[0001] The present invention relates to a partition system for use in halls, such as sports
halls.
[0002] The acoustics in sport halls is known to give rise to complaints from users, especially
from people who must work in such halls, such as trainers and teachers. To improve
the acoustic characteristics of sports halls it is known to cover the walls, ceiling
and floor with panels of sound absorbing material.
[0003] Most sports halls are provided with one or more partition systems to divide the sports
hall into smaller sections. Unfortunately, the acoustic characteristics deteriorate
significantly, as soon as the partition systems are closed. Particularly, when a middle
part of the hall is closed with partition systems at two sides, a considerable reverberation
time combined with flutter-echoes is observed in the middle part of the hall.
[0004] The invention relates to an acoustic partition system, comprising a partition carrier,
at least one pair of partition screens comprising sound absorbing material, that are
interconnected at a predetermined distance and arranged on the partition carrier and
motorized moving means for simultaneously moving the partition screens with respect
to the partition carrier.
[0005] EP1174063 describes a partition curtain for use in halls, such as sports halls, comprising
a curtain carrier, at least one pair of curtain sheets comprising sound absorbing
material, that are interconnected at a predetermined mutual distance and arranged
on the curtain carrier and motorized moving means for simultaneously moving the curtain
sheets with respect to the curtain carrier. In the known partition curtain a layer
of sound absorbing material is arranged on the outside of the curtain sheets.
[0006] The invention has for its object to provide a partition system with improved sound
isolation and improved sound absorption. More specifically the invention has for its
object to provide a partition system that can full fill the noise standards for sports
halls that are formulated as directives by several institutions, such as NOC NSF and
ISA/Kiwa.
[0007] This object is achieved by the partition system described above, wherein the partition
system comprises two or more chambers defined between the partition screens and the
partition screens are interconnected by a series of strips essentially extending over
the width of the partition screens. The strips are preferably made of sound isolating
material. The strips effectively define the chambers between the partition screens
in which sound waves are attenuated. The chambers are acoustic chambers wherein sound
waves are effectively attenuated. In addition, the chambers allow use of different
partition screen materials with different acoustic characteristics for different chambers,
thus providing an instrument for detailed sound control. Applicant expects the partition
system to have high sound absorbing ability, particularly with respect to mid- and
low frequency sounds.
[0008] In a first preferred embodiment the partition screens are interconnected by a series
of the strips spaced apart in height direction of the partition system. The strips
or vanes offer a better sound control by forming a barrier for sound travel in height
direction of the partition system. The chambers allow use of different partition screen
materials with different acoustic characteristics in height direction of the partition
system, thus providing an instrument for detailed sound control.
[0009] According to an elegant preferred embodiment of a partition system according to the
invention each partition screen comprises a series of alternated screen panels and
folding areas. The predefined folding areas allow for a controlled folding of the
screen panels during lifting of the partition system. This results in a compact package
of screen panels in the opened position and a relatively shallow partition system
in the closed position. Preferably the strips are connected at the folding areas.
[0010] According to a further elaboration of the elegant preferred embodiment one or more
of the screen panels comprise plates of sound absorbing material. The plates enhance
the stiffness of the screen panels and contribute to controlled folding of the partition
system.
[0011] According to an even further elaboration of the elegant preferred embodiment the
moving means comprise pairs of pull bands that run parallel to the partition screens
through the strips outside the centre of the strips. The features of this embodiment
force adjacent screen panels to fold onto each other.
[0012] In an additional or alternative even further elaboration of the elegant preferred
embodiment the distance between the partition screens enlarges in the direction towards
the partition carrier. This can be achieved by enlarging the width of the strips in
the direction towards the partition carrier. Consequently, adjacent screen panels
are urged to fold onto each other.
[0013] In an efficient preferred embodiment the partition system according to the invention
comprises two or more partition modules, wherein each partition module is provided
with module connecting means for releasably connecting partition modules at connecting
areas. The partition modules of this preferred embodiment can be prefabricated and
interconnected in the sports hall. Consequently, mounting time is considerably reduced.
Each partition module can be separately replaced for maintenance or repair which advantageously
is cost saving. In addition thereto the partition modules allow for a wide variety
of possibilities for composing the optimal acoustic characteristics of the partition
system.
[0014] According to another efficient preferred embodiment the partition system according
to the invention further comprises strip connecting means for releasably connecting
the strips to the partition screens. The same advantages apply as for the partition
modules: the strips of this preferred embodiment can be prefabricated and interconnected
in the sports hall. Thereby mounting time is considerably reduced. Each strip can
be separately replaced for maintenance or repair which advantageously is cost saving.
Each strip can be optimized to contribute to sound reduction. Preferably the strips
are connected at the connecting areas.
[0015] Preferably the module and/or strip connecting means are zippers. The zippers are
reliable connecting means and can function as folding areas to contribute to the controlled
lifting and folding of the partition system.
[0016] In an optimized preferred embodiment each partition module comprises at least one
pair of partition screens interconnected by at least one strip.
[0017] In a practical preferred embodiment each partition screen of a partition module comprises
two screen panels alternated by a folding area. Advantageously the panels of each
module fold onto each other and adjacent folded modules fold onto each other.
[0018] The invention further relates to a method of assembling a partition system according
to the invention, comprising the steps of:
- a) Selecting a first partition module with specific acoustic characteristics;
- b) Selecting a second partition module with specific acoustic characteristics; and
- c) Releasably connecting the second partition module to the first partition module
to form the partition screens;
- d) Optionally selecting a subsequent partition module with specific acoustic characteristics;
- e) Releasably connecting the subsequent partition module to the partition screens;
and
- f) Optionally repeating steps d) and e) until the partition screens are finished;
- g) Arranging the partition screens on the partition carrier.
[0019] The invention will be explained referring to the accompanying drawings in which
Figure 1 schematically shows a preferred embodiment of a partition system according
to the invention;
Figure 2 schematically shows the partition system of figure 1 in cross section;
Figure 3 schematically shows a part of the partition system of figure 2 in more detail;
Figure 3A schematically shows a detailed section of figure 3;
Figure 3B schematically shows a variant of the detailed section of figure 3A;
Figure 4 schematically shows a part of the partition system of figure 1 in more detail;
and
Figure 5 schematically shows the partition system of figure 1 in pulled up position.
[0020] The figures show a partition system 1 according to the invention in a preferred embodiment
that is intended for use in a sports hall. Figure 1 schematically shows a preferred
embodiment of a partition system 1 according to the invention. Figure 2 schematically
shows the partition system 1 in cross section.
[0021] The partition system 1 comprises a pair of partition screens 2 comprising sound absorbing
material. The partition screens 2 are interconnected at a predetermined mutual distance
and arranged on a partition carrier 100. The partition carrier 100 is provided with
motorized moving means 104 for simultaneously moving the partition screens 2 with
respect to the partition carrier 100.
[0022] The partition screens 2 are interconnected by a series of strips 6 essentially extending
over the width of the partition screens 2. Preferably the strips 6 are connected along
both longitudinal sides thereof to the partition screens 2.
[0023] Each partition screen 2 comprises a series of screen panels 3 alternated by folding
areas 4. A preferred embodiment of a panel 3 is shown in more detail in figure 3.
[0024] In the preferred embodiment the partition system 1 comprises two or more partition
modules 10. Each partition module comprises at least one pair of partition screens
2 interconnected by one or more strips 6. A preferred embodiment of a strip 6 is shown
in more detail in figure 4. Each partition module 10 is provided with connecting means
5 for releasably connecting the partition modules 10 at connecting areas to form the
partition system 1. The connecting means are chosen such that the connecting areas
5 are further folding areas. Preferably the connecting means are zippers 5.
[0025] In the preferred embodiment each partition screen 2 in a partition module 10 comprises
two screen panels 3 alternated by a folding area 4.
[0026] Figure 3 schematically shows the two lowest modules 10 of the partition system 1
in more detail. Figure 3A schematically shows a detailed section of figure 3. Figure
3B schematically shows a variant of the detailed section of figure 3A.
[0027] The partition screen of the partition module 10 comprises two panels 3 connected
by a folding area. In the embodiment of figure 3A each panel 3 comprises several layers:
an outer layer 31, an inner layer 32 and an intermediate layer 33 in between. Preferably
the outer layer 31 is made of sound isolating material, for instance artificial leather.
Preferably the outer layer 31 is made of reinforced material. Preferably the inner
layer 32 is made of gauze screen. Preferably the intermediate layer 33 comprises plate
like sound absorbing material, like PE or mineral wool. The folding area 4 is formed
by attaching the outer layer 31 and the inner layer 32 together, preferably by stitching.
At both outer ends of the partition module 10 (parts of) zippers 5 are present. The
embodiment of figure 3B differs over the embodiment of figure 3A in that it lacks
the inner layer 32. Instead the layer 33 of sound absorbing material is fastened to
the outer layer 31. Preferably the layer 33 of sound absorbing material is directly
attached to the outer layer 31, for example by bonding or gluing. The folding area
4 is formed at the outer layer 31, more specifically in areas of the outer layer 31
to which no layer 33 is attached.
[0028] Several types of modules 10 with different acoustic characteristics can be made based
on the information disclosed herein. For instance, perforations can be provided in
one or more of the panels 3 in a module 10. As another example the characteristics
of the intermediate layer 32 of each panel 3 can be changed. Optionally the intermediate
layer 32 can be omitted in one or more of the panels in a module. A tailor-made partition
system 1 can be constructed by a person skilled in the art out of any combination
of partition modules 10.
[0029] Figure 4 schematically shows a preferred embodiment of a strip or vane 6. Many types
of materials are suitable for use in the strips. For instance, the same material that
is used for the outer layer 31 of the panels 3 can be used for the strips. Preferably
the material of the strips is a substantially closed material. The length of strip
6 is substantially equal to the width of the partition screen 2. The strip 6 is provided
with strip connection means 26 along one or both longitudinal sides. Preferably the
strip connection means 26 enable releasable connection of the strip 6 to the partition
screen 2. In the preferred embodiment the strip connection means 26 comprise zippers.
[0030] Strip 6 has opening 16 for pull bands 103. The openings lie outside the centre of
the strips or vanes. Preferably one pair of openings 16 is present near each of the
outer ends of the strips 6. Preferably the surface of the strips is closed, apart
from the openings 16.
[0031] The partition carrier 100 comprises a head shaft 101 and a bottom beam 102. Pull
bands 103 run from the head shaft 101 to the bottom beam 102 through the openings
16 in the strips 6. The partition screens 2 are connected to the bottom beam 102.
Preferably beam connection means 7 are provided for releasable connection of the lowest
module 10 to the bottom beam 102. In the preferred embodiment the beam connection
means 7 comprise a kador bead 7 connected by sheet material 8 to the connection means
5.
[0032] The motorized moving means 104 drive the shaft 101 to wind up respectively unwind
the pull bands 103 to pull up respectively let down the partition system 1. During
pulling up the panels 3 of a module 10 move outwardly and the inner layers 32 fold
onto each other. Next the outer layers of adjacent folded modules 10 fold onto each
other. In pulled up position the panels of a partition system are arranged adjacently
in vertical position under the head shaft 101. The folded position is shown in figure
5.
[0033] The partition system according to the invention can be easily assembled by the method
according to the invention, comprising the following steps: selecting a first partition
module with specific acoustic characteristics, selecting a second partition module
with specific acoustic characteristics and releasably connecting the second partition
module to the first partition module to form the partition screens. The acoustic characteristics
of the second partition module can be equal to or can differ from the acoustic characteristics
of the first partition module. In the preferred embodiment the releasable connection
is made by zippers.
[0034] Optionally the method according to the invention further comprises the steps of:
selecting a subsequent partition module with specific acoustic characteristics and
releasably connecting the subsequent partition module to the partition screens. The
acoustic characteristics of the subsequent partition module can be equal to or can
differ from the acoustic characteristics of the first and second partition module.
Optionally steps d) and e) are repeated until the partition screens are finished.
[0035] The method according to the invention further comprises the step of arranging the
partition screens on the partition carrier. This step involves the sub steps of attaching
the lowest partition module to the bottom beam and running the pull bands 103 through
the partition system and attaching the pull bands 103 to the head shaft 101. These
sub steps are not necessarily all performed in the last step. A person skilled in
the art can change the order in which the sub steps are performed to optimize the
assembly in each specific situation.
[0036] In the preferred embodiment shown the number of strips 6 equals the number of partition
modules plus 1. Adjacent chambers 10 share a strip 6. The resulting material reduction
leads to weight reduction, which is favourable, but not necessary. In the partition
system chambers are formed by two opposing partition screens 2 and two opposing strips
6.
[0037] Applicants expectation regarding the high sound absorbing ability, particularly with
respect to mid- and low frequency sounds, of the partition system according to the
invention has been confirmed by tests of which the results for the sound absorption
coefficient are shown in the following table.
|
frequency [Hz] |
Sound Absorption Coefficient |
125 |
250 |
500 |
1.000 |
2.000 |
4.000 |
sporTIG partition wall 66% sound absorbing |
0,40 |
0,68 |
0,66 |
0,52 |
0,53 |
0,43 |
sporTIG partition wall 100% sound absorbing |
0,33 |
0,76 |
0,82 |
0,71 |
0,73 |
0,60 |
sporTIG partition wall 100% sound reflecting |
0,53 |
0,50 |
0,24 |
0,13 |
0,09 |
0,05 |
[0038] The invention is of course not limited to the described and shown preferred embodiment,
which is developed for use in sports accommodations or halls, such as gymnasiums,
fitness rooms, ice rinks, indoor halls for tennis, squash, climbing et cetera. The
partition system according to the invention is suitable for use as a motorized acoustic
screen to divide spaces in any kind of facility or accommodation. Some non-limiting
examples of other facilities or accommodations, wherein the partition system according
to the invention can be used include factories, industry halls, exhibition halls and
stock rooms.
[0039] The invention therefore extends to any embodiment falling within the scope of protection
as defined in the claims and as seen in the light of the foregoing description and
accompanying drawings.
1. Partition system for use in halls, such as sports halls, comprising a partition carrier,
at least one pair of partition screens comprising sound absorbing material, that are
interconnected at a predetermined distance and arranged on the partition carrier and
motorized moving means for simultaneously moving the partition screens with respect
to the partition carrier, wherein the partition system comprises two or more chambers
defined between the partition screens and wherein the partition screens are interconnected
by a series of strips, preferably made of sound isolating material, essentially extending
over the width of the partition screens.
2. Partition system according to claim 1, wherein the strips, preferably made of sound
isolating material, are spaced apart in height direction of the partition system.
3. Partition system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein each partition screen comprises
a series of alternated screen panels and folding areas.
4. Partition system according to claim 3, wherein the strips are connected at the folding
areas.
5. Partition system according to claim 3 or 4, wherein one or more of the screen panels
comprise plates of sound absorbing material.
6. Partition system according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the moving
means comprise pairs of pull bands that run parallel to the partition screens through
the strips outside the centre of the strips.
7. Partition system according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the distance
between the partition screens enlarges in the direction towards the partition carrier.
8. Partition system according to one or more of the preceding claims, comprising two
or more partition modules, wherein each partition module is provided with module connecting
means for releasably connecting partition modules at connecting areas.
9. Partition system according to one or more of the preceding claims, further comprising
strip connecting means for releasably connecting the strips to the partition screens.
10. Partition system according to claim 8 and 9, wherein the strips are connected at the
connecting areas.
11. Partition system according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the module connecting means and/or
the strip connecting means are zippers.
12. Partition system according to one or more of the preceding claims 8 - 11, wherein
each partition module comprises at least one pair of partition screens interconnected
by at least one strip.
13. Partition system according to claim 12, wherein each screen of a partition module
comprises two screen panels alternated by a folding area.
14. Method of assembling a partition system according to one or more of the preceding
claims 8-13, comprising the steps of:
a) Selecting a first partition module with specific acoustic characteristics;
b) Selecting a second partition module with specific acoustic characteristics; and
c) Releasably connecting the second partition module to the first partition module
to form the partition screens;
d) Optionally selecting a subsequent partition module with specific acoustic characteristics;
e) Releasably connecting the subsequent partition module to the partition screens;
and
f) Optionally repeating steps d) and e) until the partition screens are finished;
and
g) Arranging the partition screens on the partition carrier.