims acoustic fill refers to a plurality of
fill material, with sound
absorption properties. Preferred are materials which are i) open pore with a
substantially high
tortuosity, making them extremely resistant to airflow and excellent at noise
reduction and sound
absorption and ii) capable structurally of being filled or embedded within the
3D frame.
Preferred are materials which block and absorb unwanted sound, with the
context of use of the
panel, and which meet required robustness characteristics. For example, it may
be desired to
employ fill which has specific fire-retardant and/or water repellant or mould
resistant properties.
It may be desired to employ fill, in panels for indoor use, which assist in
the regulation of
temperature maintenance in order to reduce heating, cooling, and ventilation
costs, and reduce a
building's carbon footprint. Non-limiting examples of fill include mineral
wool, sheep wool,
rock wool (RockwallTm), moss (for example, reindeer moss) and other materials
with similar
sound absorptive properties.
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In the present disclosure and claims, a face, also called a public face refers
to the outer surface of
the panel, which face is attached to the 3D frame. The face provides, on one
or both sides of the
3D frame, a means to conceal the frame and fill while at the same time
contributing to the overall
functionality of the panel, with its own sound transmission properties. Faces
are selected based
upon acoustic specificity and in particular upon sound transmission loss and
sound absorption
properties. The acoustic performance of a panel (which is created for specific
custom usages)
depends on a combination of feature including: the public faces (and
properties thereof), the
selected fill (and acoustic properties thereof) and the dimensions of the
panel and larger system
of which it forms part. For example, in some cases it is desired that the face
blocks sound to a
greater degree or conversely absorbs sound to a greater degree. Non-limiting
examples of faces
which are more sound-absorptive include those with openings, pores, holes,
membranes, fissures,
apertures, and gaps. These include but are not limited to fabrics, mesh,
screens and perforated
metals. More specifically more sound absorptive faces may comprise moisture
retention fabrics,
microperforated fabrics, aluminum screens, and perforated metal sheets. Faces
which block
sound to a greater degree are generally of greater mass and are solid (i.e.
substantially devoid of
openings, pores, holes, membranes, fissures, apertures, and gaps). These
include, but are not
limited to solid metal sheets, laminates (for example, rubber/metal
laminates), aluminum sheets,
stucco and slate. It is to be understood that the sound blocking vs. sound
absorption
characteristics in regard to any face runs on a wide spectrum from highly
blocking, such as slate
and stucco, to most highly sound absorptive such as microperforated fabrics,
with a great number
of material types "in between" those extremes. As will be discussed further
below, one aspect of
the customizability of the panels of the invention relates to the adoption of
use-specific faces
having desired acoustic specificity. So, not only is fill selected on this
basis, but facing as well.
Furthermore, any of the faces may comprise a transparent view portion and/or a
door for easy
access to interior 3D frame and fill.
In the present disclosure and claims (if any), the word "comprising" and its
derivatives including
"comprises" and "comprise" include each of the stated integers but does not
exclude the
inclusion of one or more further integers.
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The terms "an aspect", "an embodiment", "embodiment", "embodiments", "the
embodiment",
"the embodiments", "one or more embodiments", "some embodiments", "certain
embodiments",
"one embodiment", "another embodiment" and the like mean "one or more (but not
all)
embodiments of the disclosed invention(s)", unless expressly specified
otherwise.
The term "variation" of an invention means an embodiment of the invention,
unless expressly
specified otherwise. A reference to "another embodiment" or "another aspect"
in describing an
embodiment does not imply that the referenced embodiment is mutually exclusive
with another
embodiment (e.g., an embodiment described before the referenced embodiment),
unless
expressly specified otherwise.
The terms "a", "an" and "the" mean "one or more", unless expressly specified
otherwise.
The term "plurality" means "two or more", unless expressly specified
otherwise.
The term "herein" means "in the present application, including anything which
may be
incorporated by reference", unless expressly specified otherwise.
The telm "whereby" is used herein only to precede a clause or other set of
words that express
only the intended result, objective or consequence of something that is
previously and explicitly
recited. Thus, when the teim "whereby" is used in a claim, the clause or other
words that the term
"whereby" modifies do not establish specific further limitations of the claim
or otherwise
restricts the meaning or scope of the claim.
The tem' "e.g." and like terms mean "for example", and thus does not limit the
term or phrase it
explains. For example, in a sentence "the car is coloured (e.g., red, blue or
green) the term "e.g."
explains that "red, blue or green" are examples of "colour". However, those
colours listed are
merely examples of "colours", and other colours are equally applicable.
The term "respective" and like terms mean "taken individually". Thus, if two
or more things have
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"respective" characteristics, then each such thing has its own characteristic,
and these
characteristics can be different from each other but need not be. For example,
the phrase "each of
two machines has a respective function" means that the first such machine has
a function and the
second such machine has a function as well. The function of the first machine
may or may not be
the same as the function of the second machine.
The term "i.e." and like terms mean "that is", and thus limits the term or
phrase it explains.
The present invention provides a sound absorption barrier system which may be
installed in a
variety of contexts and applications, as a sound absorbing wall or barricade.
Panels comprising 3D Frames:
The system of the present invention comprises one or more panels of the
invention which may be
built, conjoined and stacked as needed for larger noise redcution
constructions. Each panel of the
invention comprises at least one 3D frame, which may preferably be a Warren
Truss, as
described and claimed herein. The use of 3D frames in this context of sound
absorption is new
and unexplored and the advantages unappreciated. As noted above, a preferred
form of the 3D
frame is a parallel chord truss, which generally consists of longitudinal
members joined only by
angled cross-members, forming alternately inverted spaces along its length (in
the case of
Warren trusses, those spaces are equilateral triangle-shaped). Within the
context of the present
invention, one or more 3D frames are spatially aligned, joined and framed,
thereby forming a
rigid yet lightweight, fillable 3D structure.
The use of the 3D frame as the centre of the sound absorption system of the
present invention,
provides not only a holder or "wireframe" for alternative types of fill
material within the 3D
frame itself but also provides a rigid, secure attachment surface for any
desired face (public
face). As a "holder" or wireframe for fill and attachment surface, the 3D
frame and attachment
surface can be used to house acoustic fill and can be used to support the
addition of a 3D frame
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on one or both surfaces for the growth of a living or green wall, such plants
generally being
ground-grown or container grown.
There is a myriad of possible face surfaces, which can be tailored to specific
requirements and
contexts. For example, it may be desired that the desired face provide
additional sound
absorption or alternatively reflective characteristics. It may be desired that
an outwardly (for
example public facing view) exterior face of the panel be a conjoined coloured
wall. It may be
desired that an outwardly (for example public facing view) exterior face of
the panel be a
conjoined graphic wall. It may be desired that a face of the panel be
conjoined perforated metal
wall or a screen. It may be desired that a face of the panel be a conjoined
rubber laminated panel.
Any combination of surfaces can be conjoined as the "front and back" faces of
the 3D frame
within the scope and spirit of the invention.
In one aspect of the invention, there is provided a system comprising a
primary panel and one or
more secondary panels. Some or all panels may comprise a filled 3D frame. One
or both of the
outward faces of the primary panel and secondary panels may be conjoined with
an additional
surface or backing, as described herein. In one aspect of the invention, the
panel or panels may
be topped or capped with an additional topper pieces ("T-top"), as shown
preferably in Figure 3.
The system of the invention, comprising one or more panels enables the
customized creation of
large-dimension sound absorbers for commercial, industrial and residential
uses.
In one preferred aspect, a panel comprises a 3D frame filled with mineral wool
to reduce noise
through sound absorption. In another preferred aspect, public or outward faces
of the panel are
varied and dependent on the selection of site-specific acoustic
characteristics. For example, a
face of an acoustical transparent perforated finished metal may be used to
facilitate sound
absorption, whereas a face of a metal / rubber laminated panel may be used to
facilitate sound
isolation. Visually transparent faces or sections thereof may be integrated
into the face of the
primary panel.
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In one aspect of the invention, a primary panel may be used as the total noise
barrier solution
within the system. Within another aspect of the invention, a primary panel is
coupled with one
or more additional 3D frames and/or secondary panels to meet sound attenuation
or aesthetic
goals or commercial goals. For example, one 3D frame and its associated panel
or panels (or
without a conjoined panel) may be coupled with and an additional 3D frame and
the additional
3D frame(s) may be used to support the growth of climbing plants. Further, one
3D frame and its
associated panel or panels (or without a conjoined panel) may be coupled with
and an additional
3D frame and its associated panel or panels.
As is clear, there are a variety of permutations of 3D frame structures,
acoustic fills, face
types/surfaces. In each permutation, there may optionally be provided an
additional T-top piece
to increase insertion loss. Preferably the T-top is also a 3D frame with a
fill. The selection of the
permutation, public face options, finishes and use of the T-top profile are
driven by the desired
acoustical criteria/goals and site context/requirements.
The capacity to support living
architecture, a high aesthetic finish and public face branding broadens the
urban context in which
the system of the invention can be used.
Turning to the figures, wherein like numerals refer to like elements
throughout, Figure 1
provides generally at 10 a 3D frame formed of substantially parallel
longitudinal reinforcing
chords 12 (front) and 14 (back) including transverse web 16 between front and
back and which
travel along the full length of the truss in a zig-zag manner. The angular
bends of the zig-zag or
transverse web 16 are welded to reinforcing chords 12 and 14 forming a series
of rigid triangles.
Reinforcing chords 12 and 14 are support-framed by tops 18 and 19, bottoms 20
and 21, left
sides 22 and 23 and right sides 24 and 25.
Figure 2 illustrates a 3D frame, as per Figure 1 but additionally providing a
conjoined face,
herein mass laminate 30.
Figure 3 illustrates a 3D frame and 3D top piece.
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Figure 4 illustrates a 3D frame 10, as per Figure 1 but additionally providing
a conjoined
secondary 3D frame, 32. Secondary 3D frame, 32, is formed of substantially
parallel longitudinal
reinforcing web 34 (front of frame 10 conjoined with back of frame 10) and 36
(back of frame)
including transverse chords 38 between front of frame and back of frame and
which travel along
the full length of the truss in a zig-zag manner. The angular bends of the zig-
zag or transverse
chords 38 are welded to alternate web 40 and 42 forming a series of rigid
triangles. Reinforcing
web 34 and 36 are support-framed by tops 44 and 46, bottoms 48 and 50, left
sides 52 and 53 and
right sides 54 and 55.
Figure 5 is an isometric view of panel generally indicated at 60 and
comprising 3D frame 62,
acoustic fill 64, perforated face 66 (comprising a plurality of perforations
67) on side 68 of 3D
frame 62 and face 70 (more solid in configuration than perforated face 60) on
side 72 o f 3D
frame 62. Top piece 74 comprising downwardly extending flange 75 encases top
76 of 3D frame
62. Face 70 includes an extension portion 71, which, in use, rests over top 76
of 3D frame 62 and
under top piece 74. In one embodiment, there is no requirement for a top piece
74 and extension
portion 71 is an exposed "public face". In a further embodiment, face 70 may
be a contiguous
sheet which "wraps" all or substantially all of the 3D frame. In some of those
instances, instead
of perforated face 66, face 70 would simply wrap around all or substantially
all surfaces of the
3D frame.
Bracket 78 extends horizontally across 3D frame 62, and comprises screw
aperture 80, in aid of
securing face 66 to 3D frame 62. 3D frame 62 comprises horizontal chords 82
and
diagonal/vertical web members 84.
Figure 6 is an isometric view of a panel generally indicated at 86 and
comprising 3D frame 62,
acoustic fill 64, solid mass face 88 on side 68 of 3D frame 62 and face 90 on
side 72 o f 3D
frame 62. Top piece 74 comprising downwardly extending flange 75 encases top
76 of 3D frame
62. Face 90 includes an extension portion 91 which, in use, rests over top 76
of 3D frame 62 and
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under top piece 74. Bracket 78 extends horizontally across 3D frame 62, and
comprises
bolt/screw aperture 80, in aid of securing face 88 to 3D frame 62. 3D frame 62
comprises
horizontal chords 82 and diagonal/vertical web members 84.
Figure 7 is an exploded view of panel 60 (of Figure 5) and more clearly shows
the "empty
frame" of 3D frame 62, perforated face 66 (comprising a plurality of
perforations 67) and face
70. Continuous cleats 92 on runner 94 illustrate one means by which perforated
face 66 may be
removably conjoined to 3D frame 62. Within this same figure, an alterative
means of face/frame
attachment is shown. Bolts 96 may be used to traverse face 70 and serve as
connection means
with a mating bore hole (not shown in this figure but best shown in Figure 5).
It is to be
understood, however, that there are a plurality of means by which a face may
be removably
attached to a 3D frame such as, for example, adhesives, prongs or grips
extending form the faces
for engagement with diagonal or vertical web members of the 3D frame or by
attachment with
horizonal chords of the 3D frame. 3D frame 62 comprises horizontal chords 82
and
diagonal/vertical web members 84.
Figure 8 is an isometric view of four conjoined panels 98, 100, 102 and 104
forming noise
reduction system generally indicated at 106. of the invention, forming a noise
reduction system.
Illustrative in this figure is the mating of panels 98, 100, 102 and 104
within other structures (for
example structures of third parties, existing structures etc...) which here
includes support posts
108, 110 and 112, as well as adjustable noise attenuating base 114.
Figures 9-14 are illustrative panels (combinations of frame, fill, face) for
exemplary use cases
thereby highlighting the versatility and adaptability of the system of the
invention. In each of
these figures, the following legend can be referenced:
116 =3D frame which is filled with acoustic fill ("core")
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118=substantially absorptive public face
120=public face (on the spectrum, at least less absorptive than 118)
122=3D frame unfilled, which may, in some embodiments, be used to support
plants (such as,
for example, vines and other climbing plants)
Figure 9 is one exemplary panel configuration wherein public faces are both
substantially
absorptive public faces 118 conjoined to 3D frame filled with acoustic fill
116. The acoustical
functions of this panel configuration are noise reduction through absorption
and insertion loss.
This panel configuration will reduce noise build-up around specific noise
sources. In large areas
with high ambient sound levels and sound reverberation, these types of panels
can reduce sound
reverberation and noise level areas by creating breakout zones. Typical
interior uses include
conference and recreational facilities, multi-use foyers, art and music
venues. Typical exterior
uses include street cafes, outdoor galleries and music festival venues.
Figure 10 is another exemplary panel configuration wherein both public faces
are substantially
less absorptive public faces 120 conjoined to 3D frame filled with acoustic
fill 116. The public
faces on both aspects contribute to noise reduction from the source to the
receiver via the
acoustical function of insertion loss. This is the most common approach to the
assembly of a
noise barrier when there is no concern of noise build-up around the source.
Typical exterior uses
include one side only of highways and rapid transit corridors, airport fields,
large construction
sites.
Figure 11 is another exemplary panel configuration wherein public face 118 on
the source aspect
is substantially absorptive to reduce noise build up around the source. The
public face 120 on the
receiver side contributes to noise reduction from the source to the receiver
via the acoustical
function of insertion loss. Both are conjoined on opposites sides to filled 3D
frame 116. Typical
uses as a wall barrier, include parallel barrier walls on both sides of
transportation corridors;
transit hubs; loading and distribution docks; rooftop equipment, residential
heat pumps. Typical
uses, as an enclosure, with the horizontal use of panel 124 as a roof:
industrial machine and
equipment; the noise isolation is through the acoustical function of sound
transmission loss.
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Figure 12 is another exemplary panel configuration wherein public face 120 on
the source aspect
contributes to noise reduction from the source to the receiver through the
acoustical function of
insertion loss. The public face 118 on the receiving aspect is substantially
absorptive and alters
the sound quality through the reduced reflection of ambient sound sources.
Both are conjoined
on opposites sides to filled 3D frame 116. This is ideally suited for specific
uses such as, for
example, wildlife corridors, ecological protected zones, rooftop gardens,
urban parks.
Figure 13 is another exemplary panel configuration wherein there is a single
public face of a wall
mounted panel, and that face is substantially absorptive 118 and conjoined to
filled 3D frame
116. The acoustical functions achieved by this configuration are reduced
reverberation and noise
reduction through absorption. To meet room criteria and increase speech
intelligibility the
required wall area of panel installation is modelled. Typical uses include
enclosed and semi-
enclosed spaces with excessive sound reverberation. Typical interior uses
include conference and
recreational facilities, academic facilities, multi-use foyers, art and music
venues. Typical
exterior uses include street cafes, outdoor galleries and music festival
venues.
The core (filled 3D frame 116) and all assemblies illustrated in Figures 9 to
13 may be coupled
with additional 3D frames (empty 122) on one or both sides to support living
architecture
without reducing acoustical performance. The additional 3D frames may support
growth of vine
plants from the ground base or planters which alters the aesthetic value of
the panel systems,
provides biophilic benefits, improves air quality and supports biodiversity
and habitat. As
examples:
Figure 14 is another exemplary panel configuration similar to Figure 9 but
with added non-filled
3D frame. Typical uses and acoustical functions are the same as the system
illustrated in Figure
9. Figure 15 illustrates the coupled 3D Frame in the wall-mounted application,
but with added
non-filled 3D frame. The typical uses and acoustical functions are the same as
the system
illustrated in Figure 13. Figure 16 illustrates an example of coupled unfilled
3D frames on both
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sides of filled core panel, as per Figure 12. The typical uses and acoustical
functions are the
same as the system illustrated in Figure 12.
Method of Making Panels:
Acoustic fill is injected, inserted or otherwise embedded within the 3D frame.
In one
embodiment, acoustic fill is inserted with the 3D frame, during manufacture of
the frame itself
(for example, during wire assembly). In another embodiment, the 3D frame is
filled on a per
need basis, with selected fill. Faces may be conjoined to the 3D frame by any
means described
herein including, but not limited to cleats, bolts, adhesives or other
appropriately durable
fastening means.
In a preferred aspect, provided herein a is noise reducing and sound
absorption barrier panel
comprising a 3D frame having surfaces, wherein the 3D frame is filled with
acoustic fill and
conjoined on at least one of its surfaces with a face, said face substantially
completely covering
said surface, concealing the 3D frame and acoustic fill while at the same time
providing its own
sound transmission loss and sound absorption properties. In a further
preferred aspect, the 3D
frame is a three-dimensional chord truss or chord truss-like structure. In a
further preferred
aspect, the 3D frame comprises (in 3D form) straight members, connected
together with pin
joints and connected only at the ends of those members. In a further preferred
aspect, the 3D
frame comprises longitudinal members joined only by angled cross-members,
forming
alternately inverted equilateral triangle-shaped spaces along a length of said
3D frame. In a
further preferred aspect, the 3D frame is a truss selected from the group
consisting of Warren
Truss, Pratt Truss, Howe Truss, Ladder Truss, and King Post Truss. In a
further preferred aspect,
the 3D frame is made of a material selected from the group consisting of
metal, aluminum, metal
alloys, metal matrix composites and reinforced plastics (polymers). In a
further preferred aspect,
the acoustic fill is material with sound absorption properties, and which is:
i) open pore with a
substantially high tortuosity and ii) structurally capable of being filled or
embedded within the
3D frame. In a further preferred aspect, the acoustic fill is selected from
the group consisting of
mineral wool, sheep wool, rock wool (RockwallTm), and moss. In a further
preferred aspect, the
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face is selected from a group of faces having at least one of these
characteristics: greater sound
blocking function, lesser sound blocking function, greater sound absorption
function, and lesser
sound absorption function. In a further preferred aspect, the face is sound-
absorptive and
comprises at least one of: an openings, pores, holes, membranes, fissures,
apertures, and gaps. In
a further preferred aspect, the face is sound-absorptive and is formed of a
material which selected
from the group comprising fabrics, mesh, screens and perforated metals. In a
further preferred
aspect, face is substantially sound blocking and is ft:limed of a material
which is a mass or solid
structural form. In a further preferred aspect, the face is substantially
sound blocking and is
devoid of openings, pores, holes, membranes, fissures, apertures, and gaps. In
a further preferred
aspect, the face is substantially sound blocking and is selected the group
consisting of solid metal
sheets, metal laminates, rubber laminates, aluminum sheets, stucco and slate.
It has been found that the creation of a barrier with the system of the
invention results in a
superior solution than other previously known panels or blocks. It is to be
understood that the
system of the invention may comprise a plurality of wall forming panels and
that these panels
can be easily customized for desired locational requirements (fill, backing
material, covering
surfaces etc....). While a key aspect of the invention is the use of a unique
3D frame in this
context, an equally important feature is this customizability of fill and
faces.
While the forms of panels, method and system described herein constitute
preferred embodiments of
this invention, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to
these precise forms. As will
be apparent to those skilled in the art, the various embodiments described
above can be
combined to provide further embodiments. Aspects of the present panels,
blocks, barrier, method
and system (including specific components thereof) can be modified, if
necessary, to best employ
the panels, blocks, barrier, method and system of the invention. These aspects
are considered
fully within the scope of the invention as claimed. For example, the various
methods described
above may omit some acts, include other acts, and/or execute acts in a
different order than set out
in the illustrated embodiments.
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Further, in the methods taught herein, the various acts may be performed in a
different order than
that illustrated and described. Additionally, the methods can omit some acts,
and/or employ
additional acts.
These and other changes can be made to the present systems, methods and
articles in light of the
above description. In general, in the following claims, the terms used should
not be construed to
limit the invention to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification
and the claims, but
should be construed to include all possible embodiments along with the full
scope of equivalents
to which such claims are entitled. Accordingly, the invention is not limited
by the disclosure, but
instead its scope is to be determined entirely by the following claims.
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