SOUND-REDUCTION SYSTEM FOR OUTDOOR COURT SPORTS

Abstract

The invention is a rectangular-shaped, sound-reducing system comprising multiple layers of sound-reduction material inside the rectangular-shaped enclosure. The enclosure is outfitted with fixtures enabling fast, simple attachment to chain-link fencing.

Claims

1. A noise-reduction system for outdoor courts comprising: a rectangular, weather-resistant, enclosure comprising; a first layer of glass fiber fabric; a second layer of sound-barrier foam; a third layer of sound-barrier felt; and a fourth layer of polyvinyl chloride-coated mesh tarpaulin.

2. A claim as in claim 1 further comprising: a plurality of stainless steel eyelets near each corner of the rectangular, weather-resistant, enclosure operative to enable mounting the rectangular, weather-resistant, enclosure essentially oriented vertically and interfaced to a chain-link fence portion.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0010] FIG. 1 depicts a paddleball racket and ball.

[0011] FIG. 2 depicts an outdoor sports court surrounded by chain-link fencing.

[0012] FIG. 3 depicts how the system in a variety of sizes can be attached to the chain-link fencing providing sound-reduction outside the fenced-in court.

[0013] FIG. 4 depicts the invention enclosure and its inner layers of sound-reduction materials depicting the sound-reduction materials and their juxtapositions.

[0014] FIG. 5 shows a view from above a court showing how sound inside the court is significantly reduced by the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION

[0015] Outdoor court sports can generate significant noise levels, with pickleball being particularly notable for its sound impact. Within 100 feet of pickleball courts, sound levels typically reach around 70 dBA with no sound reduction measures in place. The frequency of pickleball noise ranges from 1,000 to 2,000 Hz, which is close to the most sensitive range for human hearing.

[0016] In FIG. 1, a pickleball racket (101) and ball (102) are shown. Pickleball paddles are typically constructed from hard materials like composite or graphite, which amplify sound upon impact. When a pickleball strikes the paddle, it causes the paddle to vibrate, similar to how a soundboard works in musical instruments, enhancing the noise produced.

[0017] The balls used in pickleball are made from hard plastic and have a perforated design. This construction contributes to the distinctive pop sound when struck. The ball's lightweight nature allows for a quick impact duration (about 2 milliseconds), which aligns well with the paddle's vibration frequency, resulting in louder sounds.

[0018] Hard surfaces like asphalt or concrete further amplify the noise generated by player movements and ball bounces. The combination of these factors creates a resonant sound that can travel significant distances.

[0019] The sound produced during pickleball play typically falls within the frequency range of 1,000 to 2,000 Hz, which is close to the frequencies humans are most sensitive to. This sensitivity makes the noise more noticeable and potentially annoying to those nearby.

[0020] FIG. 2 illustrates an outdoor pickleball court (201) which is usually surrounded by chain-link fencing (202). Such fences prevent balls from exiting the court area but have no effect upon sound radiating from inside to outside the court.

[0021] In FIG. 3, the chain-link fencing of FIG. 2 is now covered, on the inside, by rectangular shaped, sound-reduction structures (300) comprising an outer enclosure containing layers of various sound-reducing materials inside the enclosure.

[0022] In FIG. 4, a view inside the sound-reducing enclosure (300) shows an area of sound-reducing materials comprising polyvinylchloride (PVC) coated mesh tarpaulin (401), sound-barrier felt (402), sound-barrier foam (403) and glass-fiber fabric (404). Some acoustic felt panels have a Noise Reduction Coefficient (NRC) of 0.9 in 2-inch thickness, which means they absorb about 90% of sound energy. Sound-barrier foam is effective at reducing echoes and reverberation. And, glass-fiber fabric offers good sound absorption properties, versatility in installation, and can be tailored to specific acoustic needs through variations in density and facing materials.

[0023] FIG. 5 is a top-down view illustrating how inside-court noise (501) when passing through the layers of sound-reducing materials is attenuated by 28 dBA. If the sound level at 100 feet from the court was 70 dBA with no sound-reduction, it is now reduced to 42 dBA which is the sound of quiet rainfall or a quiet residential area.

[0024] The drawings and descriptions relate to pickleball which is considered the loudest court-sport sound producer. The same invention applied to another court sport, such as tennis or basketball would provide the same level of sound reduction. Therefore, the example of pickleball is exemplary and should not be read as limiting the claim scope.