Patent Publication Number: US-2019177969-A1

Title: Modifiable and reusable modular soundprooing structures

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application claims priority on U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/339,373, filed on May 20, 2016 and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates to soundproofing. More particularly, but not exclusively, the present disclosure relates to modifiable and reusable modular soundproofing structures. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Soundproofing is as well-known process of reducing the sound pressure with respect to a specified sound source and receptor. It is also well known to use noise barriers to reflect or absorb the energy of the sound waves. Absorbing sound converts part of the sound energy to a very small amount of heat in the absorbing material, rather than sound being transmitted or reflected. There are several ways in which a material can absorb sound. The choice of sound absorbing material will be determined by the frequency distribution of noise to be absorbed and the acoustic absorption profile required. Porous absorbers such as foams and sponges, absorb noise by friction within the cell structure. Soundproofing can suppress unwanted indirect sound waves such as reflections that cause echoes and resonances that cause reverberation. Soundproofing can reduce the transmission of unwanted direct sound waves from the source to an involuntary listener through the use of distance and intervening objects in the sound path. The foam or sponge material is spread in order to fill up an area, such as between walls or overhead structures. 
     Objects 
     An object of the present disclosure is to provide a soundproofing structure. 
     An object of the present disclosure is to provide a soundproofing assembly. 
     An object of the present disclosure is to provide a kit for providing a soundproofing assembly. 
     An object of the present disclosure is to provide a method of soundproofing an area. 
     SUMMARY 
     In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a soundproofing structure comprising: a jacket having an external surface and an opposite internal surface defining an inner compartment; a resilient and deformable soundproofing material contained within the inner compartment and engaging the internal surface; and constricting elements mounted to the jacket for constriction of the jacket to provide inner surface pressure against the soundproofing material for compression thereof, the constricting elements being releasable for selectively releasing inner surface pressure against the soundproofing material for expansion thereof against the inner surface, wherein the soundproofing structure defines a size, the size being selectively modifiable by selective releasing of the constricting elements. 
     In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a soundproofing assembly comprising: a plurality of assembled soundproofing structures, wherein a given one of the plurality of soundproofing structures comprises: a jacket having an external surface and an opposite internal surface defining an inner compartment; a resilient and deformable soundproofing material contained within the inner compartment and engaging the internal surface; and constricting elements mounted to the jacket for constriction of the jacket to provide inner surface pressure against the soundproofing material for compression thereof, the constricting elements being releasable for selectively releasing inner surface pressure against the soundproofing material for expansion thereof against the inner surface, wherein the given one of the soundproofing structures defines a size, the size being selectively modifiable by selective releasing of the constricting elements. 
     In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a kit for providing a soundproofing assembly, the kit comprising: a plurality of soundproofing structures for being assembled, wherein a given one of the plurality of soundproofing structures comprises: a jacket having an external surface and an opposite internal surface defining an inner compartment; a resilient and deformable soundproofing material contained within the inner compartment and engaging the internal surface; and constricting elements mounted to the jacket for constriction of the jacket to provide inner surface pressure against the soundproofing material for compression thereof, the constricting elements being releasable for selectively releasing inner surface pressure against the soundproofing material for expansion thereof against the inner surface, wherein the given one of the soundproofing structures defines a size, the size being selectively modifiable by selective releasing of the constricting elements. 
     In an embodiment, releasing of the constricting elements increases the size of the soundproofing structure. In an embodiment, the constricting elements are constrictable for selectively further constricting the jacket so as to provide further inner surface pressure against the soundproofing material for further compression thereof. In an embodiment, further constricting the jacket decreases the size of the soundproofing structure. In an embodiment, the constricting elements constrict additional jacket material extending from the jacket, wherein release of the constricting elements loosens the additional jacket material providing for the soundproofing material to expand against the loosened jacket material. In an embodiment, the constricting elements are selected from the group consisting of stitches, fasteners, zippers, laces, hook and loop fasteners, button fasteners, straps, belts, snap fasteners, hooks, pin fasteners, seals, connectors, bindings, junctions, couplings, clamps, ties, links, bonds, staples, inserts and any combination thereof. 
     In an embodiment, the soundproofing structure further comprises a block configuration and wherein the external surface comprises top and bottom sides, front and rear sides and lateral sides. In an embodiment, the constricting elements are provided on any one of the top and bottom sides, front and rear sides and lateral sides. 
     In an embodiment, the jacket comprises material selected from the group consisting of flexible and resilient material, malleable material, supple material, deformable material, impermeable material, water-proof material, fire resistant material and any combination thereof. 
     In an embodiment, the plurality of soundproofing structures are assembled in at least one vertical column. 
     In an embodiment, the plurality of soundproofing structures are assembled in at least one horizontal row. 
     In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of soundproofing an area, the method comprising: providing a plurality of soundproofing structures comprising soundproofing resilient and deformable material enclosed within respective jackets and being compressed thereby; constricting the jacket against the soundproofing material for compression thereof; assembling the plurality of soundproofing structures in the area; and selectively releasing the constriction of the jacket against the soundproofing material for expansion thereof against the jacket, wherein the soundproofing structure defines a size, the size being selectively modifiable by selective releasing of constriction of the jacket. 
     In an embodiment, the method further comprises: assembling the plurality of soundproofing structures in at least one vertical column and/or in at least one horizontal row. 
     In an embodiment, the method further comprises: selectively further constricting the jacket of given one of the soundproofing structures against the soundproofing material for further compression thereof thereby decreasing the size of the given one of the soundproofing structures. 
     Other objects, advantages and features of the present disclosure will become more apparent upon reading of the following non-restrictive description of illustrative embodiments thereof, given by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       In the appended drawings: 
         FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of an assembly of modifiable and reusable modular soundproofing structures in accordance with a non-restrictive illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 2  is a rear perspective view of the assembly of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is front perspective view of an assembly of the modifiable and reusable modular soundproofing structures in accordance with a non-restrictive illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional schematic illustration of one of the modifiable and reusable modular soundproofing structures of the assembly of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a top perspective view of a modifiable and reusable modular soundproofing structure in accordance with a non-restrictive illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 6  is a front and top view of the soundproofing structure of  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 7  is front view of the soundproofing structure of  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 8  is a side view of the top flap of the soundproofing structure of  FIG. 6  in accordance with a non-restrictive illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 9  is a front view of the lateral flap of one of the soundproofing structures of  FIG. 1  in accordance with a non-restrictive illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 10  is a top perspective view of a modifiable and reusable modular soundproofing structure in accordance with a non-restrictive illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 11  is front view of the lateral flap of the soundproofing structure of  FIG. 10  in accordance with a non-restrictive illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 12  is a side perspective view of a modifiable and reusable modular soundproofing structure in accordance with a non-restrictive illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 13  is a front and aide perspective view of an assembly of modifiable and reusable modular soundproofing structures in accordance with a non-restrictive illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 14  is a perspective view of a plurality of blocks of soundproofing material for the soundproofing structures of  FIG. 1  in accordance with a non-restrictive illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 15  is front view of a stacked pile of the plurality of blocks of soundproofing material of  FIG. 14 ; 
         FIG. 16  is a top perspective view of a plurality of jackets for the soundproofing structures of  FIG. 1  in accordance with a non-restrictive illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIGS. 17 to 21  are front perspective views of the steps for assembling the stacked pile of  FIG. 25  into one of the jackets of  FIG. 16  in accordance with a non-restrictive illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 22  is a front and side perspective view of the assembly in  FIG. 1 , assembled in an area for soundproofing thereof in accordance with a non-restrictive illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 23  is a front, side and bottom perspective view of the assembly in  FIG. 1 , assembled in an area for soundproofing thereof in accordance with a non-restrictive illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 24  is a bottom perspective view of a user placing the soundproofing structure of  FIG. 1  into art overhead area for soundproofing thereof in accordance with a non-restrictive illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 25  is a side and front perspective view of the assembly in  FIG. 1 , assembled in an area for soundproofing thereof in accordance with a non-restrictive illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure; and 
         FIG. 26  is a top perspective view of the assembly in  FIG. 1 , positioned within an area for soundproofing thereof in accordance with a non-restrictive illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS 
     Generally stated and in accordance with an embodiment, there is provided a soundproofing structure comprising: a jacket having an external surface and an opposite internal surface defining an inner compartment; a resilient and deformable soundproofing material contained within the inner compartment and engaging the internal surface; and constricting elements mounted to the jacket for constriction of the jacket to provide inner surface pressure against the soundproofing material for compression thereof, the constricting elements being releasable for selectively releasing inner surface pressure against the soundproofing material for expansion thereof against the inner surface, wherein the soundproofing structure defines a size, the size being selectively modifiable by selective releasing of the constricting elements. 
     In an embodiment, the structures are stackable blocks made of jacketed, compressed acoustic material. They are used to fill the plenum space between a suspended ceiling and a ceiling slab or beneath a raised floor. These flexible blocks can be compressed or uncompressed, as needed, to accommodate the various elements found in the plenums of modern buildings. These flexible blocks are versatile, reusable and provided in various sizes, thicknesses and densities to adapt to any need and situation. They can be incorporated into an existing environments. The blocks can be quickly installed or retrofitted without noise or dust thereby providing hassle-free sound management. 
     In an embodiment, the constricting elements comprise tightening and releasing elements, such as for example, stitches for selectively tightening and releasing constriction of the jacket against the soundproofing material. As such, the size of the soundproofing structure is selectively modifiable by selectively tightening or releasing the constricting elements in conjunction with the pressing engagement of the soundproofing material against the inner surface of the jacket. 
     In an embodiment, releasing the constricting elements, allows the size of the soundproofing structure to increase as the soundproofing material outwardly pushes the barrier of jacket. The constricting elements can be mounted folded and stitched additional material of the jacket which is let loose and during release of constriction provided material slack for the jacket size (i.e. height and/or width and/or length). When the user wants to decrease the size of the soundproofing structure, the constricting elements are re-constricted thus removing the material slack by re-folding the additional material and pushing the barrier of jacket material and more specifically the inner surface against the resilient pressure of the deformable soundproofing material. 
     In an embodiment, the constricting elements comprise a zipper mechanism. The zipper mechanism functions much like a luggage bag for releasing or restricting the additional material to allow more or less bag volume. In still another embodiment, the constricting elements comprise laces and loops, releasing and restricting additional material much like for winter boots. In still another embodiment, the constricting elements comprise Velcro™. In yet another embodiment, the constricting elements comprise snap buttons. In still yet another embodiment, the constricting elements comprise comprises a seal that can be removed by pressure and re-sealed with suitable pressure. In yet still another embodiment, the constricting elements comprise magnetic elements. In still yet a further embodiment, the constricting elements comprise removable additional material. In yet still a further embodiment, constricting elements comprise hooks and loops. The skilled artisan will readily appreciate that the constricting elements may comprise various connectors, bindings, junctions, couplings, clamps, fasteners, ties, links, bonds, staples, inserts, and the like. Of course, the constricting elements comprise can also include any variety of combinations of the foregoing. 
     In an embodiment, the soundproofing structure comprises a jacket with a closure for selectively providing access to the internal compartment. 
     With reference, to the appended Figures, non-restrictive illustrative embodiments will be herein described so as to further exemplify the disclosure only and by no means limit the scope thereof. 
       FIGS. 1 and 2  show a modular soundproofing assembly  10  including a plurality of soundproofing structures  12 . The plurality of soundproofing structures  12  are stacked and placed side by side forming vertical columns and horizontal rows with respect to the ground surface. In one embodiment, the assembly provides for building soundproofing wall structures. 
     A shown in  FIG. 3 , the structures  12  are easily transportable for indoor usage in office or building spaces. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the soundproofing structure  12  includes a jacket (casing or housing)  14  for jacketing soundproofing material  16 . In an embodiment, the jacket  14  is made of a fabric material. In an embodiment, the jacket  14  includes material selected from the group consisting of flexible and resilient material, malleable material, supple material, deformable material, impermeable material, water-proof material, fire resistant material and any combination of the foregoing. In an embodiment, such material is strong enough to resist impact, adverse conditions, and various external elements and protects the content therein as will be described herein. Furthermore, the material is malleable or supple or deformable as well as flexible enough to allow the structure  12  to be positioned in a variety of areas as will also be described herein. 
     As shown in  FIG. 4 , the jacket  14  defines an internal compartment  18  including the soundproofing material  16 . The material  16  can include various types of soundproofing elements as is known in the art including foams, sponges, fabrics, and the like for acoustic absorption. The soundproofing material is deformable so as to be compressible under constriction and pressure and expandable or uncompressed when released from constriction and pressure. 
     The jacket  14  defines an external or outer wall surface  20  and an internal or inner surface  22  defining the compartment  18 . 
     The soundproofing material  16  is enclosed within the compartment  18  so as not to spill out of the jacket  14 . As such, the soundproofing structures  12  can be assembled in an area for soundproofing and then removed and re-used as the material  16  is, in essence, bagged and compartmentalized rather than being spread throughout an area as is known in the art. Therefore, the present structures  12  are reusable. The soundproofing material  16  pressingly engages the internal surface  22  therefore providing the soundproofing structure  12  with its volume and size. 
     In the non-limiting example shown in  FIGS. 1-4 , the soundproofing structure  12  is in the form of a block including lateral sides  24  and  26 , top and bottom  28  and  30 , respectively, and front and rear sides  32  and  34 , respectively. 
     The soundproofing structure  12  comprises constricting elements  33  mounted to the jacket  14 . In this example, the constricting elements  33  are stitches. The stitches  33  constrict the size of the jacket  14  against the soundproofing material  16 . More particularly, the stitches  33  provide for pressing the inner surface  22  against the material  16  and the foregoing pressure compresses the material  16  decreasing it in size to a more compact form. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 3, 4 and 9 , the jacket  14  defines a base outer surface  36  that is covered by an additional outer surface  38 . This additional outer surface  38  includes lateral flaps  40  that are stitched together via stitches  33 . Removing the stitches  33  provides additional slack  42  to the flaps (via their additional unstitched material). The additional outer surface  38  also defines top flaps  44  that are stitched together via stitches  33 . Removing the stitches  33  provides additional slack  46  to the flaps (via their additional unstitched material). Therefore, removal of stitches  33  from flaps  40  or flaps  44 , releases the pressure of inner surface  22  on the material  16  causing material  16  to expandingly press back on the inner surface  22  pushing the jacket  14  outwardly for a distance allowed by the additional flap material  42  or  46 . The flaps  40  and  44  are respectively connected at another position thereof such as position  35  for flaps  40  and position  48  for flaps  44  in order to avoid opening up the jacket  14  and fully decompressing the material  16 . As such, the size of the soundproofing structure is increased. 
     Turning briefly to  FIG. 4 , the soundproofing structure  12  may also include one or more attachment element  49  on the external surface  22  which can be provided in a variety of forms as can be contemplated by the skilled artisan. The attachment element  49  provides for attaching the soundproofing structure  12  like structures or area structures such as pipes, beams, poles, rails and the like. The attachment element  49  may be hook, a belt, a loop, a fastener, and the like. 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 5, 6, 7 and 8 , there is shown a soundproofing structure  12 ′ that is similar to soundproofing structure  12 . Structure  12 ′ is in the form of a block defining lateral sides  24 ′ and  26 ′, top and bottom  28 ′ and  30 ′, respectively, and front and rear sides  32 ′ and  34 ′, respectively. The jacket  14 ′ defines a base outer surface  36 ′ that is covered by an additional outer surface  38 ′. The additional outer surface  38 ′ includes top flaps  44 ′ which are stitched together via stitches  33 A,  33 B and  33 C respectively positioned at three different positions A, B, C of the flaps  44 ′. Removing stitches  33 A releases additional slack material  46 A. Removing stitches  33 B releases additional slack material  46 B. Removing stitches  33 C opens jacket  14 ′. The release of additional slack material  46 A and  46 B provides for the structure to correspondingly increase in size as the inner soundproofing material pushes the jacket  14 ′ outwardly as explained above: 
     A space  37  (see  FIG. 7 ) can be provided between the base outer surface  36  and the additional outer surface  38  as well as the base outer surface  36 ′ and the additional outer surface  38 ″ for receiving structure elements therebetween like wiring, beams and the like. 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 10 and 11 , there is shown a soundproofing structure  12 ″ that is similar to soundproofing structures  12  and  12 ′. Structure  12 ″ is in the form of a flattened block defining lateral sides  24 ″ and  26 ′, top and bottom  28 ″ and  30 ″, respectively, and front and rear sides  32 ″ and  34 ″, respectively. The jacket  14 ″ includes lateral flaps  40 ″ with stitches  33 ″ for being removed as previously discussed. 
     The size of the structures  12 ,  12 ′, and  12 ″ can be reduced by re-stitching the removed stitches or adding further stitching to further constrict the jackets  14 ,  14 ′ and  14 ′″. 
       FIG. 12  shows a soundproofing structure  120  having a trapezoidal shape and defining top and bottom surfaces  122 , and  124  respectively, lateral sides  126  (only one side shown) and front and rear sides,  128  and  130 , respectively. The jacket  140  of the structure  120  is covered by a constricting element  142  in the form of a removable additional jacket for compressing the material within the jacket  140 . When removing the additional jacket  142 , the pressure on the internal soundproofing material is released and the material expands outwardly pushing the jacket  140  and increasing the size of the structure  120 . 
       FIG. 13  shows an assembly  10 ′″ of soundproofing structures  12 ′″ which are similar to structures  12 ,  12 ′ and  12 ″. In this example, the assembly  10 ′″ has been placed in a space  50  defined between a suspended ceiling  52  and the overhead structure  54 . In this example, a vertical column  56  of stacked structures  12 ′″ occupies the space between the suspended ceiling  52  and the overhead structure  54 . As shown the structures  12 ′″ are flexible and resilient (i.e. deformable) and therefore deform around railings and other fixtures, generally denoted  56 . 
     The structure  12 ′″ includes a jacket  14 ′″ for enclosing therein the deformable and resilient soundproofing material. The structure  12 ′″ is a block defining lateral sides  24 ′″ and  26 ′″, top and bottom surfaces  28 ′″ and  30 ′″, respectively, and front and rear faces  32 ′″ and  34 ′″ respectively. Constricting elements  33 ′″ are mounted to the jacket  14 ′″ on the lateral sides  24 ′″ and  26 ′″ thereof. The constricting elements  33 ′″ are concealed under a ridge  58  of material extending from the jacket  14 ′″ that can be turned over to reveal the constricting elements  33 ′″. Accordingly, the constricting elements  33 ′″ can be stitches, zipper fasteners, laces, hook and loop fasteners, button fasteners, straps, belts, snap fasteners, hooks, pin fasteners and any combination of the foregoing. Thus, if the uppermost block  12 ′″ of vertical column  56  does not engage the overhead structure  54 , the constricting elements  33 ′″ can be released by unstitching, unzipping, unfastening, unstrapping, unhooking, unlacing and the like to add additional height (as well as width). If it is desired to reduce the size of the block  12 ′″ then the constricting elements  33 ′″ can stitched, zipped, fastened, laced, hooked, strapped and the like to reduce height and width. 
     Of course, the constricting elements  33 ,  33 ′,  33 ″, and  33 ′″ can be so positioned on the jackets  14 ,  14 ′,  14 ″, and  14 ′″ in order to increase or reduce length of the structures  12 ,  12 ′,  12 ″,  12 ′″. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 14 to 21 , the method of assembling a soundproofing structure  12  will now be discussed in accordance with a non-limiting illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure. 
     The soundproofing material  18  is provided in blocks  60  (see  FIG. 14 ) that are stacked together in a vertical pile  61  (see  FIG. 15 ). In one example, the soundproofing material  16  comprises nonwoven polypropylene. In one example, the soundproofing material  16  comprises Fabtex™ material. The vertical pile  61  of soundproofing material is fitted within one of the jackets  14  (see  FIG. 16 ). As shown in  FIGS. 17 to 19 , the pile  61  is compressed to be fitted into one of the jackets  14 . More particularly, a pair of flexible boards  82  are used to sandwich the pile  61  therebetween and compress it to a shorter height. One board  62  is placed beneath the pile  61  and the other board  62  on top of the pile  61 . The pile  61  is compressed downwardly as shown in  FIG. 17  and the ends  64  of top and bottom boards  62  are clamped together via clamps  66 . A jacket  14  is opened and the clamped boards  62  with the soundproof material  16  compressed therebetween are fitted within the jacket  14 . Once the jacket  14  is properly positioned, the clamps  66  are removed and the boards  62  are slid out of the jacket  14 . With the jacket  14  maintaining the soundproofing material in a compressed form. The jacket  14  is then closed as shown in  FIGS. 20 and 21  by simply sliding the base outer surface material  36  underneath the additional outer surface material  38 . 
     In an embodiment, the pile  61  is compressed from a height of about 24 inches to about 10 inches within the jacket  14 . 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 22 to 26 , there is shown a variety of areas in which the soundproofing structures  12  can be positioned and assembled for forming modular assemblies  10  such as barriers or dividers or separations. For example, the malleability and resilience of the soundproofing structures  12  allows an assembly thereof  10 , to be sandwiched between a suspended ceiling  70  and an overhead structure  71  as shown in  FIG. 22  for example or sandwiched within in a narrower recess BO between tow planar and spaced apart floor structure  82  and  84  as show in  FIG. 26 . The structures  12  can be deformed against its configuration in order to allow passage for a large obstruction such as a pipe  72  as shown in  FIG. 22  or a duct  74  as shown in  FIG. 25 , or a small  4  obstruction such as a wire  76  as shown in  FIG. 23 . The shape of the soundproofing structures allows the structure  12  to be easily and securely stacked as shown in  FIGS. 22, 23 and 25  for example. The structures  22  difficult areas such as corners or areas with many encumbrances. A shown in  FIGS. 8 and 9 , the soundproofing structures  12  are easy to handle and relatively light allowing a user U to position them in an overhead structure for example, or to remove them for repairs and the reassemble them. 
     In an embodiment, the soundproofing structures provide for absorbing sound from and greater than 200 Hz and onwards. In an embodiment, the soundproofing structures and assemblies herein are used in the absorption of sound between 500 Hz and 1500 Hz. In an embodiment, the soundproofing structures and assemblies provided herein are used in the absorption of sound greater than 1000 Hz. 
     The present structures and assemblies provide for using more soundproofing material since the soundproofing material is compressed within the jacket and provided in a smaller format. 
     It should be noted that the constricting elements described herein are provided for selectively modulating the size of the present structures  12 . As such, when piling or stacking a plurality of structures  12  between two opposite wall, e.g. a ceiling and a floor, there may be an extra gap between the uppermost structure  12  and the ceiling that does not allow enough space for an additional structure. Releasing the constricting elements provides for augmenting the volume of the structure  12  thereby filling this gap. In another similar example, the last piled structure  12  may be too large and as such, restricting the volume of the last structure provides for fitting it between the ceiling and the next uppermost structure  12  directly beneath this last structure  12 . 
     The enclosed structures  12  are also healthier than using unpackaged, loose foam as foam fibers and dust particles can enter air ducts and be breathed in by individuals within the insulated rooms of a given building. Moreover, loose foam is avoided as it is not needed for filling gaps between the structures  12  and wall structures since the volume of the structures can be selectively modulating in order to accommodate such gaps as explained above. Therefore, the use of the structures  12  improves air quality as compared to the use of loose unpackaged foam avoiding respiratory issues caused by such foams. 
     In an embodiment, when assembling any of the assemblies  10 ,  10 ′,  10 ″ or  10 ′″ herein, the user may project light onto the assembly in order to evaluate if light is passing through to the other side and as such, plug the holes or empty spots (which allow light to pass thought) by increasing the size of the structures  12 ,  12 ′,  12 ″,  12 ′″ and  120  or adding more such structures to the assembly or adding other material to plug the holes and empty spots. 
     In one example, the present structures  12 ,  12 ′,  12 ″,  12 ′″ and  120  are used in combination with modular walls and partitions. 
     In one example, the present structures  12 ,  12 ′,  12 ″,  12 ′″ and  120 , assemblies  10 ,  10 ′,  10 ″,  10 ′″ and kits can be used in conjunction with one or more other elements such as and without limitation to curtains, blocs, inserts, and the like. 
     Of course, the skilled artisan will readily appreciate that various convenient sizes, configurations, formats and shapes can be contemplated for the structures  12 ,  12 ′,  12 ″,  12 ′″ and  120  provided herein. 
     The various features described herein can be combined in a variety of ways within the context of the present disclosure so as to provide still other embodiments. As such, the embodiments are not mutually exclusive. Moreover, the embodiments discussed herein need not include all of the features and elements illustrated and/or described and thus partial combinations of features can also be contemplated. Furthermore, embodiments with less features than those described can also be contemplated. It is to be understood that the present disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of construction and parts illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described hereinabove. The disclosure is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced in various ways. It is also to be understood that the phraseology or terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and not limitation. Hence, although the present disclosure has been provided hereinabove by way of non-restrictive illustrative embodiments thereof, it can be modified, without departing from the scope, spirit and nature thereof and of the appended claims.