CA2665891C - Adjustable sound valve - Google Patents
Adjustable sound valve Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2665891C CA2665891C CA2665891A CA2665891A CA2665891C CA 2665891 C CA2665891 C CA 2665891C CA 2665891 A CA2665891 A CA 2665891A CA 2665891 A CA2665891 A CA 2665891A CA 2665891 C CA2665891 C CA 2665891C
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- gasket
- shaft
- barrier
- dial
- controller
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- 230000004888 barrier function Effects 0.000 claims description 48
- 230000000630 rising effect Effects 0.000 claims description 10
- 230000005540 biological transmission Effects 0.000 claims description 6
- 230000007613 environmental effect Effects 0.000 abstract description 6
- 101001010782 Drosophila melanogaster Fez family zinc finger protein erm Proteins 0.000 description 10
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 5
- 239000006260 foam Substances 0.000 description 4
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 3
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 description 3
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 3
- 229910000831 Steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N aluminium Chemical compound [Al] XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 229910052782 aluminium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 230000000881 depressing effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000000994 depressogenic effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000010959 steel Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000010521 absorption reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000006835 compression Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000007906 compression Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000003247 decreasing effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 210000005069 ears Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 230000006870 function Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000003993 interaction Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000003550 marker Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000012858 resilient material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229920002554 vinyl polymer Polymers 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
- A61F11/00—Methods or devices for treatment of the ears or hearing sense; Non-electric hearing aids; Methods or devices for enabling ear patients to achieve auditory perception through physiological senses other than hearing sense; Protective devices for the ears, carried on the body or in the hand
- A61F11/06—Protective devices for the ears
- A61F11/14—Protective devices for the ears external, e.g. earcaps or earmuffs
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- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Biomedical Technology (AREA)
- Acoustics & Sound (AREA)
- Biophysics (AREA)
- Otolaryngology (AREA)
- Psychology (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Heart & Thoracic Surgery (AREA)
- Vascular Medicine (AREA)
- Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Public Health (AREA)
- Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
- Details Of Valves (AREA)
- Helmets And Other Head Coverings (AREA)
Abstract
An adjustable sound valve for use in a hearing protection device, such as a set of industrial-use ear-muffs or helmet. The purpose of the sound valve being to allow the user to select the degree of attenuation of environmental noise. The sound valve having an attenuator for varying the passage of sound to the ear of a user and a controller attached thereto. The controller is configurable between a first position in which the passage size is pre-determined and a second position in which the passage size is variable based on a user-determined attenuator setting.
Description
ADJUSTABLE SOUND VALVE
The present application relates generally to a hearing protection device, and particularly, to a hearing protection device with adjustable sound attenuation.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Individuals in certain environments, such as industrial settings, may be exposed to high levels of environmental noise, which can lead to permanent hearing damage. The use of hearing protection devices such as ear-muffs or earplugs can significantly attenuate environmental noise and reduce or prevent hearing damage. In some cases, ear-muffs are a preferred form of hearing protection device because they typically attenuate sound more than earplugs, they can easily be handled by an individual wearing gloves, and they insulate the ears from cold.
In some cases, individuals may remove their ear-muffs to communicate, resulting in exposure to the full intensity of environmental noise. In other cases, individuals may not use their hearing protection because environmental noise is intermittent. When environmental noise does occur, those individuals are sometimes left without hearing protection, or are unable to prevent temporary exposure as they apply their ear-muffs.
Accordingly, there is a need for a hearing protection device that allows the wearer to easily control the degree of sound attenuation while it is being worn.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
There is provided an adjustable sound valve comprising: a passage for sound having a passage size; an attenuator for varying the passage size; and a controller for controlling the attenuator. The controller is configurable between a first position in which the passage size is pre-determined, and a second position in which the passage size is variable based on the attenuator.
The attenuator has a gasket base and a plug. The gasket base has a first gasket base opening and a second gasket base opening. The plug cooperates with the second gasket base opening to define the passage size of the passage for sound, which is defined by the distance between the second gasket base opening and the plug. The controller has a dial for varying the passage size.
The controller has a shaft, a gasket barrier, and a spring that engages the gasket barrier and the dial. The shaft has a dial end and a plug end, a longitudinal axis, and a shaft pin extending away from the longitudinal axis of the shaft. The gasket barrier is mounted over the first gasket base opening to create a seal, and has a gasket barrier shaft hole for receiving the shaft, a gasket barrier hole for allowing the transmission of sound, and a cam mounted to the gasket barrier. The cam has a rising cam surface for engaging the shaft pin, and a cam stop that prevents further travel of the shaft pin along the rising cam surface.
The shaft is rotatably mounted through the gasket barrier and the gasket base, and connected to dial at the dial end, and connected to the plug at the plug end.
The spring is in compression and urges the dial away from the gasket barrier and along the longitudinal axis of the shaft, such that the shaft pin engages the rising cam.
The shaft also includes a shaft flange that engages the gasket barrier when the dial is depressed along the longitudinal axis of the shaft and toward the gasket barrier. The controller is in the first position when the dial is pressed along the longitudinal axis of the shaft toward the gasket barrier until the shaft pin disengages the rising cam surface and the shaft flange engages the gasket barrier. The controller is in the second position when the shaft pin is engaging the rising cam surface.
The adjustable sound valve also includes a protection cap that engages the gasket base and has one or more protection cap holes for allowing the transmission of sound. The protection cap serves to protect the components of the adjustable sound valve from damage.
In another aspect of the invention, there is provided an adjustable sound valve comprising a passage for sound having a passage size; an attenuator for varying the passage size, the attenuator comprising a gasket base having a first gasket base opening and a second gasket base opening, and a plug for cooperating with the second gasket base opening to define the passage size; and a controller for controlling the attenuator, and configurable between a first position in which the passage size is pre-determined and a second position in which the passage size is variable based on the attenuator.
In another aspect, there is provided an adjustable sound valve actively coupled to a headgear selected from the set consisting of ear-muffs and helmets, the adjustable sound valve comprising a passage for sound having a passage size; an attenuator for varying the passage size, the attenuator comprising a gasket base having a first gasket base opening and a second gasket base opening, and a plug for cooperating with the second gasket base opening to define the passage size; and a controller for controlling the attenuator, and configurable between a first position in which the passage size is pre-determined and a second position in which the passage size is variable based on the attenuator.
Other aspects and features of the present application will become apparent to those ordinarily skilled in the art upon review of the following description of specific embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying figures.
-2a-BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Embodiments of the present application will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the attached Figures, wherein:
FIG. 1 shows a side view of an ear-muff incorporating an embodiment of the adjustable sound valve as worn by a user;
FIG. 1A shows a perspective view of an ear-muff incorporating an embodiment of the adjustable sound valve;
FIG. 2 shows a cross sectional view of an ear-muff incorporating an embodiment of the adjustable sound valve along line A-A in FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the adjustable sound valve;
FIG. 4 shows a top view of an embodiment of the adjustable sound valve in an open position;
FIG. 5 shows a cross sectional view of an embodiment of the adjustable sound valve along line C-C in FIG. 4;
FIG. 6 shows a top view of an embodiment of the adjustable sound valve in a closed position;
FIG. 7 shows a cross sectional view of an embodiment of the adjustable sound valve along line B-B in FIG. 6;
FIG. 8 shows an exploded side view of an embodiment of the adjustable sound valve;
FIG. 9 shows an exploded top view of an embodiment of the adjustable sound valve; and FIG. 10 shows an exploded bottom view of an embodiment of the adjustable sound valve DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Figures 1 and 1A respectively show a side view and a perspective view of an ear-muff including an embodiment of the adjustable sound valve 1 a first ear muff 10 and a second ear muff (not shown), connected to a band 11 by a first band holder 12 and a second band holder (not shown).
Referring now to Figure 2, the first ear muff 10 includes a cup 14 typically made of a rigid material, a sound barrier foam cushion 16, cushion 17, and an adjustable sound valve 1 installed in an ear-muff opening 15 in the cup 14. The sound barrier foam cushion 16 is installed in cup 14 to provide sound absorption. Cushion 17 provides a comfortable seal between the ear-muff 10 and the user's head and includes a foam interior 17A of a material such as a sound barrier foam, and a flexible cover 17B made from polyvinyl or other suitable material. Preferably, the adjustable sound valve 1 is described in further detail below. As will be understood by one skilled in the art, the adjustable sound valve can be integrated into other wearable accessories, such as a helmet.
Figures 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10 show an embodiment of the adjustable sound valve 1.
Referring now to Figure 3, the adjustable sound valve 1 is controlled through a dial 3, typically manufactured of plastic, and which can be rotated by a user about its longitudinal axis to a user-determined sound attenuation setting, or user setting, between a user setting minimum and a user setting maximum. The dial 3 can also be depressed along its longitudinal axis, placing it in a first position in which the adjustable sound valve 1 is set to a pre-determined attenuation for as long as it is held in the first position. As detailed further below, the dial 3 is biased or urged toward an un-depressed second position, and releasing the dial 3 causes it to return to its un-depressed second position.
Once the dial 3 returns to its default un-depressed second position, the adjustable sound valve 1 resumes attenuating sounds on the basis of the user-setting.
In a further embodiment, the adjustable sound valve 1 includes an attenuation indicator that provides the user with an indication of the user-determined sound attenuation setting. For example, as shown in Figure 4, a marker 3A cooperates with a symbol 3B to indicate the current user-determined sound attenuation setting of the adjustable sound valve 1. In this example, the thickness of the line in symbol corresponds to the relative volume of the sound received at the ear, the thicker portion of the line in symbol 3B indicating greater volume (less attenuation), and the thinner portion of the line in symbol 3B indicating less volume (greater attenuation).
The dial 3 controls the attenuation by controlling the size of the space, or passage for sound, through which sound S travels to the ear. As shown in Figures 4 and 5, dial 3 is set to greater volume (less attenuation). Accordingly, the adjustable sound valve provides a passage for sound between a gasket base 7 and a plug 8 through which sound S
is transmitted. Sound S enters into the adjustable sound valve 1 through slots 3F
in the dial 3, flows through the sound passage, and exits through the protection cap holes 9B
and 9C
protection cap 9 to continue on to the user's ear. Thus acting in cooperation, the gasket base 7 and the plug 8 act as an attenuator for sound S as it is transmitted through the adjustable sound valve 1.
Rotating the dial 3 to increase attenuation and reduce the volume causes the plug 8 to move closer to gasket base 7, thereby decreasing the size of the passage sound S that can be transmitted through it.
Figures 6 and 7 illustrates the adjustable sound valve with the un-depressed dial 3 set to minimum volume (maximum attenuation), with the plug 8 engaging the gasket base 7 and completely sealing the gasket opening 7C. No passage is provided for sound S to flow on through protection cap holes 9B and 9C of protection cap 9.
Referring now to Figures 8, 9 and 10, dial 3 is attached to a shaft 4 at a shaft dial end by the engagement of correspondingly threaded screw 2 and shaft hole 4C.
The dial 3 is typically manufactured from plastic, while the screw 2 and the shaft 4 are typically manufactured from a material such as steel or aluminum. Shaft engagement areas 3C and 3D engage the shaft 4 so that rotation of the dial 3 about its longitudinal axis will result in corresponding rotation of the shaft 4. A spring 5, or other urging means, is compressed between surface 4D and a gasket barrier 6, and urges the dial 3 away from the gasket barrier 6. The shaft 4 extends through a gasket barrier shaft hole 61 of gasket barrier 6, with gasket barrier 6 positioned between 4E and 4G. A shaft pin 4G extends away from the longitudinal axis of shaft 4, and engages cam 6E, which is typically manufactured from a material such as steel or aluminum. Shaft 4 is attached to plug 8 at plug attachment portion 4H, which is threaded to correspond to threaded plug nut 8B installed in plug hole 8C of plug 8.
Gasket barrier 6 includes gasket barrier shaft hole 61 to receive the shaft 4, one or more gasket barrier holes 6A to permit the passage of sound, and a cam 6E to engage the shaft pin 4G. When the dial 3 is un-depressed, rotation of the dial 3 results in corresponding rotation of the shaft 4, causing the shaft pin 4G to move over the rising surface of the cam 6E. Rotating the dial 3 and the shaft 4 such that the shaft pin 4G moves toward 6F, causes spring 5 to urge dial 3 away from gasket barrier 6, and moves plug 8 toward gasket base 7.
Typically, the adjustable sound valve 1 is configured to achieve maximum attenuation, or user setting maximum, when the plug 8 engages gasket base 7 to completely seal the gasket base opening 7C. Rotating the dial 3 and the shaft 4 such that the shaft pin 4G moves toward the cam stop 6H causes the dial 3 to move toward the gasket barrier 6, compressing the spring 5 further and moving the plug 8 away from the gasket base 7. When the dial is un-depressed, minimum attenuation, or the user setting minimum, results when the space between the gasket base 7 and the plug 8 is maximized, which occurs when the shaft 4 is rotated until the shaft pin 4G engages cam stop 6H. Both the gasket base 7 and the plug 8 are typically manufactured of a resilient material with sound insulating properties, such as rubber with rubber hardness 70A.
The adjustable sound valve 1 can be put into a first position with pre-determined attenuation by depressing the dial 3. Depressing the dial 3 along the longitudinal axis of the shaft 4 toward gasket barrier 6 further compresses the spring 5, and causes shaft flange 4E, or shaft depression limiter, to engage the gasket barrier 6 when the dial 3 is fully pressed. In this first position the plug 8 moves away from gasket base 7 by a distance pre-determined by the interaction of the shaft flange 4E and the gasket barrier 6, creating a sound passage of a pre-determined passage size and resulting in pre-determined attenuation.
As shown in Figure 8, the gasket base 7 includes a first gasket base opening 7A, a second gasket base opening 7C, cup grooves 7D, protection cap grooves 7E, and an interior surface 7B. First gasket base opening 7A is sealingly mounted by gasket barrier 6.
Second gasket base opening 7C and plug 8 are adapted to sealingly engage each other as plug 8 moves along the longitudinal axis of the shaft 4 toward second gasket base opening 7C. Cup grooves 7D enable mounting of the adjustable sound valve 1 in the cup of an ear-muff. For example, as shown earlier, Figures 1 and 1A show an adjustable sound valve 1 in which cup grooves 7D engage a cup 14 to fix the position of the adjustable sound valve 1. Protection cap grooves 7E enable mounting of a protection cap 9, which is typically manufactured from plastic, and protects the components of the adjustable sound valve 1 from damage.
As one skilled in the art will understand, embodiments of the present invention may reside in many forms of headwear, such as ear-muffs or helmets.
While the embodiments described herein are directed to particular implementations of the adjustable sound valve, it will be understood that modifications and variations to these embodiments are within the scope and sphere of the present application.
For example, the size and shape of many of the features of the adjustable sound valve can differ while still providing the same function. Many other modifications and variations may occur to those skilled in the art. All such modifications and variations are believed to be within the sphere and scope of the present application.
The present application relates generally to a hearing protection device, and particularly, to a hearing protection device with adjustable sound attenuation.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Individuals in certain environments, such as industrial settings, may be exposed to high levels of environmental noise, which can lead to permanent hearing damage. The use of hearing protection devices such as ear-muffs or earplugs can significantly attenuate environmental noise and reduce or prevent hearing damage. In some cases, ear-muffs are a preferred form of hearing protection device because they typically attenuate sound more than earplugs, they can easily be handled by an individual wearing gloves, and they insulate the ears from cold.
In some cases, individuals may remove their ear-muffs to communicate, resulting in exposure to the full intensity of environmental noise. In other cases, individuals may not use their hearing protection because environmental noise is intermittent. When environmental noise does occur, those individuals are sometimes left without hearing protection, or are unable to prevent temporary exposure as they apply their ear-muffs.
Accordingly, there is a need for a hearing protection device that allows the wearer to easily control the degree of sound attenuation while it is being worn.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
There is provided an adjustable sound valve comprising: a passage for sound having a passage size; an attenuator for varying the passage size; and a controller for controlling the attenuator. The controller is configurable between a first position in which the passage size is pre-determined, and a second position in which the passage size is variable based on the attenuator.
The attenuator has a gasket base and a plug. The gasket base has a first gasket base opening and a second gasket base opening. The plug cooperates with the second gasket base opening to define the passage size of the passage for sound, which is defined by the distance between the second gasket base opening and the plug. The controller has a dial for varying the passage size.
The controller has a shaft, a gasket barrier, and a spring that engages the gasket barrier and the dial. The shaft has a dial end and a plug end, a longitudinal axis, and a shaft pin extending away from the longitudinal axis of the shaft. The gasket barrier is mounted over the first gasket base opening to create a seal, and has a gasket barrier shaft hole for receiving the shaft, a gasket barrier hole for allowing the transmission of sound, and a cam mounted to the gasket barrier. The cam has a rising cam surface for engaging the shaft pin, and a cam stop that prevents further travel of the shaft pin along the rising cam surface.
The shaft is rotatably mounted through the gasket barrier and the gasket base, and connected to dial at the dial end, and connected to the plug at the plug end.
The spring is in compression and urges the dial away from the gasket barrier and along the longitudinal axis of the shaft, such that the shaft pin engages the rising cam.
The shaft also includes a shaft flange that engages the gasket barrier when the dial is depressed along the longitudinal axis of the shaft and toward the gasket barrier. The controller is in the first position when the dial is pressed along the longitudinal axis of the shaft toward the gasket barrier until the shaft pin disengages the rising cam surface and the shaft flange engages the gasket barrier. The controller is in the second position when the shaft pin is engaging the rising cam surface.
The adjustable sound valve also includes a protection cap that engages the gasket base and has one or more protection cap holes for allowing the transmission of sound. The protection cap serves to protect the components of the adjustable sound valve from damage.
In another aspect of the invention, there is provided an adjustable sound valve comprising a passage for sound having a passage size; an attenuator for varying the passage size, the attenuator comprising a gasket base having a first gasket base opening and a second gasket base opening, and a plug for cooperating with the second gasket base opening to define the passage size; and a controller for controlling the attenuator, and configurable between a first position in which the passage size is pre-determined and a second position in which the passage size is variable based on the attenuator.
In another aspect, there is provided an adjustable sound valve actively coupled to a headgear selected from the set consisting of ear-muffs and helmets, the adjustable sound valve comprising a passage for sound having a passage size; an attenuator for varying the passage size, the attenuator comprising a gasket base having a first gasket base opening and a second gasket base opening, and a plug for cooperating with the second gasket base opening to define the passage size; and a controller for controlling the attenuator, and configurable between a first position in which the passage size is pre-determined and a second position in which the passage size is variable based on the attenuator.
Other aspects and features of the present application will become apparent to those ordinarily skilled in the art upon review of the following description of specific embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying figures.
-2a-BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Embodiments of the present application will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the attached Figures, wherein:
FIG. 1 shows a side view of an ear-muff incorporating an embodiment of the adjustable sound valve as worn by a user;
FIG. 1A shows a perspective view of an ear-muff incorporating an embodiment of the adjustable sound valve;
FIG. 2 shows a cross sectional view of an ear-muff incorporating an embodiment of the adjustable sound valve along line A-A in FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the adjustable sound valve;
FIG. 4 shows a top view of an embodiment of the adjustable sound valve in an open position;
FIG. 5 shows a cross sectional view of an embodiment of the adjustable sound valve along line C-C in FIG. 4;
FIG. 6 shows a top view of an embodiment of the adjustable sound valve in a closed position;
FIG. 7 shows a cross sectional view of an embodiment of the adjustable sound valve along line B-B in FIG. 6;
FIG. 8 shows an exploded side view of an embodiment of the adjustable sound valve;
FIG. 9 shows an exploded top view of an embodiment of the adjustable sound valve; and FIG. 10 shows an exploded bottom view of an embodiment of the adjustable sound valve DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Figures 1 and 1A respectively show a side view and a perspective view of an ear-muff including an embodiment of the adjustable sound valve 1 a first ear muff 10 and a second ear muff (not shown), connected to a band 11 by a first band holder 12 and a second band holder (not shown).
Referring now to Figure 2, the first ear muff 10 includes a cup 14 typically made of a rigid material, a sound barrier foam cushion 16, cushion 17, and an adjustable sound valve 1 installed in an ear-muff opening 15 in the cup 14. The sound barrier foam cushion 16 is installed in cup 14 to provide sound absorption. Cushion 17 provides a comfortable seal between the ear-muff 10 and the user's head and includes a foam interior 17A of a material such as a sound barrier foam, and a flexible cover 17B made from polyvinyl or other suitable material. Preferably, the adjustable sound valve 1 is described in further detail below. As will be understood by one skilled in the art, the adjustable sound valve can be integrated into other wearable accessories, such as a helmet.
Figures 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10 show an embodiment of the adjustable sound valve 1.
Referring now to Figure 3, the adjustable sound valve 1 is controlled through a dial 3, typically manufactured of plastic, and which can be rotated by a user about its longitudinal axis to a user-determined sound attenuation setting, or user setting, between a user setting minimum and a user setting maximum. The dial 3 can also be depressed along its longitudinal axis, placing it in a first position in which the adjustable sound valve 1 is set to a pre-determined attenuation for as long as it is held in the first position. As detailed further below, the dial 3 is biased or urged toward an un-depressed second position, and releasing the dial 3 causes it to return to its un-depressed second position.
Once the dial 3 returns to its default un-depressed second position, the adjustable sound valve 1 resumes attenuating sounds on the basis of the user-setting.
In a further embodiment, the adjustable sound valve 1 includes an attenuation indicator that provides the user with an indication of the user-determined sound attenuation setting. For example, as shown in Figure 4, a marker 3A cooperates with a symbol 3B to indicate the current user-determined sound attenuation setting of the adjustable sound valve 1. In this example, the thickness of the line in symbol corresponds to the relative volume of the sound received at the ear, the thicker portion of the line in symbol 3B indicating greater volume (less attenuation), and the thinner portion of the line in symbol 3B indicating less volume (greater attenuation).
The dial 3 controls the attenuation by controlling the size of the space, or passage for sound, through which sound S travels to the ear. As shown in Figures 4 and 5, dial 3 is set to greater volume (less attenuation). Accordingly, the adjustable sound valve provides a passage for sound between a gasket base 7 and a plug 8 through which sound S
is transmitted. Sound S enters into the adjustable sound valve 1 through slots 3F
in the dial 3, flows through the sound passage, and exits through the protection cap holes 9B
and 9C
protection cap 9 to continue on to the user's ear. Thus acting in cooperation, the gasket base 7 and the plug 8 act as an attenuator for sound S as it is transmitted through the adjustable sound valve 1.
Rotating the dial 3 to increase attenuation and reduce the volume causes the plug 8 to move closer to gasket base 7, thereby decreasing the size of the passage sound S that can be transmitted through it.
Figures 6 and 7 illustrates the adjustable sound valve with the un-depressed dial 3 set to minimum volume (maximum attenuation), with the plug 8 engaging the gasket base 7 and completely sealing the gasket opening 7C. No passage is provided for sound S to flow on through protection cap holes 9B and 9C of protection cap 9.
Referring now to Figures 8, 9 and 10, dial 3 is attached to a shaft 4 at a shaft dial end by the engagement of correspondingly threaded screw 2 and shaft hole 4C.
The dial 3 is typically manufactured from plastic, while the screw 2 and the shaft 4 are typically manufactured from a material such as steel or aluminum. Shaft engagement areas 3C and 3D engage the shaft 4 so that rotation of the dial 3 about its longitudinal axis will result in corresponding rotation of the shaft 4. A spring 5, or other urging means, is compressed between surface 4D and a gasket barrier 6, and urges the dial 3 away from the gasket barrier 6. The shaft 4 extends through a gasket barrier shaft hole 61 of gasket barrier 6, with gasket barrier 6 positioned between 4E and 4G. A shaft pin 4G extends away from the longitudinal axis of shaft 4, and engages cam 6E, which is typically manufactured from a material such as steel or aluminum. Shaft 4 is attached to plug 8 at plug attachment portion 4H, which is threaded to correspond to threaded plug nut 8B installed in plug hole 8C of plug 8.
Gasket barrier 6 includes gasket barrier shaft hole 61 to receive the shaft 4, one or more gasket barrier holes 6A to permit the passage of sound, and a cam 6E to engage the shaft pin 4G. When the dial 3 is un-depressed, rotation of the dial 3 results in corresponding rotation of the shaft 4, causing the shaft pin 4G to move over the rising surface of the cam 6E. Rotating the dial 3 and the shaft 4 such that the shaft pin 4G moves toward 6F, causes spring 5 to urge dial 3 away from gasket barrier 6, and moves plug 8 toward gasket base 7.
Typically, the adjustable sound valve 1 is configured to achieve maximum attenuation, or user setting maximum, when the plug 8 engages gasket base 7 to completely seal the gasket base opening 7C. Rotating the dial 3 and the shaft 4 such that the shaft pin 4G moves toward the cam stop 6H causes the dial 3 to move toward the gasket barrier 6, compressing the spring 5 further and moving the plug 8 away from the gasket base 7. When the dial is un-depressed, minimum attenuation, or the user setting minimum, results when the space between the gasket base 7 and the plug 8 is maximized, which occurs when the shaft 4 is rotated until the shaft pin 4G engages cam stop 6H. Both the gasket base 7 and the plug 8 are typically manufactured of a resilient material with sound insulating properties, such as rubber with rubber hardness 70A.
The adjustable sound valve 1 can be put into a first position with pre-determined attenuation by depressing the dial 3. Depressing the dial 3 along the longitudinal axis of the shaft 4 toward gasket barrier 6 further compresses the spring 5, and causes shaft flange 4E, or shaft depression limiter, to engage the gasket barrier 6 when the dial 3 is fully pressed. In this first position the plug 8 moves away from gasket base 7 by a distance pre-determined by the interaction of the shaft flange 4E and the gasket barrier 6, creating a sound passage of a pre-determined passage size and resulting in pre-determined attenuation.
As shown in Figure 8, the gasket base 7 includes a first gasket base opening 7A, a second gasket base opening 7C, cup grooves 7D, protection cap grooves 7E, and an interior surface 7B. First gasket base opening 7A is sealingly mounted by gasket barrier 6.
Second gasket base opening 7C and plug 8 are adapted to sealingly engage each other as plug 8 moves along the longitudinal axis of the shaft 4 toward second gasket base opening 7C. Cup grooves 7D enable mounting of the adjustable sound valve 1 in the cup of an ear-muff. For example, as shown earlier, Figures 1 and 1A show an adjustable sound valve 1 in which cup grooves 7D engage a cup 14 to fix the position of the adjustable sound valve 1. Protection cap grooves 7E enable mounting of a protection cap 9, which is typically manufactured from plastic, and protects the components of the adjustable sound valve 1 from damage.
As one skilled in the art will understand, embodiments of the present invention may reside in many forms of headwear, such as ear-muffs or helmets.
While the embodiments described herein are directed to particular implementations of the adjustable sound valve, it will be understood that modifications and variations to these embodiments are within the scope and sphere of the present application.
For example, the size and shape of many of the features of the adjustable sound valve can differ while still providing the same function. Many other modifications and variations may occur to those skilled in the art. All such modifications and variations are believed to be within the sphere and scope of the present application.
Claims (10)
1. An adjustable sound valve comprising:
a passage for sound having a passage size;
an attenuator for varying the passage size, the attenuator comprising:
a gasket base having a first gasket base opening and a second gasket base opening, and a plug for cooperating with the second gasket base opening to define the passage size; and a controller for controlling the attenuator, and configurable between a first position in which the passage size is pre-determined and a second position in which the passage size is variable based on the attenuator.
a passage for sound having a passage size;
an attenuator for varying the passage size, the attenuator comprising:
a gasket base having a first gasket base opening and a second gasket base opening, and a plug for cooperating with the second gasket base opening to define the passage size; and a controller for controlling the attenuator, and configurable between a first position in which the passage size is pre-determined and a second position in which the passage size is variable based on the attenuator.
2. The adjustable sound valve of claim 1 wherein the controller has a dial for varying the passage size.
3. The adjustable sound valve of claim 2 wherein:
the controller further comprises:
a shaft in fixed attachment with the centre of the dial and having a longitudinal axis, and a shaft pin extending away from the longitudinal axis of the shaft;
a gasket barrier sealingly mounted over the first gasket base opening and having a gasket barrier shaft hole for receiving the shaft, a gasket barrier hole for allowing the transmission of sound, and a cam mounted to the gasket barrier and having a cam stop and a rising cam surface for engaging the shaft pin; and a spring engaging the gasket barrier and the dial for urging the dial away from the gasket barrier and along the longitudinal axis of the shaft;
the shaft rotatably mounted through the gasket barrier and the gasket base;
and the plug connected to the shaft.
the controller further comprises:
a shaft in fixed attachment with the centre of the dial and having a longitudinal axis, and a shaft pin extending away from the longitudinal axis of the shaft;
a gasket barrier sealingly mounted over the first gasket base opening and having a gasket barrier shaft hole for receiving the shaft, a gasket barrier hole for allowing the transmission of sound, and a cam mounted to the gasket barrier and having a cam stop and a rising cam surface for engaging the shaft pin; and a spring engaging the gasket barrier and the dial for urging the dial away from the gasket barrier and along the longitudinal axis of the shaft;
the shaft rotatably mounted through the gasket barrier and the gasket base;
and the plug connected to the shaft.
4. The adjustable sound valve of claim 3 wherein:
the shaft includes a shaft flange that engages the gasket barrier when the dial is fully pressed along the longitudinal axis of the shaft toward the gasket barrier;
the controller is in the first position when the dial is shaft flange engages the gasket barrier; and the controller is in the second position when the shaft pin is engaging the rising cam surface.
the shaft includes a shaft flange that engages the gasket barrier when the dial is fully pressed along the longitudinal axis of the shaft toward the gasket barrier;
the controller is in the first position when the dial is shaft flange engages the gasket barrier; and the controller is in the second position when the shaft pin is engaging the rising cam surface.
5. The adjustable sound valve of claim 4 further comprising a protection cap engaging the gasket base and having a protection cap hole for allowing the transmission of sound
6. An adjustable sound valve actively coupled to a headgear selected from the set consisting of ear-muffs and helmets, the adjustable sound valve comprising:
a passage for sound having a passage size;
an attenuator for varying the passage size, the attenuator comprising:
a gasket base having a first gasket base opening and a second gasket base opening, and a plug for cooperating with the second gasket base opening to define the passage size; and a controller for controlling the attenuator, and configurable between a first position in which the passage size is pre-determined and a second position in which the passage size is variable based on the attenuator.
a passage for sound having a passage size;
an attenuator for varying the passage size, the attenuator comprising:
a gasket base having a first gasket base opening and a second gasket base opening, and a plug for cooperating with the second gasket base opening to define the passage size; and a controller for controlling the attenuator, and configurable between a first position in which the passage size is pre-determined and a second position in which the passage size is variable based on the attenuator.
7. The adjustable sound valve of claim 6, wherein the controller has a dial for varying the passage size.
8. The adjustable sound valve of claim 6, wherein:
the controller further comprises:
a shaft in fixed attachment with the centre of the dial and having a longitudinal axis, and a shaft pin extending away from the longitudinal axis of the shaft;
a gasket barrier sealingly mounted over the first gasket base opening and having a gasket barrier shaft hole for receiving the shaft, a gasket barrier hole for allowing the transmission of sound, and a cam mounted to the gasket barrier and having a cam stop and a rising cam surface for engaging the shaft pin; and a spring engaging the gasket barrier and the dial for urging the dial away from the gasket barrier and along the longitudinal axis of the shaft;
the controller further comprises:
a shaft in fixed attachment with the centre of the dial and having a longitudinal axis, and a shaft pin extending away from the longitudinal axis of the shaft;
a gasket barrier sealingly mounted over the first gasket base opening and having a gasket barrier shaft hole for receiving the shaft, a gasket barrier hole for allowing the transmission of sound, and a cam mounted to the gasket barrier and having a cam stop and a rising cam surface for engaging the shaft pin; and a spring engaging the gasket barrier and the dial for urging the dial away from the gasket barrier and along the longitudinal axis of the shaft;
9. The adjustable sound valve of claim 8, wherein:
the shaft includes a shaft flange that engages the gasket barrier when the dial is fully pressed along the longitudinal axis of the shaft toward the gasket barrier;
the controller is in the first position when the dial is shaft flange engages the gasket barrier; and the controller is in the second position when the shaft pin is engaging the rising cam surface.
the shaft includes a shaft flange that engages the gasket barrier when the dial is fully pressed along the longitudinal axis of the shaft toward the gasket barrier;
the controller is in the first position when the dial is shaft flange engages the gasket barrier; and the controller is in the second position when the shaft pin is engaging the rising cam surface.
10. The adjustable sound valve of claim 9 further comprising a protection cap engaging the gasket base and having a protection cap hole for allowing the transmission of sound.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2665891A CA2665891C (en) | 2008-05-14 | 2009-05-12 | Adjustable sound valve |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2,631,087 | 2008-05-14 | ||
| CA 2631087 CA2631087A1 (en) | 2008-05-14 | 2008-05-14 | Vlacic's on/off and adjustable sound valve |
| CA2665891A CA2665891C (en) | 2008-05-14 | 2009-05-12 | Adjustable sound valve |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2665891A1 CA2665891A1 (en) | 2009-11-14 |
| CA2665891C true CA2665891C (en) | 2012-09-11 |
Family
ID=41297189
Family Applications (2)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2631087 Abandoned CA2631087A1 (en) | 2008-05-14 | 2008-05-14 | Vlacic's on/off and adjustable sound valve |
| CA2665891A Expired - Fee Related CA2665891C (en) | 2008-05-14 | 2009-05-12 | Adjustable sound valve |
Family Applications Before (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2631087 Abandoned CA2631087A1 (en) | 2008-05-14 | 2008-05-14 | Vlacic's on/off and adjustable sound valve |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (2) | CA2631087A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN110351625B (en) * | 2019-07-12 | 2020-10-30 | 深圳市升弘创新科技有限公司 | Physical noise reduction device and method based on air escape valve and application |
| FI130315B (en) * | 2021-05-05 | 2023-06-14 | Fiskars Finland Oy Ab | Ear protection device |
-
2008
- 2008-05-14 CA CA 2631087 patent/CA2631087A1/en not_active Abandoned
-
2009
- 2009-05-12 CA CA2665891A patent/CA2665891C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CA2665891A1 (en) | 2009-11-14 |
| CA2631087A1 (en) | 2009-11-14 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| MKLA | Lapsed |
Effective date: 20150512 |
|
| MKLA | Lapsed |
Effective date: 20150512 |