Classifications

• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
  • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
  • B32B5/00—Layered products characterised by the non- homogeneity or physical structure, i.e. comprising a fibrous, filamentary, particulate or foam layer; Layered products characterised by having a layer differing constitutionally or physically in different parts
  • B32B5/18—Layered products characterised by the non- homogeneity or physical structure, i.e. comprising a fibrous, filamentary, particulate or foam layer; Layered products characterised by having a layer differing constitutionally or physically in different parts characterised by features of a layer of foamed material
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
  • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
  • B29C43/00—Compression moulding, i.e. applying external pressure to flow the moulding material; Apparatus therefor
  • B29C43/02—Compression moulding, i.e. applying external pressure to flow the moulding material; Apparatus therefor of articles of definite length, i.e. discrete articles
  • B29C43/20—Making multilayered or multicoloured articles
  • B29C43/203—Making multilayered articles
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
  • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
  • B32B27/00—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin
  • B32B27/12—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin next to a fibrous or filamentary layer
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
  • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
  • B32B27/00—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin
  • B32B27/32—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin comprising polyolefins
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
  • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
  • B32B27/00—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin
  • B32B27/36—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin comprising polyesters
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
  • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
  • B32B3/00—Layered products comprising a layer with external or internal discontinuities or unevennesses, or a layer of non-planar shape; Layered products comprising a layer having particular features of form
  • B32B3/26—Layered products comprising a layer with external or internal discontinuities or unevennesses, or a layer of non-planar shape; Layered products comprising a layer having particular features of form characterised by a particular shape of the outline of the cross-section of a continuous layer; characterised by a layer with cavities or internal voids ; characterised by an apertured layer
  • B32B3/266—Layered products comprising a layer with external or internal discontinuities or unevennesses, or a layer of non-planar shape; Layered products comprising a layer having particular features of form characterised by a particular shape of the outline of the cross-section of a continuous layer; characterised by a layer with cavities or internal voids ; characterised by an apertured layer characterised by an apertured layer, the apertures going through the whole thickness of the layer, e.g. expanded metal, perforated layer, slit layer regular cells B32B3/12
• • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
  • E04—BUILDING
  • E04B—GENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
  • E04B1/00—Constructions in general; Structures which are not restricted either to walls, e.g. partitions, or floors or ceilings or roofs
  • E04B1/62—Insulation or other protection; Elements or use of specified material therefor
  • E04B1/74—Heat, sound or noise insulation, absorption, or reflection; Other building methods affording favourable thermal or acoustical conditions, e.g. accumulating of heat within walls
  • E04B1/82—Heat, sound or noise insulation, absorption, or reflection; Other building methods affording favourable thermal or acoustical conditions, e.g. accumulating of heat within walls specifically with respect to sound only
  • E04B1/84—Sound-absorbing elements
• • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
  • E04—BUILDING
  • E04B—GENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
  • E04B1/00—Constructions in general; Structures which are not restricted either to walls, e.g. partitions, or floors or ceilings or roofs
  • E04B1/62—Insulation or other protection; Elements or use of specified material therefor
  • E04B1/74—Heat, sound or noise insulation, absorption, or reflection; Other building methods affording favourable thermal or acoustical conditions, e.g. accumulating of heat within walls
  • E04B1/82—Heat, sound or noise insulation, absorption, or reflection; Other building methods affording favourable thermal or acoustical conditions, e.g. accumulating of heat within walls specifically with respect to sound only
  • E04B1/84—Sound-absorbing elements
  • E04B1/8409—Sound-absorbing elements sheet-shaped
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G10—MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; ACOUSTICS
  • G10K—SOUND-PRODUCING DEVICES; METHODS OR DEVICES FOR PROTECTING AGAINST, OR FOR DAMPING, NOISE OR OTHER ACOUSTIC WAVES IN GENERAL; ACOUSTICS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • G10K11/00—Methods or devices for transmitting, conducting or directing sound in general; Methods or devices for protecting against, or for damping, noise or other acoustic waves in general
  • G10K11/16—Methods or devices for protecting against, or for damping, noise or other acoustic waves in general
  • G10K11/162—Selection of materials
  • G10K11/168—Plural layers of different materials, e.g. sandwiches
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
  • B29K—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES B29B, B29C OR B29D, RELATING TO MOULDING MATERIALS OR TO MATERIALS FOR MOULDS, REINFORCEMENTS, FILLERS OR PREFORMED PARTS, e.g. INSERTS
  • B29K2105/00—Condition, form or state of moulded material or of the material to be shaped
  • B29K2105/04—Condition, form or state of moulded material or of the material to be shaped cellular or porous
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
  • B29L—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASS B29C, RELATING TO PARTICULAR ARTICLES
  • B29L2031/00—Other particular articles
  • B29L2031/30—Vehicles, e.g. ships or aircraft, or body parts thereof
  • B29L2031/3005—Body finishings
  • B29L2031/3041—Trim panels
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
  • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
  • B32B38/00—Ancillary operations in connection with laminating processes
  • B32B2038/0052—Other operations not otherwise provided for
  • B32B2038/0076—Curing, vulcanising, cross-linking
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
  • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
  • B32B38/00—Ancillary operations in connection with laminating processes
  • B32B38/04—Punching, slitting or perforating
  • B32B2038/047—Perforating
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
  • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
  • B32B2262/00—Composition or structural features of fibres which form a fibrous or filamentary layer or are present as additives
  • B32B2262/02—Synthetic macromolecular fibres
  • B32B2262/0276—Polyester fibres
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
  • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
  • B32B2262/00—Composition or structural features of fibres which form a fibrous or filamentary layer or are present as additives
  • B32B2262/06—Vegetal fibres
  • B32B2262/062—Cellulose fibres, e.g. cotton
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
  • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
  • B32B2262/00—Composition or structural features of fibres which form a fibrous or filamentary layer or are present as additives
  • B32B2262/10—Inorganic fibres
  • B32B2262/101—Glass fibres
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
  • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
  • B32B2305/00—Condition, form or state of the layers or laminate
  • B32B2305/02—Cellular or porous
  • B32B2305/026—Porous
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
  • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
  • B32B2305/00—Condition, form or state of the layers or laminate
  • B32B2305/10—Fibres of continuous length
  • B32B2305/18—Fabrics, textiles
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
  • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
  • B32B2307/00—Properties of the layers or laminate
  • B32B2307/10—Properties of the layers or laminate having particular acoustical properties
  • B32B2307/102—Insulating
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
  • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
  • B32B2307/00—Properties of the layers or laminate
  • B32B2307/50—Properties of the layers or laminate having particular mechanical properties
  • B32B2307/56—Damping, energy absorption
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
  • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
  • B32B2309/00—Parameters for the laminating or treatment process; Apparatus details
  • B32B2309/02—Temperature
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
  • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
  • B32B2309/00—Parameters for the laminating or treatment process; Apparatus details
  • B32B2309/04—Time
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
  • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
  • B32B2309/00—Parameters for the laminating or treatment process; Apparatus details
  • B32B2309/12—Pressure
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
  • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
  • B32B2317/00—Animal or vegetable based
  • B32B2317/18—Cellulose, modified cellulose or cellulose derivatives, e.g. viscose
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
  • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
  • B32B2323/00—Polyalkenes
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
  • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
  • B32B2323/00—Polyalkenes
  • B32B2323/04—Polyethylene
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
  • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
  • B32B2323/00—Polyalkenes
  • B32B2323/10—Polypropylene
• • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
  • E04—BUILDING
  • E04B—GENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
  • E04B1/00—Constructions in general; Structures which are not restricted either to walls, e.g. partitions, or floors or ceilings or roofs
  • E04B1/62—Insulation or other protection; Elements or use of specified material therefor
  • E04B1/74—Heat, sound or noise insulation, absorption, or reflection; Other building methods affording favourable thermal or acoustical conditions, e.g. accumulating of heat within walls
  • E04B1/82—Heat, sound or noise insulation, absorption, or reflection; Other building methods affording favourable thermal or acoustical conditions, e.g. accumulating of heat within walls specifically with respect to sound only
  • E04B1/84—Sound-absorbing elements
  • E04B2001/8457—Solid slabs or blocks
  • E04B2001/8461—Solid slabs or blocks layered
• • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
  • E04—BUILDING
  • E04B—GENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
  • E04B1/00—Constructions in general; Structures which are not restricted either to walls, e.g. partitions, or floors or ceilings or roofs
  • E04B1/62—Insulation or other protection; Elements or use of specified material therefor
  • E04B1/74—Heat, sound or noise insulation, absorption, or reflection; Other building methods affording favourable thermal or acoustical conditions, e.g. accumulating of heat within walls
  • E04B1/82—Heat, sound or noise insulation, absorption, or reflection; Other building methods affording favourable thermal or acoustical conditions, e.g. accumulating of heat within walls specifically with respect to sound only
  • E04B1/84—Sound-absorbing elements
  • E04B2001/8457—Solid slabs or blocks
  • E04B2001/8476—Solid slabs or blocks with acoustical cavities, with or without acoustical filling
  • E04B2001/848—Solid slabs or blocks with acoustical cavities, with or without acoustical filling the cavities opening onto the face of the element

Definitions

• the present invention relates to an acoustical insulation laminate product and more specifically to an acoustical insulation laminate product comprising an acoustical insulation mat or absorbing material, a polyolefin face, backing, or both, and a front and back face cloth which increase the total noise reduction coefficient.
• 4,888,235 teaches a non-woven fibrous product comprising a blended matrix of glass fibers and synthetic fibers having a conductive material of powdered aluminum, copper or carbon black and a thermo-setting resin dispersed in the matrix.
• these insulation products which contain glass fibers and synthetic fibers are generally brittle and are easily broken or cracked when subjected to excessive flexing during installation or use.
• these acoustic insulation products generally absorb high frequencies well but do not absorb low frequencies as well.
• the first two types are known as rotary and flame-attenuated fiberglass which are generally formed of about 5 microns or less diameter glass fiber strands, but may exceed 5 microns depending on the application.
• the third type of fiberglass is typically known as continuous strand or textile fiberglass and generally has a diameter of greater than 5 microns. Comparing the three types, the first two products are typically more expensive to produce, historically have better sound absorption characteristics, but cause more irritation to human skin, are more respirable due to their smaller diameter and therefore are more of a health hazard. And, although the smaller diameter allows for greater density which corresponds to its ability to absorb sound, the smaller diameter results in less durability.
• the textile fiberglass is typically stronger, more durable, and less hazardous to humans.
• Non-porous polyfilms have been used with acoustical absorbing materials in order to absorb limited specific frequencies rather than a wider range of frequencies. However, this is not useful in situations where an enclosure is bombarded by a wide range of acoustical frequencies. Moreover, the polyfilm, which typically absorbs low frequency sounds, dramatically decreases the ability of the sound absorption material to absorb high frequency sounds.
• It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved acoustical insulation laminate comprising an acoustical insulation mat and a polyolefin film having equal or greater performance than existing absorbing material at a lighter weight.
• acoustical sound absorbers such as fiberglass, cotton, synthetic, cotton- synthetic blends other acoustical absorbers whether man-made or natural in order to provide an equal or greater range of sound absorption.
• the acoustical insulation laminate of the present invention includes an insulation mat or absorbing material and a porous polyfilm or polyolefin film.
• an absorbing material that may be used in the present invention is a fiberglass fibrous material with nylon and a thermo-setting resin co-binder.
• An example of such a fiberglass mat is set forth in U.S. Patent Number 5,883,020 issued to Bargo et al. and is incorporated herein by reference .
• the instant invention further includes at least one layer of porous polyolefin film or polyfilm affixed to the acoustical insulation mat in order to absorb the lower range frequencies that the acoustical insulation mat typically does not absorb well.
• the polyfilm typically acts as a barrier to high frequency sounds, however, the porous nature of the polyfilm of the instant invention allows the polyfilm to act as an absorber for low frequency sound, yet allows a wide range of higher frequency sounds to pass through to the absorbing material wherein prior polyfilm laminates have failed.
• the polyfilm may be a thermo-setting plastic so that the polyfilm thermally bonds to the acoustical insulation mat.
• the polyfilm may be applied to the acoustical insulation mat with the use of resins, co-polymers, polyesters and other thermoplastic materials.
• the polyfilm is preferably comprised of a polyolefin, particularly a polypropylene or polyethylene and should be positioned between the sound source and the acoustical insulation mat so that the film resonates against the absorbing material to destroy acoustical energy of the low frequency sound.
• the polyfilm preferably has a plurality of spaced acoustical flow-through openings allowing high frequency sounds to pass therethrough and be absorbed by the acoustical insulation mat.
• the surface area of the at least one acoustical flow-through opening may be between 0.25 percent and 50.0 percent.
• the acoustical flow-through openings may be circular, square, or any other pre-selected geometric shape including slits.
• the polyfilm comprises multiple random shaped apertures having various shapes, sizes, and areas permitting the film to absorb low frequency sounds and permitting high frequency sounds to pass through and be absorbed by the acoustical absorbing material.
• the polyfilm absorbs low frequency sounds by resonating and destroying acoustical energy while reflecting some high frequency sounds. Other high frequency range sounds passing through the acoustical flow-through openings are absorbed by the acoustical insulation mat.
• the polyfilm may be used with known rotary, flame-attenuated, or textile fiberglass absorbers as well as other acoustical absorbers in order to enhance their ability to absorb a wide frequency range of sounds .
• the acoustical insulation laminate may include a face cloth extending over the film.
• the face cloth helps retain the laminate together and provides an aesthetically pleasing appearance.
• the face cloth also affects the amount of distortion of the polyfilm apertures and therefore the performance of the polyfilm.
• FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the acoustical insulation laminate of the present invention
• FIG. 2 shows a sectional view of the acoustical insulation laminate of Fig. 1 further including a face cloth;
• FIG. 3 shows a chart display of the absorption coefficient of both a fiberglass acoustic insulation and a fiberglass acoustical insulation with a porous polyolefin film.
• an acoustical insulation laminate 10 is provided herein having at least a front and a rear surface.
• the acoustical insulation laminate 10 includes an acoustical insulation or sound absorbing material mat 12, a polyolefin film 14 having at least one acoustical flow-through opening 16, and preferably a face cloth 18.
• the acoustical insulation mat 12 has a front and a rear surface, is preferably formed of fiberglass, and may vary in weight and thickness in order to vary the frequency absorption characteristics.
• a preferred fiberglass mat will be from 2 mm to 155 mm in thickness and the film will be from about .2 mil to 20 mils in thickness.
• the cross-sectional area of the openings 16, prior to molding will be from .10 to 25.4 millimeters square (mm 2 ) and spaced throughout the film.
• the textile fiberglass fibers preferably from less than 12.7 mm to about 127 mm in length and greater than 5 microns in diameter, are combined to form an acoustic insulation mat 12.
• acoustical insulation mat 12 may also include recycled scrap nylon and resins as co-binders for holding the fiberglass particles in mat form.
• the mat 12 When the acoustical insulation mat 12 is formed of fiberglass, the mat 12 is typically a good acoustical insulator for frequency ranges above about 2500 hertz (Hz) but is not as effective at frequencies below 2500 Hz.
• Hz hertz
• One such mat is described in U.S. Patent Number 5,883,020 issued to Bargo et al.
• a fiber-binder complex mix is formed and a sheet of porous polyolefin film or polyfilm 14 is stretched over a planar section of the insulation mat 12 and slightly preheated to at least about 220 degrees Fahrenheit, for a polyethylene, to tack the mat 12 and polyfilm 14 together.
• various other temperatures may be utilized to secure the polyfilm 12 to the insulation mat 12 prior to molding or curing.
• the face cloth 18 may also be added before the tacking occurs.
• the porous polyfilm 14 is comprised of a polyolefin, particularly polyethylene or polypropylene, which bonds to the fiberglass acoustic insulation 12 by application of heat and may be applied to a face, a backing, or both depending on the desired sound characteristics.
• the polyfilm 14 is positioned on the insulation mat 12 and facing a sound source.
• the porous polyfilm 14 has at least one acoustical flow-through opening between about 0.25 percent and 50.0 percent of the total surface area of the polyfilm 14.
• the total surface area of the at least one acoustical flow-through opening 16 is formed by a plurality of small acoustical flow-through openings 16 which, when combined, make up a total open area of between about 0.25 and 50.0 percent of the surface area of the acoustical insulation laminate 10 after molding.
• the plurality of acoustical flow- through openings 16 may be in a spaced configuration and the initial openings 16, prior to molding, may be a plurality of shapes for example square, circular, or slits.
• the polyfilm 14 may vary in thickness ranging from .2 mil to 20 mils and may also vary in weight to absorb various ranges of frequencies.
• the porous polyfilm 14 may be between .5 and 40.0 percent by weight of the laminate 10.
• the porous polyfilm 14 absorbs frequencies below about 2500 Hz better than the insulation mat 12 alone and, when used in combination with the sound absorbing material, the laminate 10 raises the total noise reduction coefficient as compared to insulation mat alone.
• a chart is depicted showing a comparison of frequency versus absorption coefficient for two acoustical materials. Line 1 represents coefficient of absorption of the fiberglass insulation alone while line 2 represents the fiberglass insulation with the porous polyfilm 14 applied thereto. As discussed above it is desirable to absorb more sound having a frequency less than about 2500 Hz.
• line 2 of the chart shows an increase in absorption between about 125 Hz and 2500 Hz.
• the fiberglass mat is approximately 23.4 millimeters in thickness
• the polyfilm is a polyethylene film with an initial thickness of about 2 mils prior to molding
• the apertures in the film initially have a cross-sectional area of about .10 to 25.4 square millimeters (mm 2 ).
• the acoustical flow-through apertures 16 are distributed over the film, initially taking up between approximately .25 and 15 percent of the surface area of the film.
• the apertures 16 may grow individually in stress relieving directions between about 0 and 600 percent such that the percentage of total opening of the surface area of the film 14 is between about 1.75 and 15 percent.
• this growth percentage is exemplary and may vary to other ranges.
• the coefficient of absorption may vary for frequencies both greater than and less than 2500 Hz.
• the absorption characteristics may be adjusted to absorb desired frequencies.
• porous polyfilm 14 may be used with any sound absorbent material including fiberglass, cotton, synthetics, cotton-synthetic blends, and other acoustical absorbers which may be of the natural or man-made variety to provide equal or greater performance than the absorbent material alone.
• the apertures 16 of the porous polyfilm 14 play an important role in absorbing a wide range of low frequencies with the polyfilm instead of a very specific limited range as prior art polyfilms .
• a plurality of spaced apertures 16 are placed in the polyolefin film 16.
• the apertures as discussed above may be from .10 to 25.4 square millimeters (mm 2 ) and may be arranged in a uniformly spaced pattern.
• the porous polyfilm 14 is stretched over the absorbing material 12 with the application of heat which non-uniformly varies the density of the polyfilm 14 by becoming thinner and increases the area of the at least one aperture 16.
• a face cloth 18 may also be applied to the acoustic insulation mat 12 and polyfilm 14.
• the face cloth 18 may be comprised of about 70% polyester and 30% rayon, pure polyester, or various other combinations known to one of ordinary skill in the art.
• the face cloth 18 assists in maintaining the laminate of fiberglass 12 and polyfilm 14 together as well as improving aesthetic appearance.
• the face cloth 18 is not essential to the instant invention.
• the face cloth 18 may be applied with a thermo-setting resin or a thermoplastic so as to adhere to the fiberglass acoustic insulation 12 and the polyfilm 14.
• the polyfilm 14 is stretched over the acoustical insulation mat 12.
• the face cloth 18 may be applied on a front, rear, or preferably both.
• the porous polyfilm 14 and face cloth 18 may be heated in a curing oven, by infrared, or by a hot-rolling process to tack the polyfilm 14 insulation mat 12 and face cloth 18 together.
• the acoustical insulation laminate 10 is subjected to sufficient heat to at least cure and set a desired proportion of the thermo-setting resin. In the production of a cured ductliner typically using a phenolic resin binder, the temperature of the oven will range from 250 to 700 degrees Fahrenheit, depending upon the thickness and gram weight of the mat being produced.
• the acoustical insulation laminate 10 is subjected to these temperatures for a period of time sufficient to set the phenolic resin binder, which is from about 15 seconds to 4 minutes.
• the temperature of the oven will range from 200 to 500 degrees Fahrenheit for from 15 seconds to 3 minutes so that the phenolic resin is only partially set.
• the cured or semi-cured laminate 10 leaving the curing oven may pass through a cooling chamber and then through a slitter where the slitter slits the laminate 10 into sections of a pre-selected width and length. The laminate 10 is then transferred by conveyor to storage for further use.
• the acoustical laminate 10 may be formed in a plurality of ways including a hot molding and a cold molding process. In the mold operation the laminate 10 will be completely cured and set into a desired shape and thickness. In a hot molding process various combinations of the sound absorbing material 12, the porous polyfilm 14, and the face cloth 18 may be used to form a laminate. For instance, a face cloth 18 and polyfilm 14 may form a laminate, or a sound absorbing material 12 and polyfilm 14 may form a laminate, or the sound absorbing material 12, the polyfilm 14, and at least one face cloth 18, preferably two face cloths 18 may form a laminate.
• Various combinations of these elements may be layered on material handling equipment such as a traditional conveyor or a roller-link chain conveyor for molding and formation of the laminate.
• the layering may be performed by continuously pulling the elements of laminate 10 from rolls, called roll- loading.
• the laminate elements may come in pre-cut blanks in which case the laminate elements may be stacked on material handling equipment for movement into a mold cavity.
• the material handling equipment indexes or advances the elements of the laminate into a mold cavity.
• the elements of the laminate may be loaded by hand into the mold cavity.
• the mold cavity is heated to a desired temperature so that during the molding process a thermoset resin having a pre-selected activation temperature is activated.
• Any or all of the elements forming the laminate 10 may have the thermoset resin or a thermoplastic, or both therein so that whichever element has the lowest activation temperature is activated first when that element reaches its activation temperature.
• all of the elements of the laminate may have the same activation temperature.
• Heat may be provided to the mold cavity in a plurality of methods including hot forced air provided by gas combustion, electric heat, infrared heating, radiant heating, or heated thermal fluids.
• the mold temperature should be higher than the desired activation temperature to account for heat loss from the mold and the like.
• the activation temperature of the thermoset resin may be between about 120 and 500 degrees.
• the mold press applies pressure.
• Any type of mold known in the art may be used such as fluid operated preferably by hydraulics or air, rotary molds, double shuttle molds, non- shuttle molds and roll loader molds.
• the molding pressure may vary be at least one pound per square inch and the cycle time required in the mold may vary between about 15 seconds and 3 minutes and is determined by the density and weight of the laminate elements.
• the result is a laminate 10 comprising a sound absorbing material 12, a porous polyolefin film 14, and preferably at least one face cloth 18 preferably having a thickness of between about 2 and 155 millimeters.
• the application of heat causes the thermo-plastic polyfilm 14 to further stretch and non-uniformly vary the density.
• distortion of the polyfilm 14 occurs at a different rate than the insulation mat 12 and face cloth 18 due to the relationship between the heat and pressure applied and the differing densities and thickness of the materials.
• This causes the distortion of the acoustical flow-through apertures 16 and varying polyfilm 16 densities.
• the result is a plurality of multiple random shaped apertures 16 which allow high frequency sounds to pass through to the absorbing material 12.
• the change in density increases the ability of the laminate 10 to resonate at various frequency ranges .
• the laminate 10 may also be molded in a cold molding process.
• the insulation mat 12 may be produced with a thermoplastic instead of a thermoset resin.
• the laminate elements are aligned and indexed or advanced by a roll-loading process, advancing of pre-formed blanks, or manually loaded by hand.
• the laminate elements are then heated to an activation temperature of between about 120 and 500 degrees Fahrenheit.
• the laminate elements are placed in a cooled mold which lowers the temperature of the thermoplastic to below the activation temperature.
• the mold may be cooled by ambient air, by water, or by a chiller system. Within the cooled mold pressure is applied in an amount ranging from about 1 to 100 pounds per square inch.
• the laminate 10 may be cut to any preselected size and shape.
• the acoustical laminate 10 is placed about an enclosure where sound absorption is desired.
• the polyolefin film 14 is placed between the sound source and the acoustic insulation mat 12.
• the plurality of acoustical flow through apertures 16 allow frequencies above about 2500 Hz to pass therethrough to the insulation mat 12 while many frequencies above 2500 Hz may be reflected by the polyfilm 14. Meanwhile, frequencies below about 2500 Hz, which would not be absorbed by the insulation mat 12, are absorbed by the polyfilm layer.

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• Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
• Acoustics & Sound (AREA)
• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Architecture (AREA)
• Electromagnetism (AREA)
• Civil Engineering (AREA)
• Structural Engineering (AREA)
• Multimedia (AREA)
• Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
• Laminated Bodies (AREA)
• Soundproofing, Sound Blocking, And Sound Damping (AREA)

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• 2003
  • 2003-07-31 CA CA002494741A patent/CA2494741C/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
  • 2003-07-31 WO PCT/US2003/023955 patent/WO2004012931A2/en not_active Ceased
  • 2003-07-31 AU AU2003263835A patent/AU2003263835A1/en not_active Abandoned
  • 2003-07-31 MX MXPA05001271A patent/MXPA05001271A/es active IP Right Grant
  • 2003-07-31 EP EP03767011.4A patent/EP1546476A4/de not_active Withdrawn
  • 2003-07-31 BR BRPI0313421-0A patent/BR0313421B1/pt not_active IP Right Cessation
  • 2003-08-01 AR ARP030102783A patent/AR048013A1/es not_active Application Discontinuation

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