WO2022150054A1

WO2022150054A1 - Microphone shield

Info

Publication number: WO2022150054A1
Application number: PCT/US2021/027396
Authority: WO
Inventors: Sherilyn Ladonna SIMS-MINES
Original assignee: Mbrace Music Mediators, Llc
Priority date: 2021-01-07
Filing date: 2021-04-15
Publication date: 2022-07-14

Abstract

A microphone shield is disclosed. The microphone shield can have a base portion and a shield portion. The base portion can have opposing first and second sides and a body portion defined between an outside surface and the inside surface, with the inside surface being surrounded by the body portion and defining an opening through the base portion. The shield portion can be secured along the outside surface of the base portion. The shield portion can be comprised of a flexible material and have front and rear sides. An enclosed region can be partially encircled above the first side of the base portion and the rear side of the shield portion between the opposing side edges. The enclosed region can be adjacent an open region. The outside surface of the base portion along the open region can be uncovered by the shield portion.

Description

MICROPHONE SHIELD

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application claims priority to U.S. Design Patent Application No. 29/765,287 filed January 7, 2021 which is hereby expressly incorporated by reference in its entirety as if set forth fully herein.

FIELD

[0002] Embodiments presented herein relate generally to a shield for use with a microphone, and more particularly to a device securable around at least a portion of a microphone to block and prevent the transmission of droplets, particles and/or aerosols emitted from a person speaking or singing into the microphone.

BACKGROUND

[0003] It is generally understood that respiratory particles, including droplets and aerosols, exist in human exhaled breath. It has further been shown that certain activities involving more forceful respiratory tract activity, such as couching or sneezing can exude significantly more aerosol particles. The same can generally be said for certain acts involving heightened vocalization such as singing or public speaking in that louder phonation can result in greater aerosol generation. Since it has been shown that harmful pathogens such as viruses can be transmitted through respiratory particles such as droplets and aerosols, there has been public health concern and debate (especially following the onset of the novel coronavirus global pandemic) about means for protecting against the transmission of harmful pathogens. One type of preventative measure which has been found to be effective in minimizing the transmission of such pathogens is personal protective equipment, or“PPE” which can be worn by or cover a portion of a user’s body. General examples of PPE can include items such as gloves, gowns, foot coverings and face coverings such as masks, face shields and eyewear.

[0004] As is generally know, often times singers and public speakers will often employ the use of a microphone (together with an electroacoustic transducer or speaker) to amply their voice or speech. As is often the case with handheld microphones, a singer or speaker will usually hold or position the microphone in a position near his or her mouth to best capture the person’s voice. Since singer’s and speakers will occasionally emit phonetics with greater force or emphasis, such heightened vocalization can have a tendency to emit more respiratory droplets or aerosols. As such, the microphone, and the area beyond the microphone, can be particularly susceptible to exposure harmful respiratory droplets or aerosols.

[0005] In view of the foregoing, there is a public health need for PPE- type equipment having the capability to prevent or minimize the spread of respiratory pathogens that are emitted by individuals that are involved in acts which commonly involve heightened vocalization such as singing and public speaking. Since such performers, speakers or singers are accustomed to using and holding a microphone to assist with vocalization, it will be recognized from the present disclosure that the use of protective equipment around the proximity of the microphone (such as around the microphone grill/ head, handle or a microphone stand) can be particularly useful to minimize the spread of harmful respiratory droplets or aerosols and can help better protect other individuals in the immediate vicinity around the speaker or singer.

[0006] From the subject disclosure, it will additionally be recognized that there is a need that such protective equipment and measures not hinder the singer/speaker’s vocalization abilities or the ability of the audience or co-performers to see and hear the singer/speaker. There is further a need that such a device be lightweight, transportable and easily subject to sanitization for purposes of reuse. From the subject disclosure, it will be recognized that embodiments presented herein address such needs, but are not limited to such and can demonstrate capabilities for addressing further needs not specifically addressed herein and/or represent a general improvement over the conventional art.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] FIG. 1 is a schematic front perspective view of a microphone shield secured around a microphone according to an exemplary embodiment presented herein. [0008] FIG. 2 is a schematic front elevation view of the microphone shield of FIG. 1

[0009] FIG. 3 is a schematic side elevation view of the microphone shield of FIG. 1

[0010] FIG. 4 is a schematic top plan view of the microphone shield of

FIG. 1.

[0011] FIG. 5 is a schematic front perspective view of the microphone shield of FIG. 1 secured round a mock microphone according to exemplary embodiments presented herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0012] While the subject invention is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms, there are shown in the drawings, and will be described herein in specific detail, embodiments thereof with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments illustrated.

[0013] With reference now to the figures, FIGS. 1-5 schematically illustrate a microphone shield 10 according to exemplary embodiments presented herein. According to exemplary embodiments shown in FIGS. 1-5, microphone shield 10 can comprise a base portion 12 and a shield portion 32. As shown in FIGS. 1-5, base portion 12 can have a body portion 14 defined between an outside surface 16 and an inside surface 18. Inside surface 18 can define an opening 20 or aperture extending through the base portion 12 between first and second sides 22, 24 of the base portion 12. According to exemplary embodiments shown schematically in FIGS. 1 -5, base portion 12 can be toroidal or doughnut-shaped, but is not limited to such and can be any number of alternate shapes without limitation, including rectangular, conical orfrustoconical, oval or shaped like any other type of polygon without limitation. Opening 20 can be rectangularly-shaped as shown in FIG. 1 , or can be any number of other shapes (e.g. cylindrical) to accommodate or be secured around a microphone M or microphone stand (not shown). [0014] As shown schematically in FIGS. 1 and 4-5, base 12 can have a slit 26 extending through the body portion 14 between the inside and outside surfaces 16, 18 and extending between the opposing first and second sides. According to exemplary embodiments, slit 26 can better permit a microphone M to be inserted through the body portion 14 for securing microphone M through opening 20. According to exemplary embodiments presented herein, base portion 12 can be comprised of a flexible, light-weight material such as flexible polyurethane sponge foam having a sufficient thickness, density and indentation force deflection to provide structural stability to maintain its shape, support shield portion 32 and avoid deforming or folding along or around the perimeter outside surface 16 or causing it to tilt when secured to a microphone or microphone stand. At the same time, the base portion 12 material can have adequate flexibility to bend or be manipulated to permit microphone M to be passed through slit 26 for engagement within opening 20. Flexible polyurethane sponge foams utilized in connection with embodiments presented herein can be, for example, of the type characterized by American Excelsior Company foam product #1550. Base shield and polyurethane foam can have any color to suit without limitation. It will be recognized that the use of flexible polyurethane foam as the base portion 12 can have numerous advantages in that it is lightweight, flexible, static resistant, water and mold resistant and is generally the type of foam commonly used in instruments and recording studios to absorb sound. As such the polyurethane foam can provide superior sound without feedback and noise pollution when attached to a microphone or microphone stand.

[0015] According to embodiments shown schematically in FIGS. 1-5, shield portion 32 can be comprised of a curved sheet of durable flexible plastic comprised of a thermoplastic polymer such as polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG), polylactic acid (PA) or Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). Shield portion 32 can have substantially smooth front and rear surfaces 33, 34, opposing side edges 35, 36 and top and bottom portions 37, 38. Shield portion 32 can be substantially transparent as shown in FIGS. 1-5 or at least a portion of shield can be translucent, colored, opaque and reflective without limitation. Although not shown in the figures, it will additionally be understood that shield portion 32 can be adorned with decorative elements, text or other ornamentation without limitation. Such ornamentation can be presented or affixed on either the front or rear surfaces 33, 34 and along the top or bottom portions 37, 38. Such ornamentation can be customized or personalized for a particular person, event, celebration, or message including motivational/inspirational, spiritual, promotional or celebratory messaging.

[0016] As best shown in Figs. 1 , 3 and 5, opposing side edges 35, 36 can be bent or curved along the height of shield portion 32 so that the width and area of bottom portion 38 between opposing side edges 35, 36 is greater than the width and area of top portion 37 between opposing side edges 35, 36 and so that the width of shield portion 32 tapers from bottom to top. The bottom portion 38 can have a bottom edge that is substantially straight along its length. The bottom edge can be substantially flush with the second side 24 of base portion 12. The top portion 37 can have a top edge that is substantially straight along its edge and can have rounded or corners that curve into the first and second side edges 35, 36. Thus, according to exemplary embodiments, shield portion 32 can wrap partially around base portion 12 along first segment 42 and extend above the first side of the base portion 12 to the top edge. At least a portion of the rear surface 34 of the shield portion 32 can face the first side 22 of the base portion 12. An enclosed region 44 of the microphone shield can be at least partially encircled above the first side 22 of the base portion 12 adjacent the shield portion 32 and the rear surface 34 of the shield portion 12 between the opposing side edges 35, 36. The enclosed region 44 can be adjacent an open region 46 of the microphone shield 10. The outside surface 16 of the base portion 12 along the open region 46 can be uncovered by the shield portion 32. Likewise, the opposing side edges 35, 36 of the shield portion can terminate before the open region 26 so that the open region 46 is exposed to an area outside the microphone shield 10 and unobstructed by the shield portion 32.

[0017] According to exemplary embodiments best shown in FIGS. 1-3 and 5, the bottom portion 38 of shield portion 32 can be secured or affixed around at least a portion of the outside surface 16 of base portion 12 (which shall be referred to hereinafter as the first segment 42 of base portion 12). According to exemplary embodiments, an adhesive material, such as for example double sided tape, can be used to secure the first segment 42 of base portion 12 to the rear surface 34 of shield portion 32; it will be understood however that other means of securing the shield portion 32 to base portion can be used, including for example mechanical-type fasteners, without departing from the scope of the disclosed embodiments. As best shown in FIGS. 1 and 3-5, shield portion can have a curved or arcuate shape along the first segment 42 of base portion 12 so that the first and second side edges 35, 26 of shield portion 32 along the bottom portion are set at an imaginary central angle of greater than or equal to 180 degrees relative a center point of base portion 12. It will be understood that the rounded outside surface 16 of base portion can be particularly preferred for being secured to the curved bottom portion 38 of shield portion 32.

[0018] From the following it will be recognized and understood that microphone shield 10 can be provided in various sizes without limitation. By way of exemplification only, microphone shield 10 can be provided in different standard sizes for separate use by adults or children. According to such exemplifications, microphone shield 10 intended for adult use can comprise a toroidal base portion 12 having a diameter of six inches, a circumference on the order of 18.84 inches and a thickness of one and one-half inches; whereas a toroidal microphone shield 10 intended for use by a child can be slightly smaller and have a base portion 12 having a diameter on the order of 5.095 inches, a circumference on the order of sixteen inches and a thickness of one and one inch. It will be understood that other custom sizes can also be provided depending on the intended use without departing from the scope of the subject invention.

[0019] As best seen in FIGS. 1-4, microphone shield 10 can be securable around a microphone M. According to exemplary embodiments shown schematically in FIGS. 1-4, when securing microphone M, a person can push the microphone into opening 20 or bend or flex base portion 12 and insert the handle of the microphone (or a microphone shield - not shown) through slit 26 so that the microphone handle is received within opening 20. In such orientation, the head or grill portion of the microphone M can be positioned above the first side 22 of base member 12 with at least a portion of the microphone handle extending below the second side 24 of base portion 12. In such orientation, a user is able to grip or hold the microphone handle and sing or speak into the head or grill of microphone through the portion of the base member 12 that is opposite of shield portion 32. Further, since the head or grill of the microphone is positioned between the shield portion 32 and the user, the shield portion 32 can act as a shield to prevent respiratory droplets or aerosols emitted from the user to be projected forward into the surrounding area - thus preventing the spread or transmission of harmful pathogens. [0020] According to exemplary embodiments, opening 20 can be sized and configured as a standard size having a diameter on the order of 1 .273 inches so as to accommodate most standard-sized microphone handles. It will be further understood that opening can be custom-sized or configured as needed to accommodate non-standard microphones. Moreover, since base portion 12 is comprised of flexible foam material, the flexible foam can grip the sides of the microphone M and hold the microphone in place via friction fit and prevent it from sliding down relative the base portion 12. Although FIGS. 1-5 illustrate the opening 20 as being centrally located on the base portion 12, opening 20 can be located in other positions on the base portion 12 without limitation.

[0021] According to exemplary embodiments show schematically in FIG. 5, microphone shield 10 can comprise a prop microphone 50 to replicate the appearance and effect of an actual microphone to a user. Such prop microphone 50 can be particularly useful at least minimally as a handle to enable a user to hold the microphone shield in situations where an actual microphone is not available or needed, but where there is still potential risk of transmission of respiratory droplets/aerosols from speaking or singing.

[0022] As shown schematically in FIG. 5, the prop microphone 50 can be made in the shape and likeness of an actual microphone, and can include a handle and a head portion. It will be understood, however, that a prop microphone 50 can be provided without a replica head portion and/or be substituted with a handle without departing from the scope of the invention. According to exemplary embodiments, prop microphone 50 can be removeable from base portion 12 by sliding it out of opening 20 or bending base portion 12 to extract prop microphone through slit 26. Conversely, prop microphone 50 can be secured or resecured to microphone shield 10 through the same process described above relative an actual microphone. It will be further recognized that users who are accustomed to using microphone shield 10 with an actual microphone, or using it in the company of others who are using an actual microphone, will appreciate and use the prop microphone 50 to mimic an actual microphone and use the microphone shield 10 as if it was in fact used with an actual microphone. In particular, users will hold microphone shield 10 by the handle of prop microphone 50 and speak or sing into the portion of the device opposite the shield portion 32. Thus, the shape and likeness to a real microphone is provided to give the illusion of a real microphone and to aid users in identifying the ease and location for a real microphone.

[0023] According to exemplary embodiments, prop microphone 50 can be comprised of the same or similar flexible polyurethane foam used for base portion 12, including for example American Excelsior Company foam products #1550 or #1885 or denser foams as needed. Prop microphone 50 can also be provided in different standard sizes, such as for example to accommodate use by adults or children, or can be custom-sized as needed. Similar to use microphone shield 10 with a real microphone, the prop microphone 50 is secured through and held within opening 20 by way of friction fit between the outside surface of the handle of prop microphone 50 and the inside surface of the body portion 14 of base member 12. In view of the fact that prop microphone 50 and base portion 12 can both be comprised of flexible polyurethane foams, such friction fit engagement can hold prop microphone 50 in place to prevent it from moving or sinking relative base portion 12.

[0024] From the foregoing, it will be observed that numerous variations and modifications may be effected without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is to be understood that no limitation with respect to the specific apparatus illustrated herein is intended or should be inferred. It is, of course, intended to cover by the appended claims all such modifications as fall within the scope of the claims.

[0025] Further, logic flows depicted in the figures do not require the particular order shown, or sequential order, to achieve desirable results. Other steps may be provided, or steps may be eliminated, from the described flows, and other components may be add to, or removed from the described embodiments.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A microphone shield comprising: a base portion having opposing first and second sides and a body portion defined between an outside surface and an inside surface, with the inside surface being surrounded by the body portion and defining an opening through the base portion between the opposing first and second sides; a shield portion secured to a first segment of the outside surface of the base portion, the shield portion being comprised of a flexible material and having opposing side edges and opposing top and bottom edges all between substantially smooth front and rear sides; wherein the shield portion wraps partially around the base portion along the first segment and extends above the first side of the base portion to the top edge, at least a portion of the rear side of the shield portion facing the first side of the base portion, an enclosed region of the microphone shield being at least partially encircled above the first side of the base portion adjacent the shield portion and the rear side of the shield portion between the opposing side edges, the enclosed region being adjacent an open region of the microphone shield, the outside surface of the base portion along the open region being uncovered by the shield portion.

2. The microphone shield of claim 1 further comprising a slit extending through the body portion between the inside and outside surfaces and between the opposing first and second sides.

3. The microphone shield of claim 1 wherein the base portion is comprised of a flexible material.

4. The microphone shield of claim 3 wherein the flexible material is polyurethane foam.

5. The microphone shield of claim 1 wherein the base portion is toroidal shaped.

6. The microphone shield of claim 1 wherein the opening is rectangular shaped.

7. The microphone shield of claim 1 wherein the outside surface of the base portion is circular.

8. The microphone shield of claim 1 wherein at least a portion of one of a microphone and a microphone stand is securable within the opening of the base portion.

9. The microphone shield of claim 8 wherein upon at least one of the portion of the microphone and microphone stand being secured to the microphone shield, a grill portion of the microphone being posited above the first side of base portion and at least partially within the enclosed region.

10. The microphone shield of claim 1 wherein the flexible material of shield portion is comprised of a thermoplastic polymer.

11. The microphone shield of claim 1 wherein at least a portion of the shield portion is transparent between the front and rear sides.

12. The microphone shield of claim 1 wherein ornamentation is securable along at least a portion of the shield portion.

13. The microphone shield of claim 1 wherein the opposing side edges of the shield portion are curved along a height of the shield portion, the shield portion having a width that tapers from a bottom of shield portion to a top of shield portion.

14. The microphone shield of claim 1 wherein the shield portion is affixed to the base portion by an adhesive.

15. The microphone shield of claim 1 further comprising a prop microphone removably securable within the opening of the base portion.

16. The microphone shield of claim 15 wherein the prop microphone is comprised of flexible polyurethane foam.

17. A microphone shield comprising: a base portion having opposing first and second sides and a body portion defined between an outside surface and an inside surface, with the inside surface being surrounded by the body portion and defining an opening through the base portion between the opposing first and second sides; a shield portion secured to a first segment of the outside surface of the base portion, the shield portion being comprised of a flexible material and having opposing side edges and opposing top and bottom edges all between substantially smooth front and rear sides; wherein the shield portion wraps partially around the base portion and extends above the first side of the base portion to the top edge, at least a portion of the rear side of the shield portion facing the first side of the base portion, an enclosed region of the microphone shield being at least partially encircled above the first side of the base portion adjacent the shield portion and the rear side of the shield portion between the opposing side edges, the enclosed region being adjacent an open region of the microphone shield, the opposing side edges of the shield portion terminating before the open region so that the open region is exposed to an area outside the microphone shield and unobstructed by the shield portion.