Acoustic partition for removable panel finishing system

Abstract

An acoustical absorbing membrane that may be used in removable panel finishing systems is provided. The acoustic membrane may be formed of any sound transmission loss material that possesses sound-absorbing or sound-deadening qualities. Examples of suitable materials include foil, a foil-faced asphalt material, elastomeric materials, composite laminates, a polymer film, a composite material formed of an organic bonding material and one or more types of reinforcement fibers, a cement board, a gypsum board, a gypsum/WUCS board, a dense WUCS mat, a film formed of a fiberglass reinforced resin, and/or any dense polymeric material. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the acoustic membrane may be a film formed of a loaded polymer or copolymer, such as a copolymer of ethylene-vinyl acetate loaded with barium or CaCO₃. The acoustic membrane may have a density of approximately 1 lb/ft²-3 lbs/ft² and preferably has a thickness from about 1/16-⅜ of an inch.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD AND INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates generally to removable panel finishing systems, and more particularly, to an acoustic partition that increases sound absorption in a removable panel finishing system for rooms such as may be found in single family homes or commercial buildings. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Sound insulation materials are used in a variety of settings where it is desired to dampen noise from an external source. For example, sound insulation materials have been used in applications such as in appliances to reduce the sound emitted into the surrounding areas of a home, in automobiles to reduce mechanical sounds of the motor and road noise, and in office buildings to attenuate sound generated from the workplace, such as from telephone conversations or from the operation of office equipment. Acoustical insulation materials typically relies upon both sound absorption (i.e., the ability to absorb inciden...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0022] It is an advantage of the present invention that unlike conventional drywall walls, there is little or no dust generated during installation of the removable panel finishing system.

[0023] It is another advantage of the present invention that the acoustic membrane can be easily cut, such as to fit around doors and / or windows.

[0024] It is yet another advantage of the present invention that a removable panel finishing system utilizing the acoustic membrane absorbs approximately 75% of the sound energy within the room.

[0025] It is a further advantage of the present invention that the acoustic membrane reduces echo time to less than about one second.

[0026] It is also an advantage of the present invention that the acoustic membrane can be fabricated to have an aesthetically pleasing surface.

[0027] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the invention will appear more fully hereinafter from a consideration of the detailed description that follows. It is to be expressly understood, however, that the drawings are for illustrative purposes and are not to be construed as defining the limits of the invention.

Problems solved by technology

Despite the numerous acoustical insulation products in existence in the art, none of the existing acoustical products provide sufficient sound attenuating properties for use in homes and commercial buildings.

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