A modular sound-reducing enclosure

Abstract

Broadly speaking, embodiments of the present techniques provide a modular panel for constructing a sound-reducing enclosure and a sound-reducing enclosure formed using such modular panels. The modular panels are formed of noise-reducing materials, and are an effective option for building temporary structures that can reduce noise levels in, for example, an exhibition centre or other event space. The modular panels may be used to construct other types of enclosures, such as garden buildings (e.g. garden offices and summerhouses). The modular panels are advantageously designed to them to be assembled quickly and easily, making them ideal for creating walls, partitions, or enclosures that can effectively block or absorb noise.

Description

[0001] A Modular Sound-Reducing Enclosure

[0002] Field

[0003] The present techniques generally relate to a sound-reducing booth or enclosure. In particular, the present techniques provide a panel for constructing a sound-reducing enclosure and a sound-reducing enclosure formed using such panels.

[0004] Background

[0005] While drape systems can be a cost-effective way to create temporary partitions and walls in exhibition centres, they may not provide the level of noise reduction required for certain events or activities. In such cases, more specialised noise reducing materials and techniques may be necessary.

[0006] The present Applicant has therefore identified the need for an improved way to create temporary enclosures or areas which have sound- or noise-reducing properties.

[0007] Summary

[0008] In a first approach of the present techniques, there is provided a panel for a sound-reducing enclosure, the panel comprising: a frame for housing an acoustic insulation material; a first retaining means couplable to a first side of the frame and a second retaining means couplable to a second side of the frame, for retaining the acoustic insulation material within the frame; and coupling means provided on at least two edges of the frame, for coupling the panel to adjacent panels to thereby form the enclosure.

[0009] In some cases, the panel may further comprise: a first sheet of material fastened to the first side of the frame; and a second sheet of material fastened to the second side of the frame. In these cases, the panel is fabricated or supplied with covers on both sides of the frame, which are formed of the first and second sheets. This is advantageous because an enclosure built using the panels may be built more quickly than when the covers also need to be attached to panels during the build.

[0010] In such cases, the panel may further comprise: at least one insulating panel. The at least one insulating panel may be provided between the frame and the first sheet of material and / or the second sheet of material. The at least one insulating panel may be housed within the first sheet of material and / or the second sheet of material.

[0011] In other cases, the panel may further comprise: a plurality of fastening means on the first and second sides of the frame for fastening a first sheet of material to the first side of the frame and a second sheet of material to the second side of the frame, wherein the fastening means are arranged such that at least one of the first and second sheets of material is offset relative to the frame when fastened to the frame. In such cases, the panel is fabricated or supplied without covers on both sides of the frame. In these cases, the covers are attached to adjacent panels during assembly of the enclosure, such that the covers overlap adjacent panels and thereby cover the points where the adjacent panels meet.

[0012] The first and second retaining means may be planar frames having a width and height that substantially matches a width and height of the frame.

[0013] Preferably, the frame may define at least one section in which the acoustic insulation material is housed, and wherein the first and second retaining means may each comprise corresponding sections which partially overlap the at least one section of the frame, to thereby retain the acoustic insulation material in the at least one section of the frame.

[0014] The frame may comprise a plurality of sections for housing the acoustic insulation material.

[0015] The frame may provide an air gap between the acoustic insulation material and first and second retaining means. The first and second retaining means may create an air gap between the frame and the first and second sheets of material.

[0016] The frame comprise may a supportive column which extends along a length of the frame for providing vertical support to the panel.

[0017] The acoustic insulation material may be any one or more of: a mineral wool; cellulose; and cork.

[0018] The frame may be formed of any one or more of: steel; cold formed steel; wood; and timber.

[0019] In a second approach of the present techniques, there is provided a soundreducing enclosure comprising walls formed of a plurality of panels of the type recited herein.

[0020] The enclosure may further comprise an outer cover, wherein the outer cover may be formed of a plurality of first sheets of material that are fastened to a plurality of fastening means on the first side of the frame of each panel, and wherein each first sheet of material may be offset from the frame of a panel such that it partially overlaps an adjacent panel.

[0021] The enclosure may further comprise an inner cover, wherein the inner cover may be formed of a plurality of second sheets of material that are fastened to the plurality of fastening means on the second side of the frame of each panel, and wherein each second sheet of material may be offset from the frame of a panel such that it partially overlaps an adjacent panel.

[0022] The first and second sheets of material may be formed of engineered wood.

[0023] The enclosure may further comprise: an insulating panel provided between the frame of each panel and the first sheet of material and / or the second sheet of material. The insulating panel may be formed of any one or more of: a mineral wool; cellulose; and cork. Brief description of the drawings

[0024] Implementations of the present techniques will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0025] Figure 1A is a perspective view of a sound-reducing enclosure formed using panels;

[0026] Figure IB is a perspective, exploded view of the sound-reducing enclosure of Figure 1A;

[0027] Figure 1C is a cross-sectional view of the sound-reducing enclosure of Figure 1A;

[0028] Figure ID is a perspective view of the sound-reducing closure of Figure 1A without ceiling panels;

[0029] Figure 2A is an exploded view of a first panel for forming the sound-reducing enclosure;

[0030] Figure 2B is an exploded view of second panel for forming the soundreducing enclosure;

[0031] Figure 2C is an exploded view of a third panel for forming the soundreducing enclosure;

[0032] Figure 2D shows a perspective view of a fourth panel forming the soundreducing enclosure which supports a ceiling of the enclosure;

[0033] Figures 3A to 3C show perspective views of panels of different shapes;

[0034] Figure 3D is an exploded view of panels of different shapes used to form a door; Figure 3E is an exploded view of a portion of a ceiling formed using ceiling panels;

[0035] Figure 4A shows a cross-sectional view of a first structure of the panel of Figure 2, and Figure 4B shows the addition of inner and outer covers to the panel;

[0036] Figure 5A shows a cross-sectional view of a second structure of the panel of Figure 2, and Figure 5B shows the addition of inner and outer covers to the panel;

[0037] Figure 6 shows how an outer cover is provided on a panel in an overlapping manner;

[0038] Figure 7 shows data on the source of noise during an exhibition or conference;

[0039] Figure 8A shows two example coupling means which take the form of latching mechanisms;

[0040] Figure 8B shows an example of a coupling means which takes the form of a flanged latching mechanism; and

[0041] Figure 9 shows how the trusses are provided across an upper side of the enclosure.

[0042] Detailed description of the drawings

[0043] Broadly speaking, embodiments of the present techniques provide a modular panel for constructing a sound-reducing enclosure and a sound-reducing enclosure formed using such modular panels. The modular panels are formed of noise-reducing materials, and are an effective option for building temporary structures that can reduce noise levels in, for example, an exhibition centre or other event space. The modular panels may be used to construct other types of enclosures, such as garden buildings (e.g. garden offices and summerhouses). It will be understood that these are non-limiting and non-exhaustive examples of the possible uses of the modular panels of the present techniques. The modular panels are advantageously designed to them to be assembled quickly and easily, making them ideal for creating walls, partitions, or enclosures that can effectively block or absorb noise.

[0044] In order to determine the design of the modular panel that would reduce unwanted sound, the present Applicant needed to understand the source of the unwanted sound. Figure 7 shows data on the source of noise during an exhibition or conference. The frequency range and amplitude of undesirable sound was captured using specialist equipment in a live exhibition setting. It can be seen from Figure 7 that the undesirable sound comes from at least ambient noise within the exhibition or conference space, and ambient noise from outside the exhibition or conference space. At certain frequencies, a large proportion of the noise is from outside the space.

[0045] A series of similar sound tests were carried out with respect to an enclosure formed of the panels of present techniques, in order to measure the soundreducing properties of the panels. It was determined that the average SPL (Sound Pressure Level) indicated an average total noise-reduction level of up to 45dB across all relevant frequencies, and a flattening of spectral peaks of the most problematic frequencies.

[0046] Figure 1A is a perspective view of a sound-reducing enclosure 100 comprising walls formed using a plurality of panels 10. The enclosure 100 is an assembly of modular panels 10 that can be installed in an extremely short time using standard tools and machinery. The modular nature of the panels 10 allows the enclosure 100 to be installed to almost any size, in any setting. When assembled, the enclosure 100 creates a unique, multi-functional environment that focuses on the depletion of invasive noise from outside sources, allowing occupants to carry out their business effectively and ultimately undisturbed by their surroundings.

[0047] The enclosure 100 may comprise a ceiling formed using a plurality of ceiling panels 11. The ceiling panels 11 are similar to the panels 10, but may have a different shape. Figure IB is a perspective, exploded view of the sound-reducing enclosure of Figure 1A, where the panels 10 can be more easily seen. Figure 1C is a cross- sectional view of the sound-reducing enclosure of Figure 1A. The ceiling is supported by a plurality of trusses 30 provided across an upper side of the enclosure. Each truss 30 extends between opposing walls of the enclosure, thereby providing support across the width of the ceiling.

[0048] Figure ID is a perspective view of the sound-reducing closure of Figure 1A without the ceiling panels 11, where the plurality of trusses can be more easily seen. The plurality of trusses 30 may be arranged in a parallel series across the upper side of the enclosure, with a fixed spacing between adjacent trusses in the parallel series. Figure 9 shows how the trusses 30 are provided across an upper side of the enclosure. For simplicity, a single end of a truss is shown in Figure 9. However, it will be appreciated that the features described below also apply to opposing ends of each truss.

[0049] The opposing ends of each truss 30 are secured to the frame 12 of a panel 10 by a truss fastening means 32. That is, a truss fastening means 32 is provided on each end of a truss 30 and is secured to the frame 12 of a corresponding panel 10. The truss fastening means 32 may take the form of a bolt 34 secured in a threaded bore 36 on an upper edge of the frame 12.

[0050] Each truss is typically formed of steel. However, it will be appreciated that steel is provided by way of example only, and that other suitable materials may be used to form the trusses.

[0051] Figure 2A is an exploded view of a modular panel 10 for forming the soundreducing enclosure 100. The panel 10 comprises: a frame 12 for housing an acoustic insulation material 14; a first retaining means 16 couplable to a first side of the frame 12 and a second retaining 18 means couplable to a second side of the frame 12, for retaining the acoustic insulation material 14 within the frame 12; and coupling means 22 provided on at least two edges of the frame 12, for coupling the panel 10 to adjacent panels to thereby form the enclosure 100. Thus, advantageously, the panel is formed by housing an acoustic insulation material in a frame. This means that the panel is rigid, but may be lightweight, such that it is easy to use to form the enclosure. This is useful because it allows enclosures to be assembled and disassembled quickly and easily. This may also reduce the energy requirements to transport the panels to locations where they are needed to form enclosures, which may make them more climate friendly than existing heavy construction materials. As the panels comprise acoustic insulation material, the resulting enclosure is sound reducing, which is advantageous compared to standard fabric based enclosures, such as tents or marquees. The amount of sound from outside the enclosure that enters the enclosure may be reduced, as may be the sound from inside the enclosure which escapes the enclosure. Thus, the panels may be used to form quiet or quieter areas within noisy environments such as in conference or exhibition centres.

[0052] Soundproofing is the process of reducing the transmission of sound from one space to another. There are four fundamental principles of noise reduction: damping, absorption, mass, and decoupling.

[0053] Damping involves reducing the vibration of surfaces that transmit sound waves. This can be achieved by using materials that absorb vibrations, such as rubber or foam. In the panel 10, the acoustic insulation material 14 may provide damping.

[0054] Absorption involves using materials that absorb sound waves to prevent them from reflecting and transmitting to other spaces. This can be achieved by using materials such as acoustic panels or foam. In the panel 10, the acoustic insulation material 14 may provide absorption.

[0055] Mass refers to the weight of the noise reducing materials used to reduce the transmission of sound. Heavier or denser materials are more effective at blocking sound than lighter materials. However, such materials may make the overall panel 10 harder to use to assemble or disassemble an enclosure quickly. The first and second retaining means 16, 18, may be coupled to the frame 12 using any suitable coupling technique. The coupling technique may be used to fixedly couple the first and second retaining means to the frame, or to removable couple the first and second retaining means to the frame. The latter may be advantageous because the acoustic insulation material may be more easily removed and replaced, if needed. For example, the first and second retaining means may be coupled to the frame using screws, nuts and bolts, adhesive, or snap-fit features.

[0056] The panel 10 may further comprise: a plurality of fastening means (see e.g. Figure 6) on the first side of the frame 12 for fastening a first sheet of material 20 to the first side of the frame 12. The fastening means may be arranged such that at least one of the first sheets of material is offset relative to the frame when fastened to the frame. This is advantageous because the first sheet of material 20 covers a join between adjacent panels 10, which prevents or reduces sound passing through the join or any gap between adjacent panels into or out of the enclosure.

[0057] The panel 10 may further comprise: a plurality of fastening means on the second side of the frame 12 for fastening a second sheet of material (not shown here) to the second side of the frame 12. The fastening means may be arranged such that at least one of the first and second sheets of material is offset relative to the frame when fastened to the frame. This is advantageous because the second sheet of material covers a join between adjacent panels 10, which prevents or reduces sound passing through the join or any gap between adjacent panels into or out of the enclosure.

[0058] Decoupling involves creating a barrier between two surfaces to prevent the transmission of sound waves. This can be achieved by using resilient channels or double walls with an air gap. Thus, the first and / or second sheets of material that cover the gap or join between adjacent panels may cause the decoupling effect.

[0059] The first and second retaining means 16, 18 may be planar frames having a width and height that substantially matches a width and height of the frame, as shown in Figure 2. However, it will be understood that this is merely an example structure and other suitable forms for the retaining means may be used. An advantage of the retaining means 16, 18 being planar frames is that they are rigid but lightweight compared to, for example, solid sheets of material.

[0060] Preferably, the frame 12 may define at least one section in which the acoustic insulation material is housed, and wherein the first and second retaining means 16, 18 may each comprise corresponding sections which partially overlap the at least one section of the frame 12, to thereby retain the acoustic insulation material in the at least one section of the frame.

[0061] The frame 12 may comprise a plurality of sections 21 for housing the acoustic insulation material. The acoustic insulation material may be shaped and sized to fit within the sections 21.

[0062] The frame 12 may provide an air gap between the acoustic insulation material and first and second retaining means.

[0063] The first and second retaining means may create an air gap (see Figures 4A to 5B) between the frame and the first and second sheets of material. As noted above, decoupling involves creating a barrier between two surfaces to prevent the transmission of sound waves. This can be achieved by using resilient channels or double walls with an air gap. Thus, the air gap may provide the decoupling in the panel 10.

[0064] The acoustic insulation material 14 may be any one or more of: a mineral wool; cellulose; and cork. These are sustainable building materials that can also reduce noise / sound transmission.

[0065] Mineral wool is a type of insulation that is designed to reduce noise transmission in walls and ceilings. It is made from natural rock that is heated and spun into fibres, which are then compressed and bonded together. It is highly effective at reducing sound transmission and is also very fire-resistant, making it a safe option for use in temporary structures. The fibrous structure of mineral wool makes it an excellent absorber of sound, as it can trap sound waves and convert them into heat energy. Mineral wool is also very dense, which helps to block the transmission of sound through walls and ceilings. In addition, it is fire-resistant and does not release toxic fumes when exposed to high temperatures, making it a safe option for use in buildings. Another advantage of mineral wool is that it is relatively easy to install, as it can be cut to size and fitted into wall and ceiling cavities. It is also long-lasting and does not degrade over time, which means it does not need to be replaced frequently. Overall, the combination of its sound absorption, sound blocking, fire resistance, and durability properties make mineral wool an ideal material for sound insulation in buildings.

[0066] The frame 12 may be formed of any one or more of: steel; timber / wood; and CLS (Canadian Lumber Standard) timber.

[0067] Steel has excellent strength, stiffness, and durability properties. It is also fire-resistant and can withstand high winds and earthquakes. Cold Formed Steel (CFS) is a highly sustainable and durable building material made from recycled steel, which can be recycled at the end of its life, making it a highly sustainable option. CFS has excellent strength and stiffness-to-weight ratios, which allows it to support heavy loads and resist deformation under stress. This makes it ideal for use in temporary structures that need to be strong and durable. Additionally, CFS is lightweight, which makes it easy to transport and install, and it has a long lifespan, which reduces the need for replacement and maintenance. Its high recycled content and recyclability at the end of its life make it a sustainable and environmentally friendly option.

[0068] CLS timber is made from renewable and sustainably harvested wood, which can store carbon and offset emissions. The production process also requires less energy and generates fewer greenhouse gas emissions compared to steel production. However, the production of adhesives used to bind layers of wood can emit VOCs (volatile organic compounds) and some forests may not be managed sustainably.

[0069] The panels may also comprise noise-reduction tape, which is a specialised tape that is designed to reduce noise transmission between surfaces. The tape may aid in damping noise, by mitigating the vibrations between surfaces caused by lower frequencies and reducing the transfer of sound through the materials / layers of the panels. The tape may be made from a viscoelastic material, which is environmentally friendly and non-toxic. The tape converts sound energy into heat, reducing the amount of sound that passes through, and is an effective way to reduce noise in a temporary structure.

[0070] Figure 2B is an exploded view of another panel for forming the soundreducing enclosure. Features described above with reference to Figure 2A are not described again for the sake of conciseness.

[0071] The panel 10 may further comprise: a plurality of fastening means (see e.g. Figure 6) on the first side of the frame 12 for fastening a first sheet of material 20 to the first side of the frame 12. The panel 10 may further comprise: a plurality of fastening means on the second side of the frame 12 for fastening a second sheet of material 20' the second side of the frame 12. The fastening means may be arranged such that at least one of the first and second sheets of material is offset relative to the frame when fastened to the frame.

[0072] A further insulating panel 15 may be provided between the panel 10 and the second sheet of material 20'. Additionally or alternatively a further insulating panel (not shown) may be provided between the panel 10 and the first sheet of material 20. The further insulating panel 15 may be formed of wool serge, which is a woollen woven fabric that has acoustic absorbing properties. It will be understood that alternative materials may be used which also have soundabsorbing properties. The further insulating panel 15 may be applied to the outside of panel 10. The further insulating panel 15 may be visible when the panel is used to form a sound-reducing enclosure.

[0073] Figure 2B shows an additional or alternative way that adjacent panels 10 may be secured together to form a sound-reducing enclosure. Here, a latching mechanism 19 may be used to connect together and secure adjacent panels 10. Each panel 10A, 10B comprises coupling means 19 on at least two edges of the frame 12, for coupling the panel 10A to adjacent panels, e.g. 10B, to thereby form the enclosure 100. Figure 8A shows two example coupling means 19 which take the form of latching mechanisms. Each latching mechanism 19 comprises two parts 19A and 19B. Part 19A may comprise a hooked arm which is able to engage with part 19B. Part 19B may comprise a bar or similar structure with which the hooked arm engages. When the hooked arm is engaged with the bar, the two parts 19A and 19B are secured together. Rotating or moving the hooked arm in an opposite direction enables the hooked arm to disengage from the bar when disassembly of the source-reducing enclosure is required.

[0074] Figure 8B shows an alternative example of a coupling means 19' which takes the form of flanged latching mechanism. Each flanged latching mechanism 19' comprises a hooked component 19A' and a catch component 19B'. The hooked component 19A' comprises a part 19A of the coupling means 19 received and secured within a recess of a flanged member 19C'. The catch component 19B' comprises a part 19B of the coupling means 19 received and secured within a recess of a flanged member 19C'. The parts 19A and 19B may be secured within the respective recesses by any appropriate securing means. For example, a bolt may be provided through coaxial bores 19E' in the parts 19A, 19B and the recess, and secured with a nut where the bolt projects outward from the recess.

[0075] As noted above, part 19A may comprise a hooked arm which is able to engage with part 19B, and part 19B may comprise a bar or similar structure with which the hooked arm engages. Engagement of the hooked arm with the bar secures parts 19A and 19B together, thereby securing the hooked component 19A' and the catch component 19B' together.

[0076] A flange 19D' extends along each side of the recess and projects outwards from the recess. That is, each flanged member 19C' may comprise two flanges 19D', one extending along each of the two sides of the recess. Each flange 19D' comprises a frame securing means for securing the flanged latching mechanism 19' to the edges of the frame 12. For example, the frame securing means may take the form of a screw or bolt provided through bores 19F' and through corresponding bores of the frame 12.

[0077] In this way, adjacent panels may be secured together quickly and efficiently, simply be engaging the latching mechanisms of adjacent panels with each other. Figure 2C is an exploded view of another alternative panel for forming the sound-reducing enclosure. Features described above with reference to Figures 2A and 2B are not described again, for the sake of conciseness.

[0078] In this example, the panel comprises: a first sheet of material 20 fastened to the first side of the frame; and a second sheet of material 20' fastened to the second side of the frame. In these cases, the panel is fabricated or supplied with covers on both sides of the frame, which are formed of the first and second sheets. This is advantageous because an enclosure built using these panels may be built more quickly than when the covers also need to be attached to panels during the build.

[0079] In such cases, the panel may further comprise: at least one insulating panel 15. The at least one insulating panel 15 may be provided between the frame and the first sheet of material and / or the second sheet of material. The insulating panel may be housed within the first sheet of material and / or the second sheet of material.

[0080] In the example of Figure 2B, the insulating panel 15 is provided between the panel 10 and the second sheet of material 20'. In the example of Figure 2C, the insulating panel 15 may be housed within the second sheet of material 20'. Merely by way of example, the insulating panel 15 may be housed within the second sheet of material 20' by a push fit. It will be appreciated that the insulating panel 15 may be housed within the second sheet of material 20' by any appropriate means.

[0081] The features of the panels 10 described above with references to Figures 2A to 2C also apply to the ceiling panels 11.

[0082] Figure 2D is a perspective view of another alternative panel for forming the sound-reducing enclosure which supports the ceiling. To ensure the structural integrity of sound-reducing enclosures 100 with comparatively larger dimensions i.e. for enclosures having a length typically exceeding around 10m, the plurality of trusses mentioned above may be further supported by a cross beam provided in a corner of the enclosure 100. In this case, the panels may be reinforced to support the cross beam. In particular, the panels may be reinforced by a supportive column 38 coupled to the frame 12. That is, the panel 10 may further comprise a supportive column 38 provided within the frame 12, wherein the supportive column extends along a length of the frame for providing vertical support to the panel. The supportive column 38 may extend vertically from a lower portion 38A of the supportive column 38 coupled to a lower edge of the frame to an upper portion 38B of the supportive column coupled to an upper edge of the frame.

[0083] Opposing ends of a cross beam 40 may be secured to upper portions 38B of a pair of panels 10 provided in a corner of the sound-reducing enclosure 100. In this way, the cross beam 40 provides structural support to the enclosure 100 by providing vertical support to the ceiling 11 and by bracing a corner of the enclosure 100. The opposing ends of the cross beam 40 may be secured to the upper portions 38B of the pair of panels 10 by reinforced brackets 40A provided on the upper portions 38B of the supportive columns 38. The reinforced brackets 40A may comprise a plurality of bolts for securing the cross beam to the upper portions 38B of the pair of panels 10.

[0084] The supportive column 38 is typically formed of steel. However, it will be appreciated that the supportive column 38 may be formed of any appropriate material for providing vertical support to the ceiling 11. The panels 10 shown in Figure 2D may also be referred to as reinforced panels.

[0085] It will be appreciated that the sound-reducing enclosure may comprise any number of the reinforced panels shown in Figure 2D, and any number of the cross beams 40. For example, a pair of reinforced panels may be provided in each of the four corners of the enclosure 100, with a corresponding cross beam secured to each pair of reinforced panels.

[0086] Figures 3A to 3C show perspective views of panels of different shapes. Thus, the panels 10 can be used to form an enclosure having corners and doors, and the panels 10 may be appropriately shaped. Figure 3D is an exploded view of panels of different shapes used to form a door 42. The door 42 may be arranged co-terminously with adjacent panels. Thus, the door 42 may be flush with the panels 10. The door may be a French door, thereby providing convenient access to the enclosure, whilst also maintaining its sound-reducing properties. It will be appreciated that each side of the enclosure may be provided with one or more doors for providing enhanced access.

[0087] Figure 3E is an exploded view of a portion of the ceiling formed using a plurality of ceiling panels 11. One or more of the ceiling panels may further support an air-conditioning unit 11A configured to moderate the temperate inside the sound-reducing enclosure 100.

[0088] Figure 4A shows a cross-sectional view of a first structure of the panel 10 of Figures 2A to 2D, and Figure 4B shows the addition of inner and outer covers to the panel. Here, the acoustic insulation material 14 is provided within the frame 12. The retaining means 16, 18 are coupled to, respectively, a first side of the frame 12 and a second side of the frame 12. The retaining means 16, 18 are coupled to the frame 12 in such a way that an air gap 24 is provided between the retaining means 16, 18 and the acoustic insulation material 14 (in frame 12). As noted above, the air gaps 24 advantageously reduce the transmission of sound through the panel 10. When the inner and / or outer covers 20 are provided on the panel 10, each cover 20 provides a further sound-reducing barrier as explained above. The inner and outer covers 20 may reduce sound transmission via damping, absorption or otherwise.

[0089] The frame 12 and / or the retaining means 16, 18 may comprise features which enable the air gap to be formed when the retaining means 16, 18 are coupled to the frame 12. For example, the frame 12 may comprise a lip or protrusion that causes the retaining means to be a small distance away from the acoustic material when the retaining means are coupled to the frame, thereby producing air gaps 24. Additionally or alternatively the retaining means 16, 18 may comprise such a lip or protrusion.

[0090] Figure 5A shows a cross-sectional view of a second structure of the panel of Figures 2A to 2D, and Figure 5B shows the addition of inner and outer covers to the panel. Here, the acoustic insulation material 14 is provided within the frame 12. The retaining means 16, 18 are coupled to, respectively, a first side of the frame 12 and a second side of the frame 12. In this case, the retaining means 16, 18 may be coupled into each side of the frame 12 such that an air gap 24 is provided between the retaining means 16, 18 and the acoustic insulation material 14 (also in frame 12). As noted above, the air gaps 24 advantageously reduce the transmission of sound through the panel 10. When the inner and / or outer covers 20 are provided on the panel 10, each cover 20 provides a further soundreducing barrier as explained above. The inner and outer covers 20 may reduce sound transmission via damping, absorption or otherwise.

[0091] The frame 12 and / or the retaining means 16, 18 may comprise features which enable the air gap to be formed when the retaining means 16, 18 are coupled into the frame 12. For example, the frame 12 and / or the retaining means 16, 18 may comprise snap-fit features that cause the retaining means 16, 18 to fit in the frame at a fixed distance from the acoustic material, thereby providing an air gap 24.

[0092] It will be understood that Figures 4A to 5B show two non-limiting example ways to form the panels 10 to provide the air gaps 24.

[0093] Figure 6 shows how an outer cover is provided on a panel in an overlapping manner. As shown in Figures 1A to 1C for example, the enclosure 100 comprises walls formed of a plurality of panels of the type described above. Each panel 10A, 10B comprises coupling means 22 on at least two edges of the frame 12, for coupling the panel 10A to adjacent panels, e.g. 10B, to thereby form the enclosure 100. The coupling means 22 may comprise dowels / dowel rods or pegs and corresponding mating surfaces, for example. It will be understood that this is merely an example coupling means 22, and any other suitable coupling mechanism for removably joining together panels may be used.

[0094] Each panel may comprise a plurality of fastening means 26 on the first side of the frame 12 for fastening a first sheet of material 20 to the first side of the frame 12. (Similarly, fastening means may be provided on the second side of the frame 12 for fastening a second sheet of material). The walls of the enclosure may further comprise an outer cover. The outer cover may be formed of a plurality of first sheets of material 20 that are fastened to the plurality of fastening means 26 on the first side of the frame of each panel. Each sheet of material 20 may comprise corresponding fastening means 28. For example, fastening means 26 may be holes, and fastening means 28 may be dowels or pins, or vice versa. It will be understood that these are merely nonlimiting examples.

[0095] As shown in Figure 6, once two panels 10A, 10B have been coupled together via coupling means 22, a first sheet of material 20 may be fastened to the panels in such a way that the first sheet of material 20 is offset from the frame of panel

[0096] IOA. Thus, the first sheet of material 20 partially overlaps the adjacent panel

[0097] IOB. In this way, the first sheet of material 20 covers the gap or join between adjacent panels 10A, 10B, which reduces the possibility of sound transmission through the gap / join. The fastening means 26 and 28 may be arranged to enable the first sheet of material 20 to be quickly fastened to the panels in this manner. For example, the fastening means may be arranged in a pattern to enable this, as shown in Figure 6.

[0098] The same principle applies to the second sheet of material and the second side of the frame 12. Thus, the enclosure may further comprise an inner cover, wherein the inner cover may be formed of a plurality of second sheets of material that are fastened to the plurality of fastening means on the second side of the frame of each panel, and wherein each second sheet of material may be offset from the frame of a panel such that it partially overlaps an adjacent panel.

[0099] The first and second sheets of material may be formed of engineered wood. Wood, timber or engineered wood are environmentally-friendly options for construction because they are made from fast-growing trees that can be sustainably harvested. When formed from such materials, the first and second sheets of material provide a dense and sturdy surface that help to block sound transmission. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that while the foregoing has described what is considered to be the best mode and where appropriate other modes of performing present techniques, the present techniques should not be limited to the specific configurations and methods disclosed in this description of the preferred embodiment. Those skilled in the art will recognise that present techniques have a broad range of applications, and that the embodiments may take a wide range of modifications without departing from any inventive concept as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A panel for a sound-reducing enclosure, the panel comprising: a frame for housing an acoustic insulation material; a first retaining means couplable to a first side of the frame and a second retaining means couplable to a second side of the frame, for retaining the acoustic insulation material within the frame; and coupling means provided on at least two edges of the frame, for coupling the panel to adjacent panels to thereby form the enclosure.

2. The panel as claimed in claim 1 further comprising: a first sheet of material fastened to the first side of the frame; and a second sheet of material fastened to the second side of the frame.

3. The panel as claimed in claim 2 further comprising: at least one insulating panel provided between the frame and the first sheet of material and / or the second sheet of material.

4. The panel as claimed in claim 3 wherein the at least one insulating panel is housed within the first sheet of material and / or the second sheet of material.

5. The panel as claimed in claim 1 further comprising: a plurality of fastening means on the first and second sides of the frame for fastening a first sheet of material to the first side of the frame and a second sheet of material to the second side of the frame, wherein the fastening means are arranged such that at least one of the first and second sheets of material is offset relative to the frame when fastened to the frame.

6. The panel as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the first and second retaining means are planar frames having a width and height that matches a width and height of the frame.

7. The panel as claimed in claim 6 wherein the frame defines at least one section in which the acoustic insulation material is housed, and wherein the first and second retaining means each comprise corresponding sections which partiallyoverlap the at least one section of the frame, to thereby retain the acoustic insulation material in the at least one section of the frame.

8. The panel as claimed in claim 7 wherein the frame comprises a plurality of sections for housing the acoustic insulation material.

9. The panel as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the frame provides an air gap between the acoustic insulation material and first and second retaining means.

10. The panel as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the first and second retaining means create an air gap between the frame and the first and second sheets of material.

11. The panel as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the frame comprises a supportive column which extends along a length of the frame for providing vertical support to the panel.

12. The panel as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the acoustic insulation material is any one or more of: a mineral wool; cellulose; and cork.

13. The panel as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the frame is formed of any one or more of: steel; cold formed steel; timber; and wood.

14. A sound-reducing enclosure comprising walls formed of a plurality of panels of the type recited in any of claims 1 to 13.

15. The enclosure as claimed in claim 14, when dependent on claim 5, further comprising an outer cover, wherein the outer cover is formed of a plurality of first sheets of material that are fastened to the plurality of fastening means on the first side of the frame of each panel, wherein each first sheet of material is offset from the frame of a panel such that it partially overlaps an adjacent panel.

16. The enclosure as claimed in claim 14, when dependent on claim 5, or 15 further comprising an inner cover, wherein the inner cover is formed of a plurality of second sheets of material that are fastened to the plurality of fastening means on the second side of the frame of each panel, wherein each second sheet of material is offset from the frame of a panel such that it partially overlaps an adjacent panel.

17. The enclosure as claimed in claim 14, 15 or 16 wherein the first and second sheets of material are formed of engineered wood.

18. The enclosure as claimed in claim 15, 16 or 17 further comprising: an insulating panel provided between the frame of each panel and the first sheets of material and / or the second sheets of material.

19. The enclosure as claimed in claim 18 wherein the insulating panel is formed of any one or more of: a mineral wool; cellulose; and cork.

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