Noise and vibration mitigating mat

Abstract

A noise and vibration mitigating mat having top and bottom surfaces comprises a first layer formed of recycled bound rubber product, the first layer having a contoured bottom surface and a generally flat top surface, a second layer on the top surface of the first layer, the second layer being formed of a fabric and a third layer on the second layer and being formed of recycled rubber product.

1 . A noise and vibration mitigating mat having top and bottom surfaces comprising: 
 a first layer formed of recycled bound rubber product, the first layer having a contoured bottom surface and a generally flat top surface;    a second layer on the top surface of said first layer, the second layer being formed of a fabric; and    a third layer on the second layer and being formed of recycled rubber product.    
   
   
       2 . A noise and vibration mitigating mat according to  claim 1  wherein the contoured bottom surface has variations in thickness.  
   
   
       3 . A noise and vibration mitigating mat according to  claim 2  wherein the mat is manufactured in a continuous sheet.  
   
   
       4 . A noise and vibration mitigating mat according to  claim 3  wherein the first and third layers are cut from large cylindrical members each formed of Styrenebutadiene Rubber (SBR) and natural rubber mixed with a polyurethane to form a plurality of voids therein.  
   
   
       5 . A noise and vibration mitigating mat according to  claim 4  wherein the first layer is further processed by a profiling machine which cuts the contour into the bottom surface.  
   
   
       6 . A noise and vibration mitigating mat according to  claim 5  wherein the density of the third layer is greater than the density of the first layer.  
   
   
       7 . A noise and vibration mitigating mat according to  claim 1  wherein the contoured bottom surface comprises an array of peaks and valleys.  
   
   
       8 . A noise and vibration mitigating mat according to  claim 7  wherein dimensions of said peaks and valleys are selected to give the mat a desired dynamic compression characteristic under load.  
   
   
       9 . A noise vibration mitigating mat according to  claim 8  wherein the relative densities of the first and third layers are selected to provide said desired dynamic compression characteristic, said third layer being more dense than said first layer.  
   
   
       10 . A noise and vibration mitigating map according to  claim 9  wherein said first and third layers are formed of Styrenebutadiene Rubber and natural rubber mixed with polyurethane.  
   
   
       11 . A noise and vibration mitigating map according to  claim 10  wherein said second layer is selected from the group consisting of geotextile, fabric, polyethylene plastic, polypropylene plastic and asphalt mastic material.  
   
   
       12 . A noise and vibration mitigating mat comprising: 
 a first layer defining a contoured bottom surface of said mat; and    a second layer overlying said first layer and defining a generally flat top surface of said mat, wherein said first and second layers are formed of sound absorbing material so that impact and/or vibration energy applied to said mat is inhibited from propagating to structure surrounding said mat.    
   
   
       13 . A noise and vibration mitigating mat according to  claim 12  wherein the contoured bottom surface has variations in thickness.  
   
   
       14 . A noise and vibration mitigating mat according to  claim 13  wherein said bottom surface is contoured to define an arrangement of peaks and valleys.  
   
   
       15 . A noise and vibration mitigating mat according to  claim 14  wherein dimensions of said peaks and valleys are selected to give the mat a desired dynamic compression characteristic under load.  
   
   
       16 . A noise vibration mitigating mat according to  claim 15  wherein the relative densities of the first and second layers are selected to provide said desired dynamic compression characteristic, said second layer being more dense than said first layer.  
   
   
       17 . A noise and vibration mitigating mat according to  claim 16  wherein said first and second layers are formed of recycled rubber product.  
   
   
       18 . A noise and vibration mitigating mat according to  claim 17  wherein the first and second layers are each formed of Styrenebutadiene Rubber (SBR) and natural rubber mixed with a polyurethane to form a plurality of voids therein.  
   
   
       19 . A noise and vibration mitigating map according to  claim 16  wherein said second layer is selected from the group consisting of geotextile, fabric, polyethylene plastic, polypropylene plastic and asphalt mastic material.  
   
   
       20 . A noise and vibration mitigating mat according to  claim 16  further comprising at least one intermediate layer disposed between said first and second layers.