Office Action 1: Non-Final Rejection (2024-07-22)
Rejection types: 103 - Obviousness

CLAIMS:
CLAIMS

What is claimed is:

1\. A sound absorbing device comprising:
an acoustic resonator with an opening; and
at least one fabric layer extending across the opening, the at least one fabric layer comprising actuatable liquid crystal elastomer (LCE) fibers such that an average pore size of the at least one fabric layer changes as a function of temperature.

2\. The sound absorbing device according to claim 1, wherein the opening is a slit.

3\. The sound absorbing device according to claim 1, wherein the acoustic resonator with the opening comprises a plurality of acoustic resonators with a plurality of openings and the at least one fabric layer extending across the opening comprises at least one fabric layer extending across the plurality of openings.

4\. The sound absorbing device according to claim 1, wherein the actuatable LCE fibers are reversible actuatable LCE fibers.

5\. The sound absorbing device according to claim 1, wherein the actuatable LCE fibers are electrospun actuatable LCE fibers.

6\. The sound absorbing device according to claim 1, wherein the actuatable LCE fibers are direct ink write actuatable LCE fibers.

7\. The sound absorbing device according to claim 1, wherein the average pore size of the at least one fabric decreases with increasing temperature and decreases with increasing temperature.
8\. The sound absorbing device according to claim 1, wherein the average pore size of the at least one fabric layer ranges from about 0.1 pm to about 500 pm.

9\. The sound absorbing device according to claim 1, wherein the average pore size of the at least one fabric layer ranges from about 0.2 pm to about 200 pm.

10\. The sound absorbing device according to claim 1, wherein the average pore size of the at least one fabric layer ranges from about 0.5 pm to about 100 pm.

11\. The sound absorbing device according to claim 1 further comprising a heater configured to heat the at least one fabric layer such that the average pore size of the at least one fabric decreases.

12\. The sound absorbing device according to claim 11 further comprising a cooler configured to cool the at least one fabric layer such that the average pore size of the at least one fabric increases.

13\. The sound absorbing device according to claim 12 further comprising a controller configured to command the heater to heat to the at least one fabric layer and command the cooler to cool the at least one fabric layer.

14\. The sound absorbing device according to claim 1 further comprising at least one electrical wire configured to increase in temperature and heat the at least one fabric layer such that the average pore size of the at least one fabric decreases.

15\. The sound absorbing device according to claim 14 further comprising an electrical power source configured to provide electrical current to the at least one electrical wire and a controller configured to command the electrical power source to provide electrical current to the at least one electrical wire such that the at least one electrical wire increases in temperature and heats to the at least one fabric layer.
16\. A sound absorbing device comprising:
an acoustic resonator with an opening; and
at least one fabric layer extending across the opening, the at least one fabric layer comprising reversible actuatable liquid crystal elastomer (LCE) fibers such that an average pore size of the at least one fabric layer increases with decreasing temperature and decreases with increasing temperature.

17\. The sound absorbing device according to claim 16 further comprising a heater configured to heat the at least one fabric layer such that the average pore size of the at least one fabric decreases, a cooler configured to cool the at least one fabric layer such that the average pore size of the at least one fabric layer increases; and a controller configured to command the heater to heat to the at least one fabric layer and command the cooler to cool the at least one fabric layer.

18\. The sound absorbing device according to claim 17, wherein the average pore size of the at least one fabric layer ranges from about 0.2 pm to about 200 pm.

19\. A sound absorbing device comprising:
an acoustic resonator with an opening;
at least one fabric layer extending across the opening, the at least one fabric layer comprising reversible actuatable liquid crystal elastomer (LCE) fibers such that an average pore size of the at least one fabric layer increases with decreasing temperature and decreases with increasing temperature; and
at least one of a heater configured to heat the at least one fabric layer such that the average pore size of the at least one fabric layer decreases and a cooler configured to cool the at least one fabric layer such that the average pore size of the at least one fabric layer increases; and
a controller configured to command the heater to heat to the at least one fabric layer and command the cooler to cool the at least one fabric layer.

20\. The sound absorbing device according to claim 19, wherein the average pore size of the at least one fabric layer ranges from about 0.2 pm to about 200 pm. 11 12 13

OFFICE ACTION:
DETAILED ACTION
Notice of Pre-AIA  or AIA  Status
The present application, filed on or after March 16, 2013, is being examined under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA .
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 103
The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 103 which forms the basis for all obviousness rejections set forth in this Office action:
A patent for a claimed invention may not be obtained, notwithstanding that the claimed invention is not identically disclosed as set forth in section 102, if the differences between the claimed invention and the prior art are such that the claimed invention as a whole would have been obvious before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the claimed invention pertains. Patentability shall not be negated by the manner in which the invention was made.
Claims 1-20 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Noxon (US10767365) in view of Bilton (US8607929) and Goektepe (US20210198817).
With respect to claim 1 Noxon discloses a sound absorbing device (tube trap 100) comprising:
An acoustic resonator( see column 18 , Example 40 described as a Helmholtz resonator) with an opening (inherent in a Helmholtz resonator) and at least one fabric layer (column 3 description of conventional acoustic absorber taught to be present for aesthetic purposes) extending across the opening, the at least one fabric layer comprising fibers with an average pore size.
Bilton discloses the use of a fabric as a part of an acoustical component such that average pore size is known to a results effective variable thereof (abstract).
Goektepe discloses a smart fabric wherein the average pore size is a controllable parameter of an LCE fiber (abstract).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill ion the art before the time of the effective filing to combine the teachings of Bilton that average pore size is a result effective parameter with the fabric of Goektepe so as to control for such a parameter in an acoustic system which is then applied to be a component of the fabric of the fabric cover of Noxon. The motivation for doing so would be to gain the control over the acoustic response in order to enhance the sound reduction.
With respect to claim 2 as it regards the opening being a slit, such openings are known in the art of Helmholtz resonators. Slits, rounded openings, and other shapes are known. The selection of a known type of Helmholtz resonator would have been an obvious matter to one of ordinary skill, and by extension so would the selection of he opening shape.
With respect to claim 3 As it regards the plurality of resonators, this would have constituted only a duplication of the parts of the device. It has been held that mere duplication of the essential working parts of a device involves only routine skill in the art.  St. Regis Paper Co. v. Bemis Co., 193 USPQ 8.
Regarding the fabric layer extending across the openings comprising at least one fabric layer extending across the plurality of openings, this would have been an obvious manner in which to ensure there was a continuity of an element known from Noxon to be an aesthetic consideration in addition to the function requirements of Bilton.
With respect to claims 4  Noxon as modified further discloses ( Goektepe para 0004) the use of reversible actuatable LCE fibers.
With respect to claims 5 and 6 Noxon as modified discloses the invention as claimed except expressly wherein the fibers are electrospun LCE fibers or direct ink wirte LCE fibers. As it regards the selection of these types of LCE fibers, it would have been an obvious matter to select any type of LCE fiber to provide the desired properties of the system. As LCE  fibers are known to be manufactured by different means, the selection of any known means would have been an obvious matter of routine testing.
With respect to claim 7  as it regards the decrease of pore size with increasing temperature, Goektepe (para 16-20) discloses the use of porosity change and that this can be achieved in either direction in response to temperature change. It would have been obvious to select a decrease in porosity with an increase of temperature to absorb greater amount of higher frequency sound at such temperatures.
With respect to claims 8-10 as it regards the selection of the pore size this would have been only a matter of optimization of the device as porose size is known to affect the frequency response of the acoustic system. It has been held that where the general conditions of a claim are disclosed in the prior art, discovering the optimum or working ranges involves only routine skill in the art. In re Aller, 105 USPQ 233.
With respect to claim 11 Noxon as modified (see Goektepe para 16) discloses the provision of a heater configured to heat the fabric. This would have been then obvious to use to decrease the pore size in such a case that it would provide improved acoustic response.
With respect to claim 12 as a heater is disclosed to provide heat in one direction, a cooler would have been an obvious reversal; of this process.
With respect to claim 13 As it regards the provision for a controller to heat and or cool the structure, this would constitute only an automation of the process, as would have been an obvious matter to one of ordinary skill in the art familiar with the taught process of thermo-electric heating.
With respect to claim 14 As Goektepe (para16) discloses thermoelectric heating this implies the presence of at least one electricals wire configured to increase in temperature as claimed. Such a wire is a conventional means of thermo-electric heating.
With respect to claim 15 as it regards the inclusion of a power source, this is further implicit in a thermoelectrical heating system, as would be the case of the controller to automate the system this would have been well understood by one of ordinary skill in the art before the time of the effective filing. This additional limitation would only be the known use of a known structure to provide the thermo-electric heating as taught by Goektepe.
With respect to claim 16 Noxon as modified discloses a sound absorbing device comprising:
An acoustic resonator (Noxon) with an opening and
At least one fabric layer extending across the opening, the at least one fabric layer comprising reversible actuatable LCE fibers (Goektepe) such that an average pore size of the at least one fabric layer increases with decreasing temperature and decreases with increasing temperature (Goektepe discloses the use of temperature to control the porosity in the abstract the application of the teaching to arrive in the desired directions as claimed would have been obvious).
With respect to claim 17 Noxon as modified further discloses a heater (see Goektepe para 16-20) configured to heat the at least one fabric layer, a cooler (obvious reversal of the taught heating) configured to cool the at least one fabric and a controller configured to command the heater and cooler (obvious means of automation).
With respect top claim 18 as it regards the selection fo the pore sizer this would have been an obvious matter based upon the desired results. It has been held that where the general conditions of a claim are disclosed in the prior art, discovering the optimum or working ranges involves only routine skill in the art. In re Aller, 105 USPQ 233.
With respect to claims 19 and 20 Noxon as modified discloses the claimed elements of the sound absorbing device. As to the controller for the heater and cooler, as is discussed above this is only an obvious means of automation. The respective claimed directions for the pore sizer would have been obvious to select as would the pore sizes themselves.
Conclusion
The prior art made of record and not relied upon is considered pertinent to applicant's disclosure. Lee (US20210358468) discloses an acoustic resonating structure with slit opening; Schaake (US20170030610) discloses a flow channel resonator; Fujimori (US8157052) discloses an acoustic resonant structure; Perdue (US7178630) discloses an acoustic device including fabric cover; Gallas (US5444198) discloses a sound trap; and Noxon (US4548292) discloses an acoustical damping structure with fabric cover.

APPLICANT REBUTTAL: REMARKS
In the Office Action dated July 22, 2024, the Examiner rejects claims 1-20 under 35 U.S.C. § 103. With this Amendment, Applicants have amended claims 1, 3, 12-13, 16, and 8-19, canceled claims 11, 14-15, and 17, and added new claims 21-24. After entry of this Amendment, claims 1-10, 12-13, 16, and 18-24 remain pending in the Application. Reconsideration of the Application as amended is respectfully requested.
Rejections under 35 U.S.C. § 103
Claims 1-20 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. § 103 as allegedly being unpatentable over Noxon (U.S. 10,767,365) in view of Bilton (U.S. 8,607,929) and Goektepe (US 2021/0198817). This rejection is respectfully traversed.
Independent claim 1 has been amended to recite in part:
"an acoustic resonator
comprising a lossy resonator
with an opening
and a
predefined range of acoustic fre
q
uencies;
at least one fabric layer extending across the opening, the at least one
fabric layer comprising actuatable liquid crystal elastomer (LCE) fibers;
a plurality of electrical wires extending across and in contact with the at
least one fabric la
yer;
and
an electrical power source in electrical contact with and configured to
supply electrical current to and heat the plurality of electrical wires and thereby the plurality of LCE fibers
such that an average pore size of the at least one fabric layer changes
and the predefined range of acoustic fre
q
uencies of the lossy
resonator is ad
j
usted
as a function of temperature."
Similarly, independent claim 16 has been amended to recite in part:
"an acoustic resonator
comprising a lossy resonator
with an opening
and a
predefined range of acoustic fre
q
uencies;
and
at least one fabric layer extending across the opening, the at least one
fabric layer comprising reversible actuatable liquid crystal elastomer (LCE)
fibers;
a plurality of electrical wires extending across and in contact with the at
least one fabric la
yer;
and
an electrical power source in electrical contact with and configured to
supply electrical current to and heat the plurality of electrical wires and thereby the plurality of LCE fibers and a cooler configured to cool the plurality of LCE
fibers
such that an average pore size of the at least one fabric layer increases with
decreasing temperature and decreases with increasing temperature."
And independent claim 19 has been amended to recite in part:
"an acoustic resonator
comprising a lossy resonator
with an opening
and a
predefined range of acoustic fre
q
uencies;
at least one fabric layer extending across the opening, the at least one
fabric layer comprising reversible actuatable liquid crystal elastomer (LCE) fibers such that an average pore size of the at least one fabric layer increases with
decreasing temperature and decreases with increasing temperature;
a plurality of electrical wires extending across and in contact with the at
least one fabric la
yer;
an electrical power source in electrical contact with and configured to
supply electrical current to and heat the plurality of electrical wires and thereby the plurality of LCE fibers such that an average pore size of the at least one fabric
lay
er changes and the predefined range of acoustic fre
q
uencies of the lossy
resonator is ad
j
usted as a function of temperature
;
and
a controller configured to command the
electrical power source to supply
electrical current to and heat the plurality of electrical wires and thereby the plurality of LCE fibers such that an average pore size of the at least one fabric
lay
er changes and the predefined range of acoustic fre
q
uencies of the lossy
resonator is ad
j
usted as a function of temperature."
In contrast, and while Goektepe discloses heating a smart textile to control its porosity, neither Goektepe, Noxon, nor Bilton disclose or suggest a plurality of electrical wires extending across and in contact with a fabric layer comprising actuatable LCE fibers and/or an electrical power source in electrical contact with and configured to supply electrical current to and heat the plurality of electrical wires and thereby the plurality of LCE fibers. Stated differently, neither Goektepe, Noxon, nor Bilton disclose or suggest the structure of a fabric layer with actuatable LCE fibers and a plurality of electrical wires in contact with the actuatable LCE fibers and/or heating the electrical wires in order to heat the actuatable LCE fibers and thereby change an average pore size of the fabric layer and change/modify a range of acoustic frequencies absorbed by the acoustic resonator.
Accordingly, for at least these reasons Applicant submits independent claims 1, 16, and 19 are not obvious in view of Noxon, Bilton, and Goektepe, and respectfully requests the
rejection of claims 1, 16, and 19 under 35 U.S.C. § 103 be withdrawn.
Claims 2-10 and 12-13 depend from independent claim 1, claim 18 depends from independent claim 16, and claim 20 depends from independent claim 19. For at least this reason Applicant submits claims 2-10, 12-13, 18, and 19 are not obvious in view of Noxon, Bilton, and Goektepe, and respectfully requests the rejection of claims 2-10, 12-13, 18, and 19 under 35 U.S.C. § 103 be withdrawn.
New Claims
New claims 21-24 recite the same elements as claims 10, 5, 6, and 12, respectively. No new matter is added. Also, new claims 21-24 depend from claim 19. For at least this reason Applicant submits new claims 21-24 are allowable.
Conclusion

NEXT OFFICE ACTION: DETAILED ACTION
Notice of Pre-AIA  or AIA  Status
The present application, filed on or after March 16, 2013, is being examined under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA .
Allowable Subject Matter
Claims 1-10,12-13,16, and 18-24 are allowed.
The following is an examiner’s statement of reasons for allowance: the prior art fails to disclose or to fairly suggest the invention as newly claimed. The prior at does not disclose or fairly suggest in combination the electrical power source in electrical contact with and configured to supply electric current to the plurality of electrical wires to actuate the LCE fibers so as to produce a pore size to adjust the range acoustical frequencies as a function of temperature within a specified predetermined range.
Any comments considered necessary by applicant must be submitted no later than the payment of the issue fee and, to avoid processing delays, should preferably accompany the issue fee.  Such submissions should be clearly labeled “Comments on Statement of Reasons for Allowance.”
Conclusion

CITED REFERENCE SUMMARIES: Ref US20210198817A1: Claims:
A textile comprising at least one twisted or coiled polymer fiber actuator that is operable to reversibly change either (1) the porosity of at least one single layer of the textile, (2) textile coloration, or (3) combinations thereof, in response to a change in temperature or moisture absorption, without substantially changing either overall textile width or length.
The textile of claim 1 , wherein the textile is a single-layer textile.
The textile of claim 1 , wherein the polymer fiber actuator comprises a fiber having a degree of twist in which the product of (a) the degree of twist per unit length multiplied by (b) average diameter of the fiber is at least 50Â°.
The textile of claim 3 , wherein the product of (a) the degree of twist per unit length multiplied by (b) the average diameter of the fiber is at least 90Â°.
The textile of claim 1 , wherein the textile is selected from the group consisting of: (a) woven structures, (b) warp-knitted structures, (c) weft-knitted structures, (d) braided structures, and (e) combinations thereof.
(a) woven structures,
(b) warp-knitted structures,
(c) weft-knitted structures,
(d) braided structures, and
(e) combinations thereof.
The textile of claim 1 , wherein the textile comprises a non-woven structure.
The textile of claim 1 , wherein (a) the textile comprises a mechanically-stable woven core fiber structure, (b) fiber elements of the core fiber structure are coaxially positioned inside the coils of a coiled polymer fiber actuator, and (b) the coiled polymer fiber actuators are predominately either homochiral or heterochiral in structure.
(a) the textile comprises a mechanically-stable woven core fiber structure,
(b) fiber elements of the core fiber structure are coaxially positioned inside the coils of a coiled polymer fiber actuator, and
(b) the coiled polymer fiber actuators are predominately either homochiral or heterochiral in structure.
The textile of claim 1 , wherein (a) the textile comprises a large plurality of coiled fiber actuator surrounding a core yarn, and (b) the inner diameter of the coiled fiber actuators are sufficiently large to allow the coiled fiber actuators to change length, largely independent of the length of the core yarn.
(a) the textile comprises a large plurality of coiled fiber actuator surrounding a core yarn, and
(b) the inner diameter of the coiled fiber actuators are sufficiently large to allow the coiled fiber actuators to change length, largely independent of the length of the core yarn.
The textile of claim 1 , wherein the textile comprises a chenille-type yarn structure comprising at least one actuating core fiber and at least one pile fiber, wherein (a) the pile fibers are locked into a yarn body by the at least one actuating core fiber, (b) the at least one actuating core fiber comprises a torsional polymer fiber actuator, and (c) the pile fibers are operable to rotate to change the textile structure.
(a) the pile fibers are locked into a yarn body by the at least one actuating core fiber,
(b) the at least one actuating core fiber comprises a torsional polymer fiber actuator, and
(c) the pile fibers are operable to rotate to change the textile structure.
The textile of claim 1 , wherein the textile comprises a wing-type yarn structure comprising at least one core fiber and at least one actuating pile fiber, wherein (a) the pile fibers are locked into a yarn body by the at least one core fiber, (b) the actuating pile fibers comprise polymer fiber actuators, and (c) the pile fibers are operable to actuate to change the textile structure.
(a) the pile fibers are locked into a yarn body by the at least one core fiber,
(b) the actuating pile fibers comprise polymer fiber actuators, and
(c) the pile fibers are operable to actuate to change the textile structure.
The textile of claim 1 , wherein (a) the textile comprises at least one fiber that is operable to rotate in response to a change in temperature or moisture absorption, and (b) the rotation produces a change in porosity, color, or combinations thereof.
(a) the textile comprises at least one fiber that is operable to rotate in response to a change in temperature or moisture absorption, and
(b) the rotation produces a change in porosity, color, or combinations thereof.
The textile of claim 11 , wherein the polymer fiber torsional actuator is operable to reversibly cause a change of rotational angle of the yarn of at least 10Â°.
The textile of claim 1 , wherein the polymer fiber actuator is operable for reversibly causing an increase or decrease in the porosity of the textile of at least 10%.
The textile of claim 1 , wherein the textile is an article of clothing.
The textile of claim 14 , wherein the article of clothing is selected from the group consisting of (a) comfort-adjusting clothing, (b) protective clothing, (c) athletic apparel, (d) morphing clothing for aesthetic purposes, and (e) combinations thereof.
The textile of claim 1 , wherein the textile is selected from a group consisting of (a) parachutes, (b) smart filters, (c) spacer fabrics, (d) smart curtains, (e) smart architectural textiles, (f) smart packaging, and (g) textiles that control the transmission of light.
The textile of claim 1 , wherein (a) the textile comprises at least two fabric layers that are connected by the polymer fiber actuator, and (b) the actuator is operable to shift the relative positions of the layers in response to a change in temperature or moisture absorption in order to change the textile porosity, coloration, or combinations thereof.
(a) the textile comprises at least two fabric layers that are connected by the polymer fiber actuator, and
(b) the actuator is operable to shift the relative positions of the layers in response to a change in temperature or moisture absorption in order to change the textile porosity, coloration, or combinations thereof.
The method of claim 101 , wherein the temperature change is provided by one or more of electrothermal heating, photothermal heating, chemothermal heating, and heat generated by electronic components.
The method of claim 101 , wherein the color change is achieved by torsional actuation of the dual-colored or multi-colored actuating polymer fiber.
The textile of claim 1 , wherein (a) the color change is achieved by a combination of the actuating polymer fiber and a color change element, (b) the actuating polymer fiber is selected from a group consisting of (i) actuating polymer fibers that operate by torsion to rotate a multi-colored element, and (ii) actuating polymer fibers that operate by tensile actuation and are joined to an element that changes color with stretch.
(a) the color change is achieved by a combination of the actuating polymer fiber and a color change element,
(b) the actuating polymer fiber is selected from a group consisting of (i) actuating polymer fibers that operate by torsion to rotate a multi-colored element, and (ii) actuating polymer fibers that operate by tensile actuation and are joined to an element that changes color with stretch.
(i) actuating polymer fibers that operate by torsion to rotate a multi-colored element, and
(ii) actuating polymer fibers that operate by tensile actuation and are joined to an element that changes color with stretch.
The textile of claim 20 , wherein the color change element is selected from a group consisting of (a) a synthetic film or fiber onto which a metallic layer has been deposited, (b) a fiber which derives its optical properties from structural coloration, and (c) combinations thereof.
(a) a synthetic film or fiber onto which a metallic layer has been deposited,
(b) a fiber which derives its optical properties from structural coloration, and
(c) combinations thereof.
The textile of claim 1 , wherein there are at least two connected actuating polymer fibers or actuating polymer fiber segments that are operable to torsionally actuate in opposite chiral directions such that, at the point of connection, the connected actuating polymer fibers or actuating polymer fiber segments cooperatively rotate an element in the same rotation direction.
The method of claim 100 , wherein the reversible change occurs without substantially causing bending of the textile.
- 100 . (canceled)
A method comprising: (a) selecting a textile comprising at least one twisted or coiled polymer fiber actuator, and (b) reversibly changing either (1) the porosity of at least one single layer of the textile, (2) textile coloration, or (3) combinations thereof, in response to a change in temperature or moisture absorption, without substantially changing either overall textile width or length.
(a) selecting a textile comprising at least one twisted or coiled polymer fiber actuator, and
(b) reversibly changing either (1) the porosity of at least one single layer of the textile, (2) textile coloration, or (3) combinations thereof, in response to a change in temperature or moisture absorption, without substantially changing either overall textile width or length.
Ref US8607929B2: Claims:
A sound absorption facing that comprises less than about five percent (5%) synthetic microfiber and has a basis weight of from about 1.5 to about 5.0 ounces per square yard (osy), a thickness of less than about 0.050â³ as measured via ASTM D1777, a mean pore size of between about 8 microns and about 40 microns and an acoustic resistance of at least about 250 Rayls.
The sound absorption facing of claim 1 , wherein the facing comprises cellulosic fibers.
The sound absorption facing of claim 2 , wherein the cellulosic fibers comprise one or more fibers selected from the group consisting of wood, cotton, rayon and lyocell.
The sound absorption facing of claim 2 , wherein the cellulosic fibers comprise between about 20 to about 100 percent by weight of the sound absorption facing.
The sound absorption facing of claim 1 , wherein the facing comprises synthetic fibers.
The sound absorption facing of claim 5 , wherein the synthetic fibers comprise one or more fibers selected from the group consisting of polypropylene, polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyester, acetate, nylon, polylactic acid, glass and acrylic fibers.
The sound absorption facing of claim 5 , wherein synthetic fibers comprise between about 0 to about 80 percent by weight of the sound absorption facing.
The sound absorption facing of claim 1 , wherein the facing comprises a nonwoven fabric.
The sound absorption facing of claim 8 , wherein the nonwoven fabric is a spunlaced fabric.
The sound absorption facing of claim 8 , wherein the nonwoven fabric is a spunlaced fabric comprising cellulosic fibers.
The sound absorption facing of claim 8 , wherein the nonwoven fabric is a spunlaced fabric comprising cellulosic fibers and synthetic fibers.
The sound absorption facing of claim 1 , wherein the facing comprises cellulosic fibers in the form of a web or paper sheet.
The sound absorption facing of claim 1 , wherein the facing comprises cellulosic fibers entangled with synthetic fibers.
The sound absorption facing of claim 1 , wherein the air flow resistance of the sound absorption facing has been modified by one or more mechanical processes.
The sound absorption facing of claim 14 , wherein mechanical processes include stretching, bulking, calendaring or any combination thereof.
The sound absorption facing of claim 1 , wherein the air flow resistance of the sound absorption facing has been modified by one or more chemical treatment processes.
The sound absorption facing of claim 16 , wherein chemical treatment processes include finishing, coating, adhesive application, or any combination thereof.
The sound absorption facing of claim 1 , wherein the facing possesses one or more functional properties selected from the group consisting of flame retardancy, adhesive properties, crock resistance, microbial resistance, water repellency, oil repellency and corrosion resistance.
The sound absorption facing of claim 1 , wherein the facing passes the flammability test required by MVSS-302.
The sound absorption facing of claim 1 , wherein the facing achieves an SE rating when tested in accordance with MVSS-302.
The sound absorption facing of claim 1 , wherein the facing has an elongation at break point of at least 17 percent (17%) as measured via ASTM D5034.
The sound absorption facing of claim 1 , wherein the facing has an elongation at break point of at least 20 percent (20%) as measured via ASTM D5034.
The sound absorption facing of claim 1 , wherein the facing has an elongation at break point of about 22 to about 36 percent (22-36%) as measured via ASTM D5034.
The sound absorption facing of claim 1 , wherein the facing comprises spunlaced cellulosic fibers, wherein the air flow resistance of the sound absorption facing has been modified by one or more processes selected from the group consisting of mechanical processes and chemical treatment processes and wherein the facing possesses one or more functional properties selected from the group consisting of flame retardancy, microbial resistance, water repellency, oil repellancy and corrosion resistance.
The sound absorption facing of claim 24 , wherein the cellulosic fibers comprise one or more fibers selected from the group consisting of wood, cotton, rayon and lyocell, wherein mechanical processes include stretching, bulking, calendaring or any combination thereof, wherein chemical treatment processes include finishing, coating, adhesive application, or any combination thereof, wherein the facing passes the flammability test required by MVSS-302 and wherein the facing has an elongation at break point of at least 17 percent (17%) as measured via ASTM D5034.
The sound absorption facing of claim 24 , wherein the cellulosic fibers comprise one or more fibers selected from the group consisting of wood, cotton, rayon and lyocell, wherein mechanical processes include stretching, bulking, calendaring or any combination thereof, wherein chemical treatment processes include finishing, coating, adhesive application, or any combination thereof, wherein the facing passes the flammability test required by MVSS-302 and wherein the facing has an elongation at break point of at least 20 percent (20%) as measured via ASTM D5034.
A laminate, comprising: a sound absorption facing that comprises less than about five percent (5%) synthetic microfiber and has a basis weight of from about 1.5 to about 5.0 ounces per square yard (osy), a thickness of less than about 0.050â³ as measured via ASTM D1777, a mean pore size of between about 8 microns and about 40 microns and an acoustic resistance of at least about 250 Rayls; and at least one additional layer laminated to the sound absorption facing.
a sound absorption facing that comprises less than about five percent (5%) synthetic microfiber and has a basis weight of from about 1.5 to about 5.0 ounces per square yard (osy), a thickness of less than about 0.050â³ as measured via ASTM D1777, a mean pore size of between about 8 microns and about 40 microns and an acoustic resistance of at least about 250 Rayls; and
at least one additional layer laminated to the sound absorption facing.
The laminate of claim 27 , wherein the at least one additional layer is selected from the group consisting of fiberglass batting, a resinated fiberglass panel, rock wool, plastic foam, urethane foam, shoddy pad from waste fiber, polyester batting or resinated fiberfill, aerogel, closed cell foam and reticulated foam.
The laminate of claim 27 , wherein the at least one additional layer is a decorative fabric layer.
The laminate of claim 27 , wherein the at least one additional layer comprises an adhesive.
The laminate of claim 27 , wherein the at least one additional layer comprises an adhesive web, an adhesive film or a combination thereof.
The laminate of claim 30 , wherein the adhesive comprises a thermoplastic adhesive.
The laminate of claim 27 , wherein the facing comprises cellulosic fibers.
The laminate of claim 33 , wherein the cellulosic fibers comprise one or more fibers selected from the group consisting of wood, cotton, rayon and lyocell.
The laminate of claim 27 , wherein the facing comprises synthetic fibers.
The laminate of claim 35 , wherein the synthetic fibers comprise one or more fibers selected from the group consisting of polypropylene, polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyester, acetate, nylon, polylactic acid, glass and acrylic fibers.
The laminate of claim 27 , wherein the facing comprises a nonwoven fabric.
The laminate of claim 37 , wherein the nonwoven fabric is a spunlaced fabric.
The laminate of claim 27 , wherein the facing has an elongation at break point of at least 17 percent (17%) as measured via ASTM D5034.
The laminate of claim 27 , wherein the facing has an elongation at break point of at least 20 percent (20%) as measured via ASTM D5034.
A laminate, comprising: first and second sound absorption facings, wherein each facing comprises less than about five percent (5%) synthetic microfiber and has a basis weight of from about 1.5 to about 5.0 ounces per square yard (osy), a thickness of less than about 0.050â³ as measured via ASTM D1777, a mean pore size of between about 8 microns and about 40 microns and an acoustic resistance of at least about 250 Rayls; and a low density layer of material sandwiched between the first and second sound absorption facings, wherein the low density layer of material is selected from the group consisting of fiberglass batting, a resinated fiberglass panel, rock wool, plastic foam, urethane foam, shoddy pad from waste fiber, polyester batting or resinated fiberfill, aerogel, closed cell foam and reticulated foam.
first and second sound absorption facings, wherein each facing comprises less than about five percent (5%) synthetic microfiber and has a basis weight of from about 1.5 to about 5.0 ounces per square yard (osy), a thickness of less than about 0.050â³ as measured via ASTM D1777, a mean pore size of between about 8 microns and about 40 microns and an acoustic resistance of at least about 250 Rayls; and
a low density layer of material sandwiched between the first and second sound absorption facings, wherein the low density layer of material is selected from the group consisting of fiberglass batting, a resinated fiberglass panel, rock wool, plastic foam, urethane foam, shoddy pad from waste fiber, polyester batting or resinated fiberfill, aerogel, closed cell foam and reticulated foam.
The laminate of claim 41 , wherein each facing has an elongation at break point of at least 17 percent (17%) as measured via ASTM D5034.
The laminate of claim 41 , wherein each facing has an elongation at break point of at least 20 percent (20%) as measured via ASTM D5034.
An article, comprising: a sound absorption facing that comprises less than about five percent (5%) synthetic microfiber and has a basis weight of from about 1.5 to about 5.0 ounces per square yard (osy), a thickness of less than about 0.050â³ as measured via ASTM D1777, a mean pore size of between about 8 microns and about 40 microns, an elongation at break of at least seventeen percent (17%) as measured via ASTM D5034 and an acoustic resistance of at least about 250 Rayls; a finish or coating, wherein the finish or coating imparts one or more additional functional properties to the facing; and a low density layer of material laminated to the facing.
a sound absorption facing that comprises less than about five percent (5%) synthetic microfiber and has a basis weight of from about 1.5 to about 5.0 ounces per square yard (osy), a thickness of less than about 0.050â³ as measured via ASTM D1777, a mean pore size of between about 8 microns and about 40 microns, an elongation at break of at least seventeen percent (17%) as measured via ASTM D5034 and an acoustic resistance of at least about 250 Rayls;
a finish or coating, wherein the finish or coating imparts one or more addi
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