WO2016124790A1

WO2016124790A1 - A sound suppressing structure, for example a sound suppressing fence

Info

Publication number: WO2016124790A1
Application number: PCT/EP2016/052647
Authority: WO
Inventors: Brian Nielsen
Original assignee: Greensilencer Aps
Priority date: 2015-02-07
Filing date: 2016-02-08
Publication date: 2016-08-11
Also published as: EP3253925A1

Abstract

A sound suppressing structure, for example a fence (100), suitable for suppressing sound, the structure comprising: two posts (210) anchored to the ground at a distance from each other; said posts defining a plane (A) which includes both the centre longitudinal axes of the two posts, a first side panel arrangement arranged on a first side of said plane (A), a second side panel arrangement arranged on a second side of said plane (A), an open soil chamber, where the sides of the open soil chamber are defined by said first and second side panel arrangements and where said chamber is arranged to be open in an upwards facing direction for receiving at least one root of a vegetation (900), at least one of said first and second side panel arrangements comprising two planks (220) which form one side of the chamber; an internal support structure (250) arranged between the two posts and between the first side panel arrangement and the second side panel arrangement for positioning the planks relative to the posts. The internal support structure comprising: a first portion having a dimension which is arranged parallel to the centre axes of the posts, a second portion having a dimension which is arranged perpendicular to the centre axes of the posts and parallel to the plane A, and a third portion which extends in a direction having a vector component perpendicular to said plane (A) and which is arranged between the two posts, and wherein the planks are connected to and/or supported by the third portion.

Description

A SOUND SUPPRESSING STRUCTURE, FOR EXAMPLE A SOUND SUPPRESSING FENCE

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a sound suppressing structure, for example a sound suppressing fence, and a method of providing such a sound suppressing structure.

Within the scope of the current specification the terms "sound absorbing structure", "sound reducing structure", "sound insulating structure" and "sound suppressing structure" will be used interchangeably to describe a structure which contributes to a reduction in the noise levels around the structure. In most cases, the structure will be of the kind which absorbs sound waves, but in certain embodiments which are also covered by the invention, the structure will mainly reflect sound without absorbing.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Today noise from traffic, industry or other human beings is an increasing problem as people tend to live in urban areas. Consequently, many sound reducing structures, for example sound reducing fences, have been made.

Furthermore, human beings living in urban areas like to have gardens or vegetation around them as these green spots increase recreation and can reduce stress. Consequently, there have been many attempts to build sound reducing structures, for example fences, comprising vegetation. In this way, people are sheltered from noise and can look upon vegetation at the same time.

Examples of sound reducing fences known in the art include GB1545700, DE8710405U 1, DE2744473C2 and EP11754318A1. These fences all describe sound reducing fences comprising vegetation. A problem with these fences is that around the poles, the sound easily migrates through the fence to the other side, as the poles are exposed on either side of the fence. Sound is therefore absorbed on the first surface and transmitted to the second surface without any significant filtering. Furthermore, the known sound reducing structures are typically complicated structures which are complicated to setup and maintain. In one example, a prior art fence is provided which is comprised of a number of panels. If one of the panels becomes damaged, the entire structure needs to be disassembled and then reassembled. Other structures are very expensive to manufacture due to their complicated construction. There therefore remains a need for a sound suppressing structure, which comprises vegetation in the form of plants but which is also able to effectively reduce noise from industries, roads and the like. Furthermore there remains a need for a sound suppressing structure that is easy to build and maintain and can be made at a low cost.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore a first object of the invention to provide a new type of sound suppressing structure which solves the problems with the prior art. This is provided in part by a sound suppressing structure according to independent claim 1.

Additional embodiments are disclosed in dependent claims 2 to 17. A second solution to the object of the invention is provided by the sound suppressing structure according to independent claim 18. Additional embodiments are disclosed in the dependent claims 19 and 20. This second solution could be the subject of a divisional application based on this application. It should be emphasized that the term "comprises/comprising/comprised of" when used in this specification is taken to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof. For example in the claims it is stated that the structure comprises two posts. However, this should be understood as at least two posts. In another example the claims state that the structure comprises two planks. However this should again be understood as at least two planks.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figures la to lc disclose three views of a first embodiment of a sound suppressing fence (100) according to the present invention.

Figure 2 discloses a view of a second embodiment of a fence (100) according to the present invention, where one side of the fence is closed.

Figures 3a to 3b disclose a top and side view of a third embodiment of a fence (100) according to the present invention, where one side of the fence is closed.

Figures 4a to 4b disclose a top and side view of a fourth embodiment of a fence (100) according to the present invention. Figure 5 discloses a side view of an embodiment of a plank binder (270) used in a sound suppressing fence according to the present invention.

Figure 6 discloses a cross sectional view of an embodiment of a right horizontal plank (230) according to the present invention.

Figures 7a to 7c disclose top, front and side views of a portion (250) of a fifth embodiment of a sound suppressing fence according to the present invention. Figures 8a to 8c disclose top, front and side views of the portion (250) of the fence of figures 7a-7c where planks have been mounted on the plank binders.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A first aspect of the present invention relates to a sound suppressing structure, for example a fence, suitable for suppressing sound, the structure comprising :

- two posts anchored to the ground at a distance from each other; said posts defining a plane (A) which includes both the centre longitudinal axes of the two posts,

- a first side panel arrangement arranged on a first side of said plane (A),

- a second side panel arrangement arranged on a second side of said plane (A),

- an open soil chamber, where the sides of the open soil chamber are defined by said first and second side panel arrangements and where said chamber is arranged to be open in an upwards facing direction for receiving at least one root of a vegetation,

- at least one of said first and second side panel arrangements comprising two planks which form one side of the open soil chamber;

- an internal support structure arranged between the two posts and between the first side panel arrangement and the second side panel arrangement for positioning the planks relative to the posts; said internal support structure comprising :

- a first portion having a dimension which is arranged parallel to the centre axes of the posts, and

- a second portion having a dimension which is arranged perpendicular to the centre axes of the posts and parallel to the plane A, and

- a third portion which extends in a direction having a vector component perpendicular to said plane (A) and which is arranged between the two posts,

- and wherein the planks are connected to and/or supported by the third portion.

In the context of the present invention the term "post" shall be understood as any physical shape or structure, adapted to fasten a structure, for example a fence, to the ground or to an element fastened to the ground. The post may or may not extend into the ground. In one embodiment, a ground anchor is fastened to the ground and then one end of the post is fastened to the ground anchor. In another embodiment, the post is inserted into a hole in the ground. Many other suitable methods of attaching a post to the ground will be known to the person skilled in the art.

In the context of the present invention the term "plank" shall be understood as a physical shape or structure having a length, a width and a thickness and where the length is at least 2 times longer than its width and where the width is at least two times larger than the thickness. In this way, the plank will have two surfaces which have a greater area than the other surfaces. In many embodiments the planks will be arranged as horizontal planks. In this case the planks will have a horizontal dimension which is 2 times longer than the vertical dimension. In certain embodiments, a plank will have a dimension in one direction which is at least 3 times, 4 times or 5 times longer than a dimension in a direction perpendicular to the first direction. This is true both for the length/width relationship and the width/thickness relationship.

In the context of the present invention the term "support structure" shall be understood as a physical 3-dimensional structure of material(s) forming a structure. In many cases, the structure will be an open structure. In certain cases, one could describe the support structure as a "skeleton structure".

In the context of the present invention the term "open soil chamber" shall be understood as a space comprising at least one open balcony being in contact with the surrounding atmosphere; said space being able to receive and store a solid or semi-solid material(s) similar to soil or clay.

The open soil chamber is intended to be filled with a loose filling material. In many cases, said material will be of a type which is suitable for supporting the growth of plants. Such material may be any simple or advanced material being able to be filled into the space. Furthermore it is advantageous, if the material is able to absorb noise. Some non-limiting examples of suitable materials are clay, plant soil, sand, etc.

Furthermore, in the context of the current specification, the term "portion" should be understood as a portion of an individual element which provides a certain function. It is not necessary that the portion is an individual element, but it could be integrated with other portions. For example, in the context of the current specification, the elements which make up the first portion could be integrated with elements which make up the second and/or third portions. This is shown in the embodiments shown in the figures and is described in greater detail below. In the context of the current specification the term "side panel arrangement" should be understood as a structure which forms the side of a soil chamber. This could take many different forms. In one example, the side panel arrangement takes the form of a number of horizontal planks. In another example, the side panel arrangement could take the form of a plastic, metal or composite panel. Additional cover elements could be arranged outside the side panel arrangements. For example, the side panel arrangement could be a metal net structure which is covered on its outer side by a plastic sheet. The plastic sheet could be further covered by decorative wood elements, for example willow rods or wooden slats.

In one embodiment, the plane of the side panel arrangement is arranged mainly vertically. By mainly vertically is meant a direction which has a vector which has a greater vertical component than horizontal component. In one embodiment, the vertical component is at least 5 times greater than the horizontal component. In another embodiment, the vertical component is at least 10 times greater than the horizontal component. In one embodiment, the plane is arranged vertically.

In one embodiment the ends of the first portion engage the posts such that the first portion extends from one post to the other post. In the context of the current specification, the phrase "extending between the two posts" should be understood as extending from one post to the other post.

In one embodiment, said internal support structure comprises

- a first elongated element extending between the two posts and

- two second elongated elements offset from each other in a horizontal direction in said plane (A) and extending from the first elongated element in a direction parallel to said plane.

In this case, the first elongated element forms the first portion and the the second elongated elements form the second portion.

In the context of the current invention, the term elongated element shall be understood as an element which has a length which is greater than its width and thickness. In certain cases, the length will be at least 2 times, 3 times, 4 times, or 5 times greater than its width and/or thickness.

In one embodiment, the internal support structure comprises two first elongated elements extending between the two posts and in that the second elongated elements extend between the two first elongated elements. In this way, a planar structure is provided between the two posts. In one embodiment, the internal support structure comprises a number of third elements which extend from the first and/or second portion of the internal support structure in a direction which has a vector component which is perpendicular to said plane A and in that the planks are connected to the third elements. As mentioned previously, the first and or second portions could be integrated with the third portions. For example, in the embodiments shown in the figures, the second elongated elements and the third elements are integrated into a single element which in the following will be called a "plank binder". In most cases, the third elements will have one end which is connected to the first and or second portions and a second end which extends from the first and/or second portions and which is formed as a free end. The planks will then be connected to the free end of the third elements. In one embodiment, the ends of the first portion are formed complementary to the posts so that the ends of the first portion are connectable to the posts. In one embodiment, the ends of the first portion are so connected to the posts that the ends of the first portion are kept from displacing in a direction perpendicular to the plane (A). In one embodiment, the ends of the first portion are formed so that they are slideable relative to the posts in a direction which is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the posts.

In one embodiment, the first and/or the second side panel arrangements are arranged such that one or both of said side panel arrangements at least partially overlap the posts on one or both sides of said plane (A). By overlap, it should be understood that, when viewing the structure from a direction which is perpendicular to the plane (A), the side panel arrangements are arranged to at least partially cover the posts. In one embodiment, the side panel arrangements complete overlap the posts so that the posts are not visible from the side of the structure.

When producing and assembling sound suppressing fences, it has been found that noise travels especially well through the fence at the location of the posts. Around the posts in many prior art solutions there are often created through going openings as the structure is assembled up to the post. Furthermore weather and wind ages the fence and small cracks in the structure may occur. These often occur close to or at the posts.

In one current embodiment as described above, the posts are encapsulated in the structure. This results in a lower risk of receiving cracks and consequently better sound suppression. Also as the posts do not separate the sound suppression materials (soil) at the left and right side of the post, the resulting sound suppression is improved. In one embodiment, the minimum dimension of the soil chamber in a direction perpendicular to the plane (A) is greater than the maximum dimension of the two posts in the same direction and at the same location. In this way, the posts can be encapsulated in the open soil chamber.

In one embodiment the average width of the soil chamber is from 2 to 40 cm wider the average width of the post. In another embodiment the average width of the soil chamber is from 6 to 28 cm wider than the width of the width of the post.

In the context of the present invention the term "average width of the soil chamber" is measured as the average width of the soil chamber. The "minimum width of the soil chamber" is the shortest distance between a left and right side panel arrangement throughout the fence.

In one embodiment the average width of the soil chamber is from 12 to 40 cm wide. In another embodiment the average width of the soil chamber is from 20 to 32 cm wide. In another embodiment the average width of the soil chamber is from 10 to 24 cm wide.

In one embodiment the internal support structure is located in the soil chamber. In one embodiment, at least 90% of the internal support structure is located in the open soil chamber. In another embodiment, at least 95% of the internal support structure is located in the open soil chamber.

In one advantageous embodiment, the planks are connected to the second sub structure via the soil chamber facing side of the planks so that the internal support structure is essentially hidden by the planks. In one embodiment both said first and said second side panel arrangements comprise two planks and the second sub structure comprises third elongated elements extending from both sides of said plane (A) and the planks are supported by said third elements on both sides of said plane (A). In this way a symmetric structure is provided which is similar when viewed from either side of the structure.

The shape and structure of the materials are important in order to build a fence that is easy to assemble and weather resistant during use, but also cost effectiveness may be important. In one embodiment the posts are shaped as a H-shaped profiles. In one embodiment the posts are extruded H-shaped profiles. In a concrete embodiment of the structure, the posts are arranged as vertical posts and the internal support structure comprises two horizontally arranged elongated elements extending between the two vertical posts and two plank binders, where each plank binder comprises a vertically arranged elongated portion which extends between the two horizontally arranged elongated elements and two mostly horizontally arranged elongated elements which have a component which extends perpendicularly to said plane in order to support a horizontal plank.

In the context of the present invention the term "plank binder" shall be understood as a physical shape or structure extending at least from one horizontally elongated element to the left and/or right horizontal planks (220, 230). The structure may be a separate structure or a structure integrally formed with other parts of the fence. In one embodiment the horizontally elongated element comprises at least one plank binder connector.

In the context of the present invention the term "connector" shall be understood as a physical shape or structure adapted to receive and/or engage with another part of the structure. The shape may be a hole, a hook, an arm or the like. In one embodiment, the plank binder comprises a least one connector suitable for forming a connection to the horizontally arranged elongated element.

In one embodiment the plank binder comprises a least one plank connector. In one embodiment the left and/or the right horizontal plank comprises a least one plank binder connector.

In one embodiment, the left and/or the right horizontal plank comprises a least one balcony closing plank connector.

In one embodiment the internal support structure is arranged such that the points of contact between the third portion of the internal support structure and the planks are located at least 10% of the length of the planks inwardly from the ends of the planks in a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of the planks. By moving the points of contact between the planks and the support structure inwards relative to the ends of the planks the stiffness of the planks can be reduced. In situations where the planks are only supported at their ends, the stiffness of the planks needs to be quite high in order to prevent the planks from bulging outwards when the soil chamber is filled. This is especially true when plants and water are added to the soil mixture. In one embodiment the planks of a side panel arrangement are connected to and/or supported by the third portion such that a lower edge of a plank is closer to said plane (A) than an upper edge of the plank. In this way a tapered soil chamber is provided where the lower portion of the chamber is thinner than the upper portion of the chamber.

In one embodiment, the internal support structure supports the planks such that the upper edge of a lower plank is arranged higher than or at the same level as the lower edge of an upper plank. In this way, the lower plank can slightly overlap the upper plank. The soil arranged between the upper and lower planks can therefore be held in the chamber better.

In one embodiment, a lower portion of an outer surface of the planks comprises a friction enhancing element to better hold the soil in the chamber and/or in that an upper portion of an inner surface of the planks comprises a friction enhancing element for holding the soil in the chamber. Such friction enhancing elements can take many forms. For example, a ridge extending along the length of the plank is one example. In another example, a net structure could be attached to the planks. Plants could grow through the net structure while the net structure holds onto the soil in the chamber. Many other options are available to the person skilled in the art.

In one embodiment, the structure comprises a plant soil and the plant soil fills at least 85 percent of the volume in the open soil chamber. In one embodiment, the structure comprises a plant soil, said plant soil filling at least the majority of the open soil chamber.

In the context of the present invention the term "plant soil" shall be understood as any material being able to be filled into the soil chamber and being able to support the growth of plants. The "plant soil" may a simple material such a standard soil, sand or sphagnum, or more advanced materials.

In one embodiment, the plant soil fills at least 70 percent of the space in the open soil chamber. In another embodiment the plant soil fills at least 90 percent of the space in the open soil chamber.

In cities, where extensive rain may create floods, it may be desirable to use a fence according to the invention as a water absorber/tank, thereby decreasing the risk of a flood. The fence could therefore be connected to downspouts from a roof of a building. The material used as plant soil should be able to absorb and bind water. Such plant soil may therefore comprise large amount of cellulosic or other water absorbing materials. Preferred materials are able to absorb water corresponding to at least 3 times its own weight.

In one embodiment the sound suppressing structure is able to absorb at least 120 liters of water per square meter area of the structure in said plane (A). It should be noted that the thickness of the fence and the choice of filler material is adjusted to provide the desired water absorption per square meter fence.

In one embodiment the structure comprises a downspout connector for receiving water from a downspout.

In one embodiment the plant soil is able to absorb and hold at least 500 liters of water per cubic meter of plant soil. In one embodiment the fence is able to absorb at least 100 liter per square meter fence. In another embodiment the fence is able absorb at least 120 liter per square meter fence. In another embodiment the fence is able absorb at least 150 liter per square meter fence.

It may be desirable to build a sound suppression fence with plants on the left side and no plants on the right side or vice versa. Such fence may be built by allowing the left side of the fence to have open soil filled balconies, while at the right side of the fence, the soil chamber is closed.

In one embodiment the open soil chamber is closed on one side of the structure, said structure only having balconies on the other side of the structure. In one such embodiment the structure comprises at least one a least one balcony closing plank.

In order for the plants to have sufficient access to water, it may be desirable to ensure water is added to the fence. Therefore it may be desirable to build a fence having a watering system included in the fence. A water hose comprising a plurality of apertures could therefore be added to the structure. In one embodiment, the water hose could comprise a connector for connecting the water hose to a water source.

On an outdoor shooting range, noise suppression may be needed to reduce noise to the neighbours. Furthermore, if the fence comprises a layer for stopping wild bullets the fence would increase safety around the shooting range. In one embodiment the structure could therefore comprises a bullet capturing member. In the context of the present invention the term "bullet capturing member" shall be understood a physical structure (separate from the plant soil), adapted to stop or reduce the speed of a bullet. The bullet capturing member may or may not be integrated into the internal support structure, for example the internal skeleton structure. In one embodiment the bullet capturing member is a wall structure within the fence. In one embodiment of the invention one or more horizontal planks can be made from a composite material. In one embodiment the horizontal planks can comprise from 20 to 70 percent of a plant material. In one embodiment the plant material is a wood material, for instance saw dust. In one embodiment the plant material is a bamboo material. In one embodiment the horizontal planks comprise from 30 to 80 percent of a plastic material.

In the above text, the sound suppressing structure is described as comprising two posts and an internal support structure arranged between the two posts. However, in many embodiments of a sound suppressing structure according to the current invention, many more posts than two will be provided. In a typical embodiment of a sound suppressing structure according to the current invention, a series of posts will be erected and internal support structures will be arranged between adjacent posts. Horizontal planks will be connected to the internal support structures to provide open soil chambers and soil will be filled into the open soil chambers. In this way a "fence" can be provided which extends over a distance which is greater than the distance between two adjacent posts.

In this case, the horizontal planks of one section will abut the horizontal planks of the next section. The form of the contact between the ends of two abutting horizontal planks can be arranged in different ways. In one embodiment, a plank end connector element is provided which mechanically joins one end of one plank to one end of another plank. In this way, the strength of the structure is increased . Furthermore, displacement of the ends of the horizontal planks can be better controlled.

In one embodiment, a plank end connector can be provided which is arranged to sandwich the two planks between an outer flange and an inner flange, where the inner flange is arranged on the soil facing side of the plank and the other flange is arranged on the outer side of the plank. This could for example be in the form of an H profile where one open side of the H profile engages the end of one plank and the other open side of the H profile engages the end of the abutting plank. In another embodiment, a plank end connector could be provided which engages with a recess in both ends of the plank. For example, a slot could be milled in the end surfaces of the planks. A flat supporting element could then be inserted into the slots of two abutting planks. In a further embodiment a plank end connector could be provided which engages the top and/or bottom surfaces of the planks. This will provide support in a vertical direction. In another embodiment two recesses, for example two circular holes, are placed in either end of the planks and a connector element comprising a central plate arranged between the two ends and two circular protrusions on either side of the plate which engage with the circular recesses can be provided. In other embodiments, different supporting mechanisms could be combined . For example, a supporting element comprising an H shaped profile which sandwiches the ends could be combined with a portion which engages with recesses provided in the ends of the planks.

In the above embodiments, the mechanical strength of the structure was improved. However, a plank end connector element can also be arranged to prevent soil from seeping out from any gaps or spaces between the two horizontal planks. In one embodiment, a plank end connector could be arranged to both increase the strength of the structure as described above as well as to prevent soil from seeping out. In other embodiments, a plank end connector could be arranged to only prevent soil from seeping out. In one such embodiment, a form of tape or other flexible material could be applied on the inner surface between abutting planks which would seal any gaps present between abutting planks. In other embodiments, an adhesive or sealant material could be applied between abutting planks to seal and/or fasten abutting planks together.

A second aspect of the present invention relates to a method of providing a structure according the first aspect of the present invention, one embodiment of the method comprising the steps of:

providing at least two posts;

providing at least two left planks;

providing at least two right planks;

- providing an internal support structure for positioning of the left and right planks relative to the posts; and

connecting the planks to the internal support structure in order to form an open soil chamber between the left and right planks. In one embodiment of the second aspect of the present invention, the method comprises the step of providing at least two ground anchors and attaching the posts to the ground anchors. In one embodiment of the second aspect of the present invention, the method comprises the step of providing a filler material to fill the open soil chamber. In one embodiment of the second aspect of the present invention, the method comprises the step of assembling the internal support structure.

It will be appreciated that any combination of features and elements of the first and second aspect may be combined in any suitable manner.

A second invention relates to a sound suppressing structure, for example a fence, suitable for suppressing sound, the structure comprising : - two posts anchored to the ground; said posts defining a plane (A) which includes both the centre longitudinal axes of the two posts,

- a first side panel arrangement arranged on a first side of said plane (A),

- a second side panel arrangement arranged on a second side of said plane (A),

- at least one of said first and second side panel arrangements comprising two planks which form one side of the open soil chamber; and where

- the first and second side panel arrangements are arranged such that said side panel arrangements at least partially overlap the posts on both sides of said plane.

In this embodiment, the posts are encapsulated in the soil chamber.

In an embodiment of this second invention, the minimum dimension of the soil filled chamber in a direction perpendicular to the plane (A) is greater than the maximum dimension of the two posts in the same direction and at the same location.

In another embodiment of the second invention, the structure further comprises an internal support structure which supports the planks and in that at least 90% of the internal support structure is located in the open soil chamber.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The description provided below of the drawings showing embodiments of the present invention should in no way limit the scope of the invention, but be seen as a few of many different designs of a device and a system according to the present invention.

Figure la discloses a top view of an example of a sound suppressing fence (100) according to the present invention and Figure lb discloses a partial cross sectional side view of the fence 100 from figure la. Figure lc discloses a complete cross sectional side view of the fence 100 from figure la. The fence 100 has vertical posts 210 anchored in the ground for attaching the fence to the ground. The posts 210 in this example have an H-shaped cross section and a made from extruded steel. The internal support structure 250 is in the form of a skeleton structure and comprises horizontally arranged elongated elements 260, which in this example are also extruded H-shaped profiles (seen more clearly on figures lb and lc). These horizontally arranged elongated elements 260 are participating in forming the horizontal structure of the skeleton structure 250. In the current embodiment, the horizontal structure of the skeleton structure is arranged to connect the skeleton structure 250 to the vertical posts 210. To these horizontally arranged elongated elements 260 are attached several plank binders 270.

The planks binders 270 participate in forming the vertical structure of the skeleton structure 250. Furthermore, the plank binders enable the attachment of the horizontal planks 220, 230 to the skeleton structure 250. The left horizontal planks 220 and right horizontal planks 230 form the open soil chambers 300. Vegetation in the form of plants 900 is planted in the balconies provided between the planks allowing the root structure 920 of the vegetation 900 to grow into the soil chamber 300. As can be seen from figures lb and lc, the plank binders 270 comprise a vertically arranged portion 275 which extends between two adjacent horizontally arranged elongated elements 260 and a number of horizontally arranged sections 276 which extend from the vertically arranged section in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the fence. In the current embodiment, each plank binder 270 is formed from a single piece of stamped metal. However, within the scope of the invention, one could imagine that the plank binders were comprised of multiple elements which were joined together. For example, the vertical section could be provided by a single elongated plate element. The horizontal sections could also be arranged as elongated elements which are connected one by one to the vertical section.

It can also be seen that the current embodiment of the plank binder comprises four horizontally extending sections 276 on each side of the vertically arranged section. For each plank, two horizontally extending sections are used whereby a lower horizontal section is shorter than an upper horizontal section. When attaching the plank to the plank binder, the upper portion of a plank is connected to the upper horizontal section and the lower portion of the plank is connected to the lower horizontal section. In this way the planks are arranged at an angle to the vertical. However, within the scope of the invention many different forms of horizontal sections could be imagined. For example, in one embodiment, a single plate element having a certain height and length could be used to attach each plank to the vertically arranged section.

In the terms of the claims, the vertical portion of the plank binders would be considered to be the second portion of the internal support structure and the horizontal portions of the plank binders would be considered to be part of the third portion of the internal support structure. When assembling the fence 100, the vertical posts are first fastened to the ground at regular intervals. The posts could be fastened to the ground in many different ways known to the person skilled in the art. In one embodiment, the posts are pounded directly into the ground. In another embodiment, the posts are attached to anchors placed in the ground. Once the posts are erected, the structure can be assembled such that the ends of the horizontally arranged elongated elements 260 are arranged inside the sides of the H profile of the vertical posts. The ends of the plank binders are arranged in the open sides of the H profiles of a lower horizontally arranged elongated element and an upper horizontally arranged elongated element. Planks are then attached to the free ends of the horizontal sections of the plank binders.

Figure lc shows how the complete structure is formed by building upper sections on top of lower sections. In the example of figure lc, two plank binders are arranged on top of the other, only separated by a horizontally arranged elongated element. In this way, a total of four planks are added on each side of the fence resulting in four balconies on either side of the fence. An additional section comprising new plank binders and a new horizontally arranged elongated element could be added on top of the fence of figure lc if a higher fence were desired.

Figure 2 discloses a partial cross sectional side view of a second embodiment of a fence 100 according to the present invention, the embodiment being almost identical to the fence described in figures la-lc. But in contrast to example 1, the soil chamber 300 on the left side of the fence in this second embodiment is closed. The balcony suitable for positioning plants is closed with a balcony closing plank 225. Furthermore, the embodiment in figure 2 is shown with a plant soil 400 filling the open soil chamber 300. The embodiment of figures la-lc would also have a plant soil when erected, but this has been removed from the figures to simplify the figures.

Figures 3a and 3b disclose a top view and a partial cross sectional side view of an embodiment of a fence 100 according to the present invention, the embodiment being almost identical to the fence described in figures la to lc. But in contrast to example 1, the soil chamber 300 in this embodiment is closed on the left side of the fence 100. The soil chamber on the left side is closed by using differently designed plank binders 270 and differently designed left horizontal planks 220 resulting in a vertical left wall. Furthermore, the embodiment in figures 3a and 3b comprises a water hose 950 for providing water to the plants 900. The water hose 950 comprises a plurality of apertures along the hose for distribution of the water.

Figure 4a discloses a top view of an embodiment of a fence 100 according to the present invention. Fig. 4b discloses a partial cross sectional side view of the fence 100 from figure 4a. The fence 100 has vertical posts 210 for attaching the fence to the ground. The posts 210 in this embodiment are "X" shaped or "+" shaped. The skeleton structure 250 again comprises horizontally arranged elongated elements 260. However, in this case, instead of a single H shaped profile, two L-shaped profiles (seen more clearly in figure 4b) are used near each end of the plank binder.

These horizontally arranged elongated elements 260 are participating in forming the horizontal structure of the skeleton structure 250 and attach the skeleton structure 250 to the posts 210. These horizontally arranged elongated elements 260 are inserted through corresponding holes in several plank binders 270. The holes can be considered as connectors 271 and can be seen in more detail in figure 5. The planks binders 270 participate in forming the vertical structure of the skeleton structure 250. In this embodiment, each plank binder 270 is connected to two layers of horizontally arranged elongated elements 260. A first layer is connected near the upper end of the plank binder and a second layer is connected near the bottom end of the plank binder. Each layer comprises two horizontally arranged elongated elements (seen more clearly in figure 4b).

It can also be seen from figure 4a that the two horizontally arranged elongated elements are arranged to sandwich a flange of the posts. In this way, the ends of the horizontally arranged elongated elements are held fixed to prevent the ends from displacing in a direction which is perpendicular to the plane of the fence, but at the same time the ends can slide up and down along the longitudinal axis of the posts. In this way, the fence can be assembled by first assembling a module comprising a number of plank binders with four horizontally arranged elongated elements and then sliding the complete module down over the posts. Additional modules can then be placed one on top of the other to build a fence having the correct height. Furthermore, the plank binders enable the attachment of the horizontal planks 220, 230. The left horizontal planks 220 and right horizontal planks 230 form the soil chamber 300. The vegetation 900 is positioned in the balconies of the fence 100 allowing the root structure 920 of the vegetation 900 to grow into the soil chamber 300.

Figure 5 discloses a more detailed side view of an example of an embodiment of a plank binder 270 from figure 4. The plank binder 270 has L-shaped holes 271 to receive the horizontally arranged elongated elements 260. The holes act as connectors 271 on the plank binder 270. The plank binder 270 has also hook shapes 272 at each free end of the horizontal portions 276 of the plank binders adapted to receive the left and right horizontal planks 220 & 230. These hooks act as horizontal plank connectors 272 on the plank binder 270. Figure 6 discloses a cross sectional side view of an example of a right horizontal plank 230 from example 4. The right horizontal plank 230 has hooks 232 to engage with the plank binders. These hooks act as plank binder connectors 232 on the right horizontal plank 230. Furthermore, the right horizontal plank 230 has a shape near the top 233a and another shape near the bottom 233b of the horizontal plank. These shapes act as balcony closing plank connectors (233) or friction increasing elements. As can be imagined by looking at figure 4b for example, each balcony is bounded by an inner horizontal plank and an outer horizontal plank. The inner upper side of the outer horizontal plank and the outer lower side of the inner horizontal plank are both in contact with the balcony. Hence, the balcony closing plank connectors 233 provide friction to the soil placed at the balcony which holds the soil in the soil chamber. Figures 7a to 7c and figures 8a to 8c disclose an additional embodiment of the current invention. The overall structure of this embodiment is similar to the previous embodiments. Only the shape of the plank binders 270 and the shape of the horizontally arranged elongated elements 260 are different. In this embodiment, instead of two horizontal planks on each side of each plank binder, three planks are arranged on each side of each plank binder in this embodiment. Furthermore, instead of L-shaped horizontally arranged elongated elements, in this embodiment C shaped horizontally arranged elongated elements are provided. In this way, when two modules are placed on top of each other, the bottom surfaces of the horizontally arranged elongated elements of the upper module rest on the upper surfaces of the horizontally arranged elongated elements of the lower module.

In this embodiment, it can also be seen that the upper surfaces of the upper horizontally arranged elongated elements 260 are arranged lower than the upper edge of the uppermost horizontal planks. Likewise the lower surfaces of the lower horizontally arranged elongated elements 260 are arranged below the lower edge of the lowest horizontal planks. In this way, when one module is placed on top of another module, the upper module is placed "inside" the lower module so that a good overlap between modules is provided. This enhances the stability of the structure and holds better to the soil in the structure.

Claims

A sound suppressing structure, for example a fence (100), suitable for suppressing sound, the structure comprising :

- two posts (210) anchored to the ground at a distance from each other; said posts defining a plane (A) which includes both the centre longitudinal axes of the two posts,

- a first side panel arrangement arranged on a first side of said plane (A),

- a second side panel arrangement arranged on a second side of said plane (A),

- an open soil chamber, where the sides of the open soil chamber are defined by said first and second side panel arrangements and where said chamber is arranged to be open in an upwards facing direction for receiving at least one root of a vegetation (900),

- at least one of said first and second side panel arrangements comprising two planks (220) which form one side of the chamber;

- an internal support structure (250) arranged between the two posts and between the first side panel arrangement and the second side panel arrangement for positioning the planks relative to the posts; said internal support structure comprising :

- a first portion having a dimension which is arranged parallel to the centre axes of the posts,

A sound suppressing structure according to claim 1, characterized in that said internal support structure comprises

- a first elongated element extending between the two posts and

A sound suppressing structure according to claim 2, characterized in that said internal support structure comprises two first elongated elements extending between the two posts and in that the second elongated elements extend between the two first elongated elements.

4. A sound suppressing structure according to any one of claims 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that the internal support structure comprises a number of third elements which extend from the first and or second portion of the internal support structure in a direction which has a vector component which is perpendicular to said plane A and in that the planks are connected to the third elements.

5. A sound suppressing structure according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the ends of the second portion of the internal support structure are formed complementary to the posts so that said ends are connectable to the posts.

6. A sound suppressing structure according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the first and/or the second side panel arrangements are arranged such that one or both of said side panel arrangements at least partially overlap the posts on one or both sides of said plane (A).

7. A sound suppressing structure according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that both said first and said second side panel arrangements comprise two planks and that the third portion of the internal support structure comprises third elements extending from both sides of said plane (A) and that the planks are supported by said third elements on both sides of said plane (A).

8. A sound suppressing structure according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the minimum dimension of the soil chamber in a direction perpendicular to said plane A is greater than the maximum dimension of the two posts in the same direction and at the same location.

9. A sound suppressing structure (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that at least 90% of the internal support structure is located in the open soil chamber (300).

10. A sound suppressing structure (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the planks are connected to the internal support structure via the soil chamber facing side of the planks so that the internal support structure is essentially hidden by the planks.

11. A sound suppressing structure (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the sound suppressing structure is able to absorb at least 120 liters of water per square meter area of the structure in said plane

(A).

12. A sound suppressing structure (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the posts are vertical posts and that the internal support structure comprises two horizontally arranged elongated elements (260) extending between the two vertical poles and two plank binders (270), where each plank binder comprises a vertically arranged elongated portion which extends between the two horizontally arranged elongated elements and two horizontally arranged elements which extend perpendicularly to said plane in order to be connected to and/or to support a horizontal plank.

13. A sound suppressing structure (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the internal support structure is arranged such that the points of contact between the internal support structure and the planks are located at least 10% of the length of the planks inwardly from the ends of the planks in a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of the planks.

14. A sound suppressing structure (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the planks of a side panel arrangement are connected to and/or supported by the internal support structure such that a lower edge of a plank is closer to said plane (A) than an upper edge of the plank.

15. A sound suppressing structure (100) according to claim 14, characterized in that the internal support structure supports the planks such that an upper edge of a lower plank is arranged higher than or at the same level as a lower edge of an upper plank.

16. A sound suppressing structure (100) according to claim 15, characterized in that a lower portion of an outer surface of the planks comprises a friction enhancing element to better hold the soil in the chamber and/or in that an upper portion of an inner surface of the planks comprises a friction enhancing element for holding the soil in the chamber.

17. A sound suppressing structure (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that the structure (100) comprises a plant soil (400) and where the plant soil (400) fills at least 85 percent of the volume in the open soil chamber.

18. A sound suppressing structure, for example a fence (100), suitable for suppressing sound, the structure comprising :

- two posts (210) anchored to the ground; said posts defining a plane (A) which includes both the centre longitudinal axes of the two posts,

- a first side panel arrangement arranged on a first side of said plane (A), - a second side panel arrangement arranged on a second side of said plane (A),

- at least one of said first and second side panel arrangements comprising two planks (220) which form one side of the open soil chamber; and where

19. A sound suppressing structure according to claim 18, characterized in that the minimum dimension of the open soil chamber in a direction perpendicular to said plane (A) is greater than the maximum dimension of the two posts in the same direction and at the same location.

20. A sound suppressing structure (100) according to claim 18 or 19, characterized in that said structure further comprises an internal support structure which supports the planks and in that at least 90% of the internal support structure is located in the open soil chamber (300).