This invention relates generally to sound reduction.
Retractable walls allow the separation of large spaces into smaller spaces, with a return to the large spaces when desired. However, retractable walls can present difficulties in sound proofing. Methods and systems for reduction of sound propagation across retractable walls that are simple and effective are needed.
In a first aspect, the disclosure provides a system for reducing sound propagation between spaces divided by a retractable wall. A retractable wall is configured to divide a space when deployed. An edge of the retractable wall is disposed into a track with a channel when the retractable wall is deployed. A bladder is configured to inflate when the retractable wall is deployed and to press against the edge of the retractable wall. In this manner, sound propagation through any gaps is reduced.
In a second aspect, the disclosure provides a method for reducing sound propagation between spaces divided by a retractable wall. A retractable wall is provided. A space is divided by deploying the retractable wall. An edge of the retractable wall is disposed into a track with a channel when the retractable wall is deployed. A bladder is inflated when the retractable wall is deployed that presses the edge of the retractable wall. In this manner, sound propagation through any gaps is reduced.
Further aspects and embodiments are provided in the foregoing drawings, detailed description and claims.
The following drawings are provided to illustrate certain embodiments described herein. The drawings are merely illustrative and are not intended to limit the scope of claimed inventions and are not intended to show every potential feature or embodiment of the claimed inventions. The drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale; in some instances, certain elements of the drawing may be enlarged with respect to other elements of the drawing for purposes of illustration.
The following description recites various aspects and embodiments of the inventions disclosed herein. No particular embodiment is intended to define the scope of the invention. Rather, the embodiments provide non-limiting examples of various compositions, and methods that are included within the scope of the claimed inventions. The description is to be read from the perspective of one of ordinary skill in the art. Therefore, information that is well known to the ordinarily skilled artisan is not necessarily included.
The following terms and phrases have the meanings indicated below, unless otherwise provided herein. This disclosure may employ other terms and phrases not expressly defined herein. Such other terms and phrases shall have the meanings that they would possess within the context of this disclosure to those of ordinary skill in the art. In some instances, a term or phrase may be defined in the singular or plural. In such instances, it is understood that any term in the singular may include its plural counterpart and vice versa, unless expressly indicated to the contrary.
As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example, reference to “a substituent” encompasses a single substituent as well as two or more substituents, and the like.
As used herein, “for example,” “for instance,” “such as,” or “including” are meant to introduce examples that further clarify more general subject matter. Unless otherwise expressly indicated, such examples are provided only as an aid for understanding embodiments illustrated in the present disclosure and are not meant to be limiting in any fashion. Nor do these phrases indicate any kind of preference for the disclosed embodiment.
As used herein, “bladder” is meant to refer to an inflatable, flexible object that can be inflated by any normal inflation means, such as hydraulics or pneumatics.
As used herein, “spaces” are meant to refer to any volumes such as rooms, areas, and places.
Sound propagation between spaces separated by retractable walls is reduced by the systems and methods disclosed herein. A significant source of sound between spaces separated by retractable walls is sound propagation through the air gap between the edge of the retractable walls and the track through which the edge deploys. This air gap could be eliminated by having the edge rub against the track during deployment, but at the cost of larger motors and faster wear. The systems and methods disclosed reduce or even eliminate this air gap. In addition to reducing sound propagation through the retractable wall, closing gaps can also help reduce or eliminate the passage of air around the retractable wall, such as when there is a pressure differential across the two spaces divided by the retractable wall. Blocking the passage of air around the retractable wall can eliminate whistling or other annoyances.
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Preferably, the bladder is made of an elastic, rubber-like material that expands when inflated to press against the edge of the wall. Most preferably, the material is an elastomer, such as butyl rubber. Alternatively, the bladder is made of a non-elastic material that is formed into a bellows-like construction, whereby the bladder can also be inflated to press against the edge of the wall. In either event, the important feature is that the bladder is capable of pressing against the edge of the wall when inflated.
Preferably, the bladder is deflated and does not contact the edge of the wall during deployment or retraction. Nevertheless, it may be preferable to select a material, coating or other means for the bladder and/or edge of the wall, so as to reduce wear by friction between the two.
Preferably, the bladder is pneumatic, i.e. inflated with air, by a simple air pump connected by a tube to the bladder. Activation of the pump to inflate the bladder is preferably synchronized with the deployment of the wall. Most preferably, the same pump also works to deflate the bladder prior to the wall being retracted.
Alternatively, the bladder is inflated with a hydraulic fluid, such as water or mineral oil. In such embodiments, the bladder is inflated when the hydraulic fluid is pumped from a reservoir into the bladder.
Preferably, the track is formed by extrusion of a material, such as aluminum or a somewhat rigid polymer. The track can be attached to the wall by conventional means. Preferably, the channel formed in the track is key-hole shaped as shown in
In an alternative embodiment, such as that shown in
The bladder 72 is deflated as the retractable wall 70 is deploying, as in
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The rollable wall 30, when closed and the bladder is inflated, reduces sound propagation between the rooms separated by the rollable wall 30. In some embodiments, the floor is metal. A bottom edge of the retractable wall 30 has a magnetic strip 40 that attaches to the floor. The magnetic strip 40 preferably comprises one or more permanent magnets. Alternatively, the strip can include one or more electromagnets that can be switched on and off to attach and release the wall. The floor preferably includes a strip of ferromagnetic material, e.g. containing iron. Alternatively, the floor can include a permanent or electromagnet.
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Preferably, the spool 32 is operated by a conventional motor with standard safety features. Alternatively, the spool is spring-loaded and the wall is deployed by either manual or automated pulling of the wall down toward the floor. For example, cables can be attached to the bottom corners of the retractable wall. When pulled, those cables can operate to deploy the wall. When the cables are loosened, the wall can be retracted by the spring-loaded spool.
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In alternative embodiments, the retractable wall is made up of either horizontally or vertically folding panels. If the retractable wall comprises horizontally folding panels, it may be preferable for the tracks to be actuated outward when the wall is being moved and then actuated inward so as to capture the two side edges of the retractable wall when deployed in place.
In a preferred embodiment, the retractable wall deploys from the ceiling. In an alternate embodiment, the retractable wall deploys from an adjacent wall.
As noted above, in some embodiments, the bladder is inflated by pressurized hydraulic fluid. In alternate embodiments, the bladder is inflated by pressurized air. In some embodiments, the bladder is deflated by suctioning any fluids out of the bladder while the retractable wall is deploying or retracting. This results in the bladder being out of the path of the retractable wall while the retractable wall is deploying or retracting.
In some embodiments, an other edge of the wall is configured to magnetically attach to the floor, the ceiling, or an other wall when the wall is deployed.
In a preferred embodiment, the bladder blocks all gaps along the edge of the retractable wall when the bladder is inflated.
The invention has been described with reference to various specific and preferred embodiments and techniques. Nevertheless, it is understood that many variations and modifications may be made while remaining within the spirit and scope of the invention.