Variable Acoustic Assembly and Method of Use
Patent Number: US 10119269 Grant Date: 2018-11-06 Filing Date: 2016-07-11
Overview
This patent describes a versatile wall- and ceiling-mounted acoustic system that lets venue operators and sound engineers switch a surface between reflective/diffusive and absorptive states. Housed panels incorporate hinged side doors that rotate between a closed, rounded configuration that reflects and diffuses sound and an open configuration that exposes internal absorbing pads and diffusers. The design supports stacked and interlocking modules for large surfaces, wedge-shaped and rear absorbing pads (e.g., Rockwool or fiberglass), and optional motorized actuation with a controller for remote or automated transitions. Filed in July 2016 and granted in November 2018, the application was prosecuted for inventors based in Amarillo, TX and assigned to JayVic, Inc. (Amarillo, TX). Our firm’s drafting emphasizes clear claim coverage of the mechanical hinge geometry, interior diffusers that enable binary amplitude diffusion, mounting details (French cleats and rear brackets), and electromechanical control to protect both manual and motor-driven implementations.
Key Features
- Selectable open/closed door geometry to reveal or conceal absorbing pads
- Interior diffusers with diffusing gaps for binary amplitude diffusion
- Configurable for manual or actuator-driven control systems
- Modular, interlocking arrays for scalable surface coverage
By capturing both the mechanical and acoustic control aspects, the claims secure a practical solution for multi-use performance spaces, theaters, houses of worship, and other venues where adaptable room acoustics are critical to audience experience and technical flexibility.
Invention Details
Abstract: A variable acoustic assembly comprising a housing and a one or more absorbing pads. The housing contains the one or more absorbing pads, a one or more doors, a one or more rear brackets, and a one or more hinges. The one or more doors attach to the one or more rear brackets with the one or more hinges. The one or more doors are configured to selectively open and selectively close between an open configuration and a closed configuration by rotating on the one or more hinges. The variable acoustic assembly having a closed width in the closed configuration and an open width in the open configuration. With the one or more doors in the open configuration, a portion of the one or more absorbing pads are exposed outside of the housing.
Summary of the Invention: A variable acoustic assembly and a method of using the same are disclosed.
Said variable acoustic assembly comprising a housing and a one or more absorbing pads. Said housing contains said one or more absorbing pads. Said housing comprises a one or more doors, a one or more rear brackets, and a one or more hinges. Said one or more doors attach to said one or more rear brackets with said one or more hinges. Said one or more doors are configured to selectively open and selectively close between an open configuration and a closed configuration by rotating on said one or more hinges. Said variable acoustic assembly having a closed width in said closed configuration and an open width in said open configuration. With said one or more doors in said open configuration, a portion of said one or more absorbing pads are exposed outside of said housing; and with said one or more doors in said closed configuration, said one or more absorbing pads are concealed inside of said housing.
Said method of using a variable acoustic assembly, comprising: arranging a one or more variable acoustic assemblies on a surface, transitioning said variable acoustic assembly between a closed configuration and an open configuration, exposing a portion of a one or more absorbing pads with said variable acoustic assembly in said open configuration so as to absorb a sound energy directed toward said variable acoustic assembly, and concealing said one or more absorbing pads and exposing a portion of a housing with said variable acoustic assembly in said closed configuration so as to diffuse said sound energy directed toward said variable acoustic assembly. Said variable acoustic assembly comprising said housing and said one or more absorbing pads. Said housing contains said one or more absorbing pads. Said housing comprises said one or more doors, a one or more rear brackets, and a one or more hinges. Said one or more doors attach to said one or more rear brackets with said one or more hinges.
Patent Document
Related: Mechanical Engineering | Robotics & Automation | Acoustics | Construction | Electrical Engineering | Amarillo, Texas | Shannon Warren, Patent Attorney