CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial

No. 62/814,058 filed March 5, 2019 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62/872,871 filed July 11, 2019, the disclosures of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Sound barrier walls are built along highways to reduce the noise produced by motor vehicles traveling on the highways. The sound barriers must meet specific standards based on the regulations set by local governments. These government standards can include noise deflection tests, impact tests, and flammability tests.

[0003] Currently, many sound barriers are manufactured using concrete sound barrier panels. These concrete panels are capable of meeting the above listed standards for highway sound barriers. However, due to their weight, concrete sound barrier panels require large construction equipment to lift and position the sound barrier panels, making installation of the concrete sound barrier panels difficult, time consuming, and costly. Thus, a need exists for a sound barrier panel that is light weight but capable of meeting the required government standards for highway sound barriers.

SUMMARY

[0004] The present devices and systems include improved sound barrier panels, sound barrier systems, glare screens, and glare screen systems. The sound barrier panels and systems are light weight but still have properties that allow the panels and systems to pass governmental noise deflection, impact, flammability, and wind tests.

[0005] Various implementations include a sound barrier panel. The sound barrier panel includes a first polymeric foam portion, a rubber membrane, a second polymeric foam portion, and a polyurea coating. The first polymeric foam portion has a first surface, a second surface opposite and spaced apart from the first surface, a first end, a second end opposite and spaced apart from the first end, a top end, and a bottom end opposite and spaced apart from the top end. The rubber membrane has a first surface and a second surface opposite and spaced apart from the first surface. The second surface of the first polymeric foam portion abuts the first surface of the rubber membrane. The second polymeric foam portion has a first surface and a second surface opposite and spaced apart from the first surface. The second surface of the rubber membrane abuts the first surface of the second polymeric foam portion. The polyurea coating covers at least the first surface of the first polymeric foam portion and the second surface of the second polymeric foam portion.

[0006] In some implementations, the sound barrier panel further includes at least one metal stud extending from the first end of the first polymeric foam portion to the second end of the first polymeric foam portion.

[0007] In some implementations, the polyurea coating covers the first polymeric foam portion, the rubber membrane, the second polymeric foam portion, and the at least one metal stud.

[0008] In some implementations, the at least one metal stud includes a first metal stud and a second metal stud. The first metal stud extends along the top end of the first polymeric foam portion, and the second metal stud extends along the bottom end of the first polymeric foam portion.

[0009] In some implementations, the at least one metal stud further includes a third metal stud and a fourth metal stud. The third metal stud extends along the first end of the first polymeric foam portion, and the fourth metal stud extends along the second end of the first polymeric foam portion.

[0010] In some implementations, the at least one metal stud is 14-gauge galvanized steel or thicker.

[0011] In some implementations, the at least one metal stud is couplable with another metal stud.

[0012] In some implementations, the at least one metal stud is couplable with another metal stud by a tongue and groove joint.

[0013] In some implementations, the first polymeric foam portion has a length of 20 feet from the first end to the second end.

[0014] In some implementations, the first polymeric foam portion and the second polymeric foam portion include 1 -pound density expanded polystyrene.

[0015] In some implementations, the first polymeric foam portion and the second polymeric foam portion include from 1 -pound density to 10-pound density expanded polystyrene. In some implementations, the first polymeric foam portion and the second polymeric foam portion include from 3 -pound density to 5 -pound density expanded polystyrene.

[0016] In some implementations, the rubber membrane has a thickness of 1/8 inch as measured from the first surface of the rubber membrane to the second surface of the rubber membrane.

[0017] In some implementations, the sound barrier panel has a weighted transmission loss of at least 20 dBA.

[0018] In some implementations, the polyurea coating has an ASTM E84 fire retardant rating of Class A (Class I).

[0019] In some implementations, the sound barrier panel passes the Missile Impact Test per Miami-Dade PA 201, the Positive Cyclic Load Test per Miami-Dade PA 203, and the Negative Cyclic Load Test per Miami-Dade PA 203.

[0020] Various other implementations include a sound barrier system. The sound barrier system includes a first sound barrier panel and a second sound barrier panel. Each of the first sound barrier panel and the second sound barrier panel includes a first polymeric foam portion, a rubber membrane, a second polymeric foam portion, a polyurea coating, and at least one metal stud. The first polymeric foam portion has a first surface, a second surface opposite and spaced apart from the first surface, a first end, and a second end opposite and spaced apart from the first end. The rubber membrane has a first surface and a second surface opposite and spaced apart from the first surface. The second surface of the first polymeric foam portion abuts the first surface of the rubber membrane. The second polymeric foam portion has a first surface and a second surface opposite and spaced apart from the first surface. The second surface of the rubber membrane abuts the first surface of the second polymeric foam portion. The polyurea coating covers at least the first surface of the first polymeric foam portion and the second surface of the second polymeric foam portion. The at least one metal stud extends from the first end of the first polymeric foam portion to the second end of the first polymeric foam portion. The at least one metal stud of the first sound barrier panel is coupled to the at least one metal stud of the second sound barrier panel.

[0021] In some implementations, the at least one metal stud of each of the first sound barrier panel and the second sound barrier panel includes a first metal stud and a second metal stud.

[0022] In some implementations, the polyurea coating covers the first polymeric foam portion, the rubber membrane, the second polymeric foam portion, and the at least one metal stud.

[0023] In some implementations, the first metal studs of the first and second sound barrier panels extend along the top ends of the first polymeric foam portions, respectively, and the second metal studs of the first and second sound barrier panels extend along the bottom ends of the first polymeric foam portions, respectively.

[0024] In some implementations, the at least one metal stud of each of the first and second sound barrier panels further includes a third metal stud and a fourth metal stud. The third metal studs extend along the first ends of the first polymeric foam portions of the first and second sound barrier panels, and the fourth metal studs extend along the second ends of the first polymeric foam portions of the first and second sound barrier panels.

[0025] In some implementations, the at least one metal stud is 14-gauge galvanized steel or thicker.

[0026] In some implementations, the at least one metal stud of the first sound barrier panel is coupled to the at least one metal stud of the second sound barrier panel by a tongue and groove joint.

[0027] In some implementations, the first polymeric foam portion has a length of 20 feet from the first end to the second end.

[0028] In some implementations, the first polymeric foam portion and the second polymeric foam portion include 1 -pound density expanded polystyrene.

[0029] In some implementations, the first polymeric foam portion and the second polymeric foam portion include from 1 -pound density to 10-pound density expanded polystyrene. In some implementations, the first polymeric foam portion and the second polymeric foam portion include from 3 -pound density to 5 -pound density expanded polystyrene.

[0030] In some implementations, the rubber membrane has a thickness of 1/8 inch as measured from the first surface of the rubber membrane to the second surface of the rubber membrane.

[0031] In some implementations, the sound barrier panel has a weighted transmission loss of at least 20 dBA.

[0032] In some implementations, the polyurea coating has an ASTM E84 fire retardant rating of Class A.

[0033] In some implementations, the first sound barrier panel and second sound barrier panel pass the Missile Impact Test per Mi ami -Dade PA 201, the Positive Cyclic Load Test per Miami-Dade PA 203, and the Negative Cyclic Load Test per Mi ami -Dade PA 203. [0034] Various other implementations include a glare screen. The glare screen includes a screen polymeric foam portion, a polyurea coating, and at least one coupling bracket. The screen polymeric foam portion has a first surface, a second surface opposite and spaced apart from the first surface, a first end, a second end opposite and spaced apart from the first end, a top end, and a bottom end opposite and spaced apart from the top end. The polyurea coating covers at least the first and second surfaces of the screen polymeric foam portion. The at least one coupling bracket is for coupling the glare screen to a barrier. The at least one coupling bracket is embedded in the screen polymeric foam portion and extends from the bottom end of the screen polymeric foam portion.

[0035] In some implementations, the at least one coupling bracket includes a first coupling bracket and a second coupling bracket. The first coupling bracket is structured to be coupled to a first surface of a barrier, and the second coupling bracket is structured to be coupled to a second surface of a barrier.

[0036] In some implementations, the at least one coupling bracket includes a first coupling bracket, a second coupling bracket, a third coupling bracket, and a fourth coupling bracket. The first and third coupling brackets are structured to be coupled to a first surface of a barrier and the second and fourth coupling brackets are structured to be coupled to a second surface of a barrier.

[0037] In some implementations, the at least one coupling bracket includes a first coupling bracket, a second coupling bracket, a third coupling bracket, a fourth coupling bracket, a fifth coupling bracket, and a sixth coupling bracket. The first, third, and fifth coupling brackets are structured to be coupled to a first surface of a barrier and the second, fourth, and sixth coupling brackets are structured to be coupled to a second surface of a barrier.

[0038] In some implementations, the at least one coupling bracket defines at least one fastener opening.

[0039] In some implementations, the at least one coupling bracket includes a first bracket section, a second bracket section, and a third bracket section. The first bracket section is embedded in the screen polymeric foam portion, the second bracket section extends along the bottom end of the screen polymeric foam portion, and the third bracket portion extends away from the screen polymeric foam portion.

[0040] In some implementations, the screen polymeric foam portion includes a first screen polymeric foam portion and a second screen polymeric foam portion. The glare screen further includes a rubber membrane having a first surface and a second surface opposite and spaced apart from the first surface. The second surface of the first screen polymeric foam portion abuts the first surface of the rubber membrane, and the second surface of the rubber membrane abuts the first surface of the second screen polymeric foam portion.

[0041] In some implementations, the rubber membrane has a thickness of 1/8 inch as measured from the first surface of the rubber membrane to the second surface of the rubber membrane.

[0042] In some implementations, the screen polymeric foam portion includes 1 -pound density expanded polystyrene.

[0043] In some implementations, the screen polymeric foam portion includes from 1- pound density to 10-pound density expanded polystyrene. In some implementations, the screen polymeric foam portion includes from 3 -pound density to 5 -pound density expanded polystyrene.

[0044] In some implementations, the polyurea coating has an ASTM E84 fire retardant rating of Class A.

[0045] In some implementations, one of the first end or the second end of the screen polymeric foam portion is couplable to the other of the second end or the first end of the screen polymeric foam portion of another glare screen by a tongue and groove joint.

[0046] In some implementations, one of the first end or the second end of the screen polymeric foam portion is couplable to the other of the second end or the first end of the screen polymeric foam portion of another glare screen by a lap joint.

[0047] Various other implementations include a glare screen system including a barrier and a glare screen as described above. The barrier has a first barrier surface and a second barrier surface opposite and spaced apart from the first barrier surface. The at least one coupling bracket is coupled to the first barrier surface or the second barrier surface.

[0048] In some implementations, the at least one coupling bracket includes a first coupling bracket and a second coupling bracket. The first coupling bracket is coupled to the first barrier surface, and the second coupling bracket is coupled to the second barrier surface.

[0049] In some implementations, the at least one coupling bracket includes a first coupling bracket, a second coupling bracket, a third coupling bracket, and a fourth coupling bracket. The first and third coupling brackets are structured to be coupled to a first surface of a barrier and the second and fourth coupling brackets are structured to be coupled to a second surface of a barrier.

[0050] In some implementations, the at least one coupling bracket includes a first coupling bracket, a second coupling bracket, a third coupling bracket, a fourth coupling bracket, a fifth coupling bracket, and a sixth coupling bracket. The first, third, and fifth coupling brackets are structured to be coupled to a first surface of a barrier and the second, fourth, and sixth coupling brackets are structured to be coupled to a second surface of a barrier.

[0051] In some implementations, the at least one coupling bracket defines at least one fastener opening.

[0052] In some implementations, the at least one coupling bracket includes a first bracket section, a second bracket section, and a third bracket section. The first bracket section is embedded in the screen polymeric foam portion, the second bracket section extends along the bottom end of the screen polymeric foam portion, and the third bracket portion extends away from the screen polymeric foam portion.

[0053] In some implementations, the screen polymeric foam portion includes a first screen polymeric foam portion and a second screen polymeric foam portion. The glare screen further includes a rubber membrane having a first surface and a second surface opposite and spaced apart from the first surface. The second surface of the first screen polymeric foam portion abuts the first surface of the rubber membrane and the second surface of the rubber membrane abuts the first surface of the second screen polymeric foam portion.

[0054] In some implementations, the rubber membrane has a thickness of 1/8 inch as measured from the first surface of the rubber membrane to the second surface of the rubber membrane.

[0055] In some implementations, the screen polymeric foam portion includes 1 -pound density expanded polystyrene.

[0056] In some implementations, the screen polymeric foam portion includes from 1- pound density to 10-pound density expanded polystyrene. In some implementations, the screen polymeric foam portion includes from 3 -pound density to 5 -pound density expanded polystyrene.

[0057] In some implementations, the polyurea coating has an ASTM E84 fire retardant rating of Class A.

[0058] In some implementations, one of the first end or the second end of the screen polymeric foam portion is couplable to the other of the second end or the first end of the screen polymeric foam portion of another glare screen by a tongue and groove joint.

[0059] In some implementations, one of the first end or the second end of the screen polymeric foam portion is couplable to the other of the second end or the first end of the screen polymeric foam portion of another glare screen by a lap joint.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0060] Example features and implementations are disclosed in the accompanying drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.

[0061] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a sound barrier panel, according to one implementation.

[0062] FIG. 2 is an end view of the sound barrier panel of FIG. 1.

[0063] FIG. 3 is an end view of a sound barrier panel, according to another implementation.

[0064] FIG. 4 is an end view of a sound barrier system including two of the sound barrier panels of FIG. 3.

[0065] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the sound barrier system of FIG. 4.

[0066] FIG. 6 is an end view of a glare screen, according to one implementation.

[0067] FIG. 7 is an end view of the glare screen of FIG. 6 coupled to a barrier.

[0068] FIG. 8 is a side view of the glare screen of FIG. 6 coupled to a barrier.

[0069] FIG. 9 is a side view of a glare screen coupled to a barrier, according to another implementation.

[0070] FIG. 10 is a side view of a glare screen coupled to a barrier, according to another implementation.

[0071] FIG. 11A is a perspective view of a glare screen, according to another implementation.

[0072] FIG. 1 IB is an end view of the glare screen of FIG. 11 A.

[0073] FIG. l lC is an end view of the glare screen of FIG. 11 A.

[0074] FIG. 12A is a perspective view of a glare screen, according to another implementation.

[0075] FIG. 12B is an end view of the glare screen of FIG. 12A.

[0076] FIG. 12C is an end view of the glare screen of FIG. 12A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0077] Various implementations include a sound barrier panel. The sound barrier panel includes a first polymeric foam portion, a rubber membrane, a second polymeric foam portion, and a polyurea coating. The first polymeric foam portion has a first surface, a second surface opposite and spaced apart from the first surface, a first end, a second end opposite and spaced apart from the first end, a top end, and a bottom end opposite and spaced apart from the top end. The rubber membrane has a first surface and a second surface opposite and spaced apart from the first surface. The second surface of the first polymeric foam portion abuts the first surface of the rubber membrane. The second polymeric foam portion has a first surface and a second surface opposite and spaced apart from the first surface. The second surface of the rubber membrane abuts the first surface of the second polymeric foam portion. The polyurea coating covers at least the first surface of the first polymeric foam portion and the second surface of the second polymeric foam portion.

[0078] Various other implementations include sound barrier system. The sound barrier system includes a first sound barrier panel and a second sound barrier panel. Each of the first sound barrier panel and the second sound barrier panel include a first polymeric foam portion, a rubber membrane, a second polymeric foam portion, a polyurea coating, and at least one metal stud. The first polymeric foam portion has a first surface, a second surface opposite and spaced apart from the first surface, a first end, a second end opposite and spaced apart from the first end, a top end, and a bottom end opposite and spaced apart from the top end. The rubber membrane has a first surface and a second surface opposite and spaced apart from the first surface. The second surface of the first polymeric foam portion abuts the first surface of the rubber membrane. The second polymeric foam portion has a first surface and a second surface opposite and spaced apart from the first surface. The second surface of the rubber membrane abuts the first surface of the second polymeric foam portion. The polyurea coating covers at least the first surface of the first polymeric foam portion and the second surface of the second polymeric foam portion. The at least one metal stud extends from the first end of the first polymeric foam portion to the second end of the first polymeric foam portion. The at least one metal stud of the first sound barrier panel is coupled to the at least one metal stud of the second sound barrier panel.

[0079] Various other implementations include a glare screen. The glare screen includes a screen polymeric foam portion, a polyurea coating, and at least one coupling bracket. The screen polymeric foam portion has a first surface, a second surface opposite and spaced apart from the first surface, a first end, a second end opposite and spaced apart from the first end, a top end, and a bottom end opposite and spaced apart from the top end. The polyurea coating covers at least the first and second surfaces of the screen polymeric foam portion. The at least one coupling bracket is for coupling the glare screen to a barrier. The at least one coupling bracket is embedded in the screen polymeric foam portion and extends from the bottom end of the screen polymeric foam portion.

[0080] Various other implementations include a glare screen system including a barrier and a glare screen as described above. The barrier has a first barrier surface and a second barrier surface opposite and spaced apart from the first barrier surface. The at least one coupling bracket is coupled to the first barrier surface or the second barrier surface.

[0081] FIGS. 1 and 2 show a sound barrier panel 100. The sound barrier panel 100 includes a rubber membrane sandwiched between a first polymeric foam portion polymeric foam portion and a second polymeric foam portion, four metal studs each extending along either the top end, bottom end, and side ends of the sandwiched portions, and a polyurea coating covering the rubber membrane, the first polymeric foam portion, the second polymeric foam portion, and the metal studs. The sound barrier panel 100 is capable of deflecting sound and is durable enough to withstand sever weather. Two or more sound barrier panels 100 can be vertically stacked on each other to form a taller, sound barrier system.

[0082] The rubber membrane 102 of the sound barrier panel 100 is an effective sound deflecting barrier due to its high density. The rubber membrane 102 has a first end 104 and a second end 106 opposite and spaced apart from the first end 104, and a top end 108 and a bottom end 110 opposite and spaced apart from the top end 108. The rubber membrane 102 also has a first surface 112 and a second surface 114 opposite and spaced apart from the first surface 112. The first surface 112 and second surface 114 of the rubber membrane 102 extend from the first end 104 of the rubber membrane 102 to the second end 106 of the rubber membrane 102 and from the top end 108 of the rubber membrane 102 to the bottom end 110 of the rubber membrane 102. The rubber membrane 102 has a thickness of 1/8 inch as measured from the first surface 112 of the rubber membrane 102 to the second surface 114 of the rubber membrane 102. Although the rubber membrane 102 is used for sound deflection in the sound barrier 100 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, in other implementations, another sound deflecting material could be used instead of a rubber membrane, such as cork, dense glass, sheet metal, or any other material with a high enough density to deflect the desired level of noise for the particular environment in which the sound barrier panel is designed to be used.

[0083] The first and second polymeric foam portions 116, 130 add thickness to the sound barrier panel 100 for structural support. The first polymeric foam portion 116 of the sound barrier panel 100 has a first end 118 and a second end 120 opposite and spaced apart from the first end 118, and a top end 122 and a bottom end 124 opposite and spaced apart from the top end 122. The first polymeric foam portion 116 also has a first surface 126 and a second surface opposite 128 and spaced apart from the first surface 126. The first surface 126 and second surface 128 of the first polymeric foam portion 116 extend from the first end 118 of the first polymeric foam portion 116 to the second end 120 of the first polymeric foam portion 116 and from the top end 122 of the first polymeric foam portion 116 to the bottom end 124 of the first polymeric foam portion 116. The first polymeric foam portion 116 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is manufactured from 1 -pound density expanded polystyrene because of the material’s light weight, low cost, and ease of manufacturing. However, in other implementations, the first polymeric foam portion can be expanded polystyrene having any other density. In some implementations, the first polymeric foam portion has a density of 1-10 pounds. In some implementations, the first polymeric foam portion has a density of 3-5 pounds. In some implementations, the first polymeric foam portion is manufactured from urethane foam, polyurea foam, polyurethane foam, extruded polystyrene, or any other foam board or fiber board.

[0084] The second polymeric foam portion 130 of the sound barrier panel 100 has a first end 132 and a second end 134 opposite and spaced apart from the first end 132, and a top end 136 and a bottom end 138 opposite and spaced apart from the top end 136. The second polymeric foam portion 130 also has a first surface 140 and a second surface 142 opposite and spaced apart from the first surface 140. The first surface 140 and second surface 142 of the second polymeric foam portion 130 extend from the first end 132 of the second polymeric foam portion 130 to the second end 134 of the second polymeric foam portion 130 and from the top end 136 of the second polymeric foam portion 130 to the bottom end 138 of the second polymeric foam portion 130. The second polymeric foam portion 130 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is manufactured from 1 -pound density expanded polystyrene because of the material’s light weight, low cost, and ease of manufacturing. However, in other implementations, the second polymeric foam portion can be expanded polystyrene having any other density. In some implementations, the second polymeric foam portion has a density of 1-10 pounds. In some implementations, the second polymeric foam portion has a density of 3-5 pounds. In some implementations, the second polymeric foam portion is manufactured from urethane foam, polyurea foam, polyurethane foam, extruded polystyrene, or any other foam board or fiber board.

[0085] The sound barrier panel 100 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 has a length of 20 feet as measured from the first end 118 of the first polymeric foam portion 116 to the second end 120 of the first polymeric foam portion 116. The sound barrier panel 100 also has a height of 4 feet as measured from the top end 108 of the first polymeric foam portion 116 to the bottom end 110 of the first polymeric foam portion 116. The sound barrier panel 100 further has a thickness of 6 inches as measured from the first surface 126 of the first polymeric foam portion 116 to the second surface 142 of the second polymeric foam portion 130. However, in other implementations, the lengths, heights, and thicknesses are any other size based on the intended use of the sound barrier panel.

[0086] When assembled, the second surface 114 of the first polymeric foam portion 116 abuts the first surface 112 of the rubber membrane 102, and the second surface 114 of the rubber membrane 102 abuts the first surface 140 of the second polymeric foam portion 130.

[0087] The sound barrier panel 100 includes a first metal stud 144, a second metal stud 144’, a third metal stud 144”, and fourth metal stud 144”’. The four metal studs 144, 144’, 144”, 144”’ create a frame around the ends of the sound barrier panel 100 to add structural stability to the sound barrier panel 100. Each of the four metal studs 144, 144’, 144”, 144”’ has a middle portion 146, 146’, 146”, 146”’, a first side portion 156, 156’, 156”, 156”’, and a second side portion 166, 166’, 166”, 166”’. Each of the middle portions 146, 146’, 146”, 146”’ has a first end 148, 148’, 148”, 148”’ and a second end 150, 150’, 150”, 150”’ opposite and spaced apart from the first end 148, 148’, 148”, 148”’, and an inner surface 152, 152’, 152”, 152”’ and an outer surface 154, 154’, 154”, 154”’ opposite and spaced apart from the inner surface 152, 152’, 152”, 152”’. Each of the first side portions 156, 156’, 156”, 156”’ has a first end 148, 148’, 148”, 148”’ and a second end 160, 160’, 160”, 160”’ opposite and spaced apart from the first end 148, 148’, 148”, 148’”, and an inner surface 152, 152’, 152”, 152 5 5 5 and an outer surface opposite 154, 154’, 154”, 154”’ and spaced apart from the inner surface 152, 152’, 152”, 152”’. Each of the second side portions 166, 166’, 166”, 166”’ has a first end 168, 168’, 168”, 168”’ and a second end 170, 170’, 170”, 170”’ opposite and spaced apart from the first end 168, 168’, 168”, 168”’, and an inner surface 172, 172’, 172”, 172’” and an outer surface 174, 174’, 174”, 174”’ opposite and spaced apart from the inner surface 172, 172’, 172”, 172”’. The first ends 148, 148’, 148”, 148”’ of the middle portions 146, 146’, 146”, 146”’ are coupled to the first ends 148, 148’, 148”, 148”’ of the first side portions 156, 156’, 156”, 156”’ such that the inner surfaces 152, 152’, 152”, 152”’ of the middle portions 146,

146’, 146”, 146”’ are disposed at a ninety degree angle to the inner surfaces 152, 152’, 152”, 152”’ of the first side portions 156, 156’, 156”, 156”’. The second ends of the middle portions

146, 146’, 146”, 146 5 5 5 are coupled to the first ends 168, 168’, 168”, 168 5 5 5 of the second side portions 166, 166’, 166”, 166 5 5 5 such that the inner surfaces 152, 152’, 152”, 152 5 5 5 of the middle portions 146, 146’, 146”, 1465 5 5 are disposed at a ninety degree angle to the inner surfaces 172, 172’, 172”, 172”’ of the second side portions 166, 166’, 166”, 166”’. Thus, each of the four metal studs 144, 144’, 144”, 144 5 5 5 has a squared U-shape cross-section as viewed in a plain perpendicular to the inner surfaces 152, 152’, 152”, 152”’ of each of the middle portion

146, 146’, 146”, 146”’ of each respective metal stud 144, 144’, 144”, 144 5 5 5 . Each of the four metal studs 144, 144’, 144”, 144 5 5 5 comprises 14-gauge galvanized steel, but in other implementations, the metal studs comprise any material and any thickness to make the sound barrier panel have the desired strength and flexibility characteristics for the environment in which the sound barrier panel is designed to be used.

[0088] The inner surface 152 of the middle portion 146 of the first metal stud 144 is disposed on the top ends 108, 122, 136 of the rubber membrane 102, the first polymeric foam portion 116, and the second polymeric foam portion 130. The inner surface 162 of the first side portion 156 of the first metal stud 144 is disposed along the first surface 126 of the first polymeric foam portion 116, and the inner surface 172 of the second side portion 166 of the first metal stud 144 is disposed along the second surface 142 of the second polymeric foam portion 130. The first metal stud 144 extends from the first ends 104, 118, 132 of the rubber membrane 102, the first polymeric foam portion 116, and the second polymeric foam portion 130 to the second ends 106, 120, 134 of the rubber membrane 102, the first polymeric foam portion 116, and the second polymeric foam portion 130. Two eyebolts 188 are coupled to the first metal stud 144 to aid in installation of the sound barrier panel 100.

[0089] The inner surface 152’ of the middle portion 146’of the second metal stud 144’ is disposed on, and extends along, the bottom ends 110, 124, 138 of the rubber membrane 102, the first polymeric foam portion 116, and the second polymeric foam portion 130. The inner surface 162’ of the first side portion 156’of the second metal stud 144’ is disposed along the first surface 126 of the first polymeric foam portion 116’, and the inner surface 172’ of the second side portion 166’ of the second metal stud 144’ is disposed along the second surface 142 of the second polymeric foam portion 130. The second metal stud 144’ extends from the first ends 104, 118, 132 of the rubber membrane 102, the first polymeric foam portion 116, and the second polymeric foam portion 130 to the second ends 106, 120, 134 of the rubber membrane 102, the first polymeric foam portion 116, and the second polymeric foam portion 130.

[0090] The inner surface 152” of the middle portion 146” of the third metal stud 144” is disposed on, and extends along, the first ends 104, 118, 132 of the rubber membrane 102, the first polymeric foam portion 116, and the second polymeric foam portion 130. The inner surface 162” of the first side portion 156” of the third metal stud 144” is disposed along the first surface 126 of the first polymeric foam portion 116, and the inner surface 172” of the second side portion 166” of the third metal stud 144” is disposed along the second surface 142 of the second polymeric foam portion 130. The third metal stud 144’ extends from the top ends 108, 122, 136 of the rubber membrane 102, the first polymeric foam portion 116, and the second polymeric foam portion 130 to the bottom ends 110, 124, 138 of the rubber membrane 102, the first polymeric foam portion 116, and the second polymeric foam portion 130.

[0091] The inner surface 152”’ of the middle portion 146 5 5 5 of the fourth metal stud

144 5 5 5 is disposed on, and extends along, the second ends 106, 120, 134 of the rubber membrane 102, the first polymeric foam portion 116, and the second polymeric foam portion 130. The inner surface 162”’ of the first side portion 156 5 5 5 of the fourth metal stud 144”’ is disposed along the first surface 126 of the first polymeric foam portion 116, and the inner surface 172 5 5 5 of the second side portion 166’” of the fourth metal stud 144 5 5 5 is disposed along the second surface 142 of the second polymeric foam portion 130. The fourth metal stud 144 5 5 5 extends from the top ends 108, 122, 136 of the rubber membrane 102, the first polymeric foam portion 116, and the second polymeric foam portion 130 to the bottom ends 110, 124, 138 of the rubber membrane 102, the first polymeric foam portion 116, and the second polymeric foam portion 130.

[0092] The polyurea coating 190 covers the entirety of the exposed portions of the rubber membrane 102, the first polymeric foam portion 116, the second polymeric foam portion 130, and the four metal studs 144, 144’, 144”, 144”’. The polyurea coating 190 adds strength and fire resistance to the sound barrier panel 100. The polyurea coating 190 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 has an ASTM E84 fire retardant rating of Class A. However, in other implementations, the polyurea coating has an ASTM E84 fire retardant rating of Class B or Class C.

[0093] The polyurea coating 190 in FIGS. 1 and 2 is covered in an outer layer 192 comprising paint. The outer layer 192 is added to the sound barrier panel 100 for aesthetic purposes and to add ultraviolet resistance to the sound barrier panel 100. In some implementations, the outer layer includes a logo or advertisement. In some implementations, the outer layer is an aggregate surface or an adhesive. The outer layer can comprise different surfaces and textures (for example, cement applications) depending on the aesthetic purpose or functional requirements. In some embodiments, the polyurea coating is a pure polyurea coating. A pure polyurea coating can be obtained as a result of reaction of diisocyanates and amines, resulting in urea linkages. In some embodiments, the polyurea coating is the Forever Bond polyurea coating (Forever Bond 55/125/10 and/or the Forever Bond 180 FR) available from Coatings International, LLC (Marietta, GA). Additional polyurea coatings are known in the art and are commercially available from various companies, for example, Armor Thane, VersaFlex, Arma Coatings, and Huntsman Corporation. In some embodiments, the polyurea coating can be a hybrid coating, comprising polyurea and, for example, polyurethane.

[0094] Fully assembled, the sound barrier panel 100 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 has a weighted transmission loss of 27dBA and a Sound Transmission Class (“STC”) rating of STC-29 as calculated according to ASTM E90. The sound barrier panel 100 is strong enough to pass the Missile Impact Test per Miami-Dade PA 201, the Positive Cyclic Load Test per Miami-Dade PA 203, and the Negative Cyclic Load Test per Miami-Dade PA 203.

[0095] FIG. 3 shows another implementation of a sound barrier panel 300. The first metal stud 344 has a middle portion 346, a first side portion 356, and a second side portion 366 similar to the first metal stud 144 in the implementation shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, but the first side portion 356 and the second side portion 366 of the first metal stud 344 shown in FIG. 3 are not coupled to the middle portion 346. Rather, a first stepped portion 376 is coupled to the first end 348 of the middle portion 346 and the first end 358 of the first side portion 356, and a second stepped portion 382 is coupled to the second end 350 of the middle portion 346 and the first end 368 of the second side portion 366. The first stepped portion 376 and the second stepped portion 382 each have an inner surface 378, 384 and an outer surface 380, 386 opposite and spaced apart from the inner surface 378, 384.

[0096] The second metal stud 344’ has a middle portion 346’, a first side portion 356’, and a second side portion 366’ similar to the second metal stud 144’ in the implementation shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, but the first side portion 356’ and the second side portion 366’ of the second metal stud 344’ shown in FIG. 3 are not coupled to the middle portion 346’. Rather, a first stepped portion 376’ is coupled to the first end 348’ of the middle portion 346’ and the first end 358’ of the first side portion 356’, and a second stepped portion 382’ is coupled to the second end 350’ of the middle portion 346’ and the first end 368’ of the second side portion 366’. The first stepped portion 376’ and the second stepped portion 382’ each have an inner surface 378’, 384’ and an outer surface 380’, 386’ opposite and spaced apart from the inner surface 378’, 384’.

[0097] The top ends 322, 336 and bottom ends 324, 338 of the first polymeric foam portion 316 and the second polymeric foam portion 330 in the sound barrier panel 300 of FIG. 3 have been modified to accommodate the shape of the first metal stud 344 and second metal stud 344’.

[0098] The outer surfaces 364, 380, 386 of the middle portion 346, first stepped portion 376, and second stepped portion 382 of the first metal stud 344 are sized to be disposed on the outside surfaces 364’, 380’, 386’ of the middle portion 346’, first stepped portion 376’, and second stepped portion 382’ of the second metal stud 344’, respectively, to form a tongue in groove joint. The tongue in groove joint provides additional strength to connected sound barrier panels, as described below.

[0099] FIGS. 4 and 5 show a side view and a perspective view, respectively, of a sound barrier system 494 including a first sound barrier panel 400 and a second sound barrier panel 500. Both the first sound barrier panel 400 and the second sound barrier panel 500 are the same implementation of the sound barrier panel 300 shown in FIG. 3. The outer surfaces 464, 480, 486 of the middle portion 446, the first stepped portion 476, and the second stepped portion 482 of the first metal stud 444 of the first sound barrier panel 400 contact the outer surfaces 564’, 580’, 586’ of the middle portion 546’, the first stepped portion 576’, and the second stepped portion 582’ of the second metal stud 544’ of the second sound barrier panel 500, respectively.

[00100] Two I-beams 496 are vertically oriented and spaced apart from each other such that the first ends and second ends of each of the first sound barrier panel 400 and the second sound barrier panel 500 can be slidably disposed within the channels 498 in the I-beams 496 to form the sound barrier system 494. By stacking additional sound barrier panels between the two I-beams 496 and onto the first and second sound barrier panels 400, 500 and/or by including additional vertical I-beams 496 adjacent the existing two I-beams 496 and stacking additional sound barrier panels in the channels 498 of the I-beams 496, sound barrier systems of various sizes and shapes can be constructed.

[00101] FIGS. 6-8 show a glare screen 600 including a rubber membrane 602, a first screen polymeric foam portion 616, a second screen polymeric foam portion 630, a polyurea coating 690, a first coupling bracket 644, and a second coupling bracket 644’ . The glare screen 600 can be coupled to a top end 724 of a barrier 700 to provide a visual barrier above the barrier. In some implementations, the glare screen 600 includes a rubber membrane 602 to deflect sound.

[00102] The rubber membrane 602 of the glare screen 600 is an effective sound deflecting barrier due to its high density. The rubber membrane 602 has a first end 604 and a second end 606 opposite and spaced apart from the first end 604, and a top end 608 and a bottom end 610 opposite and spaced apart from the top end 608. The rubber membrane 602 also has a first surface 612 and a second surface 614 opposite and spaced apart from the first surface 612. The first surface 612 and second surface 614 of the rubber membrane 602 extend from the first end 604 of the rubber membrane 602 to the second end 606 of the rubber membrane 602 and from the top end 608 of the rubber membrane 602 to the bottom end 610 of the rubber membrane 602. The rubber membrane 602 has a thickness of 1/8 inch as measured from the first surface 612 of the rubber membrane 602 to the second surface 614 of the rubber membrane 602. In FIGS. 6-8, in other implementations another sound deflecting material could be used instead of a rubber membrane, such as cork, dense glass, sheet metal, or any other material with a high enough density to deflect the desired level of noise for the particular environment in which the glare screen is designed to be used. In some implementations, the glare screen does not include a rubber membrane.

[00103] The first and second screen polymeric foam portions 616, 630 add thickness to the glare screen 600 for structural support. The first screen polymeric foam portion 616 of the glare screen 600 has a first end 618 and a second end 620 opposite and spaced apart from the first end 618, and a top end 622 and a bottom end 624 opposite and spaced apart from the top end 622. The first screen polymeric foam portion 616 also has a first surface 626 and a second surface opposite 628 and spaced apart from the first surface 626. The first surface 626 and second surface 628 of the first screen polymeric foam portion 616 extend from the first end 618 of the first screen polymeric foam portion 616 to the second end 620 of the first screen polymeric foam portion 616 and from the top end 622 of the first screen polymeric foam portion 616 to the bottom end 624 of the first screen polymeric foam portion 616. The first screen polymeric foam portion 616 shown in FIGS. 6-8 is manufactured from 1 -pound density expanded polystyrene because of the material’s light weight, low cost, and ease of manufacturing In some implementations, the first screen polymeric foam portion has a density of 1-10 pounds. In some implementations, the first screen polymeric foam portion has a density of 3-5 pounds. In some implementations, the first screen polymeric foam portion is manufactured from urethane foam, polyurea foam, polyurethane foam, extruded polystyrene, or any other foam board or fiber board.

[00104] The second screen polymeric foam portion 630 of the glare screen 600 has a first end 632 and a second end 634 opposite and spaced apart from the first end 632, and a top end 636 and a bottom end 638 opposite and spaced apart from the top end 636. The second screen polymeric foam portion 630 also has a first surface 640 and a second surface 642 opposite and spaced apart from the first surface 640. The first surface 640 and second surface 642 of the second screen polymeric foam portion 630 extend from the first end 632 of the second screen polymeric foam portion 630 to the second end 634 of the second screen polymeric foam portion 630 and from the top end 636 of the second screen polymeric foam portion 630 to the bottom end 638 of the second screen polymeric foam portion 630. The second screen polymeric foam portion 630 shown in FIGS. 6-8 is manufactured from 1 -pound density expanded polystyrene because of the material’s light weight, low cost, and ease of manufacturing. In some implementations, the second screen polymeric foam portion has a density of 1-10 pounds. In some implementations, the second screen polymeric foam portion has a density of 3-5 pounds. In some implementations, the second screen polymeric foam portion is manufactured from urethane foam, polyurea foam, polyurethane foam, extruded polystyrene, or any other foam board or fiber board. In implementations in which the glare screen does not include a rubber membrane, the glare screen may only include a first screen polymeric foam portion without a second screen polymeric foam portion.

[00105] The polyurea coating 690 covers the entirety of the exposed portions of the rubber membrane 602, the first screen polymeric foam portion 616, and the second screen polymeric foam portion 630. The polyurea coating 690 adds strength and fire resistance to the glare screen 600. The polyurea coating 690 shown in FIGS. 6-8 has an ASTM E84 fire retardant rating of Class A. However, in other implementations, the polyurea coating has an ASTM E84 fire retardant rating of Class B or Class C.

[00106] The polyurea coating 690 in FIGS. 6-8 is covered in an outer layer 692 comprising paint. The outer layer 692 is added to the glare screen 600 for aesthetic purposes and to add ultraviolet resistance to the glare screen 600. In some implementations, the outer layer includes a logo or advertisement. In some implementations, the outer layer is an aggregate surface or an adhesive. The outer layer can comprise different surfaces and textures (for example, cement applications) depending on the aesthetic purpose or functional requirements. In some embodiments, the polyurea coating is a pure polyurea coating. A pure polyurea coating can be obtained as a result of reaction of diisocyanates and amines, resulting in urea linkages. In some embodiments, the polyurea coating is the Forever Bond polyurea coating (Forever Bond 55/125/10 and/or the Forever Bond 180 FR) available from Coatings International, EEC (Marietta, GA). Additional polyurea coatings are known in the art and are commercially available from various companies, for example, ArmorThane, VersaFlex, Arma Coatings, and Huntsman Corporation. In some embodiments, the polyurea coating can be a hybrid coating, comprising polyurea and, for example, polyurethane.

[00107] The first coupling bracket 644 and second coupling bracket 644’ each have a first bracket section 646, 646’, a second bracket section 656, 656’ coupled to the first bracket section 646, 646’, and a third bracket section 666, 666’ coupled to the second bracket section 656, 656’. The first bracket section 646 of the first coupling bracket 644 is embedded in the first screen polymeric foam portion 616, and the first bracket section 646’ of the second coupling bracket 644’ is embedded in the second screen polymeric foam portion 630. The second bracket section 656 of the first coupling bracket 644 extends along the bottom end 624 of the first screen polymeric foam portion 616, and the second bracket section 656’ of the second coupling bracket 644’ extends along the bottom end 638 of the second screen polymeric foam portion 630. The third bracket section 666 of the first coupling bracket 644 extends away from the first screen polymeric foam portion 616, and the third bracket section 666’ of the second coupling bracket 644’ extends away from the second screen polymeric foam portion 630. The third bracket sections 666, 666’ of the coupling brackets 644, 644’ each define a plurality of fastener openings 648 for receiving fasteners.

[00108] FIGS. 7 and 8 show the glare screen 600 coupled to a barrier 700. The bottom ends 624, 638 of the first screen polymeric foam portion 616 and the second screen polymeric foam portion 630 are disposed adjacent the top end 724 of the barrier 700. The second bracket sections 656, 656’ of the first coupling bracket 644 and the second coupling bracket 644’ extend beyond the edges of the top end 724 of the barrier 700 such that the third sections 666, 666’ of the first coupling bracket 644 and the second coupling bracket 644’ extend adjacent the first and second surfaces 726, 742 of the barrier 700. Fasteners are then inserted through the plurality of fastener openings 648 in the third sections 666, 666’ of the first and second coupling brackets 644, 644’ and driven into the first and second surfaces 726, 742 of the barrier 700 to couple the glare screen 600 to the barrier 700.

[00109] Although the glare screen 600 shown in FIGS. 6-8 are shown with a first coupling bracket 644 and second coupling bracket 644’, in other implementations, the glare screen includes only one coupling bracket or more than two coupling brackets. FIG. 9 shows an implementation of a glare screen 900 including a first coupling bracket 944, a second coupling bracket 944’, a third coupling bracket 1044, and a fourth coupling bracket 1044’. Each of the first, second, third, and fourth coupling brackets 944, 944’, 1044, 1044’ are similar to the coupling brackets 644, 644’ in the implementation shown in FIGS. 6-8, but are shorter in length. The third sections 966, 1066 of the first and third coupling brackets 944, 1044 extend adjacent the first surface 726 of the barrier 700, and the third sections 966’, 1066’ of the second and fourth coupling brackets 944’, 1044’ extend adjacent the first surface 742 of the barrier 700. Fasteners are inserted through the plurality of fastener openings 948, 1048 in the third sections 966, 966’, 1066, 1066’ of the first, second, third, and fourth coupling brackets 944, 944’, 1044, 1044’ and driven into the first and second surfaces 726, 742 of the barrier 700 to couple the glare screen 900 to the barrier 700.

[00110] FIG. 10 shows an implementation of a glare screen 1000 including a first coupling bracket 944, a second coupling bracket 944’, a third coupling bracket 1044, a fourth coupling bracket 1044’, a fifth coupling bracket 1144, and a sixth coupling bracket 1144’. Each of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth coupling brackets 944, 944’, 1044, 1044’, 1144, 1144’ are similar to the coupling brackets 644, 644’ in the implementation shown in FIGS. 6-8, but are shorter in length. The third sections 966, 1066, 1166 of the first, third, and fifth coupling brackets 944, 1044, 1144 extend adjacent the first surface 726 of the barrier 700, and the third sections 966’, 1066’, 1166’ of the second, fourth, and sixth coupling brackets 944’, 1044’, 1144’ extend adjacent the first surface 742 of the barrier 700. Fasteners are inserted through the plurality of fastener openings 948, 1048, 1148 in the third sections 966, 966’, 1066, 1066’, 1166, 1166’ of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth coupling brackets 944, 944’, 1044, 1044’, 1144, 1144’ and driven into the first and second surfaces 726, 742 of the barrier 700 to couple the glare screen 1000 to the barrier 700.

[00111] FIGS. 11A-11C show an implementation of a glare screen 1100 similar to the glare screen 600, 900, 1000 shown in FIGS. 6-10. However, the glare screen 1100 shown in FIGS. 11A-11C includes tongue and groove features. Because the glare screen 1100 includes many of the same features as the glare screens 600, 900, 1000 shown in FIGS. 6-10, similar reference numbers to those used in FIGS. 6-10 are used to designate similar features of the glare screen 1100 shown in FIGS. 11 A-l 1C.

[00112] The glare screen 1100 includes a rubber membrane 1102, a first screen polymeric foam portion 1116, a second screen polymeric foam portion 1130, a polyurea coating 1190, a first coupling bracket 1144, and a second coupling bracket 1144’. The glare screen 1100 can be coupled to a top end 724 of a barrier 700 to provide a visual barrier above the barrier. In some implementations, the glare screen 1100 does not include a rubber membrane 1102 for deflecting sound.

[00113] The first and second screen polymeric foam portions 1116, 1130 add thickness to the glare screen 1100 for structural support. The first screen polymeric foam portion 1116 of the glare screen 1100 has a first end 1118 and a second end 1120 opposite and spaced apart from the first end 1118, and a top end 1122 and a bottom end 1124 opposite and spaced apart from the top end 1122. The first screen polymeric foam portion 1116 also has a first surface 1126 and a second surface opposite 1128 and spaced apart from the first surface 1126. The first surface 1126 and second surface 1128 of the first screen polymeric foam portion 1116 extend from the first end 1118 of the first screen polymeric foam portion 1116 to the second end 1120 of the first screen polymeric foam portion 1116 and from the top end 1122 of the first screen polymeric foam portion 1116 to the bottom end 1124 of the first screen polymeric foam portion 1116. The first screen polymeric foam portion 1116 shown in FIGS. 11A-11C is manufactured from 1- pound density expanded polystyrene because of the material’ s light weight, low cost, and ease of manufacturing. In some implementations, the first screen polymeric foam portion has a density of 1-10 pounds. In some implementations, the first screen polymeric foam portion has a density of 3-5 pounds. In some implementations, the first screen polymeric foam portion is manufactured from urethane foam, polyurea foam, polyurethane foam, extruded polystyrene, or any other foam board or fiber board.

[00114] The second screen polymeric foam portion 1130 of the glare screen 1100 has a first end 1132 and a second end 1134 opposite and spaced apart from the first end 1132, and a top end 1136 and a bottom end 1138 opposite and spaced apart from the top end 1136. The second screen polymeric foam portion 1130 also has a first surface 1140 and a second surface 1142 opposite and spaced apart from the first surface 1140. The first surface 1140 and second surface 1142 of the second screen polymeric foam portion 1130 extend from the first end 1132 of the second screen polymeric foam portion 1130 to the second end 1134 of the second screen polymeric foam portion 1130 and from the top end 1136 of the second screen polymeric foam portion 1130 to the bottom end 1138 of the second screen polymeric foam portion 1130. The second screen polymeric foam portion 1130 shown in FIGS. 11A-11C is manufactured from 1- pound density expanded polystyrene because of the material’s light weight, low cost, and ease of manufacturing. In some implementations, the second screen polymeric foam portion has a density of 1-10 pounds. In some implementations, the second screen polymeric foam portion has a density of 3-5 pounds. In some implementations, the second screen polymeric foam portion is manufactured from urethane foam, polyurea foam, polyurethane foam, extruded polystyrene, or any other foam board or fiber board. In implementations in which the glare screen does not include a rubber membrane, the glare screen may only include a first screen polymeric foam portion without a second screen polymeric foam portion.

[00115] The first ends 1118, 1132 of the first polystyrene portion 1116 and second polystyrene portion 1130 and the second ends 1120, 1134 of the first polystyrene portion 1116 and second polystyrene portion 1130 also include tongue and groove features. A tongue portion 1170 extends from the first ends 1118, 1132 of the first polystyrene portion 1116 and second polystyrene portion 1130, and a groove portion 1180 extends into the second ends 1120, 1134 of the first polystyrene portion 1116 and second polystyrene portion 1130.

[00116] The tongue portion 1170 includes a first side step 1172 adjacent the first surface 1126 of the first polystyrene portion 1116, a second side step 1172’ adjacent the second surface 1142 of the second polystyrene portion 1130, a top step 1174 adjacent the top ends 1122, 1136 of the first polystyrene portion 1116 and second polystyrene portion 1130, and a bottom step 1174’ adjacent the bottom ends 1124, 1138 of the first polystyrene portion 1116 and second polystyrene portion 1130. The tongue portion 1170 also includes a middle surface 1176 extending between the first side step 1172, second side step 1172’, top step 1174, and bottom step 1174’.

[00117] The groove portion 1180 includes a first side step 1182 adjacent the first surface 1126 of the first polystyrene portion 1116, a second side step 1182’ adjacent the second surface 1142 of the second polystyrene portion 1130, a top step 1184 adjacent the top ends 1122, 1136 of the first polystyrene portion 1116 and second polystyrene portion 1130, and a bottom step 1184’ adjacent the bottom ends 1124, 1138 of the first polystyrene portion 1116 and second polystyrene portion 1130. The tongue portion 1180 also includes a middle surface 1186 extending between the first side step 1182, second side step 1182’, top step 1184, and bottom step 1184’.

[00118] The first side step 1172, second side step 1172’, top step 1174, bottom step 1174’, and middle surface 1176 of the tongue portion 1170 of one glare screen 1100 are sized to be disposed on the first side step 1182, second side step 1182’, top step 1184, bottom step 1184’, and middle surface 1186 of the groove portion 1180 of another glare screen 1100. Thus, the tongue portion 1170 extending from the first ends 1118, 1132 of the first polystyrene portion 1116 and second polystyrene portion 1130 of one glare screen 1100 is disposed within the groove portion 1180 extending into the second ends 1120, 1134 of the first polystyrene portion 1116 and second polystyrene portion 1130 of the other glare screen 1100 such that the ends of the glare screens 1100 are mechanically coupled together. The tongue in groove joint formed by the tongue portion 1170 and groove portion 1180 provides additional strength to connected the glare screens when mounted along the tops of the sound barriers described herein.

[00119] FIGS. 12A-12C show an implementation of a glare screen 1200 similar to the glare screen 1100 shown in FIGS. 11A-11C. However, the glare screen 1200 shown in FIGS. 12A-12C includes lap joint features. Because the glare screen 1200 includes many of the same features as the glare screen 1100 shown in FIGS. 11A-11C, similar reference numbers to those used in FIGS. 11A-11C are used to designate similar features of the glare screen 1200 shown in FIGS. 12A-12C.

[00120] The glare screen 1200 includes a rubber membrane 1202, a first screen polymeric foam portion 1216, a second screen polymeric foam portion 1230, a polyurea coating 1290, a first coupling bracket 1244, and a second coupling bracket 1244’. The glare screen 1200 can be coupled to a top end 724 of a barrier 700 to provide a visual barrier above the barrier. In some implementations, the glare screen 1200 does not include a rubber membrane 1202 for deflecting sound.

[00121] The first and second screen polymeric foam portions 1216, 1230 add thickness to the glare screen 1200 for structural support. The first screen polymeric foam portion 1216 of the glare screen 1200 has a first end 1218 and a second end 1220 opposite and spaced apart from the first end 1218, and a top end 1222 and a bottom end 1224 opposite and spaced apart from the top end 1222. The first screen polymeric foam portion 1216 also has a first surface 1226 and a second surface opposite 1228 and spaced apart from the first surface 1226. The first surface 1226 and second surface 1228 of the first screen polymeric foam portion 1216 extend from the first end 1218 of the first screen polymeric foam portion 1216 to the second end 1220 of the first screen polymeric foam portion 1216 and from the top end 1222 of the first screen polymeric foam portion 1216 to the bottom end 1224 of the first screen polymeric foam portion 1216. The first screen polymeric foam portion 1216 shown in FIGS. 12A-12C is manufactured from 1- pound density expanded polystyrene because of the material’s light weight, low cost, and ease of manufacturing. In some implementations, the first screen polymeric foam portion has a density of 1-10 pounds. In some implementations, the first screen polymeric foam portion has a density of 3-5 pounds. In some implementations, the first screen polymeric foam portion is manufactured from urethane foam, polyurea foam, polyurethane foam, extruded polystyrene, or any other foam board or fiber board.

[00122] The second screen polymeric foam portion 1230 of the glare screen 1200 has a first end 1232 and a second end 1234 opposite and spaced apart from the first end 1232, and a top end 1236 and a bottom end 1238 opposite and spaced apart from the top end 1236. The second screen polymeric foam portion 1230 also has a first surface 1240 and a second surface 1242 opposite and spaced apart from the first surface 1240. The first surface 1240 and second surface 1242 of the second screen polymeric foam portion 1230 extend from the first end 1232 of the second screen polymeric foam portion 1230 to the second end 1234 of the second screen polymeric foam portion 1230 and from the top end 1236 of the second screen polymeric foam portion 1230 to the bottom end 1238 of the second screen polymeric foam portion 1230. The second screen polymeric foam portion 1230 shown in FIGS. 12A-12C is manufactured from 1- pound density expanded polystyrene because of the material’s light weight, low cost, and ease of manufacturing. In some implementations, the second screen polymeric foam portion has a density of 1-10 pounds. In some implementations, the second screen polymeric foam portion has a density of 3-5 pounds. In some implementations, the second screen polymeric foam portion is manufactured from urethane foam, polyurea foam, polyurethane foam, extruded polystyrene, or any other foam board or fiber board. In implementations in which the glare screen does not include a rubber membrane, the glare screen may only include a first screen polymeric foam portion without a second screen polymeric foam portion.

[00123] The first end 1232 of the second polystyrene portion 1230 and the second end 1220 of the first polystyrene portion 1216 also include lap joint features. A first lap joint portion 1270 extends from the first end 1232 of the second polystyrene portion 1230, and a second lap joint portion 1280 extends from the second end 1220 of the first polystyrene portion 1216.

[00124] The first lap joint portion 1270 includes a first side step 1272 adjacent the first surface 1240 of the second polystyrene portion 1230, a second side step 1272’ adjacent the second surface 1242 of the second polystyrene portion 1230, a top step 1274 adjacent the top end 1236 of the second polystyrene portion 1230, and a bottom step 1274’ adjacent the bottom end 1238 of the second polystyrene portion 1230. The first lap joint portion 1270 also includes a middle surface 1276 extending between the first side step 1272, second side step 1272’, top step

1274, and bottom step 1274’.

[00125] The second lap joint portion 1280 includes a first side step 1282 adjacent the first surface 1226 of the first polystyrene portion 1216, a second side step 1282’ adjacent the second surface 1228 of the first polystyrene portion 1216, a top step 1284 adjacent the top end 1222 of the first polystyrene portion 1216, and a bottom step 1284’ adjacent the bottom end 1224 of the first polystyrene portion 1216. The second lap joint portion 1280 also includes a middle surface 1286 extending between the first side step 1282, second side step 1282’, top step 1284, and bottom step 1284’.

[00126] The first side step 1272 of the first lap joint portion 1270 of one glare screen 1200 are sized to be disposed on the second side step 1282’ of the second lap joint portion 1280 of another glare screen 1200. Thus, the first lap joint portion 1270 extending from the first end 1232 of the second polystyrene portion 1230 of one glare screen 1200 is disposed adjacent the second lap joint portion 1280 extending from the second end 1220 of the second polystyrene portion 1230 of the other glare screen 1200 such that the ends of the glare screens 1200 are mechanically coupled together. The lap joint formed by the first lap joint portion 1270 and second lap joint portion 1280 provides additional strength to connected the glare screens when mounted along the tops of the sound barriers described herein.

[00127] A number of example implementations are provided herein. However, it is understood that various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure herein. As used in the specification, and in the appended claims, the singular forms“a,”“an,”“the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The term“comprising” and variations thereof as used herein is used synonymously with the term “including” and variations thereof and are open, non-limiting terms. Although the terms “comprising” and“including” have been used herein to describe various implementations, the terms“consisting essentially of’ and“consisting of’ can be used in place of“comprising” and “including” to provide for more specific implementations and are also disclosed.

[00128] Disclosed are materials, systems, devices, methods, compositions, and components that can be used for, can be used in conjunction with, can be used in preparation for, or are products of the disclosed methods, systems, and devices. These and other components are disclosed herein, and it is understood that when combinations, subsets, interactions, groups, etc. of these components are disclosed that while specific reference of each various individual and collective combinations and permutations of these components may not be explicitly disclosed, each is specifically contemplated and described herein. For example, if a device is disclosed and discussed each and every combination and permutation of the device, and the modifications that are possible are specifically contemplated unless specifically indicated to the contrary. Likewise, any subset or combination of these is also specifically contemplated and disclosed. This concept applies to all aspects of this disclosure including, but not limited to, steps in methods using the disclosed systems or devices. Thus, if there are a variety of additional steps that can be performed, it is understood that each of these additional steps can be performed with any specific method steps or combination of method steps of the disclosed methods, and that each such combination or subset of combinations is specifically contemplated and should be considered disclosed.