Title of Invention: Acoustic panel
Abstract: 
The disclosure is directed to an acoustic panel. The acoustic panel comprises a body coupled to a first member and a second member and between a first end cap and a second end cap. The body is configured to reflect sound. The acoustic panel further comprises an aperture disposed in the first member and the second member, and a bracket coupled to the aperture. The aperture and the bracket are configured to receive and retain a pole coupled to a batten of a line set. The acoustic panel is rotatably coupled to the pole.

Detailed Description: 

BACKGROUND
The present disclosure relates to acoustic panels, specifically lightweight acoustic panels designed to reflect and redirect sound.
In theatrical, stage or orchestral performances, acoustic panels are utilized to reflect the sound emanating from the orchestra (or band) towards the audience. Generally, these acoustic panels are assembled vertically by placing several panels adjacent each other to form a screen or a shell. In many cases, these panels are assembled into a portable acoustic panel structure that can be moved along the ground for positioning around the orchestra as in U.S. Pat. No. 5,069,011 to Jenne. However, these portable acoustic panel structures are difficult to maneuver, have a specific angle for reflecting sound, and cannot be utilized as a canopy.
An acoustic canopy is a series of acoustic panels that are suspended above the orchestra at an appropriate angle to reflect sound towards an audience. Conventional canopies can be suspended between two line sets or permanently fixed to the ceiling. A batten is a long pipe that stretches across a stage and upon which scenery or lighting or panels are hung. The line set is a set of cables that hold one batten in a system for lifting scenery and lighting. The batten is horizontally attached to a series of pulleys and weights that enable the line set to move vertically for lifting lighting equipment or acoustic panels. Generally, an acoustic panel is coupled to two separate line sets and hoisted to the appropriate position in order to create the desired angle of the acoustic panels. The hoisting of each line set is difficult and time consuming.
Other prior art acoustic panels, as presented in U.S. Pat. No. 5,622,011 to Jines, can be utilized as backdrop panels and suspended canopy panels to create a stage shell. The backdrop panels are connected by numerous rods and locking mechanisms to connect panels and are transported by sled. The backdrop panels of the Jines reference are cumbersome and difficult to manufacture and install, and create a specific angle for reflecting sound. The suspended canopy panels of the Jines reference have a single support beam disposed along the centerline of the back of the panel as the main structural support. The support beam has several support bars disposed across the centerline of back of the panel. The suspended canopy panels are then suspended with a system of cables and at least two line sets. The suspended canopy panels of the Jines reference are also cumbersome and difficult to manufacture, assemble, install and adjust. The installer must negotiate two separate line sets in order to achieve the desired angle of the acoustic panels. The backdrop panels and suspended canopy panels are utilized together to create a stage shell.
What is needed in the art is an acoustic panel that is lightweight, easily assembled, easily installed, and easily adjusted to the desired angle. Further, it is also desirable to have an acoustic panel that can be suspended vertically or horizontally utilizing only one line set.
SUMMARY
The following presents a simplified summary of the present disclosure in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the present disclosure. This summary is not an extensive overview of the present disclosure. It is not intended to identify key or critical elements of the present disclosure or to delineate the scope of the present disclosure. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of the present disclosure in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented herein.
The disclosure is directed toward an acoustic panel. The acoustic panel comprises a body having a first side opposite a second side and a top end opposite a bottom end. The body is configured to reflect and redirect sound. The acoustic panel also comprises a first member having a first surface opposite a second surface, an interior opposite an exterior and a first end opposite a second end, a center point of the second surface is at a greater height than the first end and the second end, and an aperture configured to receive and retain a pole disposed through the first member. The first member is coupled to the second side of the body. The acoustic panel further comprises a second member having a first surface opposite a second surface, an interior opposite an exterior and a first end opposite a second end, a center point of the second surface is at a greater height than the first end and the second end, and an aperture configured to receive and retain the pole disposed through the first member and the second member. The second member is coupled to the second side of the body. The acoustic panel also comprises a first end cap having a horizontal base integral a vertical portion integral a flange, the horizontal base is coupled to the first end of the first member and to the first end of the second member. The first end cap is configured to receive and retain the top end of the body. The acoustic panel further comprises a second end cap having a horizontal base integral a vertical portion integral a flange, the horizontal base is coupled to the second end of the first member and to the second end of the second member. The second end cap is configured to receive and retain the bottom end of the body.
The disclosure is also directed to an acoustic panel. The acoustic panel comprises a body coupled to a first member and a second member and between a first end cap and a second end cap. The body is configured to reflect and redirect sound. The acoustic panel further comprises an aperture disposed in the first member and the second member, and a bracket coupled to the aperture. The aperture and the bracket are configured to receive and retain a pole coupled to a batten of a line set.
The disclosure is also directed to a method of using an acoustic panel. The method comprises providing an acoustic panel having a body coupled to a first member and a second member and between a first end cap and a second end cap, an aperture disposed in the first member and the second member, and a bracket coupled to the aperture, the aperture and the bracket are configured to receive and retain a pole. The method comprises disposing the pole through the aperture of the first member and the aperture of the second member, the acoustic panel being rotatably coupled to the pole, and coupling the pole to a batten of a line set.
The method can further comprise coupling an end of a positioning member to the pole, the positioning member coupled to the first end cap, wherein the end of the positioning member is configured to receive and retain the pole.
The method can further comprise rotating the acoustic panel about the pole to create a desired angle of the acoustic panel, the angle is retained by coupling an end of a positioning member to the pole.



BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
Referring now to the figures, wherein like elements are numbered alike:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the front of an exemplary embodiment of the acoustic panel;
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the rear of the acoustic panel of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a side of the acoustic panel of FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 is another perspective view of a side of the acoustic panel of FIG. 1 coupled to a batten;
FIG. 5 is perspective view of an end cap;
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the rear of the acoustic panel of FIG. 1 coupled to a batten;
FIG. 7 is another perspective view of the rear of the acoustic panel of FIG. 1 coupled to a batten;
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the acoustic panel of FIG. 1 coupled to a line set, in which the acoustic panel is perpendicular to the batten; and
FIG. 9 is a side view of the acoustic panel of FIG. 1 coupled to a line set, in which the acoustic panel is perpendicular to the batten.



DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Persons of ordinary skill in the art will realize that the following disclosure is illustrative only and not in any way limiting. Other embodiments of the disclosure will readily suggest themselves to such skilled persons having the benefit of this disclosure.
As indicated above, conventional acoustic panels need to be hung from at least two line sets making the task of adjusting the angle of the acoustic panel difficult. Moreover, installing the prior art heavy panels is also time consuming and difficult.
The present disclosure provides an acoustic panel that is lightweight, easily assembled and installed, and adjusted to the proper angle, and can be suspended vertically or horizontally utilizing only one line set. Two members provide a framework for attaching a body (or a panel) that can reflect sound, with end caps completing the acoustic panel by providing a mechanism to further secure the body to the members. The two members have a curved side which accommodates the body, providing a curve to the body in order to better reflect the sound. The two members are lightweight and are configured to pivot about a pole for ease in setting a desired angle, for easy installation and maintenance, and for easy storage of the acoustic panel when not in use.
Acoustic panels utilized in a theater reflect the sound towards an audience. The acoustic panel of the present disclosure can be positioned along a single line set at any desired angle that is appropriate to reflect sound. Individual acoustic panels may be utilized or any number of acoustic panels can be coupled together and can be utilized as a canopy, backdrop panels, or angled panels to create a screen or shell for a stage. Following use of the acoustic panel during a performance, the batten comprising the acoustic panel(s) positioned vertically can be raised up towards the ceiling to remove the acoustic panels from the stage. The present disclosure provides an easy means of storage of the acoustic panels in the vertical position.
Referring to FIGS. 1 (front view) and 2 (rear view), an exemplary acoustic panel 10 is illustrated. In FIG. 1, the acoustic panel 10 includes a first member 12 and a second member 14. A body 16 is coupled to the first member 12 and the second member 14 via fasteners 18 and first end cap 20 and second end cap 22. The body 16 has a front side 24 opposite a rear side 26, and a top end 28 opposite a bottom end 30.
As illustrated additionally in FIGS. 3 and 4, the first member 12 and the second member 14 are sized and shaped to retain a body 16. The first member 12 and the second member 14 have a first surface 32 opposite a second surface 34, an interior side 36 opposite an exterior side 38, and a first end 40 opposite a second end 42. The first surface 32 is relatively flat when compared to the angle (or curve or arch) of the second surface 34. The height of a center point 44 of the second surface 42 is at a greater height than the first end 40 and the second end 42.
The curvature of the angle of the body 16 can be determined from conventional means. In a preferred embodiment, the curvature of the angle is having a rise of about 3 inches to about 9 inches in a length of about 4 feet to about 12 feet, with a rise of about 6 inches in a length of about 8 feet preferred. Stated in another way, the body 16 can have a radius of about 15 feet 5 inches.
The length of the first member 12 and the second member 14 can be about 5 to about 12 feet, with about 7 feet preferred. The first member 12 and the second member 14 can be about 0.5 inches to about 2 inches in width, with about 1 inch preferred. The ends 40, 42 can have a height of about 2 inches to about 6 inches, with about 4 inches preferred, increasing towards the centerline 44 to a height of about 4 inches to about 12 inches, with about 8 inches preferred. Although dimensions have been provided, the dimensions of the first member 12 and the second member 14 can vary depending upon the location to which the acoustic panel 10 is to be installed.
The first member 12 and the second member 14 can be comprised of a light weight but durable material including, but not limited to, wood, wood composites, metal, metal composites, metal alloys, plastic materials, and the like. In a preferred embodiment, the members 12, 14 are comprised of a plastic material.
Referring still to FIGS. 3 and 4, the first member 12 and the second member 14 have openings 46 to provide a grasping point when handling, as well as providing a void that contributes to the lightweight characteristic of the acoustic panel 10. An aperture 48 is disposed in the first member 12 and the second member 14 opening at the first surface 32, as illustrated in FIG. 4. The aperture 48 is configured to receive and retain a pole (not shown) (see FIGS. 6, 7, and 8) for using the acoustic panel 10. As illustrated in FIG. 3, a bracket 50 can be coupled to the aperture 48 of the first member 12 and the second member 14. The addition of the bracket 50 to the aperture 48 allows for the retention of the pole (not shown), while allowing the acoustic panel 10 to rotate about the pole. Receivers 51 are disposed within either side of the aperture 48 and are configured to receive a fastener 52 for securing the bracket 50 to the aperture 48.
Referring still to FIGS. 1-4, first end cap 20 is coupled to the second surface 34 of the first member 12 and second member 14 at the end 40. A receiver (not shown) is disposed within the member 12, 14 near the end 40 along the second surface 34 and is configured to receive a fastener 52. Second end cap 22 is coupled to the second surface 34 of the first member 12 and second member 14 at the opposite end 42 of the first end cap 20. A receiver (not shown) is disposed within the member 12, 14 near the end 42 along the second surface 34 and is configured to receive a fastener 52. The end caps 20, 22 are configured to receive and retain the body 16.
Referring now to FIGS. 2, 3 and 5, the end caps 20, 22 have a J-shaped design. A horizontal base portion 54 is integral a vertical portion 56. The vertical portion 56 is integral a flange 58. The horizontal base portion 54 has a first side 60 opposite a second side 62. The vertical portion 56 has a first side 64 opposite a second side 66. The flange 58 has a first side 68 opposite a second side 70. The end 28 of the body 16 is positioned along the first side 60 of the horizontal base portion 54, such that the end 28 of the body 16 is near the first side 64 of the vertical portion 56. The body 16 is also disposed near the first side 68 of the flange 58. In a preferred embodiment, the body 16 is matingly coupled to the end caps 20, 22.
At least two interior brackets 72 are coupled to the second side 62 of the horizontal base portion 54 of the members 12, 14. These interior brackets 72 are configured to secure the end caps 20, 22 to the members 12, 14.
The end caps 20, 22 can be comprised of a durable material including, but not limited to, metal, metal composites, wood, wood composites, plastic materials, and the like. In a preferred embodiment, the end caps 20, 22 are comprised of a sturdy material to retain and hold the body 16.
Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 2, first member 12 and second member 14 are coupled to the rear side 26 of the body 16. As illustrated in FIG. 1, a receiver (not shown) is disposed along the centerline of the second surface 34 and configured to receive a fastener 18. Although one fastener is illustrated, it is contemplated that several fasteners can be utilized, with at least one fastener being preferred. The fasteners 18 are disposed through the front side 24 of the body 16 and mated with receivers (not shown) appropriately positioned in the first member 12 and the second member 14. The fasteners 18 can be any conventional fastener including screws, bolts, and the like. The receivers should matingly join the fastener.
The body 16 can be comprised a light weight but durable material including, but not limited to wood, specifically, plywood, plastic materials, plastic laminates, and the like. The body 16 can have a thickness of about ⅛ inches to about ½ inches, with about ¼ inches preferred. In a preferred embodiment, the body 16 comprises a wood material, preferably plywood having a one quarter inch thickness. The body 16 can be treated with a preservative such as oil, varnish, lacquer, and the like. The preservative can be any material that facilitates the reflection of sound waves.
Referring now to FIG. 6, an acoustic panel 10 is disposed on a pole 74 through aperture 48 and retained by the bracket 50. Linking members 76 are coupled to pole 74 for coupling the acoustic panel 10 to a line set 78 (only a portion of a line set is illustrated). Although the linking members 76 are illustrated coupled to the pole 74 on the exterior sides of the members 12, 14, it is also contemplated that the linking members 76 can couple to the pole 74 on the interior sides of the members 12, 14. The pole 74 is also coupled to the line set 78. As the line set 78 is raised and lowered, the acoustic panel 10, in the vertical position as illustrated, will rise and lower as well. In FIG. 6, the location of the aperture 46, which is rotatably coupled to the pole 74, enables the acoustic panel 10 to hang vertically. The weight of the acoustic panel 10 distributes such that the acoustic panel 10 is parallel to the pole 74 and the line set 78.
As illustrated in FIG. 7, in some embodiments, a positioning member 80 can be coupled to the second side 62 of the horizontal base portion 54 of the first end cap 20. In this figure, the acoustic panel 10 is rotatably coupled to the pole 72 and is vertically hanging from the line set 78 by the linking members 76. The acoustic panel 10 can pivot or rotate about the pole 74 in order to change the angle of the acoustic panel 10.
For example, FIG. 7 illustrates the acoustic panel 10 in a vertical position, while FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate the acoustic panel 10 in a horizontal position (i.e., perpendicular to the batten). The positioning member 80 can be utilized to hold the desired position (or angle) of the acoustic panel 10. While a 90 degree position has been illustrated, the acoustic panel 10 can be disposed at any angle (e.g., 7°, 9°, 11°, 25°, 30°, 45°, 50°, and the like) using the positioning member 80. The preferred angles are about 7°, about 9°, and about 11°.
The positioning member 80 comprises an arm 82 that has a positioning mechanism 84 at the end 86 for clasping the pole 74. In FIG. 7, the positioning mechanism 84 is illustrated having predetermined angles. It is also contemplated that the positioning member 80 can have an arm 82 that can comprise an adjustable mechanism 88 that can be adjusted at the base 90 as illustrated in FIG. 8, or at the end 86 (not shown). The positioning member 80 can be comprised of a light weight but durable material including, but not limited to, wood, wood composite, metal, metal composite, plastic, and the like.
Several acoustic panels 10 can be hung from a line set to create an acoustic screen. While in use, the acoustic panels can be positioned at any desired angle in order to reflect sound. As illustrated in FIG. 8, the acoustic panel can be positioned perpendicular to the line set so that the front of the acoustic panel can reflect sound. Individual acoustic panels may be utilized or any number of acoustic panels can be coupled together. In some cases, the panels may be utilized as a canopy, backdrop panels, or angled panels to create a screen or shell for a stage.
In use, the acoustic panel 10 is coupled onto a pole 74. The pole 74 is disposed through the apertures 42 of the first member 12 and the second member 14 such that the weight of the acoustic panel 10 is supported by the pole 74 and the acoustic panel 10 can rotate about the pole 74. This rotation of the acoustic panel 10 is important so that the acoustic panel 10 can be positioned at any desired angle to achieve the desired reflection of sound. In order to position the acoustic panel 10 at the desired angle, an end 86 of the positioning member 80 of the acoustic panel 10 is coupled to the pole 74. The act of coupling the positioning member 80 to the pole 74 rotates the acoustic panel 10 to the desired angle. The positioning member 80 can be easily maneuvered to achieve the desired angle. In some cases, the acoustic panel 10 may be utilized in a vertical position, therefore not requiring use of a positioning member 80. The pole 74 retaining the acoustic panel 10 is coupled to a batten 78 of a single line set, which can then be raised and/or lowered on a stage.
In the preferred embodiment, the acoustic panel 10 is coupled to the pole 76 and hangs vertically as illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7. In an alternative embodiment, it is contemplated that the acoustic panel 10 can be removed from the pole and hung in a horizontal position, with the body facing an audience, using additional hardware.
The present disclosure provides an acoustic panel that is lightweight, easily assembled and installed, and can be suspended vertically or horizontally utilizing only one line set. Two members provide a framework for attaching a body (or a panel) that can reflect sound, with end caps completing the acoustic panel by providing a mechanism to further secure the body to the members. The two members have a curved side which accommodates the body, providing a curve to the body in order to better reflect the sound. The two members are lightweight and are configured to pivot about a pole for ease in setting a desired angle, for easy installation and maintenance, and for easy storage of the acoustic panel.
While the invention has been described with reference to an exemplary embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the disclosure. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the disclosure not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this disclosure.



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