Collapsible muffler system

Abstract

The muffler system of the preferred embodiment includes an outer membrane adapted to operate in a collapsed mode, wherein the outer membrane defines a first volume that facilitates portability and stowage, and in an expanded mode, wherein the outer membrane defines a second volume, which is larger than the first volume, that provides attenuation and muffling of the noise signature of the power system. The muffler system further includes an inlet coupled to the outer membrane and adapted to allow the exhaust gases and sound waves from the portable power system to enter the muffler system.

1 . A muffler system for a portable power system having a noise signature, comprising: 
 an outer membrane adapted to operate in the following modes: 
 collapsed mode, wherein the outer membrane defines a first volume that facilitates portability and stowage; and  
 expanded mode, wherein the outer membrane defines a second volume, which is larger than the first volume, that provides attenuation and muffling of the noise signature of the power system; and  
   an inlet.    
   
   
       2 . The muffler system of  claim 1  wherein the first volume is equal or less than 50% of the second volume.  
   
   
       3 . The muffler system of  claim 2  wherein the first volume is equal or less than 20% of the second volume.  
   
   
       4 . The muffler system of  claim 1  wherein the outer membrane is adapted to transition from the collapsed mode to the expanded mode by inflating.  
   
   
       5 . The muffler system of  claim 1  wherein the outer membrane includes creases and is adapted to transition from the collapsed mode to the expanded mode by unfolding.  
   
   
       6 . The muffler system of  claim 1  wherein the outer membrane includes a shape memory material and is adapted to transition from the collapsed mode to the expanded mode by changing shape due to the application of at least one of temperature, light, electricity, and mechanical stress.  
   
   
       7 . The muffler system of  claim 1  further comprising a frame structure coupled to the outer membrane and adapted to operate in the following modes: 
 collapsed mode, wherein the frame structure defines a first volume that facilitates portability and stowage; and    expanded mode, wherein the frame structure defines a second volume, which is larger than the first volume, and provides structure for the outer membrane.    
   
   
       8 . The muffler system of  claim 7  wherein the frame structure includes telescoping rods adapted to transition from the collapsed mode to the expanded mode by lengthening telescopically.  
   
   
       9 . The muffler system of  claim 7  wherein the frame structure includes a spring adapted to bias the outer membrane from the collapsed mode to the expanded mode.  
   
   
       10 . The muffler system of  claim 7  wherein the frame structure includes a shape memory material and is adapted to transition from the collapsed mode to the expanded mode by changing shape due to the application of at least one of temperature, light, electricity and mechanical stress.  
   
   
       11 . The muffler system of  claim 7  wherein the frame structure comprises a plurality of rings adapted to transition from the collapsed mode to the expanded mode by separating.  
   
   
       12 . The muffler system of  claim 7  further comprising an outlet and a first end cap coupled to the outer membrane and coupled to at least one of the inlet and the outlet.  
   
   
       13 . The muffler system of  claim 12  further comprising a second end cap coupled to the outer membrane and coupled to at least one of the inlet and the outlet.  
   
   
       14 . The muffler system of  claim 13  wherein the frame structure extends between the first end cap and the second end cap.  
   
   
       15 . The muffler system of  claim 7  further comprising a securing element adapted to hold at least one of the outer membrane and the frame structure in at least one of the collapsed mode and the expanded mode.  
   
   
       16 . The muffler system of  claim 7  further comprising a self-deployment device adapted to transition at least one of the outer membrane and the frame structure from the collapsed mode to the expanded mode.  
   
   
       17 . The muffler system of  claim 16  wherein the self-deployment device is adapted to use heat to expand at least one of the outer membrane and the frame structure from the collapsed mode to the expanded mode.  
   
   
       18 . The muffler system of  claim 16  wherein the self-deployment device is adapted to use air to inflate at least one of the outer membrane and the frame structure from the collapsed mode to the expanded mode.  
   
   
       19 . The muffler system of  claim 16  wherein the self-deployment device includes an electric motor to drive at least one of the outer membrane and the frame structure from the collapsed mode to the expanded mode.  
   
   
       20 . The muffler system of  claim 1  further comprising a catalytic converter adapted to expose the exhaust from the portable power system to a catalyst.