U.S. patent application number 10/989784 was filed with the patent office on 2005-03-24 for muffling device and method for internal combustion engine.
Invention is credited to Schulte, Francis.
Application Number | 20050061578 10/989784 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46303321 |
Filed Date | 2005-03-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050061578 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Schulte, Francis |
March 24, 2005 |
Muffling device and method for internal combustion engine
Abstract
A device and method for muffling the sound from an internal
combustion engine is described, wherein the device is a tube made
of a suitable material such as rubber and is attached to the
exhaust outlet of the vehicle. Further described is a method of
muffling the sound of an internal combustion engine that is
comprised of taking a length of tubing having a spring disposed
therein, and attaching one end of the tubing to the outlet of the
exhaust of an internal combustion engine, and directing the other
end of the tubing toward the ground surface, by forming an
approximate ninety degree bend, such that the second end of the
tubing is in close proximity with the ground surface, with the
result that the sound level of the exhaust from the engine is
substantially reduced.
Inventors: |
Schulte, Francis; (Wayne,
NJ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MYERS & KAPLAN, INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LAW, L.L.C.
1899 POWERS FERRY ROAD
SUITE 310
ATLANTA
GA
30339
US
|
Family ID: |
46303321 |
Appl. No.: |
10/989784 |
Filed: |
November 16, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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10989784 |
Nov 16, 2004 |
|
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10301244 |
Nov 21, 2002 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
181/227 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F01N 1/00 20130101; F01N
13/082 20130101; F01N 2530/22 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
181/227 |
International
Class: |
F01N 001/06 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A sound attenuating device for use with a muffler, said device
comprising: a) at least one elongated tube comprising a first end,
a second end, and at least one angle formed therebetween, and b)
means for attaching said first end to the muffler, wherein said
second end of said at least one elongated tube is proximate and
open to a travel surface, and wherein said second end of said at
least one elongated tube proximate the travel surface is adapted to
attenuate exhaust sound from the muffler via interaction with the
travel surface.
2. The sound attenuating device of claim 1, wherein said at least
one elongated tube is made from a material selected from the group
consisting of metal, plastic, rubber, silicone rubber, ceramic, and
combinations thereof.
3. The sound attenuating device of claim 1, wherein said at least
one elongated tube formed from a combination of high temperature
flex pipe and high temperature silicone hose.
4. The sound attenuating device of claim 2, wherein said selected
material is silicone rubber.
5. The sound attenuating device of claim 2, wherein said selected
material is reinforced with fabric.
6. The sound attenuating device of claim 5, wherein said fabric is
comprised substantially of natural fiber.
7. The sound attenuating device of claim 5, wherein said fabric is
comprised substantially of synthetic fiber.
8. The sound attenuating device of claim 1, wherein said at least
one elongated tube has a substantially consistent diameter.
9. The sound attenuating device of claim 8, wherein said first end
of said at least one elongated tube is dimensioned to enable
adaptation to the exhaust outlet of a vehicle.
10. The sound attenuating device of claim 8, wherein said tube is
bent downward in the direction of the travel surface at an angle
approximately between thirty and ninety degrees from the direction
of travel.
11. The sound attenuating device of claim 10, wherein said second
end is cut parallel to the surface of travel, and wherein said
second end is oval-shaped.
12. The sound attenuating device of claim 1, wherein said at least
one elongated tube comprises a spring disposed internally to said
at least one elongated tube, wherein said spring maintains
flexibility of said second end of said at least one elongated tube,
and wherein said spring maintains said second end selectively
positioned proximate to the travel surface.
13. The sound attenuating device of claim 12, wherein said spring
is selected from the group consisting of spring rods, coil springs,
and combinations thereof.
14. The sound attenuating device of claim 1, wherein the exhaust
sound is attenuated by approximately fifty percent.
15. A method for muffling the sound from an internal combustion
engine of a vehicle, said method comprising the steps of: a) taking
a length of tubing, having a first end and a second end, wherein
said second end is oval-shaped; b) providing attachment means for
connecting said first end of said tubing to an exhaust outlet of
the internal combustion engine; c) connecting said first end of
said tubing to the exhaust outlet of the exhaust system of an
internal combustion engine using said attachment means; d) adapting
said second end of said tubing to attenuate engine sound via
interaction with a travel surface; and e) directing said tubing in
a direction toward the travel surface, such that said second end of
said tubing is in proximity with the travel surface, whereby when
the vehicle is set into motion and driven over the travel surface,
the sound level of the internal combustion engine of the vehicle is
substantially reduced.
16. The method of claim 15, further comprising the step of:
maintaining said length of tubing in a selected shape via a spring
disposed therewithin.
17. The method of claim 15, further comprising the step of:
operating the all terrain vehicle over a roughly textured travel
surface.
18. The method of claim 15, further comprising the step of:
operating the all terrain vehicle over a grass travel surface.
19. The method of claim 15, further comprising the step of:
operating the all terrain vehicle over a dirt travel surface.
20. An apparatus for muffling the engine sound from the exhaust of
an all terrain vehicle, said apparatus comprising a flexible tube
comprising a bend, a first end and a second end, wherein said first
end is attached to an outlet of the exhaust, and wherein said
flexible tube is of sufficient length such that said second end of
the tube is proximate to and directed at a travel surface, and
wherein said second end is adapted to attenuate the engine sound
from the exhaust via interaction with the travel surface.
Description
PRIORITY CLAIM
[0001] The present application is a continuation-in-part
application to non-provisional patent application Ser. No.
10/301,244, entitled "Muffling Device and Method for Internal
Combustion Engine", filed on Nov. 21, 2002, and claims priority
thereto and the full benefit thereof.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates generally to a device and
method for reducing the exhaust noise of internal combustion
engines, and more particularly to a method and apparatus for
muffling the exhaust noise of vehicles, including particularly, but
not limited to, four-stroke internal combustion engines.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Beginning with the early days of internal combustion
engines, there has been an effort to reduce the sound levels that
are produced during operation of these devices. Typically, there
are various sources of sound that are produced during operation. As
the fuel/air mixture is detonated, there is the sound generated by
the explosion. Internally, there are various moving parts that
generate noise due to their interaction. During intake and exhaust,
there is also the sound of fluid rushing in or rushing out of the
engine.
[0004] While some of the noises emanate from the metal casing of
the engine itself, a substantial portion of these sounds may be
heard through the exhaust stream of the engine. Accordingly,
efforts have taken place to muffle the sounds traveling out of the
engine through this pathway.
[0005] Muffling devices have been developed with various
methodologies for baffling the sound, thereby allowing the sound
noise to dissipate, or to cancel itself out when sounds of opposite
phase encounter each other. Mufflers are typically attached to all
internal combustion engines that operate in public areas. Outside
public areas, muffling has heretofore been of low priority, since
the sounds have not been audible to a significant number of
humans.
[0006] With growth of human population, and an increased amount of
leisure time available, there are a larger number of people
spending time in wilderness areas. Because the concentration of
urban population has led to a substantial increase in the level of
audible noise, efforts to prevent a similar increase in sound in
suburban and wilderness areas have been made, with an increased
focus on developing quieter machines for operation in such
areas.
[0007] As sound waves spread out, their intensity decreases
inversely with the square of the distance from their source. Thus
there will be some attenuation due to this effect. However, the
human ear does not respond linearly, so that doubling of sound
intensity does not sound twice as loud to the human ear. For this
reason, a logarithmic scale, or decibel scale, is used to measure
sound pressure level with a typical minimum reference level of
2.times.10.sup.-5 N/m.sup.2 at 1 kHz being equal to zero decibels,
which is barely audible for a normal human hearing response.
[0008] The sound level can be determined using the formula
20 log p.sub.0/p.sub.0t dB,
[0009] where Pot is the sound pressure at the threshold of hearing
at 1 kHz, and p.sub.0 is the sound pressure under measurement.
[0010] Thus, a sound of ten decibels is ten times louder, but 20
decibels is 100 times louder. For example, normal conversation is
60 decibels, while city traffic noise is in the 80-90 decibel
range. While damage to the ear occurs with exposure to
approximately 85 decibels or higher for long term periods,
discomfort occurs at around 120 decibels, wherein mechanical damage
to the ear occurs at approximately 160 decibels.
[0011] The present invention arose out of a need for a quieter All
Terrain Vehicle (ATV). These vehicles are commonly used in off-road
conditions, often in woods and other wilderness areas. To prevent
disturbance to others, and in part to allow for a stealthy approach
to wildlife, there is a recognized need to reduce the noise
emissions of such vehicles.
[0012] The internal combustion engines of ATVs are usually
four-stroke engines, otherwise known as Otto cycle engines. The
present invention has been found to be particularly suited to
reducing the sound noise of the emissions from such engines.
[0013] Manufacturers of vehicles, particularly ATVs, are required
to meet certain limits on noise. It may be necessary for the
manufacturer to limit horsepower of the engine in order to meet
these decibel limits. Accordingly, it would be highly desirable for
a manufacturer to be able to reduce decibels without sacrificing
horsepower.
[0014] Although there are various engine muffling devices and
methods available, each is disadvantageous when compared to the
present invention.
[0015] For instance, U.S. Pat. No. 4,428,453 to Yuen et al. teaches
a silencer device in which gases enter an upstream compartment of a
silencer and flow through perforations in a tube and pipe into a
chamber interior, then into an inverted trough through further
perforations into a downstream compartment and an outlet. The
foregoing describes a traditional muffler type device used on
vehicles, and, while adequate for some uses, particularly in urban
areas where there is much surrounding noise, it falls short in
achieving a level of quietness desirable for wilderness areas.
[0016] U.S. Pat. No. 6,158,214 to Kempka et al. teaches a
four-chamber type of construction for very small passenger
transporting motor vehicles, wherein a silencer system partition
divides the silencer into a 3-pot main chamber and an additional
chamber (resonator). The Kempka et al. device is overly complicated
as an add-on component to follow a standard muffler.
[0017] U.S. Pat. No. 6,382,347 to Gerber teaches a muffler device
with a single inlet pipe and single outlet pipe having perforations
in a portion of a pipe within a muffler chamber. While generally
simple in design, the Gerber device still requires more components
than desirable.
[0018] U.S. Pat. No. 4,848,513, issued Jul. 18, 1989 to Csaszar
teaches "a compact noise abatement muffler for an internal
combustion engine" wherein "exhaust gases passing through the
muffler . . . achieve at least 4 changes of direction of gas flow".
While providing for a large reduction of about 10 decibels, the
Csaszar patent requires complex construction in order to achieve
four changes in direction of a gas flow.
[0019] U.S. Pat. No. 4,284,162, issued Aug. 18, 1981 to Ishida
teaches a "tail pipe [that] is rendered considerably long to
effectively silencing [sic] exhaust noise". The Ishida patent
discloses the use of a reverse bend to add length to the tailpipe
of the exhaust. Furthermore, it provides a second length within a
muffler body to add length to the path that exhaust must travel.
Accordingly, the Ishida device requires several components,
increasing the cost of manufacture.
[0020] U.S. Pat. No. 6,158,546, issued Dec. 12, 2000 to Hanson et
al. teaches "an outlet tube with a funnel shaped element having a
large diameter end positioned in an expansion chamber". Further,
Hanson et al. discloses a conical exhaust section, the conical
opening being an internal component that opens up into a chamber
within the exhaust system itself.
[0021] U.S. Pat. No. 5,214,253, issued May 25, 1993 to Houston, Jr.
teaches "a flared expansion chamber". The flaring of the expansion
chamber in a single dimension requires the addition of a plurality
of tail pipes, significantly adding to the cost to practice the
Houston, Jr. invention.
[0022] Another possible method of sound reduction is the generation
of vortices or eddy currents, which combine to cancel sound. U.S.
Pat. No. 5,428,954, issued Jul. 4, 1995 to Cowan, Sr. teaches
generation of "vortices effective to dampen exhaust noise
vibrations and to contain the same as they dissipate into the
atmosphere". The Cowan, Sr. device is applicable to jet engines,
where the exhaust is directed aftwardly, rather than towards the
ground.
[0023] U.S. Pat. No. 4,220,219, issued Sep. 2, 1980 to Flugger
teaches the "generation of sound dampening eddy currents in the
chamber", wherein "the generation of eddy current therebetween is
preferably formed proximate the outlet tube of the muffler". The
Flugger requires that gas streams combine coming from opposing
directions, thereby creating the eddy currents, and thus requires
two exhaust sources, or splitting of a single exhaust source.
[0024] U.S. Pat. No. 2,558,023 to Walsh teaches a flared/conical
exhaust outlet to direct heat and melt snow and ice. However, the
flared/conical exhaust outlet of Walsh will cause an augmentation
of sound rather than a diminution thereof. The flared end portion
14 of Walsh clearly indicates the primary heat disposal intent of
the Walsh invention. It is also clear that the flared or fan-like
termination for Walsh in a linear configuration (i.e. broom-like)
is near optimal for melting snow and ice. Thus, structurally, the
device of Walsh, by its flared end, allows heat transfer, but
increases the acoustical energy emanating from Walsh's exhaust.
[0025] Therefore, it is readily apparent that there is a need for a
device that reduces the sound level of an internal combustion
engine via interaction with a travel surface.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0026] Briefly described, the present invention overcomes the
above-mentioned disadvantages and meets the recognized need for
such a device by providing a method and apparatus for reducing
exhaust noise of internal combustion engines, wherein application
of the present invention results in a substantial reduction in such
noise, particularly as applied to four-stroke internal combustion
engines.
[0027] According to its major aspects and broadly stated, the
present invention in its preferred embodiment is a generally
tubular exhaust extension configured and positioned in such a
manner that the exhaust exits in close proximity to the ground,
such as, for exemplary purposes only, within one-half inch from the
ground travel surface. By orienting the extension in such a
fashion, in lieu of relying on extension length alone, a measurable
reduction in noise is achieved. That is, by utilizing the ground
surface (i.e., grass or rough dirt) for absorption and dampening of
sound waves, and by directing the exhaust tube directly downward
into such a ground surface, a muffling effect is achieved. More
specifically, the present invention is a muffling device comprising
a section of tubing formed so as to enable exhaust expelled
therefrom to be directed downward into the ground, or at an angle
to the ground, and in close proximity thereto; thus, achieving
substantial noise reduction compared to a vehicle lacking such a
directed tube. Unlike the prior art, the straight end-attachment to
the exhaust pipe of the present invention is the optimum
configuration for maximum coupling of exhaust noise into the
ground. The non-flared tubing of the present invention, when
coupled to the ground surface, does not augment, and, in fact,
reduces the acoustical energy emanating from the exhaust.
[0028] The present invention relates to a device that could be used
by hunters and outdoorsmen to quieten the sound of their vehicles.
More particularly, any internal combustion engine may have its
exhaust noise substantially muffled through use of the present
invention.
[0029] Accordingly, a feature and advantage of the present
invention is its ability to provide a device that substantially
reduces exhaust noise from internal combustion engines.
[0030] Another feature and advantage of the present invention is
that manufacturers will have more design flexibility, allowing
decibels to be reduced without applying restrictive devices on the
engines.
[0031] Still another additional feature and advantage of the
present invention is that manufacturers can use louder conventional
mufflers and still reduce the overall sound with the present
invention, thus increasing horsepower of the engine.
[0032] Yet another further feature and advantage of the present
invention is that, when utilized in combination with an All Terrain
Vehicle, it enables the user to observe wildlife at closer
proximity than is normally possible without the device.
[0033] Still yet another feature and advantage of the present
invention is its ability to provide for a quiet approach by a motor
vehicle.
[0034] A further feature and advantage of the present invention is
its ability to reduce engine noise output levels by approximately
50%.
[0035] Still a further feature and advantage of the present
invention is that by reducing sound levels, it lessens or
eliminates potential damage to the human ear.
[0036] Yet a further feature and advantage of the present invention
is its ability to be utilized to quieten generators, such as those
utilized in outdoor environments for backup household power or
primary athletic field power.
[0037] These and other features and advantages of the present
invention will become more apparent to one skilled in the art from
the following description and claims when read in light of the
accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0038] Having thus described the invention in general terms, the
present invention will be better understood by reading the Detailed
Description of the Preferred and Alternate Embodiments with
reference to the accompanying drawing figures, which are not
necessarily drawn to scale, and in which like reference numerals
denote similar structures and refer to like elements throughout,
and in which:
[0039] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a muffling device according
to a preferred embodiment of the present invention shown mounted on
an All Terrain Vehicle;
[0040] FIG. 2 is a side view of a muffling device according to a
preferred embodiment of the present invention;
[0041] FIG. 3A depicts a perspective view of a muffling device
according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention,
shown mounted on an All Terrain Vehicle;
[0042] FIG. 3B is a side view of a muffling device according to the
alternate embodiment of the present invention, shown in FIG. 3A;
and
[0043] FIG. 4 is a side view of a muffling device according to an
alternate embodiment of the present invention, shown mounted on an
All Terrain Vehicle; and
[0044] FIG. 5 is side detail view of an alternate embodiment of the
muffling device shown in FIG. 4.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED AND SELECTED ALTERNATE
EMBODIMENTS
[0045] In describing the preferred and alternate embodiments of the
present invention, as illustrated in the Figures, specific
terminology is employed for the sake of clarity. The invention,
however, is not intended to be limited to the specific terminology
so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific element
includes all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner
to accomplish similar functions.
[0046] Referring now to FIGS. 1-2, muffling device 30 is preferably
an elongated, generally cylindrically-shaped tube 22, formed from
rubber, plastic, silicone rubber, metal, ceramic, or other suitable
material. Tube 22 is of generally uniform diameter, but may
comprise varying diameters. In the preferred embodiment, tube 22
comprises high temperature metal flex pipe extending from first end
25 through body 40 and terminating with high temperature silicone
rubber at second end 50. Preferably tube 22 includes a fabric
comprised of either synthetic or natural fiber woven and
incorporated into the material forming tube 22. Tube 22 must be of
sufficient rigidity to hold its shape and position, yet be
resilient enough to give and return to its original position when
struck by objects on the travel surface.
[0047] Preferably, muffling device 30 is installed on ATV 10 (as
best shown in FIG. 1), wherein first end 25 of muffling device 30
is dimensioned to enable adaptation to any known tailpipe 20 of a
vehicle muffler 20. Muffling device 30 is preferably configured
with at least one bend 40 at a preferred approximate ninety-degree
angle a suitable distance from the rear of the vehicle to allow
clearance from the wheels and/or debris thrown up therefrom, and
device 30 is directed towards the ground surface 60 as seen in FIG.
2. Second end 50 of muffling device 30 is disposed as close as
possible to ground surface 60 without creating significant back
pressure, and preferably less than one-half inch from ground
surface 60, thereby causing a reduction in sound level.
[0048] It is noted that the quantity of sound reduction is a
function of the character of the surface of the surrounding
roadway, with grass surfaces providing the largest reduction, and
rough dirt surfaces providing significant, but not as great as
grass surface, reduction.
[0049] It is particularly noted that when operating a vehicle
equipped with the present invention, wildlife can be approached at
a closer range than when operating without the muffling device.
Deer, typically startled and seen running from a distance of about
100 feet, may be more closely approached, for example even as close
as 30 feet, before they begin to run.
[0050] In view of these observations of the unexpected benefits of
the present invention, experiments were performed on the preferred
embodiment using a decibel meter, the results of which are shown in
TABLE 1.
1TABLE 1 EXPERIMENTAL RESULTS DECIBEL METER Slow speed conditions
measured at distance of closest approach of 8 feet Stock muffler
alone 82 dB Muffler adapted with present invention 76 dB
Acceleration at full throttle from dead stop Stock muffler alone 92
dB Muffler adapted with present invention 88 dB Stopped, snap
opening of throttle Stock muffler alone 89 dB Muffler adapted with
present invention 86 dB Experimental conditions: 2001 POLARIS .TM.
SCRAMBLER .TM. series ATV with 500 cc four-stroke engine,
four-wheel drive. Open grass field. QUEST DIAGNOSTICS .RTM. decibel
meter. Distance from meter at time of measurement - approximately 8
feet.
[0051] It is particularly noted that 85 dB is considered to be the
threshold of sound at which damage begins to occur to a human ear,
wherein hearing loss occurs when subjected to sound of this level
for extended periods of time. Thus the ability of the present
invention to reduce sound near this level, or therebelow,
advantageously lessens deterioration of hearing of individuals who
are in close proximity to an internal combustion engine sound
source equipped with the present invention.
[0052] In determining the quantity of reduction of sound by use of
the present invention, it is instructive to calculate the reduction
benefit derived from such use. Decibel levels are logarithmic
ratios; that is, the ratio of the sound pressure is referenced to a
standard sound pressure and the relative difference may be
obtained. In the foregoing experimental results, and a noise
reduction from 82 dB to 76 dB, the reduction ratio derivation is as
follows:
20 log p.sub.1/p.sub.0t=82 dB
20 log p.sub.2/p.sub.0t=76 dB,
[0053] where p.sub.0t is the reference sound pressure, p.sub.1 is
the sound pressure under the test condition without the present
invention and p.sub.2 is the pressure recorded under the test
condition using the present invention. Through calculation from the
expressions above, a reduction in sound level of approximately 50%
was obtained by use of the present invention at the experimental
conditions reported hereinabove.
[0054] A second set of experiments were performed to determine the
distance at which sound was no longer heard by a human observer
from an operating ATV with and without a device of the present
invention. For this test, the ATV was operated at a fixed speed
around a central point, while the observer walked away from it. The
test results are shown in TABLE 2.
2TABLE 2 EXPERIMENTAL RESULTS SUBJECTIVE AUDIBILITY TEST Audible
distance test (point at which no further sound can be detected,
while ATV was driven at constant speed around a fixed point) Stock
muffler alone >730 feet Muffler adapted with present invention
312 feet Experimental conditions: 2001 POLARIS .TM. SCRAMBLER .TM.
series ATV with 500 cc four-stroke engine, four-wheel drive. Open
grass field.
[0055] Although sound was still heard with the stock muffler at a
distance of 730 feet, due to lack of room to continue the distance
test it was estimated from the above data that sound would
disappear at approximately 830 feet.
[0056] FIG. 3A shows an alternate embodiment, wherein first end 25
of muffling device 30 extends aft from existing muffler tail pipe
20 of an All Terrain Vehicle, but then traverses in arcuate bend 40
downward, such that it bends at an angle less than ninety degrees.
Muffling device 30 may practically comprise a bend 40 through an
angle between thirty and less than ninety degrees. By then cutting
second end 50 of muffling device 30, which is in proximity to, and
approximately one-half inch from, ground surface 60, in a plane
parallel to ground 60, as shown in FIG. 3B, an oval opening in
second end 50 of muffling device 30 is formed. A support member 80
is mounted to frame 5 of ATV 10 providing support by attaching to
muffling device 30 by use of a clamping means 90, and holds
muffling device 30 at the correct angle. Support member 80 is
secured to the frame 5 of ATV 10 via fastener 95, typically in the
form of a threaded nut.
[0057] Tube 22 of the present invention may be of any suitable
material that is resistant to high temperatures, such as those
described above, and may also be reinforced utilizing a fabric of
natural fibers or synthetic materials. In particular, high
temperature silicone rubber hoses have been found most suitable.
The material must be of sufficient rigidity to hold its form and
position, yet flexible enough to give when obstructed by physical
objects such as rocks in the travel path.
[0058] Referring now more specifically to FIGS. 4-5, illustrated
therein are alternate embodiments of muffling device 30, wherein
the alternate embodiment of FIG. 4 is substantially equivalent in
form and function to that of the preferred embodiment detailed and
illustrated in FIGS. 1-3B except as hereinafter specifically
referenced. Specifically, the embodiment of FIG. 4 comprises
muffling device 30, wherein muffling device 30 comprises tube 22
and spring 23, and wherein tube 22 has first end 25, bend 40, and
second end 50. Tube 22 may selectively comprise a combination of
tubing materials, such as high temperature metal flex pipe,
extending from first end 25 through bend 40, and high temperature
silicone rubber, extending from proximate bend 40 to second end 50.
First end 25 of tube 22 is removably secured to tail pipe 20.
Spring 23 is disposed within tube 22, wherein spring 23 comprises a
formed sprung shape of a selected configuration. The configuration
of spring 23 is such as to maintain second end 50 in a selected
position proximate to ground surface 60, while permitting flexing
of tube 22 during occasions when tube 22 strikes objects on ground
surface 60.
[0059] Spring 23 may be a single sprung rod or alternately may be
formed into a coiled configuration (as best shown in FIG. 5),
wherein a coiled configuration of spring 23 could serve to provide
support to tube 22. In the selected alternate embodiment of FIG. 5,
spring 23 may be disposed within or without tube 22, wherein second
end 50 is disposed normal to ground surface 60 and approximately
one-half inch therefrom, but may alternately be disposed at an
acute angle thereto.
[0060] In order to attach the tubing that comprises the muffling
device 30 to the outlet pipe of the exhaust system of the internal
combustion engine of an ATV, any suitable device, such as, for
exemplary purposes only, a hose clamp, may be used.
[0061] In an alternate embodiment, it is envisioned that muffling
device 30 may be bent through other angles.
[0062] It is further envisioned in an alternate embodiment that
muffling device 30 may comprise more than one bend.
[0063] In addition, in an alternate embodiment, muffling device 30
may comprise bends within its interior while having a straight form
to its exterior.
[0064] In an additional alternate embodiment, muffling device 30
may comprise a tube made from multiple components fitted
together.
[0065] In still a further an alternate embodiment, muffling device
30 may be fabricated integrally to the exhaust outlet of the
muffler of an internal combustion engine.
[0066] Having thus described exemplary embodiments of the present
invention, it should be noted by those skilled in the art that the
within disclosures are exemplary only, and that various other
alternatives, adaptations, and modifications may be made within the
scope of the present invention. Many modifications and other
embodiments of the invention will come to mind to one skilled in
the art to which this invention pertains having the benefit of the
teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the
associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the
invention is not to be limited to the specific embodiments
disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended
to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although
specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and
descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.
Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to the specific
embodiments illustrated herein, but is limited only by the
following claims.
* * * * *