Sound-reducing baffle

Abstract

An accessory to an exhaust system is disclosed which reduces the decibel output from the engine of a vehicle while negligibly affecting the horsepower produced by the engine. The accessory can be built directly into an exhaust system by the manufacturer or added as an after-market enhancement by the consumer. The key elements to the device include a sound-funneling housing which circumscribes a diffusing element, both of which are removably or permanently capped on one side. The uncapped end of the housing is formed to engage a portion of the actual exhaust system. The overall result of this device reduces the total amount of noise produced, without noticeably affecting engine performance, while simultaneously inhibiting harmonic sound waves that can create an annoying rattling sound for the driver or passenger.

1 . A sound-reducing baffle for a gasoline-powered engine comprising:
 a cylindrical, hollow core with a proximal end and a distal end, said distal end containing a plurality of perforations and constructed to be engaged within an exhaust system;   an end cap fixed around said proximal end, said end cap capable of being joined to said exhaust system; and   a diffuser inserted within said core and mounted to either said core or said end cap.   
   
   
       2 . The baffle of  claim 1 , wherein said core is comprised at least partially of one or more materials of the group consisting of metal, metal alloy, polymer, vulcanized rubber and ceramic. 
   
   
       3 . The baffle of  claim 2 , wherein said core varies in diameter between said proximal end and said distal end. 
   
   
       4 . The baffle of  claim 3 , wherein said core contains locking mechanisms which removably affix said end cap, said proximal end or said distal end to said exhaust system. 
   
   
       5 . The baffle of  claim 4 , wherein said end cap is affixed to said exhaust system by means of a locking tab, nail, screw, pin, tack, staple, bolt, catch, clamp, clasp, collar, pressure, adhesive, cement, plaster or solder. 
   
   
       6 . The baffle of  claim 1 , wherein said proximal end of said core has a diameter greater than the width of said diffuser and less than or equal to the width of said exhaust system. 
   
   
       7 . The baffle of  claim 6 , wherein said proximal end comprises a flange that juts inward, said flange creating a barrier that reduces any gap between said core and said diffuser. 
   
   
       8 . The baffle of  claim 1 , wherein said perforations are uniform or non-uniform in size or shape. 
   
   
       9 . The baffle of  claim 8 , wherein said perforations are located in a regular or randomized pattern. 
   
   
       10 . The baffle of  claim 1 , wherein said diffuser comprises a rectangular sheet of material which is kinked to form a plurality of bends. 
   
   
       11 . The baffle of  claim 10 , wherein at least one of said bends alternates in direction from another of said bends. 
   
   
       12 . The baffle of  claim 10 , wherein said diffuser is mounted to said core or said end cap by means of a central rod that runs through said diffuser. 
   
   
       13 . A sound-reducing baffle to be used in conjunction with a motorcycle exhaust pipe comprising:
 an obstructing core with a proximal end and a distal end, said distal end containing a plurality of perforations and constructed to be engaged within said exhaust pipe;   an end cap fixed around said proximal end, said end cap capable of being joined to said exhaust pipe;   a diffuser located within said core and mounted to either said core or said end cap; and   a locking tab capable of joining said baffle to said exhaust pipe.   
   
   
       14 . The baffle of  claim 13 , wherein said obstructing core is hollow. 
   
   
       15 . The baffle of  claim 13 , wherein said distal end of said core is shaped in a manner that alters the frequency of sound waves traveling through said tailpipe. 
   
   
       16 . The baffle of  claim 13 , wherein said distal end comprises perforations that are non-uniform in size or shape, said perforations being located in a regular or randomized pattern. 
   
   
       17 . The baffle of  claim 13 , wherein said distal end of said core is shaped in a manner that reduces the decibel output of sound waves traveling through said exhaust pipe, while negligibly affecting the total horsepower of any vehicle used in conjunction with said exhaust pipe. 
   
   
       18 . The baffle of  claim 13 , wherein said proximal end, said distal end or said end cap comprises a flange that juts outward, said flange creating a barrier that reduces any gap between said core and said exhaust pipe. 
   
   
       19 . The baffle of  claim 13 , wherein said diffuser comprises a rectangular sheet of material which is kinked to form a plurality of bends, at least one of said bends alternating in direction from another of said bends. 
   
   
       20 . The baffle of  claim 14 , wherein said locking tab removably or permanently affixes said end cap, said proximal end or said distal end to said exhaust pipe by means using one or more of the group consisting of: nail, screw, pin, tack, staple, bolt, catch, clamp, clasp, collar, pressure, adhesive, cement, plaster or solder.