Sound proof underlayment membrane

Abstract

A soundproof underlayment membrane is disclosed. The membrane comprises a main layer having a given thickness made of a flexible material and a plurality of points extending from one of the surfaces of the main layer. The points are located on the surface in order to create an absorbing chamber between the main layer and an adjacent surface on which the membrane is placed, while reducing a surface of contact between floor coverings installed on the membrane and the adjacent surface. By combining at least two different structural elements, the membrane is particularly efficient for sound reduction in a construction such as the impact or structure borne noise (Impact Insulation Class—IIC) and the sound transmission or airborne sound (Sound Transmission Class—SCC). Compared to existing membranes in the fields, the present invention provides a light material, easy to manufacture, ship and install, while providing effective soundproof properties.

1 . A soundproof underlayment membrane, the membrane comprising:
 a main layer having two opposite surfaces and a thickness and made of a flexible material; and   a plurality of points extending from at least from one of the opposite surfaces of the main layer; the points being located on the at least one surface in order to create an absorbing chamber between the main layer and an adjacent surface on which the membrane is placed in order to reduce sounds, the plurality of points also reducing a surface of contact between a floor covering installed on the membrane and the adjacent surface.   
     
     
         2 . The membrane of  claim 1 , wherein the given thickness of the main layer and/or the number of points are selected in order to customize the soundproof property of the membrane. 
     
     
         3 . The membrane of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of points are regularly located on the surface from which they extend from and spaced apart of a distance of about 4 to about 12 mm. 
     
     
         4 . The membrane of  claim 3 , wherein the plurality of points are spaced apart of a distance of about 6 mm. 
     
     
         5 . The membrane of  claim 1 , wherein the flexible material is made of a non-woven fabric. 
     
     
         6 . The membrane of  claim 1 , wherein the flexible material is made of a needle-punched non-woven fabric. 
     
     
         7 . The membrane of  claim 6 , wherein the needle-punched non-woven fabric comprises polyester. 
     
     
         8 . The membrane of  claim 7 , wherein the needle-punched non-woven fabric has a density of about 250 gsm. 
     
     
         9 . The membrane of any one of  claim 1 , wherein the points are made of a material selected from the group consisting of rubber, Polyvinylchloride or PVC, silicone or wood. 
     
     
         10 . The membrane of  claim 9 , wherein the points are made of PVC having a density of about 60 gsm. 
     
     
         11 . The membrane of  claim 1 , wherein the points have a round base in contact with the main layer with a diameter of from about 1 mm to about 5 mm. 
     
     
         12 . The membrane of  claim 11 , wherein the diameter is about 2.5 mm. 
     
     
         13 . The membrane of  claim 1 , wherein the points have a height of from about 1 to about 3 mm. 
     
     
         14 . The membrane of  claim 13 , wherein the height is about 2 mm. 
     
     
         15 . The membrane of  claim 1 , wherein the surface opposite to the surface comprising the plurality of points is laminated. 
     
     
         16 . The membrane of  claim 15 , wherein the laminated surface comprises Polyvinylchloride or PVC. 
     
     
         17 . The membrane of  claim 16 , wherein the laminated surface has a density of about 100 gsm. 
     
     
         18 . The membrane of  claim 1 , wherein the membrane is configured to be placed on a floor, walls and/or ceiling of a room. 
     
     
         19 . A method for reducing sound in a construction, the method comprising the steps of:
 providing a soundproof underlayment membrane as defined in  claim 1 ; and   placing the membrane on an adjacent surface with the plurality of points extending from the main layer towards the adjacent surface creating as such an absorbing chamber for reducing a surface of contact between a floor covering installed on the membrane and the adjacent surface.   
     
     
         20 . The method according to  claim 19 , further comprising the steps of:
 modifying the thickness of the membrane; and/or   selecting the number of points to be provided in the membrane;   
       in order to customize the soundproof property of the membrane.