Patent Application
20090188633
The present invention relates generally to movable partitions and more particularly to folding partitions having components to enable air-mass transfer and provide sound insulation.
Movable partitions, such as folding doors are often implemented in various settings, such as in hotels, convention centers, schools, churches and other buildings, to subdivide a single large room into two or more smaller rooms. For example, referring to
Between the two panels 102A and 102B is a space that may be termed an air space 112 and which may work together with the panels 102A and 102B to provide a sound barrier. Such a sound barrier is often desired when two areas or rooms, having been subdivided by the folding partition 100, are used at the same time for different classes, meetings or other function to eliminate or reduce the amount of noise that may enter one room from an adjacent room.
The space 112 between the two panels is conventionally maintained as a relatively static environment. In other words, while not being completely sealed relative to the environment being subdivided by the partition 100, the partition 100 is constructed to substantially limit air movement from one side of the partition 100 to the other side of the partition when in a deployed or extended state. The limitation of air flow across the partition 100 is beneficial from a sound insulation standpoint as it also limits the path of potential sound waves across a deployed partition 100.
Thus, while the existence of an air space 112 is beneficial in a number of ways, the construction of the partition 100 to limit air flow when the partition 100 is deployed presents some difficulties when extending or retracting the partition. For example, when the partition 100 is being retracted for storage, a substantial amount of air contained in the air space 112 needs to be discharged in order to enable the partition to fold or collapse. Likewise, air needs to be drawn into the air space 112 when the partition 110 is extended to a closed position. In other words, the air space 112 or the volume between the two panels 102A and 102B increases when the partition 100 is deployed and decreases when the partition 100 is retracted.
If the partition is substantially sealed relative to the air space 112, the air contained in the air space is 112 unable to easily escape from between the partition panels 102A and 102B (or be drawn therein) during operation. Thus, as the partition is being retracted, the air in the air space 112 compresses and acts as an air cushion, providing resistance to the retraction of the partition 100. Additionally, in seeking an outlet, the air within the air space 112 may cause the panels 102A and 102B (and particularly the bottom 114 of each panel 102A and 102B in most conventional partitions 100) to billow out away from one another, making it more difficult to operate the partition 100 and store the partition 100 in an associated pocket.
In an attempt to release air from between the panels 102A and 102B during operation of the partition 100, some partitions 100 have included openings or holes in the lead post 104 of the partition 100. However such a configuration does not always provide sufficient air release depending, for example, on the size of the partition 100, the spacing of the panels 102A and 102B, and the speed at which the partition is closed. Additionally, in some embodiments, an operator may displace the door by pushing or pulling the lead post 104 (or some other structure such as a handle located adjacent the lead post 104). In such a situation, there is the possibility of blowing debris into the operator's face. Furthermore, if openings are formed along both sides of the lead post, the ability of the partition to act as a sound barrier or a fire barrier may be substantially compromised.
Some attempts have been made to provide an air release structure that releases air from the air space 112 through a location other that the lead post while channeling air away from the user and without providing a path for sound to easily pass from one side of the extended partition 100 to the other. For example, in U.S. Pat. No. 3,447,584 to Smart, an air release construction for a folding door is provided comprising an overhead track unit incorporating air release chamber therein. Air passages se provided between the door chamber or air space and an overhead track air-release chamber so as to allow air to move between the two chambers. Thus, air flows to or from the air space, through the air-release chamber, and out to the environment surrounding the door during the closing or extension thereof. Air flows in a reversed path during the opening of the retraction of the door.
While the configuration described by Smart appears to provide some air flow from a chamber or air space between panels and an exterior location, such a configuration appears to be somewhat limited in that, when initially opening the door to place it back in a stored condition, a substantial amount of air may enter into the overhead track air-release chamber but only a limited amount of air may be released therefrom due to the limited number of air passages in the overhead chamber that are exposed to an external environment. In other words, the number of passages that are exposed to the external environment when the door is in such a condition is substantially limited, but the number of passages exposed to the door chamber or air space are relatively numerous. Additionally, the converse is true when initially displacing the door to position it in an extended or closed position.
Various embodiments of the present invention are directed toward a device for releasing air from between two panels of a dual-panel folding partition while maintaining sound insulation properties of the dual-panel folding partition.
In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a folding partition is provided. The folding partition includes a first folding panel having a plurality of panel sections, wherein each panel section is hingedly coupled with an adjacent panel section, and a second folding panel having a plurality of panel sections, wherein each panel section is hingedly coupled with an adjacent panel section. The first folding panel and the second folding panel are laterally spaced from, and substantially parallel to one another. At least one baffling device is disposed adjacent at least one panel section of at least one of the first folding panel the second folding panel. The at least one baffling device includes an elongated enclosure having a first opening, a second opening and a flow path between the first opening and the second opening. A sound attenuation chamber is disposed adjacent at least a portion of the flow path.
In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a method of operating a foldable partition is provided. The method includes providing a foldable partition having a first panel with a plurality of hingedly couple panel sections and a second panel with a plurality of hingedly coupled panel sections, the first panel and the second panel being laterally spaced from and substantially parallel to one another. At least one baffling device is associated with the first panel, wherein the baffling device includes a flow path from a location on a first side of the first panel to a second, opposing side of the first panel. The baffling device also includes a sound attenuation chamber disposed adjacent to at least a portion of the flow path. The foldable partition is displaced from a substantially extended state to a substantially collapsed state and air is passed through the flow path from a location between the first panel and the second panel while the foldable partition is being displaced from the substantially extended state to the substantially collapsed state.
In accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention, a baffling device is provided. The baffling device includes an elongated enclosure having a first opening formed in a first surface and proximate a first longitudinal end of the elongated enclosure and a second opening formed in a second surface and proximate a second end of the elongated enclosure. A flow path extends from the first opening to the second opening. A sound attenuation chamber is disposed adjacent at least a portion of the flow path and includes an insulative material disposed therein. A perforated member is disposed between and partially defines, the flow path and the sound attenuation chamber.
Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent in the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and examples.
In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof and in which is shown, by way of illustration, examples of practicing certain embodiments of the invention. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those of ordinary skill in the art to practice the invention. It should be understood, however, that the detailed description and the specific examples are given by way of illustration only and not by way of limitation. From this disclosure, various substitutions, modifications, additions rearrangements, or combinations thereof within the scope of the present invention may be made and will become apparent to those skilled in the art.
In accordance with certain embodiments of the present invention, air release devices for a dual-panel folding partition are provided. For example, a baffling device may include a sound baffle which diffuses or attenuates sound waves passing through the device while enabling the air to pass substantially unimpeded. Related methods and systems are also provided herein.
Referring to
The baffling device 200 may include a housing, referred to herein as an elongated enclosure 202, having a first opening 204 located proximate a first longitudinal end 205 of the elongated enclosure 202 and in a first surface of the elongated enclosure. The elongated enclosure 202 may also include a second opening 206 located proximate a second longitudinal end 207, opposite the first longitudinal end 205, and in a surface of the elongated enclosure 202 different from which the first opening is formed or located. The first and second openings 204 and 206 may be sized and configured to enable air to pass into and out of a cavity or passage within the elongated enclosure 202. Except for the first and second openings 204 and 206, the elongated enclosure is substantially enclosed along the side and end surfaces thereof. Thus, while not specifically shown in
The elongated enclosure 202 may be formed of any of a number of materials using any of a variety of manufacturing processes. For example, the elongated enclosure 202 may be made of metals, metal alloys, plastics, composites or other materials. Conventional processes may be used to manufacture the elongated enclosure 202 depending, at least in par, the materials being used. Likewise, the first and second openings 204 and 206 may be formed using appropriate processes known in the art, depending, for example, the type of materials used and the manufacturing processes employed to make the elongated enclosure 202.
Referring to
A second chamber or channel 210 may also be provided within the elongated enclosure 202 at a location generally adjacent at least a portion the first channel 208. A perforated member 22 may be disposed between the first channel 208 and the second channel 210 and help to form the first and second channels 208 and 210. The perforated member 212 may enable sound waves that enter into the elongated enclosure 202 via the first or second openings 204 and 206 to pass from the first channel 208 into the second channel 210. In one embodiment, the perforated member 212 may include a screen-like structure having a desired amount of permissivity with regard to sound waves. In another embodiment, the perforated member 212 may include a substantially solid surface having a desired pattern of specifically sized and shaped perforations 213 formed therein. For example, in one specific embodiment, the perforations 213 may be substantially circular holes exhibiting a diameter of approximately 1 inch (25.4 millimeters) and spaced approximately 2 inches (50.8 millimeters) on center. Of course, such perforations 213 may exhibit other shapes and sizes as will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art.
The second channel 210 may be partially or substantially entirely filled with an insulative material 214 (see
The second channel 210 may extend a desired length within the elongated enclosure 202 depending, for example, on the amount of sound attenuation desired and the amount and type of insulative material 214 being disposed therein. In one embodiment, the second channel 210 may extend approximately two-thirds (⅔) the length L of the elongated enclosure 202. In another embodiment, the second channel 210 may extend substantially the entire length L of the elongated enclosure 202 so long as the first and second openings 204 and 206 remain in substantially unrestricted communication with the first channel 208.
Referring more specifically to
the elongated enclosure 202 may include a first enclosure member 220 and a second enclosure member 222. The first and second enclosure members 220 and 222 may each exhibit, for example, a cross-sectional geometry of a “C-channel.” The first and second enclosure members 220 and 222 may be fastened together by appropriate means known in the art, such as, but not limited to, adhesives, mechanical fasteners (e.g., pop rivets or screws), welding, or other means as will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art. A perforated member 212 may be provided and fastened between the first enclosure member 220 and the second enclosure member 222. In one embodiment, the perforated member 212 may exhibit a substantially z-shaped cross-sectional geometry. In one embodiment, when configured to exhibit a Z-shaped geometry, perforated member 212 may include legs 224 and 226 that each extend a distance equal to approximately half the width W of the elongated enclosure 202. The perforated member 212 may be fastened to the first and second enclosure members 220 and 222 using similar means as discussed hereinabove.
The first enclosure member 220, perforated member 212 and second enclosure member 222 are assembled together to form the first channel 208 and the second channel 210 within the elongate enclosure 202 such as seen in
Referring now to
In operation, an air pressure differential may be formed between the first opening 204 (see
As sound waves (represented generally by dashed line 232) pass into the first channel 208, they reflect or bounce between a surface of the elongated enclosure (the surface also forming a part of the first channel) and the perforated member 212. The perforations 213 provided in the perforated member 212 enable the sound waves 232 (or at least a substantial portion of the sound waves) to pass into the second channel 210. The insulative material 214 (
As will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art, it is noted that baffling devices may exhibit different configurations than the example embodiments described hereinabove. For example instead of having one channel or passage to accommodate air flow, and a second channel or passage for purposes of sound attenuation, multiple channels may be used for either air passage, sound attenuation or multiple channels or passages may be used for each. For example, a first passage or channel configured for sound attenuation may be disposed between multiple channels configured to accommodate air passage. Likewise, an air passage channel may be disposed between multiple sound attenuation channels. In other embodiments, one type of passage or channel (e.g., sound attenuation) may be substantially surrounded by the other type of passage or channel (e.g., air passage).
A baffling device, such as described herein, may be used with movable partitions. For example, a baffling device may be associated with a dual-panel accordion-style folding partition to aid in the release of air from between the panels (e.g., during closing of the partition) while still maintaining, or even enhancing, the sound attenuation properties of the partition. Baffling devices may be placed in one or both of the panels of such a partition. Additionally, a baffling device may be installed at a variety of locations in such a partition. Examples of partitions with which such a device may be utilized include those described, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 6,662,848, entitled AUTOMATIC DOOR AND METHOD OF OPERATING SAME and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/472,031 entitled HINGED CONNECTION, MOVABLE PARTITIONS USING SAME AND RELATED METHODS, the disclosures of each of which are incorporated by reference in their entireties.
Referring to
Each panel 302A and 302B of the partition 300 may include a plurality of panel sections 306 connected together with hinges 308 or other structures that enable adjacent panel sections 306 to fold or pivot relative to each other. The panels 302A and 302B may be disposed generally parallel to each other and laterally spaced from one another such that an air space 310 is located therebetween.
The baffling device 200 may be coupled with or disposed in, for example, a portion of the jamb component 304. The baffling device 200 may be constructed in a manner similar to that described above. In one embodiment, the baffling device 200 may extend substantially the height of the partition 300. In other embodiments, the baffling device 200 may extend only a partial height of the partition 300. The baffling device 200 may be located and oriented so that a first opening 204 is open or exposed to the environment outside the panel with which it is associated (e.g., panel 302A or 302B).
Referring to
It is noted that, although the baffling device 200 is shown in
When the folding partition 300 is closed (i.e., positioned in its extended or un-folded state) the baffling device 200 may help to maintain or even enhance the sound insulation or attenuation capabilities of the folding partition 300. For example, sound waves passing through the second opening 206 may be reflected and forced to travel through the first channel 208 toward the first opening 204. As the sound waves pass through the first channel, they may enter into the second channel 210 and be diffused or attenuated by any insulative material 214 (see
Referring to
Referring to
As seen in
While only a single baffling apparatus 200 is shown in the embodiments described with respect to
Embodiments of the present invention clearly provide associated methods for releasing air from between two panels of a dual-panel folding partition (as well as drawing air into a space between dual panels of a folding partition) while also providing attenuation of sound waves.
While certain exemplary embodiments have been described and shown in the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that such embodiments are merely illustrative of and not restrictive of the scope of the invention, and that this invention not be limited to the specific constructions and arrangements shown and described, since various other modifications are possible. Those skilled, in the art will appreciate that various adaptations and modifications of the just described preferred embodiment can be configured without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Therefore, it is to be understood that, within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced other than as specifically described herein.
