U.S. patent application number 14/254644 was filed with the patent office on 2014-08-14 for apparatus for reducing noise levels around an infant and methods thereof.
This patent application is currently assigned to Hush Baby, LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is Hush Baby, LLC. Invention is credited to Peter B. Blankenship, Samuel A. Blankenship.
Application Number | 20140224578 14/254644 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51296702 |
Filed Date | 2014-08-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140224578 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Blankenship; Samuel A. ; et
al. |
August 14, 2014 |
APPARATUS FOR REDUCING NOISE LEVELS AROUND AN INFANT AND METHODS
THEREOF
Abstract
The invention is comprised a sound deadening or sound blocking
material that covers at least part of the child, thereby reducing
both the decibel level coming from the child and the decibel level
coming to the child. This creates a quieter environment for the
child while serving a dual purpose to reduce any noise coming from
the child.
Inventors: |
Blankenship; Samuel A.;
(Eden Prairie, MN) ; Blankenship; Peter B.; (Eden
Prairie, MN) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Hush Baby, LLC |
Eden Prairie |
MN |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Hush Baby, LLC
Eden Prairie
MN
|
Family ID: |
51296702 |
Appl. No.: |
14/254644 |
Filed: |
April 16, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
13869329 |
Apr 24, 2013 |
|
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14254644 |
|
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|
61637657 |
Apr 24, 2012 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
181/290 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47D 13/02 20130101;
G10K 11/162 20130101; B62B 9/142 20130101; A47D 15/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
181/290 |
International
Class: |
A47D 15/00 20060101
A47D015/00 |
Claims
1. A sound blocking apparatus comprising: a canopy; a sealing
element; a panel and a closing mechanism, wherein said canopy
comprises a material capable of blocking sound from passing
thererthrough in combination with an infant holding device.
2. A sound blocking apparatus of claim 1 wherein said panel further
comprises a window.
3. A sound blocking apparatus of claim 2 wherein the window is made
from a material selected from a group consisting of mass loaded
vinyl, light rubber, vinyl, plastics, glass and acrylic.
4. A sound blocking apparatus of claim 1 wherein the sound blocking
apparatus comprises a material selected from a group consisting of
mass loaded vinyl, light rubber, vinyl, plastics, glass and
acrylic.
5. A sound blocking apparatus of claim 1 wherein said infant
holding device is selected from a group consisting of a car seat, a
vehicle seat, a baby seats, a glider seat, a crib, a stroller and
an automatic swing seat.
6. A sound blocking apparatus of claim 1 wherein said canopy
comprises a material selected from a group consisting of a natural
fiber, plastic, cotton fabric, light-weight rubber, olefin foam,
unwoven fabric, a woven fabric, neoprene, a recycled thermally
bonded natural fiber and polyester and wherein the closing
mechanism is selected from a group consisting of a strap, clip,
hook and loop fastener, zipper, button, snap, adhesive or any other
formed shapes meant to aid and support panel.
7. A method of using a sound blocking apparatus comprising:
disposing the sound blocking apparatus on an infant holding device
forming a cavity wherein the sound blocking apparatus comprises a
canopy, a sealing element, a panel and a closing element; placing
an infant in said infant holding device; and closing said canopy
thereby preventing a substantial portion of sound from entering or
exiting the internal portion of said cavity.
8. A method of claim 7 wherein said panel further comprises a
window.
9. A method of claim 7 wherein the sound blocking apparatus
comprises a material selected from a group consisting of mass
loaded vinyl, light rubber, vinyl, plastics, glass and acrylic.
10. A method of claim 9 wherein the sound blocking apparatus
comprises mass loaded vinyl and reduces the ambient decibel level
of sound by at least 50% when in a closed position.
11. A method of claim 9 wherein the mass loaded vinyl reduces the
ambient decibel level by at least 5 dB.
12. A method of claim 7 wherein the sound blocking apparatus
reduces the ambient decibel level of sound by at least 50% when in
a closed position.
13. A method of claim 7 wherein the sound blocking apparatus
reduces the ambient decibel level by at least 5 dB.
14. A method of claim 7 wherein said closing mechanism is selected
from a group consisting of a strap, clip, hook and loop fastener,
zipper, button, snap, adhesive or any other formed shapes meant to
aid and support panel.
15. A method of claim 7 wherein said infant holding device is
selected from a group consisting of a car seat, a vehicle seat, a
baby seats, a glider seat, a crib, a stroller and an automatic
swing seat.
16. A method of claim 7 wherein said canopy comprises a material
selected from a group consisting of a natural fiber, a natural
thermally bonded fiber, plastic, cotton fabric, light-weight
rubber, olefin foam, unwoven fabric, a woven fabric, neoprene and
polyester.
17. A method of claim 7 wherein said canopy is capable of being
closed in a substantially horizontal manner.
18. A method of claim 8, wherein said canopy being opened or closed
in a substantially vertical manner.
19. A method of blocking sound on an infant holding device
comprising: Preparing a material used for at least a portion of an
infant holding device cover; Attaching the material to the infant
holding device cover, thereby forming a sound blocking apparatus
wherein said sound blocking apparatus is in combination with an
infant holding device.
20. The method of claim 19, wherein the material is selected from a
group consisting of mass loaded vinyl, light rubber, vinyl,
plastics, glass and acrylic.
Description
CLAIM OF PRIORITY
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of application
Ser. No. 13/869,329 filed on Apr. 24, 2013, which claims priority
to provisional application No. 61/637,657 filed on Apr. 24,
2012.
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0002] The invention relates generally to devices and systems that
reduce ambient environment noise surrounding a child or infant and
reduce sounds emanating from the child or infant.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Many parents are confronted with the challenge today when
traveling outside their home with infant children to protect the
child from loud ambient noise. Likewise, infant children may also
create loud noise due to discomfort or other reasons that create
disruptive sounds to others around the parent and child.
Conventional infant device covers offer some sound absorbing
capabilities, but do not provide sound blocking functionalities to
significantly reduce the sound coming towards the infant device.
Similarly, these conventional infant device covers to not
significantly reduce sounds coming from an infant. A conventional
sound absorbing material will reduce the ambient noise by 2-4
decibels (dB). It would be advantageous to have an apparatus or
device that would aid parents in buffering or blocking noise to and
from their infant while in a confined space when compared to
conventional infant device covers.
SUMMARY
[0004] The invention, in one embodiment, is comprised of a sheet or
blanket that is partially comprised of a sound deadening or sound
buffering material including but not limited to, foam, plastic, or
fabric that covers part of the child, thereby reducing both the
decibel level coming from the child and the decibel level going to
the child. This creates a quieter environment for the child while
serving a dual purpose to reduce any noise coming from the
child.
[0005] In a related embodiment, a sound deadening material or
structure covers part of the child and it can be held in place
without the use of an attachment device. In alternative
embodiments, an attachment device may comprise, stitching; a strap,
elastic, a clip, hook and loop (i.e., Velcro.RTM.), adhesive or any
other formed shape meant to aid and support the sound deadening
material.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of a sound blocking
apparatus.
[0007] FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of the sound blocking
apparatus of FIG. 1.
[0008] FIG. 3 is perspective view of the sound blocking apparatus
of FIG. 1 in an open position.
[0009] FIG. 4 illustrates one embodiment of a sound blocking
apparatus.
[0010] FIG. 5 is a side elevation view of the sound blocking
apparatus of FIG. 4.
[0011] FIG. 6 is perspective view of the sound blocking apparatus
of FIG. 4 in an open position.
[0012] FIG. 7 illustrates one embodiment of a sound blocking
apparatus.
[0013] FIG. 8 is a side elevation view of the sound blocking
apparatus of FIG. 1.
[0014] FIG. 9 is perspective view of the sound blocking apparatus
of FIG. 1 in an open position.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0015] Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference
numerals designate identical or corresponding parts throughout the
several views, a sound blocking apparatus (10) is disclosed that
can be interchanged among a variety of infant holding devices, such
as a baby seat, which generally comprises a canopy (15), a sealing
element (20) and a panel (30), which may optionally include a
closing mechanism (25), that may provide a means of moving the
infant in or out of the infant holding device.
[0016] As shown in FIGS. 1-9, a sealing element (20) may be an
elastic band enclosed in the canopy (15) or it may be a simple
drawstring or other appropriate sealing element to seal the canopy.
The first canopy section (40) and second canopy section (45) may
join in the vicinity of a midpoint of the canopy (15), where
support rod (50) may be used.
[0017] Panel (30) may also include a closing mechanism (25) which
allows for sound blocking apparatus (10) to be closed and opened
without removing sound blocking apparatus (10) from an infant
holding device. Closing mechanism (25) may include known securement
means such as fastening devices. Such devices include, but are not
limited to, a strap, clip, hook and loop fastener (e.g.
Velcro.RTM.), zipper, button, snap, adhesive or any other formed
shapes meant to aid and support panel (30). Panel (30) may
optionally include a window (35) which may be used to act as a
shield from the elements or alternatively may be opened for "fresh
air" or for improved viewing of the occupant under panel (30).
[0018] As shown in FIGS. 1-3, sound blocking apparatus (10),
comprises a canopy (15) that may be opened and closed at
approximately the midpoint of the canopy (15) to allow versatility
in deploying sound blocking apparatus (10) in a rearward and/or
forward direction and for fastening the canopy with closing
mechanism (25). Likewise, at least a portion of canopy (15) may be
folded in a forward direction with closing mechanism (25).
[0019] Canopy (15), as shown in FIGS. 1, 3-4, 6-7 and 9 provides at
least two canopy sections where a support rod (50) may be located
to provide structural support to canopy (15) when in use. Support
rod (50) may run along the external or internal surface of canopy
(15). Alternatively, support rods may also be integrally related
within canopy (15). The supporting feature of rods (50) provides a
means to support canopy (15) over the occupant. By the term "over,"
it is intended that the canopy (15) not simply lay on the occupant
in an unsupported manner.
[0020] Support rods (50) may be configured in a variety of
cross-sectional shapes, such as round. This round support rod may
afford an advantage in being resiliently folded to a reduced state
when the cover is not in use. Alternatively, other shapes could be
elliptical, rectangular, square, or other cross-sectional shapes.
Support rod (50) may be integrated with canopy (15) and may be
situated at a juncture between first enclosing canopy section (40)
and second enclosing canopy section (45).
[0021] As best shown in FIGS. 4-6, canopy (15) is configured in a
manner to allow for canopy (15) to open laterally. In this
configuration, support rods (50) run along the vertical axis in
relation to the orientation of an occupant. In other words, support
rods (50) are configured, at least in this embodiment, in a manner
that is perpendicular to the direction of the canopy when being
opened or closed, as shown in FIG. 6 (see arrows).
[0022] As described above, support rod (50) provides a supporting
element that is resilient and may also be folded to a reduced state
so that when sound blocking apparatus (10) is not in use, it may be
easily removed from an infant holding device, such as a car seat.
It should be appreciated that support rods (50) and the accordion
structure of canopy (15) provides for easy access to the infant
contained therein. Moreover, sound blocking apparatus (10) may also
be conveniently folded in a compact manner to provide ease in
storage of sound blocking apparatus (10).
[0023] As shown in FIGS. 1-9 canopy (15) is generally comprised of
a sheet (55) which may be made from sound deadening or sound
blocking material including but not limited to, foam, plastic or
fabric that is adapted to cover a substantial portion of an infant,
thereby reducing both sound or the decibel level coming from the
child and the sound or decibel level traveling or being received by
a child. This creates a quieter environment for the child while
serving a dual purpose to reduce any noise coming from the
child.
[0024] In similar related embodiments, sheet (55) may be a
light-weight rubber layer or olefin foam having one surface to
which an unwoven fabric or a woven fabric of cotton, neoprene,
polyester, or the like may be mechanically or chemically coupled.
While it should be appreciated that sheet (55) may comprise a
single material that provides a significant amount of sound
dampening that is a result of the structural properties of sheet
(55) itself. Structural properties may include microcavities that
prevent a significant portion of sound from entering and/or leaving
canopy (15) when in a closed position (see FIGS. 1, 4 and 7).
Materials such as those are found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,897,164 and
7,891,732 which are incorporated herein by references in their
entirety may be utilized.
[0025] Still referring to FIGS. 1-9, panel (30), may comprise a
recycled natural fiber that is thermally bonded. This material
typically does not contain fiberglass. Additionally this type of
fiber does not itch or cause skin irritation and provides excellent
sound absorption properties while being breathable. The panel (30)
fiber may be further enhanced with a fire-resistant backing that
provides additional strength. Both the insulation and the backing
may further be treated with an EPA registered anti-microbial agent.
This particular material is used as at least one material, in
portions of the sound blocking apparatus where mass loaded vinyl
(MLV) (described below) is not utilized.
[0026] Sound blocking apparatus (10) may be used to block sound
waves from entering or exiting the internal portion of the infant
holding device. When sound blocking is required, panel (30), and/or
optionally window (35) may be made from a number of sound blocking
materials, such as MLV. In embodiments that comprise MLV, panel
(30) and/or window (35) will significantly reduce or completely
block the sound from entering the infant holding device. It should
be appreciated that a typical material found on known infant device
covers will typically reduce the ambient sound by about 2-4 dB.
However, MLV, and other known materials, are advantageous in their
ability to provide a material that is lightweight, flexible and
easily formed or molded into desired shapes and configurations, but
will block ambient sound by at least 5 dB. In these preferred
embodiments, the ambient sound is reduced by at least 50% when
compared to conventional, fleece or fabric covers.
[0027] It should also be appreciated that the use of MLV provides
additional mass to a specific area when compared to conventional
vinyl materials. Thus, MLV snakes the passage of sound more
difficult. Other materials, such as light rubber, vinyl, plastics,
glass and acrylic materials may be used, however, these materials
are not mass loaded.
[0028] Similarly, sound absorbing materials perform a different
function when compared to MLV in that sound waves enter the
outermost layer of, for example panel (30), which would filter out
a portion of the sound waves directed towards sound blocking
apparatus (10). This functionality is markedly opposed to blocking
sound waves from entering panel (30) and/or window (35). In
embodiments that are mass-loaded, the ability to significantly
reduce sound is shown in Table 1, where a control material is
compared to experimental (MLV) data. The results of Table 1 were
acquired by recording the sound between a control cover and an
experimental cover. The control cover was a material that is
typically used to make a panel or window portion in an infant
holding device. Control materials that can be used to cover an
infant holding device are found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,209,953 and
6,019,421, each patent is incorporated herein by reference in its
entirety. As indicated from Table 1 the ambient sound was recorded
at different frequencies ranging from 250 Hz to 6.3 kHz where the
dB levels were recorded. The data indicated that on average the
ambient sound was 58.4 dB. The average dB level for the control and
experimental material was 54.37 dB and 50.25 dB respectively. Thus,
the experimental cover which comprises MLV, provided an overall
average reduction in sound slightly greater than 4 dB when compared
to the control cover. It should further be appreciated that an 3 dB
reduction in sound equates to an approximately 50% reduction in
sound to the human ear.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 FREQUENCY (Hz) 1.6K 2K 2.5K 3.15K 4K 5K 6.3K
Reference Sound Level LEVEL (dB) 61 59.3 61.4 53.4 54.1 53.7 53.6
EQ SETTING 2 3.7 1.6 9.6 8.9 9.3 9.4 Control Cover LEVEL (dB) 57.9
52.2 53.5 44.1 47.4 46.6 45 EQ SETTING 2.6 8.3 7 16.4 13.1 13.9
15.5 Experimental Cover LEVEL (dB) 53.3 46.7 45.3 42.5 39.3 35.3
35.9 EQ SETTING 5 11.6 13 15.8 19 23 22.4 FREQUENCY (Hz) 250 315
400 630 800 1K 1.25K Reference Sound Level LEVEL (dB) 74.5 63.8 63
60.7 56.3 50.8 52 EQ SETTING -11.5 -0.8 0 2.3 6.7 12.2 11 Standard
Cover LEVEL (dB) 73.6 62.9 61.2 57.4 54.7 51 53.7 EQ SETTING -13.1
-2.4 -0.7 3.1 5.8 9.5 6.8 Experimental Cover LEVEL (dB) 71.8 61.2
63.2 55.4 55 47.4 51.2 EQ SETTING -13.5 -2.9 -4.9 2.9 3.3 10.9
7.1
[0029] In one preferred embodiment the reduction in ambient noise
will be at least 5 dB. In another preferred embodiment the
reduction in ambient noise level will be at least 6 dB. In another
preferred embodiment the reduction in ambient noise level will be
at least 7 dB. In another preferred embodiment the reduction in
ambient noise level will be at least 8 dB. It should be appreciated
that the reduction in ambient noise reduction greater than 4.5 dB
is also contemplated.
[0030] These preferred embodiments described herein will reduce the
ambient decibel level by at least 50%. In another related
embodiment the ambient sound is reduced by at least 55%. In another
related embodiment the ambient sound is reduced by at least 60%. In
another related embodiment the ambient sound is reduced by at least
65%. In another related embodiment the ambient sound is reduced by
at least 70%. In another related embodiment the ambient sound is
reduced by at least 75%. In another related embodiment the ambient
sound is reduced by at least 80%. In another related embodiment the
ambient sound is reduced by at least 85%. In another related
embodiment the ambient sound is reduced by at least 90%.
[0031] In addition to the sound blocking panel, or other areas
utilizing MLV may also be used as a window. This particular
combination of flexibility, sound-blocking and reduced
cross-section (thickness), density and mass makes the MLV
advantageous to other previously utilized materials. In some
embodiments, the combination of flexible panel material with
materials such as MLV, will provide an infant cover with a desired
ambient sound reduction, while still providing a sufficient level
of comfort for the infant.
[0032] When panel (30) and/or window (35) comprises a flap or
center cover, the cover is fastened around the perimeter in a
manner to provide a tight securement to the infant quieting
apparatus (10). Fastening means such as hook and loop fasteners and
stitching are considered advantageous, although not exclusive to
fastening means that can be used for the infant quieting apparatus
(10). Alternatively, by introducing MIN as a material in the
"acoustical core" in combination with a recycled natural fiber that
is thermally bonded the invention described herein maintains
breathability and significant sound reduction (see Table 1).
[0033] In at least this example embodiment the panel (30) and/or
window (35) may include a flap (not shown) that is used to load and
unload the infant, or alternatively, may be sized to allow a person
to access the infant (for feeding, adjust a pacifier, etc.) without
needing to remove the entire infant quieting system (10) from the
infant holding device.
[0034] Additionally, sheet (55) must be sufficiently pliable and
light-weight to allow a user to conveniently attach canopy (15) to
an infant holding device. While sheet itself (55) is generally
stretchable, or contains a feature with elastic properties, sheet
(55) is not overly stretchable as to not provide a taught structure
to prevent slack or excess canopy (15) from bunching in between
support rods (50).
[0035] The basic concepts of the invention described herein may be
embodied in a variety of ways. It involves both methods and devices
to accomplish the appropriate method. In this application, the
methods are disclosed as part of the results shown to be achieved
by the various devices described and as steps that are inherent to
utilization. They are simply the natural result of utilizing the
devices as intended and described. In addition, while some devices
are disclosed, it would be understood that these not only
accomplish certain methods but also can be varied in many ways.
Importantly, as to the foregoing, all these facets should be
understood to be encompassed by this disclosure.
[0036] As mentioned earlier, the various embodiments of the present
invention include a variety of components that may be used in
different combinations, depending on the application that needs to
be addressed. The invention is designed primarily to take advantage
of a unique protective cover apparatus and method of protecting
occupants of infant holding devices and combine and modify it as
needed for a variety of shapes, sizes, and orientations, as will be
explained in more detail as the figures are described. This
invention is intended to encompass a wide variety of uses in the
goals and objects of the protective cover. Elements, functions, and
procedures that distinguish the invention will be noted where
appropriate.
[0037] The term "infant holding device" as used herein is intended
to include those, such as car seats, vehicle seats, baby seats,
glider seats, automatic swing seats, cribs, strollers and so forth
encompassing any suitable seat which may be a surface where infants
or even toddlers (generally referred to as infants) may be
placed.
[0038] FIGS. 1-9 show a typical installation of sound blocking
apparatus (10) over an infant car seat with a carrying handle. Such
a canopy offers the advantage that access to an infant does not
require the handle to be positioned in one particular
configuration. As shown, handle (60) may be held, used, or even
retracted independently of the self-supporting feature of canopy
(15).
[0039] Although the air flow is deemed to be adequate in the
invention, one of ordinary skill in the art may desire side venting
to provide sound dampening, but significant ventilation for an
infant contained therein. This situation could occur, for instance,
in warmer climates. The material can also be a mesh material to
protect child from insects while providing ventilation.
[0040] The methods that may be claimed in this invention are well
within the knowledge of one or ordinary skill in the art. For
example, suspending the canopy over a baby seat; sealing the
canopy; supporting the canopy; utilizing a canopy and allowing the
canopy to be retained in a rearward direction and alternatively
allowing the canopy to be retained in a forward direction. It could
also include resisting the exiting of a substantial amount of sound
from the infant, while allowing an infant to be viewed through a
window. Therefore, no separate discussions of the methods are
deemed necessary as they may claim steps that are implicit in the
use and manufacture of the apparatus claims. Furthermore, although
the steps may be organized in a logical fashion, however, other
sequences can and do occur. Therefore, any method claims should not
be construed to include only the order of the sequence of steps
presented.
[0041] The foregoing discussion and claims that may follow describe
only the preferred embodiments of the invention. While particular
embodiments of the invention have been described, it will be
obvious that changes and modifications may be made without
departing from the broad aspects of the present invention.
Particularly with respect to the claims, it should be understood
that a number of changes may be made without departing from its
essence. In this regard, it is intended that such changes--to the
extent that they substantially achieve the same results in
substantially the same way--would still fall within the scope of
the invention. It is simply not practical to describe and claim all
possible revisions and claims to the invention that may be
accomplished. To the extent such revisions utilize the essence of
the invention; each would naturally fall within the breath of
protection by any patent granted. This is particularly true for the
invention since most of the basic concepts are fundamental in
nature and it can be properly applied.
[0042] Having thus described several illustrative embodiments, it
is to be appreciated that various alterations, modifications, and
improvements will readily occur to those skilled in the art. Such
alterations, modifications, and improvements are intended to be
part of this disclosure, and are intended to be within the spirit
and scope of this disclosure. While some examples presented herein
involve specific combinations of functions or structural elements,
it should be understood that those functions and elements may be
combined in other ways according to the invention to accomplish the
same or different objectives. In particular, acts, elements, and
features discussed in connection with one embodiment are not
intended to be excluded from similar or other roles in other
embodiments. Accordingly, the foregoing description and attached
drawings are by way of example only, and are not intended to be
limiting.
* * * * *