Sound directing device for a mobile telecommunication device

Abstract

The present invention employs a privacy mask, with elongated mouth-piece, having a semi-circular opening for a user's mouth and a second opening coupled with a transfer tube in which a user's voice travels until it reaches the receiver of a mobile phone or computer, inserted in a head-set equipped with ear-pieces. The present invention is a telecommunication device allowing both speaking and listening with privacy, since it prevents both the user's voice to spread in the surrounding and outside noises to disturb the communication.

Claims

1. A Communication privacy device, comprising: a cup-shaped mask having an inner wall surface, and outer wall surface with an opening end for positioning on a user's face and over the user's mouth and facial piece; the inner wall surface is lined with a soft foam or heavy material layer, or both; the opening end has a facial piece attached to the housing portion at the affixing edge and a brim covered with flexible foam with a general structure to complement facial groves of the user; a transfer tube having an open end connected to the mask at the closed end; the transfer tube is connected to the mask through a hole; the hole can be placed in front of the speaker's mouth, or on a side of the mask; the transfer tube, not longer than 100 centimeters, is an elongated tube, rigid or flexible, with an open end, middle section, and exit end, and an inner and outer surface; the inner surface of the transfer tube is smooth; the transfer tube having an open end orientated directly at said user's mouth in said opening; the transfer tube exit end is straight, jagged, or tapered; a sound receiver of an electronic device, being a cellular phone or any recording device, is placed at a close distance having an angle to the exit end, the exit end is round, square, or oval, of the transfer tube; the transfer tube has an inner wall diameter between 0.1 and 2 centimeter; the total weight is no more than 500 grams.

2. The communication privacy device of claim 1, wherein the privacy mask housing portion is made from PE (Polyethylene), transparent plastic, or synthetic material, such as rubber.

3. The communication privacy device of claim 1, wherein the inner surface of the privacy mask soft foam or heavy material further comprises synthetic materials, such as rubber, silicone polymer, mineral filled polyolefine, PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride), PC (Polycarbonate), TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane elastomer), RIM (Reaction Injection Molding), Polyester, Thermoplastic Polyester, Polyethylene, HDPE (High Density Polyethylene), LDPE (Low Density Polyethylene), Fluorinated HDPE, PP (Polypropylene), PS (Polystyrene), PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate), ABS (Acrylo-Butyro-Styrene), PA (Polyamide), or natural products such as wood, cardboard or leather, being rigid, flexible or semi-flexible.

4. The communication privacy device of claim 3, wherein the device is fixed to a seat headrest, helmet, hearing protecting device, or in the interlining of clothes.

5. The communication privacy device of claim 3, wherein foam or heavy layer does not contain products that cause allergies such as Chromium, Nickel, Mercury or Cobalt are not used in case of leather use, DBT (Dibutyl) or TBT (Tetrabutyl) Tin are less than 0.1 milligram par kilog of foam, TDA (Toluene diamine) or MDA (Methyldiphenylamine) are less than 5 milligram per kilogram of foam, Phatalate limits that are less than 100 milligram per kilogram.

6. The communication privacy device of claim 3, wherein the foam has a thickness between 2 and 20 mm and a density below 15 kg/m3 and above 15 kg/m2.

7. The communication privacy device of claim 3, wherein the foams or heavy layer include polyurethane foams, and do not contain heavy metals, Phthalate plasticizers, Organo tin compounds, TDA (Toluene Diamine), MDA (Methyl Diphenyl Amine), and amine catalysts compounds, and have low Chlorine levels.

8. The communication privacy device of claim 3, where the foams or heavy layer contain polyols, and additives, such as a IJV stabilizers, biocides, fungicides, bactericides, PIPA (Polyisocyanate Polyaddition polyols) or PHD (Polyharnstoff or Polyurea) polyols, and other flame resistant chemicals.

9. The communication privacy device of claim 3, where the mask is shaped as an elongated cup with a semi-circular mouthpiece for positioning over a user's mouth from cheek to cheek and a second opening; the transfer tube having an open end connected to the privacy mask at its close end through the second hole; the transfer tube open end being placed at close distance of a sound receiver located in a headset equipped with earpieces; and the device being connected to an electronic device, being a phone or a computer.

10. The communication privacy device of claim 3, where the mask inner wall surface of the privacy mask is lined with a soft foam with open cells made of Melamine.

11. The communication privacy device of claim 10, where the Melamine foam layer has a butterfly shape to cover the inside curved surface of the privacy mask without wrinkles with a butterfly shape is slightly larger than the inside curved surface of the privacy mask in order to serve as well as a soft brim for better contact with the user's face.

12. The communication privacy device of claim 3, where the mask has a total weight between 120 grams and 100 grams.

13. The communication privacy device of claim 12, where the thickness of the Melamine foam layer inside the privacy mask or mouthpiece is at least 1 millimeter and not more than 10 millimeter.

14. The communication privacy device of claim 3, where the transfer tube is bendable, can rotate through a hinge, or an axle located near the supporting earpiece.

15. The communication privacy device of claim 3, where the privacy mask is either a single and impervious layer of synthetic material or that it is lined with a thin sheet of low density Melamine foam, such as BASOTECT.

16. The communication privacy device of claim 1, wherein the exit end of the transfer tube can be open and either be in contact with the sound receiver of an electronic device, placed at a close distance, between 0 and 2 centimeters, preferably between 0.1 and 1 centimeter.

17. The communication privacy device of claim 1, wherein the angle between the transfer tube exit and the surface of the sound receiver of electronic device can vary between 30 and 90 degrees, preferably between 45 and 90 degrees held in position by the hand of the user or it can attached to the sound receiver of electronic device using proper means, such as a sock, a clip, a rubber band, Velcro, sucking device, or the like.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(1) FIG. 1 is a side-view of the privacy mask with the semi-circular mouthpiece

(2) FIG. 2 is an angle front view of the privacy mask and transfer tube.

(3) FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the layered form within the privacy mask or transfer tube.

(4) FIG. 4 is a side view of the privacy mask or mouthpiece showing the second opening for the connection to the transfer tube.

(5) FIG. 5 is a front view of the privacy mask at or near the communication device.

(6) FIG. 6 is a front view of the privacy mask.

(7) FIG. 7 is a side view of the privacy mask at or near the communication device.

(8) FIG. 8 is a side view of the butterfly shaped privacy mask.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(9) The advantages and details of the speaking and hearing communication privacy device will be apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention.

(10) Referring to FIG. 1, the mask 10 has a cup or butterfly shaped privacy mask housing portion 20. The privacy mask has an opening end 50 and exit end 60. The opening end 50 has a facial piece 52 attached to the housing portion at the affixing edge 54 and a brim 56 with a general structure to complement facial groves of the user. The privacy mask-housing portion 20 is suitably made from PE (Polyethylene), transparent plastic, or synthetic material, such as rubber.

(11) The transfer tube 70 has an inner wall and outer wall 79. The transfer tube 70 connects with the mask 10 at joint 61. At the distal end, the transfer tube 70 has an exit 78.

(12) Referring to FIG. 2, the inner wall 30, with an inner wall 30 and outer wall 40, can be lined with a layer 32 that can be soft foam or heavy material. The inner surface of the privacy mask soft foam or heavy material further comprises synthetic materials, such as rubber, silicone polymer, mineral filled polyolefine, PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride), PC (Polycarbonate), TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane elastomer), RIM (Reaction Injection Molding), Polyester, Thermoplastic Polyester, Polyethylene, HDPE (High Density Polyethylene), LDPE (Low Density Polyethylene), Fluorinated HDPE, PP (Polypropylene), PS (Polystyrene), PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate), ABS (Acrylo-Butyro-Styrene), PA (Polyamide), Melamine, or natural products such as wood, cardboard or leather, being rigid, flexible or semi-flexible.

(13) Referring to FIG. 3, the layer 32 and inner wall 30 can be made of synthetic materials, such as rubber, silicone polymer, mineral filled polyolefine, PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride, PC (Polycarbonate, TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane elastomer), RIM (reaction Injection Molding), Polyester, Thermoplastic Polyester, Polyethylene, HDPE (High Density Polyethylene), LDPE (Low Density Polyethylene), Flourinated HDPE, PP (Polypropylene), PS (Polystyrene), PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate), ABS (Acrylo-Butyro-Styrene), PA (Polyamide), Malamine, or natural products such as wood, cardboard, or leather. The heavy layer can be rigid, flexible or semi-flexible. It is further contemplated the layer 32 is an acoustical material such as cotton felt, fiber pads, polyurethane based foam, conventional, highly resilient, preferably viscoelatic.

(14) It is contemplated the heavy layer 32, or massback, is made of soft or flexible material, such as synthetic plastic or natural leather, for instance made of TPU's, PVC, PE, silicone, or any type of artificial leather. The minimum weight of this foam or heavy layer is 500 grams/m.sup.2.

(15) Referring to FIG. 3, the outer layer 40 and layer of foam 34.

(16) Referring to FIG. 4, the transfer tube 70 has an open end 72 at which the privacy mask 10 is connected.

(17) Referring to FIG. 5, the transfer tube 70 distal end is located at or near communication device 11.

(18) Referring to FIG. 6, the transfer tube 70 is connected to the mask 10 through a hole 22, this hole 22 can be placed in front of the speaker's mouth, or it can be placed on a side of the mask 10. Hole 22 is surrounded by the edge 60 of the mask. Preferably the size of the hole 22 in the mask 10 is completely connected with no holes 22. This transfer tube 70 is preferably vertical in relation to the mask surface, but could be at an angle of 45 degrees. The transfer tube 70 does not need to be cylindrical since any shape would work provided the internal surface is smooth to let the sound waves travel inside. Preferably, with the present invention the transfer tube 70 is cylindrical. The transfer tube 70 can be straight or bent to go from the mask 10 to the surface of the sound receiver of an electronic device 1I. The transfer tube 70 has an internal diameter between 0.1 and 2 centimeters, more preferably between 0.3 and 1.5 centimeter. A wider the transfer tube 70 relates to the longer the voice can travel. It is contemplated a transfer tube 70 length of not longer than 100 centimeters is preferable for practical purposes, since a longer tube would be cumbersome to carry around, although it would work, provided the internal surface is smooth to prevent wave filtering.

(19) It is contemplated the device have a filter 58 within the mask 10 to prevent dust accumulation. Further, when the transfer tube 70 has an internal diameter of 5 millimeters, the air turbulence can be heard at the open end 72 of the tube. It is contemplated to resolve this problem that a second breathing hole 23 could be present on the mask 10 surface. When the mask 10 is not applied to the skin of the user, there is enough space left for breathing and there is no need for such second opening in the mask 10.

(20) It is contemplated that a sound receiving device 11 can be placed at or near the exit end 74 of the transfer tube 70. The phone-receiving device 11 can be also located outside at or near the exit end 74 of the transfer tube 70. The exit end 74 of the transfer tube 70 can be open and either be in contact with the sound receiver of an electronic device 11, placed at a close distance, between 0 and 2 centimeters, preferably between 0.1 and 1 centimeters. The sound receiver of an electronic device 11 can be a cellular phone or any recording device. The open exit end 74 edge of the transfer tube 70 can be smooth, jagged, or tapered. The open exit end 74 edge of the transfer tube 70 is open to provide a flow of oxygen for the speaker's breathing. The outside surface 79 of the open exit end 74 and sound receiver of an electronic device, can be covered with a film or a piece of plastic to prevent disturbance with outside noises.

(21) The angle between the transfer tube exit 74 and the surface of the sound receiver of electronic device 80 can vary between 30 and 90 degrees, preferably between 45 and 90 degrees. The exit end 74 of the transfer tube 70 is either straight or with an angle. The transfer tube 70 can be either held in position by the hand of the user or it can attach to the sound receiver of electronic device 80 using proper means, such as a sock, a clip, a rubber band, Velcro, sucking device, or the like. The benefit of the transfer tube 70 connected to the receiving unit includes avoiding parasitical noises. The mask 10 and/or transfer tube 70 can also be fixed to a seat headrest, to a helmet, a hearing or ear protecting device or placed in the interlining of a cloth. In such cases it can be moved by the use of hinges or hanging belts before and after phone call.

(22) It is contemplated that the exit end 74 of the transfer tube 10 is connected to or near a sound receiver of an electronic device 11.

(23) Referring to FIG. 7, the minimum length of the transfer tube 70, from the mask 10 to the surface of the sound receiver of an electronic device 80 (also 11) is at least 2 centimeters, preferably more than 6 centimeters, and more preferably between 8 and 50 centimeters. The internal diameter should not vary but more than 20% from the open end 72 of the transfer tube 70 to the exit end 74, based on the nominal diameter, provided the internal section is not changed by more than 50%. Such variations are foreseeable when the user bends the transfer tube 70 and its circular section becomes an oval. The transfer tube 70 can also be telescopic for easier transportation or could be foldable.

(24) The transfer tube 70 itself can be rigid or flexible with a thickness is at least 0.1 centimeter, and no greater than 1 centimeter.

(25) The device provides comfort and the mask 10 is wide enough for the user to prevent blocking of the user's jaw.

(26) The privacy mask 10 with a semi-circular mouthpiece having an exemplary length 30 of 9 centimeters, a semi-circular depth on the speaking side 31 of 3 centimeters, an inside depth 32 of 2 centimeters, a second hole 34 with a total with of 1 centimeter, a length 33 of 1 centimeter.

(27) The privacy mask with a total width for the mouthpiece 39 of 4 centimeters, and a thickness 37 for the privacy mask of 0.2 centimeter, hence an internal width for the user's mouth of 3.6 centimeters; a second hole 35 for connection to the transfer tube with an internal diameter of 0.6 centimeter.

(28) Such an exemplary privacy mask is made with a 3D printer, using Nylon 12 as the synthetic material. With such a semi-circular mouthpiece, this privacy mask is able to link the user's cheeks and to provide enough free space for the user's lips to open, when speaking.

(29) Such an exemplary privacy mask was equipped with a transfer tube 70 made of PE (polyethylene) having an external diameter of 0.5 centimeter, a 0.1-centimeter thickness layer of adhesive tape to made joint with the privacy mask, an internal diameter of 0.3 centimeter and a total length of 50 centimeters. The voice sound is perfectly transmitted through this distance when user whispers inside the privacy mask, hence are able to activate the sound receiver of a phone with little disturbance to the environment.

(30) The exit opening 74 on the transfer tube 70 shape can be round, square, oval, or the like.

(31) Referring to FIG. 8, the privacy ask 10 can be hyhperbola in shape.