Customized Muffler

Abstract

A customized muffler is an apparatus that provides a sportscar-like sound for any exhaust system. The apparatus includes an outer cylindrical shell, a first outer cone, a second outer cone, and at least one sound modifier. The outer cylindrical shell, the first outer cone, and the second outer cone are fixed together and replace an existing muffler. The at least one sound modifier includes an annular disk and a plurality of slots which creates the sportscar-like sound. The first outer cone and the second outer cone also contribute to the sportscar-like sound as a result of the tapering construction of the first outer cone and the second outer cone. The apparatus further customizes the sound of an engine as the apparatus further includes a combination of a first central tube, a second central tube, an air deflector, a third cone, and a fourth cone positioned within the outer cylindrical shell.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a muffler. More specifically, the present invention is customized muffler.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Vehicle customization is a popular and growing industry as each detail of a vehicle can be changed to the liking of an individual and combinations are endless. A common customization for a vehicle is the muffler. Although, the purpose of a typical muffler is to significantly reduce the sound of an engine, certain mufflers are used to mimic the sound of performance vehicles or muscle vehicles. Each muffler typically features at least one chamber to create a unique sound.

It is therefore an objective of the present invention to modify the sound of an existing muffler to create a deep and much louder sound similar to that of an exhaust system of a performance vehicle. The present invention provides various sportscar-like sounds. Moreover, the present invention is a replacement for an existing muffler so that any vehicle may emit a sportscar-like sound.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front side view of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a cross-section view of FIG. 2 taken along line 3-3 of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a top side view of a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a cross-section view of FIG. 4 taken along line 5-5 of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a top side view of a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a cross-section view of FIG. 6 taken along line 7-7 of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a top side view of a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a cross-section view of FIG. 8 taken along line 9-9 of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a top side view of a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a cross-section view of FIG. 10 taken along line 11-11 of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a top side view of a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a cross-section view of FIG. 10 taken along line 13-13 of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a top side view of a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a cross-section view of FIG. 10 taken along line 15-15 of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a top side view of a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a cross-section view of FIG. 12 taken along line 17-17 of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of describing selected versions of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

The present invention mimics the sound of engines for performance vehicles. More specifically, the present invention replaces an existing muffler of a vehicle and emits an amplified, deep, and sporty sound. In order to provide this type of customized sound, the present invention comprises an outer cylindrical shell 1, a first outer cone 5, a second outer cone 9, and at least one sound modifier 13, seen in FIG. 1. The outer cylindrical shell 1, the first outer cone 5, the second outer cone 9, and the at least one sound modifier 13 are preferably welded together to reinforce the structural integrity of the present invention. The outer cylindrical shell 1 houses the at least one sound modifier 13 and connect the first outer cone 5 with the second outer cone 9. The outer cylindrical shell 1 comprises an elongated body 2, a first shell rim 3, and a second shell rim 4. The elongated body 2 contains the sound waves traversing through the exhaust system. The first shell rim 3 allows the first outer cone 5 to be connected with the elongated body 2. Similarly, the second shell rim 4 allows the second outer cone 9 to be connected with the elongated body 2. The first outer cone 5 and the second outer cone 9 both amplifies the sound and allows the outer cylindrical shell 1 to be mounted with the exhaust pipe. Moreover, the first outer cone 5 comprises a first lateral wall 6, a first wider cone rim 7, a first narrower cone rim 8. The first lateral wall 6 directs the sound waves from the exhaust pipe into the outer cylindrical shell 1. The first wider cone rim 7 and the first narrower cone rim 8 allows the first lateral wall 6 to connect the exhaust pipe with the outer cylindrical shell 1 while tapering from the first wider cone rim 7 to the first narrower cone rim 8. Similarly, the second outer cone 9 comprises a second lateral wall 10, a second wider cone rim 11, and a second narrower cone rim 12. The second lateral wall 10 directs the sound waves from the cylindrical shell into the exhaust pipe or the tail pipe. The second wider cone rim 11 and the second narrower cone rim 12 allows the second lateral wall 10 to connect the exhaust pipe with the outer cylindrical shell 1 while tapering from the second wider cone rim 11 to the second narrower cone rim 12. The at least one sound modifier 13 deflects and directs the sound waves emitted by the engine of a corresponding vehicle. The at least one modifier comprises an annular disk 14 and a plurality of slots 16. The annular disk 14 and the plurality of slots 16 serve as a filter for the sound waves and alters the sound of the engine.

The overall arrangement of the aforementioned components customizes the sound of an engine to emit amplified, sportscar-like sound. In order for the present invention to affect the sound waves of an engine to emit such a type of sound, the outer cylindrical shell 1, the first outer cone 5, and the second outer cone 9 must taper at the distal ends of the entire housing, seen in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2. The first shell rim 3 and the second shell rim 4 are positioned opposite to each other along the elongated body 2. The first wider cone rim 7 and the first narrower cone rim 8 are positioned opposite each other along the first lateral wall 6. The second wider cone rim 11 and the second narrower cone rim 12 are positioned opposite each other along the second lateral wall 10. Moreover, the outer cylindrical shell 1, the first outer cone 5, and the second outer cone 9 are in fluid communication with each other such that the sound waves from the engine are contained by the present invention. The first wider cone rim 7 is fixed adjacent to the first shell rim 3, and the second winder cone rim is fixed adjacent to the second shell rim 4.

In order for the sound waves that have entered through the first outer cone 5 to be deflected and directed while traversing through the elongated body 2, the plurality of slots 16 traverses normal through the annular disk 14, seen in FIG. 1 and FIG. 3. More specifically, the plurality of slots 16 is radially distributed about the annular disk 14. The disk is positioned within the elongated body 2, and the elongated body 2 is perimetrically fixed to the annular disk 14, securing the desired position of the at least one annular disk 14 within the elongated body 2. This arrangement ensures all the sound waves entering the elongated body 2 are affected by the at least one sound modifier 13.

The present invention provides less sound reduction and therefore amplifies a sportscar-like sound as each slot of the plurality of slots 16 comprises an inner edge 17, an outer edge 18, a first lateral edge 19, and a second lateral edge 20, seen in FIG. 3. The outer edge 18 is peripherally positioned on the annular disk 14, and the inner edge 17 is positioned offset from the outer edge 18. The first lateral edge 19 and the second lateral edge 20 are positioned in between the outer edge 18 and the inner edge 17. Moreover, the first lateral edge 19 and the second lateral edge 20 are positioned offset from each other. The sound emitted with the present invention is further customized as the first lateral edge 19 is positioned perpendicular with the inner edge 17 and the outer edge 18. Whereas, the second lateral edge 20 is oriented at an obtuse angle with the inner edge 17 and at an acute angle with the outer edge 18.

In a first embodiment of the present invention, shown in FIG. 4, the at least one sound modifier 13 comprise a first modifier 21 and a second modifier 22, seen in FIG. 5. The first modifier 21 is positioned adjacent to the first shell rim 3, and the second modifier 22 is positioned adjacent to the second shell rim 4. This first embodiment provides sportscar-like sound for an engine. For this first embodiment, the plurality of slots 16 of the first modifier 21 is aligned with the plurality of slots 16 of the second modifier 22 in order to emit a first sound. A second sound is emitted with the plurality of slots 16 of the first modifier 21 in an offset arrangement with the plurality of slots 16 of the second modifier 22. A third sound is emitted with the first lateral edge 19 of each slot for the first modifier 21 positioned adjacent the first lateral edge 19 of each slot for the second modifier 22. A fourth sound is emitted with the first lateral edge 19 of each slot for the first modifier 21 positioned opposite the first lateral edge 19 of each slot for the second modifier 22.

A second embodiment of the present invention, shown in FIG. 6, comprises a first central tube 24. As seen in FIG. 7, the first central tube 24 directs a portion of the sound waves into an isolated area from the first modifier 21 to the second modifier 22. This arrangement further customizes the sound emitted by the engine. The first central tube 24 is concentrically fixed in between the annular disk 14 of the first modifier 21 and the annular disk 14 of the second modifier 22. A central hole 15 of the annular disk 14 of the first modifier 21 and a central hole 15 of the annular disk 14 of the second modifier 22 are in fluid communication with each other through the first central tube 24. Consequently, the sound emitted with this second embodiment is louder and further enhances the sportscar-like sound. A third embodiment of the present invention, shown in FIG. 8, comprises a second central tube 25. As seen in FIG. 9, the second central tube 25 creates a less isolated sound than that of the second embodiment. The second central tube 25 also amplifies the volume and further enhances the sportscar-like sound. The second central tube 25 is concentrically fixed to the annular disk 14 of the first modifier 21 and oriented towards the annular disk 14 of the second modifier 22. The second central tube 25 is positioned offset from the annular disk 14 of the second modifier 22, allowing the sound waves to exit the second central tube 25 and reflect off of the elongated body 2 before traversing through the plurality of slots 16 of the second modifier 22.

A fourth embodiment of the present invention, shown in FIG. 10, further comprises an air deflector 26, seen in FIG. 11. The air deflector 26 forces the sound waves passing through the plurality of slots 16 of the first modifier 21 and traversing into the outer cylindrical shell 1 to reflect against the elongated body 2. Moreover, the air deflector 26 creates air deflation within the outer cylindrical shell 1. The air deflector 26 is mounted within the elongated body 2, securing a desired position within the elongated body 2, and an apex 27 of the air deflector 26 is oriented towards the first outer cone 5. This arrangement slightly varies the sportscar-like sound than that of the previously discussed embodiments.

A fifth embodiment of the present invention, shown in FIG. 12, further comprises a third cone 28. Unlike the third embodiment of the present invention with the second central tube 25, the third cone 28 allows the sound waves to gradually traverse through the central hole 15. This does amplify the volume of the sound waves but is much softer than that of the third embodiment. The sportscar-like sound is also slightly varied with the fourth embodiment as the sound waves that traverse through the plurality of slots 16 of the first modifier 21 reflect against the third cone 28 as well, seen in FIG. 13. The third cone 28 comprises a third lateral wall 29, a third wider cone rim 30, and a third narrower cone rim 31. The third wider cone rim 30 and the third narrower cone rim 31 are positioned opposite each other along the third lateral wall 29. The third cone 28 is positioned within the elongated body 2, in order to emit a unique sportscar-like sound and amplify the volume of the sound waves. More specifically, the third narrower cone rim 31 is concentrically connected to a central hole 15 of the annular disk 14 of the first modifier 21.

In a sixth embodiment of the present invention, shown in FIG. 14, the at least one sound modifier 13 comprises a single modifier 23. As seen in FIG. 15, the single modifier 23 is positioned adjacent to the second shell rim 4, emitting a simpler sportscar-like sound. A seventh embodiment of the present invention, seen in FIG. 16, further comprises a fourth cone 32, in combination with the single modifier 23. As seen in FIG. 17, the fourth cone 32 amplifies the volume of the sound waves traversing into the elongated body 2. Similar to the first cone, the second cone, and the third cone 28, the fourth cone 32 comprises a fourth lateral wall 33, a fourth wider cone rim 34, and a fourth narrower cone rim 35. The fourth wider cone rim 34 and the fourth narrower cone rim 35 are positioned opposite each other along the fourth lateral wall 33. The fourth cone 32 is positioned within the elongated body 2 and is fixed to the first shell rim 3. More specifically, the fourth narrower cone rim 35 is oriented towards the single modifier 23, thereby amplifying the volume and creating a more isolated sound. And the fourth wider cone rim 34 is fixed to the first shell rim 3, mounting the fourth cone 32 within the elongated body 2. An eighth embodiment of the present invention further comprises an air deflector 26, similar to that of the fourth embodiment. The air deflector 26 is mounted within the elongated body 2, and an apex 27 of the air deflector 26 is oriented towards the first outer cone 5.

It is understood that further embodiments of the present invention may comprise a combination of the internal components within the outer cylindrical shell 1. Such a further embodiment may comprise solely an air deflector 26, a fourth cone 32, and a fifth cone positioned within the elongated body 2. The air deflector 26 is positioned in between the fourth cone 32 and the fifth cone, with a fifth wider cone rim fixed to the within the elongated body 2 and a fifth narrower cone rim oriented towards the second outer cone 9. A further embodiment of the present invention may comprise a plurality of supplementary sound modifiers positioned in between the first modifier 21 and the second modifier 22.

Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed.

Claims

1. A customized muffler comprises: an outer cylindrical shell;a first outer cone;a second outer cone;at least one sound modifier;the at least one sound modifier comprises an annular disk and a plurality of slots;the outer cylindrical shell comprises an elongated body, a first shell rim, and a second shell rim;the first outer cone comprises a first lateral wall, a first wider cone rim, and a first narrower cone rim;the second outer cone comprises a second lateral wall, a second wider cone rim, and a second narrower cone rim;the first shell rim and the second shell rim being positioned opposite to each other along the elongated body;the first wider cone rim and the first narrower cone rim being positioned opposite each other along the first lateral wall;the second wider cone rim and the second narrower cone rim being positioned opposite each other along the second lateral wall;the first wider cone rim being fixed adjacent to the first shell rim;the second wider cone rim being fixed adjacent to the second shell rim;the plurality of slots traversing normal through the annular disk;the plurality of slots being radially distributed about the annular disk;the disk being positioned within the elongated body; and,the elongated body being perimetrically fixed to the annular disk.

2. The customized muffler as claimed in claim 1 comprises: each slot of the plurality of slots comprises an inner edge, an outer edge, a first lateral edge, and a second lateral edge;the outer edge being peripherally positioned on the annular disk;the inner edge being positioned offset from the outer edge;the first lateral edge and the second lateral edge being positioned in between the outer edge and the inner edge;the first lateral edge and the second lateral edge being positioned offset from each other;the first lateral edge being positioned perpendicular with the inner edge and the outer edge;the second lateral edge being oriented at an obtuse angle with the inner edge; and,the second lateral edge being oriented at an acute angle with the outer edge.

3. The customized muffler as claimed in claim 1 comprises: the at least one sound modifier comprises a first modifier and a second modifier;the first modifier being positioned adjacent to the first shell rim; and,the second modifier being positioned adjacent to the second shell rim.

4. The customized muffler as claimed in claim 3 comprises: a first central tube;the first central tube being concentrically fixed in between the annular disk of the first modifier and the annular disk of the second modifier; and,a central hole of the annular disk of the first modifier and a central hole of the annular disk of the second modifier being in fluid communication with each other through the first central tube.

5. The customized muffler as claimed in claim 3 comprises: a second central tube;the second central tube being concentrically fixed to the annular disk of the first modifier;the second central tube being oriented towards the annular disk of the second modifier; and,the second central tube being positioned offset from the annular disk of the second modifier.

6. The customized muffler as claimed in claim 3 comprises: an air deflector;the air deflector being mounted within the elongated body; and,an apex of the air deflector being oriented towards the first outer cone.

7. The customized muffler as claimed in claim 3 comprises: a third cone;the third cone comprises a third lateral wall, a third wider cone rim, and a third narrower cone rim;the third wider cone rim and the third narrower cone rim being positioned opposite each other along the third lateral wall;the third cone being positioned within the elongated body; and,the third narrower cone rim being concentrically connected to a central hole of the annular disk of the first modifier.

8. The customized muffler as claimed in claim 1 comprises: the at least one sound modifier comprises a single modifier; and,the single modifier being positioned adjacent to the second shell rim.

9. The customized muffler as claimed in claim 8 comprises: a fourth cone;the fourth cone comprises a fourth lateral wall, a fourth wider cone rim, and a fourth narrower cone rim;the fourth wider cone rim and the fourth narrower cone rim being positioned opposite each other along the fourth lateral wall;the fourth cone being positioned within the elongated body;the fourth wider cone rim being fixed to the first shell rim; and,the fourth narrower cone rim being oriented towards the single modifier.

10. The customized muffler as claimed in claim 8 comprises: an air deflector;the air deflector being mounted within the elongated body; and,an apex of the air deflector being oriented towards the first outer cone.

11. A customized muffler comprises: an outer cylindrical shell;a first outer cone;a second outer cone;at least one sound modifier;the at least one sound modifier comprises an annular disk and a plurality of slots;the outer cylindrical shell comprises an elongated body, a first shell rim, and a second shell rim;the first outer cone comprises a first lateral wall, a first wider cone rim, and a first narrower cone rim;the second outer cone comprises a second lateral wall, a second wider cone rim, and a second narrower cone rim;each slot of the plurality of slots comprises an inner edge, an outer edge, a first lateral edge, and a second lateral edge;the first shell rim and the second shell rim being positioned opposite to each other along the elongated body;the first wider cone rim and the first narrower cone rim being positioned opposite each other along the first lateral wall;the second wider cone rim and the second narrower cone rim being positioned opposite each other along the second lateral wall;the first wider cone rim being fixed adjacent to the first shell rim;the second wider cone rim being fixed adjacent to the second shell rim;the plurality of slots traversing normal through the annular disk;the plurality of slots being radially distributed about the annular disk;the disk being positioned within the elongated body;the elongated body being perimetrically fixed to the annular disk;the outer edge being peripherally positioned on the annular disk;the inner edge being positioned offset from the outer edge;the first lateral edge and the second lateral edge being positioned in between the outer edge and the inner edge;the first lateral edge and the second lateral edge being positioned offset from each other;the first lateral edge being positioned perpendicular with the inner edge and the outer edge;the second lateral edge being oriented at an obtuse angle with the inner edge; and,the second lateral edge being oriented at an acute angle with the outer edge.

12. The customized muffler as claimed in claim 11 comprises: the at least one sound modifier comprises a first modifier and a second modifier;the first modifier being positioned adjacent to the first shell rim; and,the second modifier being positioned adjacent to the second shell rim.

13. The customized muffler as claimed in claim 12 comprises: a first central tube;the first central tube being concentrically fixed in between the annular disk of the first modifier and the annular disk of the second modifier; and,a central hole of the annular disk of the first modifier and a central hole of the annular disk of the second modifier being in fluid communication with each other through the first central tube.

14. The customized muffler as claimed in claim 12 comprises: a second central tube;the second central tube being concentrically fixed to the annular disk of the first modifier;the second central tube being oriented towards the annular disk of the second modifier; and,the second central tube being positioned offset from the annular disk of the second modifier.

15. The customized muffler as claimed in claim 12 comprises: an air deflector;the air deflector being mounted within the elongated body; and,an apex of the air deflector being oriented towards the first outer cone.

16. The customized muffler as claimed in claim 12 comprises: a third cone;the third cone comprises a third lateral wall, a third wider cone rim, and a third narrower cone rim;the third wider cone rim and the third narrower cone rim being positioned opposite each other along the third lateral wall;the third cone being positioned within the elongated body; and,the third narrower cone rim being concentrically connected to a central hole of the annular disk of the first modifier.

17. The customized muffler as claimed in claim 11 comprises: the at least one sound modifier comprises a single modifier; and,the single modifier being positioned adjacent to the second shell rim.

18. The customized muffler as claimed in claim 17 comprises: a fourth cone;the fourth cone comprises a fourth lateral wall, a fourth wider cone rim, and a fourth narrower cone rim;the fourth wider cone rim and the fourth narrower cone rim being positioned opposite each other along the fourth lateral wall;the fourth cone being positioned within the elongated body;the fourth wider cone rim being fixed to the first shell rim; and,the fourth narrower cone rim being oriented towards the single modifier.

19. The customized muffler as claimed in claim 17 comprises: an air deflector;the air deflector being mounted within the elongated body; and,an apex of the air deflector being oriented towards the first outer cone.