Noise Attenuating Snorkel Body

Abstract

Abstract The device of the present description is an improved snorkel body or snorkel having an improved body which devices are advanced noise reduction devices designed to attenuate induction noise in stainless steel snorkels fitted to the5 air intake systems of internal combustion engines of motor vehicles. Forms of the snorkel body or snorkel having the body incorporate high grade acoustic attenuating materials primarily of a polyester fibre composition, including PET materials, to a specialised structural design having combinations of open baffles and air passages to improve the acoustic performance of automotive intake systems while10 maintaining optimum air flow for efficient performance. The improvement of the devices of the present description relate to reduction of annoying noise produced by and within metal snorkel components, particularly the body of the snorkel. Abstract The device of the present description is an improved snorkel body or snorkel having an improved body which devices are advanced noise reduction 5 devices designed to attenuate induction noise in stainless steel snorkels fitted to the air intake systems of internal combustion engines of motor vehicles. Forms of the snorkel body or snorkel having the body incorporate high grade acoustic attenuating materials primarily of a polyester fibre composition, including PET materials, to a specialised structural design having combinations of open baffles and air passages 10 to improve the acoustic performance of automotive intake systems while maintaining optimum air flow for efficient performance. The improvement of the devices of the present description relate to reduction of annoying noise produced by and within metal snorkel components, particularly the body of the snorkel. 20 24 21 31 85 22 A ug 2 02 4 2 0 2 4 2 1 3 1 8 5 2 2 2 0 2 4 A u g A b s t r a c t 5 1 0 2 0 2 4 2 1 3 1 8 5 2 2 2 0 2 4 A u g A b s t r a c t 5 1 0 1 / 3 FIG 1 1 / 3 1k 12 O24. MUSH 20 22 10 16 2 14 28 26 FIG 1 20 24 21 31 85 22 A ug 2 02 4 F I G 1 o f 8 C w9 1 A 0 1 O 2 0 2 4 2 1 3 1 8 5 2 2 A u g 2 0 2 4 C l 9 1 F I G 1 I t 8 C w9 1 A 0 1 2 0 2 4 2 1 3 1 8 5 2 2 A u g O C l 9 1 2 0 2 4

Description

Field of the invention The present description relates to an automotive product for attenuating sounds produced by a motor vehicle during operation of the motor vehicle, and to noise reduction technology for automotive components. In one form the present description relates to a device for reducing the sound or noise produced by and / or within the air intake system of a motor vehicle during operation of the vehicle. In one form the present description relates to an improved form of the body of an air intake snorkel or similar device of a motor vehicle for reducing the noise emanating from the snorkel. In one form the present description relates to devices integrated into snorkel systems, particularly the bodies of snorkel systems to reduce induction noise and / or to improve acoustic performance. In one from the present description relates to a method of reducing the noise of an air intake snorkel or similar by using an improved snorkel body having noise attenuating characteristics. Although the present description will be directed to one or more specific embodiments of a snorkel body or snorkel silencer, it is to be noted that the scope of protection provided by this description is not restricted to the specifically described embodiments, but rather the scope of protection is more extensive so as to include other embodiments, forms or arrangements and their respective uses in applications other than specifically described. 2024213185   22 Aug 2024 Background Internal combustion engines of motor vehicles require air in addition to fuel for combustion to power such vehicles. Air is supplied to engines through an air intake system, usually located within the engine compartment of a vehicle. However, there are situations in which an alternative air intake position is required to supply air, such as for example, on 4-wheel 10 drive vehicles negotiating dusty terrain or river crossings, particularly deep river crossings, where there is a risk of water ingress into the air intake system due to immersion or submersion of the motor vehicle or contamination by dust and dirt particles. In such circumstances it is desirable to have a raised air intake located above the expected water line of the river crossing or above the dust stream. In the past raised air intake positions 15 have been provided by air intake snorkels usually located at the front of the vehicle towards one side thereof extending above the roofline of the vehicle. The snorkels can be made from a variety of materials including metals, plastics and similar. Although such metal automotive air intake snorkels are designed to raise and / or enhance the air intake for engines, particularly in off road or even in high performance vehicles, such snorkels have 20 a disadvantage of generating significant induction noise within the body of the snorkels which noise is often intrusive and annoying and thus, can be disruptive leading to reduction in driving comfort. Previous attempts to reduce or eliminate the noise generated by induction roar within the metal body of the snorkel have not been entirely successful for one or other reasons. Currently, there are no existing solutions on the market known to the 25 inventors which overcome this disadvantage and thus induction noise continues to be present. Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a substitute air intake snorkel which is quieter in operation than existing metal snorkels. Thus, there is a need to address the above, and / or at least provide a useful alternative. The present description seeks to provide a solution to the unwanted noise problem. 2024213185   22 Aug 2024 Summary According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a device for modifying or attenuating noise or sound produced by movement of air through an air intake system of a motor vehicle the device comprising an internal frame having a baffle arrangement of at least one void formed therein a support element for supporting the internal frame into a prearranged shape the support element having a multitude of air passageways for facilitating flow of air therethrough a sound attenuating material for modifying the flow of air therethrough, and an outer housing for enclosing the sound attenuating material wherein the sound attenuating material is located intermediate the internal frame, the support element, and the outer housing to expose the moving air to the sound attenuating material within the voids of the baffle arrangement to attenuate the noise of the moving air within the device during operation of the motor vehicle. According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided an air intake snorkel silencer of a motor vehicle for reducing noise or sound produced by movement of air through the air intake of a motor vehicle the snorkel silencer having a snorkel body comprising an internal frame in the form of a baffle having at least one void formed therein a support element for supporting the internal frame into a generally cylindrical shape the support element having a multitude of air passageways for directing flow of air therethrough a sound attenuating material for modifying the flow of air therethrough, and a generally cylindrical outer housing for enclosing the sound attenuating material wherein the sound attenuating material located intermediate the internal frame, the support element and the outer housing directs the moving air from the void of the baffle 2024213185   22 Aug 2024 to the air passageways thereby reducing the noise of the moving air within the snorkel silencer during operation of the motor vehicle. According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a metallic air intake snorkel silencer of a motor vehicle for reducing noise or sound produced by movement of air through the air intake of a motor vehicle the snorkel silencer comprising a metallic internal frame in the form of a generally cylindrical baffle having at least one void formed therein a support ring for supporting the internal frame into the generally cylindrical shape the support ring having a multitude of air vents for controlling air flow therethrough a generally fibrous sound attenuating material for modifying the flow of air therethrough, and a generally cylindrical metallic outer housing for enclosing the sound attenuating material therein wherein the sound attenuating material that is located intermediate the internal frame, the support ring and the outer housing directs the moving air from the voids of the baffle to the vents of the support ring to reduce the noise of the moving air within the snorkel silencer during operation of the motor vehicle. According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of silencing an air intake snorkel of a motor vehicle caused by movement of air therethrough the method including the steps of fitting the snorkel to the vehicle and operating the vehicle wherein the snorkel has a body comprising an internal frame in the form of a baffle having at least one void formed therein a support ring for supporting the internal frame into a generally cylindrical shape the support ring having a multitude of air passageways for directing flow of air therethrough a sound attenuating material for modifying the flow of air therethrough, and a generally cylindrical outer housing for enclosing the sound attenuating material 2024213185   22 Aug 2024 wherein air introduced into the snorkel flows from the void in the baffle through the sound attenuating material located intermediate the internal frame, the support ring, and the outer housing and into the air passageways to reduce the noise of the moving air within the snorkel body during operation of the motor vehicle. Brief description of embodiments In one form the noise or sound attenuating device is a snorkel, typically of the type having a head, top, intake duct or air ram located at or towards one end thereof, being the distal end or upper end extending to, towards or above the roofline of the vehicle to which the snorkel is attached for introducing air into the snorkel and hence into the motor of the vehicle. Forms of the snorkel include an air cleaner, or air filter located at or towards the proximal end or lower end of the snorkel attached to the air intake of the engine of the vehicle. A body of the snorkel extends between the head or top of the snorkel and the air cleaner or filter at the lower end of the snorkel. The device of the present description is an improved body of the snorkel, particularly an improved induction body, and is a substitute for the body of existing snorkels, particularly existing snorkels having induction bodies. Thus, in one form the device is a snorkel body. Forms of the snorkel and snorkel body of the present description reduce, eliminate, attenuate, or otherwise lessen the amount or volume of noise or sound generated by the snorkel in use. Whilst in some embodiments the level of noise or sound is reduced, sometimes significantly, usually there is some noise remaining associated with air flow or air movement through the body of the snorkel of the present description. The internal frame of the body can have any suitable or convenient form, shape, style, or size or be of any suitable type. One form of internal frame is a cage, mesh, grid, perforated plate, perforated sheet, perforated panel, or similar provided with voids, holes, apertures, openings, slots, or the like. Forms of the internal frame or cage are made from any suitable or convenient material, typically from a metal or metal alloy material. Preferably, the 2024213185   22 Aug 2024 internal frame or cage is made from stainless steel, more preferably 304 or 316 grade stainless steels. Forms of the baffle arrangement or baffles include a combination of solid wall of the frame or cage and voids or openings therein. The solid wall can have any suitable or convenient shape or be of any suitable type or style. Forms of the voids include any suitable or convenient shape including rectilinear or arcuate shapes, regular or irregular shapes, such as squares, rectangles, polygons, circles, swirls, curves, ovals, diamonds, or the like including combinations of different shapes, such as for example, squares combined with circles, rectangles combined with arches, combinations of letters, numerals, symbols or other indicia or the like. Forms of the baffles act as air passageways for modifying air movement through the snorkel body to reduce noise, particularly induction noise within the snorkel. In forms the area of the voids or perforations is less than, equal to, or greater than the area of solid wall of the frame or cage. Preferably, the area of void is greater than the area of solid wall, more preferably the area of void or opening is much greater than the area of solid. Most preferably the area of void or aperture is very much greater than the area of solid wall to enhance exposure of air flow within the snorkel body to the sound absorbent acoustic material located within the body. It is to be noted that in one form the frame or cage is mostly void or openings to optimise the performance of the snorkel body. The frame or cage can have any suitable or convenient shape or be of any desired type or style. In one form the internal frame is substantially cylindrical being made from a flat perforated sheet or perforated panel which is rolled, wrapped, or otherwise formed into a substantially cylindrical shape or similar including being oval or ellipsoidal. In one form the frame is substantially rectilinear being in the form of a square or rectangular prism or the like. A cylindrical shape is preferred. It is to be noted that the frame or cage is engineered or designed to disrupt and / or diffuse sound waves within the body of the snorkel, further enhancing the noise reduction capability of the snorkel. 2024213185   22 Aug 2024 The support element within the body of the snorkel can be of any suitable or convenient shape, style, form, size, or type, including continuous and discontinuous forms. In one form the support element is a continuous loop in the form of a ring, annulus, collar, perforated disc, punctured disk, perforated circular plate, or the like. In one form the support element is made up of multiple segments or sections having gaps or spaces therebetween. Forms of the support element are provided with air passages facilitating flow of air through the support element and hence through the snorkel body. Forms of the air passages include vents, openings, slots, holes, cut outs, perforations, bores, spaces, gaps, grooves, channels, conduits, or the like. The air passages can have any suitable or convenient size, style, or shape. Typically, the vents are located around the periphery of the support ring, more typically circumferentially located at irregular or regular spaced apart locations around the rim or edge of the support ring which is the edge in contact with the housing of the snorkel. It is to be noted that the vents can be of any suitable or convenient shape or size. In one form the vents are curved or arcuate, including being circular or part circular whereas in other forms the shape of the vents is generally rectilinear. The sound or noise attenuating material restricts the transmission of noise, typically the roar associated with induction, through the metal snorkel, particularly the metal body of the snorkel. Although the sound attenuating material can be any suitable or convenient material, one form of material is a polyester or polyester containing material, typically a high grade, antibacterial acoustic polyester fibre which has effective sound absorption properties across a wide range of frequencies, enabling effective attenuation of noise generated by induction within the body of the snorkel. A typical material is a 100% polyester fibre material, typically a non-woven needle punched polyester containing no less than 80% percent recycled material. A preferred form of polyester is a Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) material or PET containing material. The sound attenuating material can be in any suitable form or shape and be of any suitable type or composition. In one form the material is a generally square or rectangular sheet, panel, or similar forming a single layer. In one form the layer or sheet has a nominal 2024213185   22 Aug 2024 thickness of up to about 10mm, typically up to about 6mm, more typically between about 3 to 4 millimetres nominally and a fire rating in accordance with ISO 9705 of classification group 1S. Preferably the composition of the fibrous material is 100% polyester fibre (PET) having a nominal thickness of three to four millimetre and a weight of typically 380 5 grammes per square metre. Most preferably, the sound attenuating or noise absorbing material is made by AUTEX ACOUTICS and marketed under the name VERTIFACE (RTM). In forms, the acoustic material is a single layer, a double layer, a triple layer, or four or more layers. In forms the two or more layers are laminated. In forms the acoustic 10 material is formed as a hollow cylindrical tube, pipe, conduit or similar. The outer housing of the snorkel body can have any suitable or convenient form, shape, size, style, or type. Typically, the outer housing is made from a metal or metal alloy, more typically a stainless steel or equivalent, preferably 304 or 316 grade stainless steel. 15 Although the housing can have any suitable shape depending upon the vehicle to which it is to be fitted, a typical shape is cylindrical. Forms of the housing include a tube, sleeve, pipe, conduit, channel, duct, covering or similar hollow arrangement surrounding or enclosing the frame and attached sound 20 attenuating material. The snorkel body features a wall thickness of about 6 millimetre. The snorkel body is available in several sizes to accommodate different snorkel diameters including diameters in the range from about 2 inches to up to about 6 inches including sizes or diameters of 25 about 3.5 inches, 4 inches, 4.5 inches, 5 inches and the like. However, the snorkel body can have other sizes depending upon requirements. The internal bore of the outer housing or sleeve is about 109 millimetre (4.29 inches). 2024213185   22 Aug 2024 The body of the snorkel can be of any suitable or convenient length, including being in the range of up to about 1 metre or more in length, typically from about 300mm to about 800mm, more typically about 600mm. Forms of the snorkel body and of the snorkel can be mounted on the relevant vehicle during manufacture and assembly of the vehicle as an original equipment manufacture (OEM) during the construction of the vehicle or the improved snorkel can be a retrofit for existing snorkels as a replacement for the existing snorkel or the improved body can be a replacement or exchange substitute for the original body of an existing snorkel to upgrade the performance of the snorkel. Brief description of the drawings In order that the description may be more easily understood, an embodiment will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a top side perspective view of one form of internal frame of the sound attenuating device according to a preferred embodiment of the present description. Figure 2 is a side elevation view of the form of the internal frame of Figure 1 having a layer of one form of sound attenuating material rolled around thereon Figure 3 is top side perspective view of one form of a sound attenuating snorkel body having the cage of Figure 1 and sound attenuating material of Figure 2. Detailed description One form of sound attenuating snorkel body, generally denoted as 2, will now be described in detail. Snorkel body 2 will be referred to as body 2 hereinafter for succinctness 2024213185   22 Aug 2024 and clarity. Body 2 together with an air intake ram (not shown) and air filter or air cleaner (not shown) forms the snorkel. Body 2 comprises a group of components arranged generally coaxially with respect to one another with generally cylindrical internal frame in the form of cage 10 forming the innermost component defining bore 12 through which the majority of air flows to the air intake of the engine of the motor vehicle to which the snorkel is attached. Cage 10 is in the form of an open-ended tube that is open at both ends for transmitting air therethrough, and is provided with a wall having a solid wall part 14 providing structure, integrity and rigidity to cage 10 and voids in the form of openings or apertures 16 to modify the resonance of cage 10 and of the snorkel by influencing the flow or air within bore 12. Openings 16 of wall 14 can have any required shape, size or arrangement to attenuate the noise within body 2 caused by air flow. One such shape or group of shapes are shown in Figure 1 which include openings in the form of letters, and symbols as well as combined rectilinear and curved shapes. Cage 10 is made from a suitable grade of stainless steel for strength, durability and robustness. A support element in the form of an upper support ring 20 is located circumferentially around the outside of the rim of the upper end 22 in use of cage 10. Ring 20 is welded to upper end 22 of cage 10 around the inner edge thereof at circumferentially spaced apart locations to the rim of the upper end of cage 10. Ring 20 is provided with air passageways in the form of vents 24 at circumferentially spaced apart locations around the outer edge thereof. Vents 24 can have any required shape or size including being curved or rectilinear or the like. One form is shown in Figure 1 which form is substantially curved being in the form of generally arcuate spaces, semicircular cutouts or similar. Vents 24 form a castellated like arrangement around the outer edge of ring 20 for allowing movement of air therethrough after passing through the sound attenuating material. A further support element in the form of lower support ring 26, similar to upper ring 20, is located circumferentially around the outside of the rim of the lower end 28 in use of cage 10. Ring 26 is welded to lower end 28 of cage 10 around the inner edge thereof at circumferentially spaced apart locations to the rim of the lower end 28 of support cage 10. Lower ring 26 has a multitude of vents 24 at circumferentially spaced apart locations around the outer edge thereof. The vents 24 of lower ring 26 are the same as vents 24 of upper ring 20. 2024213185   22 Aug 2024 A generally rectangular sheet of sound attenuating material or acoustic material in the form of a polyester fibrous material, typically an acoustic material marketed under the name VERTIFACE (RTM) made by AUTEX ACOUSTICS, is formed around the outside of cage 10 to form a layer of noise modifying material 30 which is held in position by suitable fastenings such as five axially spaced apart strips of adhesive or duct tape 32 applied circumferentially around the outer surface of layer 30, as shown more particularly in Figure 2. It is to be noted that any suitable or convenient fastening can be utilised to maintain layer 30 in position within body 2 including physical fasteners such as circular clamps, jubilee clips or similar as well as chemical fastenings such as adhesives, or other bonding or glueing agents in addition to using adhesive or duct tape. Layer 30 is retained in position by being located intermediate upper support ring 20 and lower support ring 26 as the width of rings 20, 26 are greater than the thickness of layer 30. An outer housing in the form of a stainless-steel tube or sleeve 40 encloses the other components of body 2, being cage 2, support rings 20, 26 and layer 30, to form body 2. Sleeve 40 extends to a length greater than, typically slightly greater than, the length of cage 10 to house the other components and protect layer 30. Sleeve 40 provides durability and resistance to environmental factors thereby improving the longevity of layer 30. Assembly and installation of a snorkel having the silencer body of the present description will now be described in detail. After forming cage 10 from a generally rectangular sheet of stainless steel by forming the sheet into a cylinder with a wall having openings 16 suitable for absorbing or modifying sound to reduce or eliminate sound or noise emanating from the snorkel, particularly body 2 of the snorkel, upper support ring 20 and lower support ring 26 are welded around the inside of the upper end and lower end respectively of cage 10 with vents 24 adjacent the inside wall surface of cage 10. A generally rectangular sheet of acoustic material is wound around the outside of cage 10 two form layer 30 of acoustic material which is held in place between upper ring 20 and lower ring 26 by strips of tape 32 applied circumferentially around the outer surface of layer 30. The combined cage 10 and layer 30 is inserted within sleeve 40 which is welded to the outer 2024213185   22 Aug 2024 edges of respective support rings 20, 26 at circumferentially spaced apart locations two complete body 2 of the snorkel. After making body 2, a suitable or desirable top, hat, air ram or similar (not shown) is attached to the upper end 22 of body 2 and a relevant air cleaner or air filter (not shown) is attached to lower end 28 of body 2 to complete the snorkel which can then be fitted to the appropriate vehicle to provide a silenced snorkel emitting reduced levels of noise. Many modifications of the above embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, body 2 can be curved or bent axially or radially rather than being straight sided so as to conform to the shape of the vehicle to which the snorkel is fitted. Furthermore, forms of the body can be provided with internal baffles, dividers, sounding boards, or similar to further enhance noise suppression within the snorkel and to form a more convoluted pathway for air flow within the body. Advantages One or other embodiment of the present description has one or more of the following advantages. There are no existing similar devices currently on the market which address the problem of unwanted noise generation within bodies of metallic snorkels. The improved body does not compromise air flow efficiency in the interest of noise reduction. The improved body significantly reduces reduction noise whilst preserving adequate air flow for engine performance. Although forms of the body have minor reduced internal bore size, such minor reduction does not compromise efficiency since the improved body maintains sufficient airflow to meet or exceed the factory specified air intake requirements of vehicles ensuring that engine performance is not compromised. 2024213185   22 Aug 2024 The use of stainless steel for both the internal components and the outer housing ensures durability, effective noise attenuation and minimal impact on air flow performance. Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context 5 requires otherwise, the word “comprise”, and variations such as “comprises” and “comprising”, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps. 10           The reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived therefrom), or to any matter which is known, is not, and should not, be taken as an acknowledgment or admission or any form of suggestion that that prior publication (or information derived therefrom) or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour to which this specification relates. 15

Claims

1. A device for modifying or attenuating noise or sound produced by movement of air through an air intake system of a motor vehiclecomprisingan internal frame having a baffle arrangement of at least one void formed thereina support element for supporting the internal frame into a prearranged shapethe support element having a multitude of air passageways for facilitating flow of air therethrougha sound attenuating material for modifying the flow of air therethrough, andan outer housing for enclosing the sound attenuating materialwherein the sound attenuating material is located intermediate the internal frame, the support element, and the outer housing to expose the moving air to the sound attenuating material within the voids of the baffle arrangement to attenuate the noise of the moving air within the device during operation of the motor vehicle.

2. An air intake snorkel silencer of a motor vehicle for reducing noise or sound produced by movement of air through the air intake of a motor vehiclethe snorkel silencer having a snorkel body comprisingan internal frame in the form of a baffle having at least one void formed thereina support element for supporting the internal frame into a generally cylindrical shapethe support element having a multitude of air passageways for directing flow of air therethrougha sound attenuating material for modifying the flow of air therethrough, anda generally cylindrical outer housing for enclosing the sound attenuating materialwherein the sound attenuating material located intermediate the internal frame, the support element and the outer housing directs the moving air from the void of the baffle to the air passageways thereby reducing the noise of the moving air within the snorkel silencer during operation of the motor vehicle.2024213185   22 Aug 2024- 15 -3. A metallic air intake snorkel silencer of a motor vehicle for reducing noise or sound produced by movement of air through the air intake of a motor vehiclethe snorkel silencer comprisinga metallic internal frame in the form of a generally cylindrical baffle having at least one void formed thereina support ring for supporting the internal frame into the generally cylindrical shape the support ring having a multitude of air vents for controlling air flow therethrough a generally fibrous sound attenuating material for modifying the flow of air therethrough, anda generally cylindrical metallic outer housing for enclosing the sound attenuating material thereinwherein the sound attenuating material that is located intermediate the internal frame, the support ring and the outer housing directs the moving air from the voids of the baffle to the vents of the support ring to reduce the noise of the moving air within the snorkel silencer during operation of the motor vehicle.

4. A method of silencing an air intake snorkel of a motor vehicle caused by movement of air therethroughthe method including the steps of fitting the snorkel to the vehicle and operating the vehicle whereinthe snorkel has a body comprisingan internal frame in the form of a baffle having at least one void formed thereina support ring for supporting the internal frame into a generally cylindrical shapethe support ring having a multitude of air passageways for directing flow of air therethrougha sound attenuating material for modifying the flow of air therethrough, anda generally cylindrical outer housing for enclosing the sound attenuating materialwherein air introduced into the snorkel flows from the void in the baffle through the sound attenuating material located intermediate the internal frame, the support ring, and the outer housing and into the air passageways to reduce the noise of the moving air within the snorkel body during operation of the motor vehicle.-16-2024213185   22 Aug 20245. A device or method according to any preceding claim in which the internal frame is a cage, mesh, grid, perforated plate, perforated sheet, perforated panel, or similar provided with voids, holes, apertures, openings, slots, or the like.

6. A device or method according to any preceding claim in which the cage is made from a metal or metal alloy material including stainless steel, more preferably 304 or 316 grade stainless steels.

7. A device or method according to any preceding claim in which the baffle arrangement or baffles include a combination of solid wall of the frame or cage and voids or openings therein.

8. A device or method according to any preceding claim in which the voids include rectilinear or arcuate shapes, regular or irregular shapes, such as squares, rectangles, polygons, circles, swirls, curves, ovals, diamonds, or the like including combinations of different shapes, such as for example, squares combined with circles, rectangles combined with arches, combinations of letters, numerals, symbols or other indicia or the like.

9. A device or method according to any preceding claim in which the area of the voids or perforations is less than, equal to, or greater than the area of solid wall of the frame or cage, preferably, the area of void is greater than the area of solid wall, more preferably the area of void or opening is much greater than the area of solid, most preferably the area of void or aperture is very much greater than the area of solid wall to enhance exposure of air flow within the snorkel body to the sound absorbent acoustic material located within the body.

10. A device or method according to any preceding claim in which the internal frame is substantially cylindrical being made from a flat perforated sheet or perforated panel which is rolled, wrapped, or otherwise formed into a substantially cylindrical shape or similar.2024213185   22 Aug 2024P12624.AU Specification final - 22 / 08 / 2024 - 17 - 11. A device or method according to any preceding claim in which the support element within the body of the snorkel is a continuous loop in the form of a ring, annulus, collar, perforated disc, punctured disk, perforated circular plate, or the like or is discontinuous comprising multiple segments or sections having gaps or 5 spaces therebetween.

12. A device or method according to any preceding claim in which the air passages include vents, openings, slots, holes, cut outs, perforations, bores, spaces, gaps, grooves, channels, conduits, or the like wherein the vents are located around 10 the periphery of the support ring, more typically being circumferentially located at irregular or regular spaced apart locations around the rim or edge of the support ring which is the edge in contact with the housing of the snorkel.

13. A device or method according to any preceding claim in which the sound 15 attenuating material is a polyester or polyester containing material, typically a high grade, antibacterial acoustic polyester fibre which has effective sound absorption properties across a wide range of frequencies, enabling effective attenuation of noise generated by induction within the body of the snorkel. 20 14. A device or method according to any preceding claim in which the sound attenuating material is a 100% polyester fibre material, typically a non-woven needle punched polyester containing no less than 80% percent recycled material, preferably a Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) material or PET 25 containing material.

15. A device or method according to any preceding claim in which the sound attenuating material is a generally square or rectangular sheet, panel, or similar forming a single layer having a nominal thickness of up to about 10mm, typically up to about 6mm, more typically between about 3 to 4 millimetres nominally.3016. A device or method according to any preceding claim in which the composition of the fibrous material is 100% polyester fibre (PET) having a nominal thickness2024213185   22 Aug 2024- 18 -of three to four millimetre and a weight of typically 380 grammes per square metre, preferably the material is made by AUTEX ACOUTICS and marketed under the name VERTIFACE (RTM).

17. A device or method according to any preceding claim in which the acoustic material is a single layer, a double layer, a triple layer, or four or more layers formed as a hollow cylindrical tube, pipe, conduit or similar.

18. A device or method according to any preceding claim in which the outer housing is made from a metal or metal alloy, more typically a stainless steel or equivalent, preferably 304 or 316 grade stainless steel.

19. A device or method according to any preceding claim in which the housing includes a tube, sleeve, pipe, conduit, channel, duct, covering or similar hollow arrangement surrounding or enclosing the frame and attached sound attenuating material.

20. A device or method according to any preceding claim the sleeve has a wall thickness of about 6 millimetre and a diameter in the range from about of 2 inches to about 6 inches including diameters of 3.5 inches, 4 inches, 4.5 inches, 5 inches and the like.

21. A device or method according to any preceding claim in which the body or snorkel has a length of up to about 1 metre or more in length, typically from about 300mm to about 800mm, more typically about 600mm.

22. A device or method according to any preceding claim in which the snorkel or snorkel body is original equipment manufacture (OEM) or the improved snorkel can be a retrofit for existing snorkels as a replacement for the existing snorkel or the improved body can be a replacement or exchange substitute for the original body of an existing snorkel to upgrade the performance of the snorkel.

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