MillerKnoll has been granted a patent for a noise reduction apparatus that includes multiple panels with holes to absorb acoustic waves. The panels can be hung over a workspace, incorporated into a light fixture, or used as part of shelving. The panels are made of materials such as glass or wood and can be positioned within a room adjacent to furniture or a work surface. GlobalData’s report on MillerKnoll gives a 360-degree view of the company including its patenting strategy. Buy the report here.
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According to GlobalData’s company profile on MillerKnoll, Electric load control systems was a key innovation area identified from patents. MillerKnoll's grant share as of September 2023 was 72%. Grant share is based on the ratio of number of grants to total number of patents.
Patent granted for noise reduction apparatus with glass panels
A recently granted patent (Publication Number: US11746523B2) describes a noise reduction apparatus that aims to reduce audible noise within a work space. The apparatus consists of two glass panel elements with holes defined in them, positioned adjacent and spaced apart from each other to create a gap. The holes in the glass panels allow acoustic waves to enter the gap, where they are absorbed to reduce noise. The apparatus can be positioned within a room of a building, either adjacent to a work surface of furniture or within the room adjacent to the furniture.
The apparatus includes a frame and/or connectors that connect the glass panel elements. The frame or connectors can be attached to the glass panels in various configurations. For example, an upper frame element can be attached to the glass panels and mounted below a ceiling and above the furniture in the room. Connectors can also be positioned within the gap, extending between the glass panels on different sides. The frame and connectors are designed to ensure that the gaps between the glass panels are open at least at one peripheral edge.
In some embodiments, the noise reduction apparatus includes an upper frame element attached to a light emitting device, allowing light to be emitted within the gap. The frame can also be comprised of multiple frame members with grooves, where the edges of the glass panels are positioned. The apparatus can be configured as a free-standing partition, booth, or furniture.
Another embodiment of the noise reduction apparatus includes multiple glass panel elements and corresponding gaps, all connected by a frame and/or connectors. The gaps are in communication with each other, forming a cavity. The holes in the glass panels allow acoustic waves from the external environment to pass into the cavity for sound absorption.
The patent also describes a method of providing the noise reduction apparatus, which involves obtaining glass panel elements and positioning them adjacent to each other using a frame and/or connectors. The apparatus is then positioned adjacent to a work surface of furniture or above the furniture within a room. The holes in the glass panels allow acoustic waves from the room to enter the gap for sound absorption.
Overall, this patent presents a noise reduction apparatus that utilizes glass panel elements and gaps to absorb sound waves and reduce audible noise within a work space. The apparatus can be positioned within a room of a building and configured in various ways to suit different applications.
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GlobalData Patent Analytics tracks bibliographic data, legal events data, point in time patent ownerships, and backward and forward citations from global patenting offices. Textual analysis and official patent classifications are used to group patents into key thematic areas and link them to specific companies across the world’s largest industries.
