U.S. patent application number 10/713901 was filed with the patent office on 2004-07-15 for audio visual system and apparatus.
Invention is credited to Gillengerten, Alan.
Application Number | 20040135476 10/713901 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32717992 |
Filed Date | 2004-07-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040135476 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Gillengerten, Alan |
July 15, 2004 |
Audio visual system and apparatus
Abstract
An audio visual system includes a housing and at least one
speaker that is movable so that the speaker can be spaced from the
housing to provide the desired acoustics. The system can include a
speaker box that is movable from a first state, where the front of
the speaker is hidden from view, to a second state, where the
speaker or speaker box is spaced from the housing and the front of
the speaker or speaker box is unobstructed. The system can include
a housing, at least one speaker support comprising an extensible
member coupled to the housing, and at least one speaker suspended
from the speaker support from which the at least one speaker is
suspended.
Inventors: |
Gillengerten, Alan; (Tracy,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
LAW OFFICE OF HARRY J. MACEY
1301 SHOREWAY ROAD, SUITE 121
BELMONT
CA
94002-4106
US
|
Family ID: |
32717992 |
Appl. No.: |
10/713901 |
Filed: |
September 17, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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60438631 |
Jan 7, 2003 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
312/8.16 ;
312/7.2 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04R 5/02 20130101; A47B
81/061 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
312/008.16 ;
312/007.2 |
International
Class: |
A47B 081/06 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An audio visual system comprising a housing having a front wall,
a video display, at least one speaker support coupled to said
housing, and at least one speaker mounted to and supported by said
speaker support, said speaker having a front and a rear wall, and
said speaker support being movable with said speaker mounted
thereto from a first state, where said front of said speaker is
behind a portion of said housing so that said front is hidden from
view when viewing said front wall of said housing, to a second
state, where said speaker is spaced from said housing and said
front of said speaker is unobstructed thereby.
2. The audio visual system of claim 1 wherein said video display
comprises a television.
3. The audio visual system of claim 1 wherein said video display
comprises a flat panel video display.
4. The audio visual system of claim 1 wherein said video display
comprises a flat panel monitor.
5. The audio visual system of claim 1 further including a drive
coupled to said mount for moving said speaker support and speaker
therewith.
6. The audio visual system of claim 1 further including a screen
extending from said housing to said speaker.
7. The audio visual system of claim 6 wherein said speaker has a
first and second side wall, said screen extending from said housing
to said first wall.
8. The audio visual system of claim 6 wherein said speaker has a
first and second side wall, said screen extending from said housing
to said second wall and covering said front of said speaker.
9. The audio visual system of claim 1 wherein said at least one
speaker is mounted to a single support.
10. The audio visual system of claim 1 wherein said at least one
speaker is suspended from said support.
11. An audio visual system comprising a housing having a front
wall, a video display, at least one speaker support coupled to said
housing, and at least one speaker suspended from said speaker
support, said speaker having a front and a rear wall, and said
speaker support being movable with said speaker suspended
therefrom, said speaker support comprising an extensible
member.
12. The audio visual system of claim 11 wherein said at least one
speaker is suspended from a single support.
13. The audio visual system of claim 11 wherein said video display
comprises a television.
14. The audio visual system of claim 11 wherein said video display
comprises a flat panel video display.
15. The audio visual system of claim 11 wherein said video display
comprises a flat panel monitor.
16. The audio visual system of claim 11 further including a drive
coupled to said mount for moving said speaker support and speaker
therewith.
17. The audio visual system of claim 11 further including a screen
extending from said housing to said speaker.
18. The audio visual system of claim 17 wherein said speaker has a
first and second side wall, said screen extending from said housing
to said first wall.
19. The audio visual system of claim 17 wherein said speaker has a
first and second side wall, said screen extending from said housing
to said second wall and covering said front of said speaker.
20. An audio visual system comprising a housing having a front
wall, a video display, at least one speaker box support coupled to
said housing, and at least one speaker box forming a space adapted
to receive another speaker box, said at least one speaker box being
mounted to and supported by said speaker support, said at least one
speaker box having a front and a rear wall, and said speaker
support being movable with said speaker box mounted thereto from a
first state, where said front of said at least one speaker box is
behind a portion of said housing so that said front is hidden from
view when viewing said front wall of said housing, to a second
state, where said at least one speaker box is spaced from said
housing and said front of said at least one speaker box is
unobstructed thereby.
21. The audio visual system of claim 20 wherein said at least one
speaker box is without a speaker.
22. The audio visual system of claim 20 wherein said video display
comprises a television.
23. The audio visual system of claim 20 wherein said video display
comprises a flat panel video display.
24. The audio visual system of claim 20 wherein said video display
comprises a flat panel monitor.
25. The audio visual system of claim 20 further including a drive
coupled to said mount for moving said speaker box support and
speaker box therewith.
26. The audio visual system of claim 20 further including a screen
extending from said housing to said speaker box.
27. The audio visual system of claim 26 wherein said speaker box
has a first and second side wall, said screen extending from said
housing to said first wall.
28. The audio visual system of claim 26 wherein said speaker box
has a first and second side wall, said screen extending from said
housing to said second wall and covering said front of said speaker
box.
29. The audio visual system of claim 20 wherein said at least one
speaker box is mounted to a single support.
30. The audio visual system of claim 20 wherein said at least one
speaker box is suspended from said support support.
31. An audio visual system comprising a housing having a front
wall, a video display, at least one speaker box support coupled to
said housing, and at least one speaker box suspended from said
speaker box support, said speaker box forming a space adapted to
receive another speaker box and having a front and a rear wall, and
said at least one speaker support being movable with said speaker
box suspended therefrom, said at least one speaker box support
comprising an extensible member.
32. The audio visual system of claim 31 wherein said at least one
speaker box is without a speaker.
33. The audio visual system of claim 31 wherein said at least one
speaker box is suspended from a single support.
34. The audio visual system of claim 31 wherein said video display
comprises a television.
35. The audio visual system of claim 31 wherein said video display
comprises a flat panel video display.
36. The audio visual system of claim 31 wherein said video display
comprises a flat panel monitor.
37. The audio visual system of claim 31 further including a drive
coupled to said mount for moving said speaker box support and
speaker therewith.
38. The audio visual system of claim 31 further including a screen
extending from said housing to said speaker box.
39. The audio visual system of claim 38 wherein said speaker box
has a first and second side wall, said screen extending from said
housing to said first wall.
40. The audio visual system of claim 38 wherein said speaker box
has a first and second side wall, said screen extending from said
housing to said second wall and covering said front of said speaker
box.
41. An audio visual system comprising: a first unit comprising a
housing having a front wall, first and second side portions, and a
video display; and a second unit adapted to be positioned adjacent
to one of said side portions and comprising a speaker cabinet
having a front wall, a speaker support coupled to said speaker
cabinet, at least one speaker mounted to and supported by said
speaker support, said speaker having a front and a rear wall, and
said speaker support being movable with said speaker mounted
thereto from a first state, where said front of said speaker is
behind a portion of said speaker cabinet front wall so that said
speaker front is hidden from view when viewing said front wall of
said speaker cabinet, to a second state, where said speaker is
spaced from said speaker cabinet and said front of said speaker is
unobstructed thereby.
42. The audio visual system of claim 41 wherein said video display
comprises a television.
43. The audio visual system of claim 41 wherein said video display
comprises a flat panel video display.
44. The audio visual system of claim 41 wherein said video display
comprises a flat panel monitor.
45. The audio visual system of claim 41 further including a screen
extending from said housing to said speaker.
46. The audio visual system of claim 45 wherein said speaker has a
first and second side wall, said screen extending from said housing
to said first wall.
47. The audio visual system of claim 45 wherein said speaker has a
first and second side wall, said screen extending from said housing
to said second wall and covering said front of said speaker.
48. The audio visual system of claim 41 wherein said at least one
speaker is mounted to a single support.
49. The audio visual system of claim 41 wherein said at least one
speaker is suspended from said support.
50. The audio visual system of claim 41 further including a third
unit adapted to be positioned along the other of said side portions
and comprising a speaker cabinet having a front wall, a speaker
support coupled to said third unit speaker cabinet, at least one
speaker mounted to and supported by said third unit speaker
support, said third unit speaker having a front and a rear wall,
and said third unit speaker support being movable with said third
unit speaker mounted thereto from a first state, where said front
of said third unit speaker is behind a portion of said third unit
speaker cabinet front wall so that said third unit speaker front is
hidden from view when viewing said front wall of said third unit
speaker cabinet, to a second state, where said third unit speaker
is spaced from said third unit speaker cabinet and said front of
said third unit speaker is unobstructed thereby.
51. A speaker system comprising a speaker cabinet having a front
wall, a speaker support coupled to said speaker cabinet, at least
one speaker mounted to and supported by said speaker support, said
speaker having a front and a rear wall, and said speaker support
being movable with said speaker mounted thereto from a first state,
where said front of said speaker is behind a portion of said
speaker cabinet front wall so that said speaker front is hidden
from view when viewing said front wall of said speaker cabinet, to
a second state, where said speaker is spaced from said speaker
cabinet and said front of said speaker is unobstructed thereby.
52. The audio visual system of claim 51 further including a screen
extending from said housing to said speaker.
53. The audio visual system of claim 51 wherein said speaker has a
first and second side wall, said screen extending from said housing
to said first wall.
54. The audio visual system of claim 51 wherein said speaker has a
first and second side wall, said screen extending from said housing
to said second wall and covering said front of said speaker.
55. The audio visual system of claim 51 wherein said at least one
speaker is mounted to a single support.
56. The audio visual system of claim 51 wherein said at least one
speaker is suspended from said support.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates to furniture, and more particularly
to audio visual systems that can be used in a home or an office
environment. For example, the audio visual system can be an
entertainment center.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Entertainment centers are one type of audio visual system
that typically include a plurality of audio visual components
including any number or all of the following: a television,
speakers, a receiver, a VCR, a CD player, a DVD player, a personal
video recorder (PVR), and TIVO type products. These systems have
been available in a variety of sizes, shapes, and styles. For
example, a television, receiver, VCR, and CD and DVD players can be
housed in a cabinet having additional shelves and/or drawers to
store other items such as books, remote controls, video recordings,
CDs, and DVDs. Some entertainment centers are open in the front,
while others have doors that conceal some or all of the components
from view.
[0003] There remains a need to improve audio visual or home
entertainment systems to be more suitable for space-limited
environments in the office or home where, for example, there may
not be the desired amount of room for floor standing speakers.
Also, there is a need to provide systems that provide space saving
storage for speakers.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] The present invention involves improvements in audio visual
systems and avoids disadvantages of the prior art.
[0005] In one embodiment, an audio visual system is provided
comprising a housing having a front wall, a video display, at least
one speaker support coupled to the housing, and at least one
speaker mounted to and supported by the speaker support. The
speaker has a front and a rear wall, and the speaker support is
movable with the speaker mounted thereto from a first state, where
the front of the speaker is behind a portion of the housing so that
the front is hidden from view when viewing the front wall of the
housing, to a second state, where the speaker is spaced from the
housing and the front of the speaker is unobstructed thereby.
[0006] With this construction, the speakers can be hidden from view
when the system is not in use. However, in use, the speakers can be
extended from the housing, which can be in the form of a cabinet or
armoire, a distance to improve stereophonic sound reproduction
and/or distribution within the room in which the system is placed.
The distance between the speakers and the housing or cabinet can be
adjusted to achieve the optimum sound to the listener within the
given area.
[0007] Not only does the hidden aspect improve the appearance of
the system when not in use, the hidden aspect can provide speaker
protection. First, the housing can provide dust protection for the
speakers. Further, the portion of the housing or cabinet behind
which the speakers are disposed can be constructed to prevent or
minimize the possibility of sharp objects or fluids, such as
cleaning fluids, from passing therethrough, through the speaker
covers, and into the speaker component(s) such as the speaker cone.
Otherwise such sharp objects or fluids could damage the speakers
and cause deterioration of the speaker's sound reproductive
quality. The portion of the housing in front of the speakers also
can be constructed of suitable material to protect the speakers
from pets and potential clawing of the speaker fabric, which can
result in tearing the fabric and then damage to the speaker
components.
[0008] According to another embodiment of the invention, an audio
visual system is provided comprising a housing having a front wall,
a video display, at least one speaker support coupled to the
housing, and at least one speaker suspended from the speaker
support, the speaker having a front and a rear wall, and the
speaker support being movable with the speaker suspended therefrom,
the speaker support comprising an extensible member, which can be,
for example, a telescoping arm or sliding rail. The extensible arms
provide a simple mechanism to spread out the sound field.
[0009] According to another embodiment of the invention, an audio
visual system is provided comprising a housing having a front wall,
a video display, at least one speaker box support coupled to the
housing, and at least one speaker box forming a space adapted to
receive another speaker box, the at least one speaker box being
mounted to and supported by the speaker support, the at least one
speaker box having a front and a rear wall, and the speaker support
being movable with the at least one speaker box mounted thereto
from a first state, where the front of the at least one speaker box
is behind a portion of the housing so that the front is hidden from
view when viewing the front wall of the housing, to a second state,
where the at least one speaker box is spaced from the housing and
the front of the at least one speaker box, or at least a portion
thereof, is unobstructed by the housing. With this construction, a
manufacturer or assembler can install different speakers according
to the end users preference and customize the system.
[0010] According to another embodiment, an audio visual system is
provided comprising a housing having a front wall, a video display,
at least one speaker box support coupled to the housing, and at
least one speaker box suspended from the speaker box support, the
at least one speaker box forming a space adapted to receive another
speaker box and having a front and a rear wall, and the speaker
support being movable with the at least one speaker box suspended
therefrom, the at least one speaker box support comprising an
extensible member, which can be, for example, a telescoping arm or
sliding rail, The extensible arms provide a simple mechanism to
spread out the sound field and the speaker box arrangement can
facilitate custom speaker selection for the end user.
[0011] According to another embodiment, an audio visual system is
provided comprising a first unit comprising a housing having a
front wall, first and second side portions, and a video display;
and a second unit adapted to be positioned adjacent to one of the
side portions and comprising a speaker cabinet having a front wall,
a speaker support coupled to the speaker cabinet, at least one
speaker mounted to and supported by the speaker support, the
speaker having a front and a rear wall, and the speaker support
being movable with the speaker mounted thereto from a first state,
where the front of the speaker is behind a portion of the speaker
cabinet front wall so that the speaker front is hidden from view
when viewing the front wall of the speaker cabinet, to a second
state, where the speaker is spaced from the speaker cabinet and the
front of the speaker is unobstructed thereby. The modular
construction can facilitate system customization and the speaker
having a hidden from view position and an extended position shares
the advantages described above. This modular construction also
facilitates system customization.
[0012] According to another embodiment of the invention, a speaker
system is provided comprising a speaker cabinet having a front
wall, a speaker support coupled to the speaker cabinet, at least
one speaker mounted to and supported by the speaker support, the
speaker having a front and a rear wall, and the speaker support
being movable with the speaker mounted thereto from a first state,
where the front of the speaker is behind a portion of the speaker
cabinet front wall so that the speaker front is hidden from view
when viewing said front wall of the speaker cabinet, to a second
state, where the speaker is spaced from the speaker cabinet and the
front of the speaker, or at least a portion thereof, is
unobstructed thereby.
[0013] The above is a brief description of some deficiencies in the
prior art and advantages of the present invention. Other features,
advantages, and embodiments of the invention will be apparent to
those skilled in the art from the following description,
accompanying drawings, wherein, for purposes of illustration only,
specific forms of the invention are set forth in detail.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and
form a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the
invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the
principles of the invention. In the drawings:
[0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a home entertainment system
constructed in accordance with the principles of the present
invention with speakers in a retracted state and hidden from
view;
[0016] FIG. 2A is a perspective view of the home entertainment
center of FIG. 1 with speakers extended from the cabinet in an
extended state;
[0017] FIG. 2B is a perspective view of a modification of the home
entertainment center of FIG. 2A where the speakers are suspended
solely from speaker supports thereabove;
[0018] FIG. 2C is a perspective view of another modification of the
home entertainment center of FIG. 2A where the speaker supports are
provided solely below each speaker;
[0019] FIGS. 2D1, 2D2, and 2D3 schematically illustrate a variation
of any of the foregoing embodiments where FIG. 2D1 shows sliding
doors covering the video display and the speakers hidden from view,
FIG. 2D2 shows the sliding doors moved or extended to expose the
video display, and FIG. 2D3 shows the speakers extended from the
doors;
[0020] FIGS. 2E1-2E6 schematically illustrate another variation
where FIG. 2E1 shows sliding doors moved or extended to expose the
video display and the speakers extended from the doors, FIG. 2E2
shows speakers behind the doors and hidden from view, FIG. 2E3
shows the doors moved to a closed position where they cover the
video display and the speakers behind the doors and hidden from
view, FIG. 2E4 is a partial front view of the open configuration
illustrated in FIG. 2E1, FIG. 2E5 is a rear view of the sliding
door illustrated in FIG. 2E4, FIG. 2E6 illustrates a coupling
variation, and FIG. 2E7 is a rear view of the speaker illustrated
in FIG. 2E4;
[0021] FIG. 3A is a front elevational view of another embodiment of
the invention with the speakers hidden from view and in a retracted
state;
[0022] FIG. 3B is a front elevational view of the embodiment
illustrated in FIG. 3A with the speakers in an extended state;
[0023] FIG. 4A is a rear elevational view of the embodiment
illustrated in FIG. 3A with the speakers in the retracted state
shown in FIG. 3A;
[0024] FIG. 4B is a rear elevational view of the embodiment
illustrated in FIG. 3A with the speakers in the extended state
shown in FIG. 3B;
[0025] FIG. 4C is a variation of the speaker drive mechanism shown
in FIG. 4A with the speakers in the retracted state;
[0026] FIG. 4D illustrates the speaker drive mechanism of FIG. 4C
with the speakers in the extended state;
[0027] FIG. 5A is an exploded view of the system illustrated in
FIG. 3A;
[0028] FIG. 5B is a top sectional view taken along line 5B-5B of
FIG. 4A;
[0029] FIG. 5C is a sectional view taken along line 5C-5C of FIG.
4B;
[0030] FIG. 6 is a front elevational view of a variation of the
embodiment shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B with roller screens secured to
the inner surface of each speaker;
[0031] FIG. 7 is a top sectional view of the embodiment shown in
FIG. 6;
[0032] FIG. 8 is a front elevational view of a variation of the
embodiment shown in FIGS. 6 with roller screens secured to the
outer surface of each speaker;
[0033] FIG. 9 is a further variation of the embodiment of FIG. 3A
with speakers extendable in lateral and vertical directions;
[0034] FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a remote control system for
actuating any of the motor drive assemblies described herein;
[0035] FIGS. 11A and B illustrate a further variation of the
embodiment shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B where FIG. 11A shows the
speakers in view when in the retracted state and FIG. 11B shows the
speakers in an extended state;
[0036] FIGS. 11C and 11D illustrate a variation of the embodiment
of FIGS. 11A and B;
[0037] FIGS. 12A-D illustrate a modular entertainment center where
FIG. 12A is a front elevational view of the components assembled
and the speakers extended,
[0038] FIG. 12B is a front elevational view of the components
disassembled, FIG. 12C is a side elevational view of the
entertainment center, and FIG. 12D is a partial front elevational
view of the left side column illustrating a speaker in a retracted
state in dashed line;
[0039] FIG. 13 is a perspective partial sectional view of modular
speaker system in accordance with another aspect of the
invention;
[0040] FIG. 14A is a front elevational view of the speaker system
of FIG. 13 with the front panel removed and illustrating the system
housing a speaker; and
[0041] FIG. 14B is a front elevational view of the speaker system
of FIG. 13 with the front panel removed and illustrating the system
housing a speaker having a configuration different than that shown
in FIG. 14A.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0042] Before the present invention is described, it is to be
understood that this invention is not limited to particular
embodiments or examples described, as such may, of course, vary.
The embodiments described herein are provided for purposes of
example and are not intended to limit the invention.
[0043] Referring to the drawings wherein like numerals indicate
like elements, an audio visual system in the form of an
entertainment center is shown in FIG. 1 and generally indicated
with reference numeral 2. Home entertainment center 2 includes a
housing 4, which can be in the form of a stand-alone cabinet as
shown in FIG. 1.
[0044] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, housing or cabinet 4 houses a
video display 6, which can be a component of a television as
depicted in the illustrative embodiment, and left and right
speakers 8L and SR (FIG. 2A) each having a front 8LF and 8RF,
respectively. Other components also can be housed in cabinet 4. For
example, the cabinet can house a center channel speaker 10 (FIG.
2A), auxiliary left and right speakers 12L and 12R, and a plurality
of other components on shelves 14 including, but not limited to, a
receiver, VCR, CD, DVD, and/or a personal video recorder (PVR). A
subwoofer (not shown) can be included and placed, for example, in
the space occupied by one or more the shelves. The two upper
shelves shown in drawings can be removable and/or vertically
adjustable as is known in the art. The housing also can include
upper doors 16 and lower doors 18 pivotally mounted thereto for
concealing additional storage compartments.
[0045] FIG. 1 illustrates the audio visual system in a first state
where the left and right speakers 8L and SR and the optional center
channel speaker 10 are hidden from view. Although not shown,
sliding doors also can be provided to enclose or hide the video
display when closed and to expose the video display when moved or
opened. FIG. 2A illustrates the audio visual system in a second
state where the left and right speakers 8L and SR are extended out
from the cabinet by a desired distance via extensible members or
telescopic rails and center speaker 10 is exposed via a
conventional "flipper door." The extended and exposed speakers
provide enhanced stereophonic or acoustic quality, which is
especially desirable, when viewing programs that support
multi-channel audio effects. This configuration provides most if
not all one needs to enjoy the latest DVD movie or programming
where the audio is being transmitted in a surround sound format.
Accordingly, the system is well suited for space-limited room
environments where there is really no or little room for floor
standing speakers. When each speaker 8L and SR is spaced the same
distance from the cabinet 2, it is possible to optimize the
stereophonic effect. Phantom rear speakers can be incorporated into
the speaker boxes in any of the embodiments described herein to
provide rear channel audio effects.
[0046] Referring to FIG. 2A, speakers 8L and SR are mounted to
speaker supports or telescoping arms 22L and 22R, respectively,
which are mounted to housing or cabinet 4 or a frame within the
housing with screws or other known fastener means. The telescoping
arms are of conventional construction where each can have two
segments or members, one slidably disposed within the other as
shown in FIG. 2A, or more than two segments or members. Thus, for
example, three segments can be used. One segment can be fixed or
secured to an inner portion of the cabinet with conventional
fastening mechanisms as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill
in the art. The fixed segment can be hidden from view with the
remaining two segments being extendable therefrom such that they
extend out from the cabinet, one slidably disposed in the other
such as shown in FIG. 2A. The configuration of telescoping arms 22L
and 22R, which form extensible speaker supports, is further shown
in FIGS. 4A and 4B where they are incorporated into audio visual
system 2'. The configuration where one telescoping segment is
disposed in another also is illustrated in a three piece
arrangement in FIG. 12D.
[0047] Although one telescoping configuration has been shown, it
should be understood that other telescoping configurations can be
used in any of the embodiments described herein. For example, one
telescoping member can be slidably mounted to an exterior surface
of the other member with which it cooperates. Further, the
telescoping arms or members can be constructed so that the
speakers, when mounted to the ends thereof can be sufficiently
spaced from the cabinet to provide the desired effect. For example,
in a cabinet having a height of 60 inches, a depth of 26 inches,
and a width of 52 inches, telescoping arms or rails have been
provided that extend beyond the left and right side of the cabinet
by about 30 inches. However, it should be understood that the arms
or rails can be made to extend more than that from the sides of the
cabinet or less than that from the sides of the cabinet depending
on the desired effect and space available.
[0048] The ends of the telescoping arms can be fixedly secured to
speakers 8L and 8R so as to preclude relative movement
therebetween. Alternatively, the ends of the telescoping arms can
be provided with or coupled to speaker supports 24L and 24R that
are rotatably mounted to the arms so that speakers 8L and 8R can be
rotated to provide additional sound adjustment. Each rotating
support can comprise a disc mounted to a bearing, which is secured
to the end of an arm with a pin that is secured in the center bore
of the bearing or with other fastening means. Commercially
available turntables or swivel bearings also can be used. One
example is a 4 inch TM4C swivel bearing provided by Triangle
Manufacturing Company of Oshkosh, Wis.
[0049] Although one example of an extensible speaker support is
illustrated in FIG., 2A, it should be understood that other
extensible members or supports can be used in any of the
embodiments described herein. Examples of other extensible speaker
supports include but are not limited to sliding members such as
rails or pins that are coupled or fixedly secured to the speakers
and slidably mounted to another member coupled or fixedly secured
to the display housing or cabinet.
[0050] Referring to FIG. 2B, a modification of the home
entertainment center of FIG. 2A is shown where the speakers are
shown soley suspended from speaker supports thereabove.
[0051] FIG. 2C illustrates another modification of the home
entertainment center of FIG. 2A where the speaker supports are
shown supported soley by speaker supports therebelow.
[0052] As noted above, sliding doors also can be provided to
enclose, cover or hide the video display and expose the video
display when laterally moved away from each other. Specifically,
the doors are mounted for sliding laterally toward each other and
into contact to achieve a closed state and for sliding laterally
away from each other to an open position to expose the video
display for viewing. The telescoping arms 22L and 22R can be
mounted to the doors so that when the doors are moved laterally
away from each other, the left and right speakers 8L and 8R move
with the doors. Once the doors are in an open state, the speakers
can be further laterally spaced from doors via the telescoping arms
to the desired position. Such an arrangement is schematically
illustrated in FIGS. 2D1, 2D2, and 2D3 where FIG. 2D1 shows the
sliding doors "D" closed and the video display 6 and speakers 8L
and 8R hidden from view, FIG. 2D2 shows the sliding doors moved to
an open position with the video display exposed and the speakers
still hidden from view, and FIG. 2D3 shows the doors open and the
speakers extended therefrom and the video display exposed. Although
telescoping arms have been described as a mechanism to move the
speakers from one state where they are hidden from view to anther
state where they are unobstructed, it should be understood that
other mechanisms can be used. For example, the speakers can be
pivotally mounted to sliding doors "D."
[0053] Referring to FIGS. 2E1-2E6 another variation is
schematically shown where FIG. 2E1 shows sliding doors D moved or
extended to expose video display 6 and the speakers extended from
the doors. FIG. 2E2 shows speakers 8L and 8R behind doors D and
hidden from view. FIG. 2E3 shows doors D moved to a closed position
where they cover the video display with speakers 8L and 8R behind
the doors and hidden from view.
[0054] FIG. 2E4 is a partial front view of the open configuration
shown in FIG. 2E1 illustrating the speaker and door sliding
mechanism. Each door includes a pin "P" extending from its upper
and a pin P extending from its lower end surface. Each door pin P
is slidably disposed in slot, groove or track "T1," which can be
formed in an upper and lower portion of the display housing or
cabinet. Alternatively, it can be formed in two members, one
secured to an upper portion of the display housing or cabinet and
the other secured to a lower portion of the display housing or
cabinet. Each speaker also includes a pair of pins P. One pin
extends from an upper front portion of the speaker and the other
pin extends from a lower front portion of the speaker. Each pin is
slidably disposed in slot, track or groove "T2," which is formed in
the rear of each speaker door as shown FIG. 2E5.
[0055] The slot and pin configurations can be made as is well known
in the art. They can comprise straight pins and grooves.
Alternatively, the slot and pin configuration can be as shown in
FIG. 2E6 where each pin, generally indicated with reference
character P', can have an enlarged head so that it does not fall
out of the C-shaped groove or track. The grooves or tracks can have
enlarged openings at the inward ends relative to the display
housing to facilitate insertion of the pins in a direction normal
to the length of the track or groove. Alternatively, the inward
ends can be open. The pins can be made of any suitable material.
One suitable example is a metal pin having a vinyl covering.
[0056] As in any of the embodiments described herein, speaker wires
can extend from the audio component in the display housing or
cabinet to the speakers with sufficient slack to allow full speaker
extension. As shown in FIG. 2E7, the speakers can have conventional
speaker wire connectors 8C.
[0057] Referring to FIGS. 3A and B, 4A and B, and 5A-C, another
embodiment of the invention suitable for wall mounting or mounting
on a pedestal is shown incorporating a flat panel video display.
Audio visual system 2' includes a housing 4', which houses a flat
panel video display 6' and/or forms a frame for the flat panel
video display 6'. Flat panel video display 6' can be in the form of
a television, such as a plasma, liquid crystal or high definition
television, or it can be in another form, such as a flat panel
monitor. The housing further houses or supports left and right
speakers 81, and 8R, each having a front 8LF and 8RF,
respectively.
[0058] FIG. 3A shows the front of the audio visual system 2' in a
first state where the left and right speakers 8L and 8R are
disposed behind portions of the housing and hidden from view when
viewing the system from the front. FIG. 3B illustrates the audio
visual system 2' in a second state where the left and right
speakers 8L and 8R are extended out from the housing by a desired
distance via telescopic rails 22L and 22R. Required receivers and
components for the flat panel display and speakers can be mounted
on the housing or placed in a separate housing that can be wall or
floor mounted.
[0059] Referring to FIGS. 4A and 4B, speakers 8L and 8R are mounted
to speaker supports or telescoping arms 22L and 22R, respectively,
in the same manner as described above in connection with audio
visual system 2. Thus, rotatable speaker supports or swivels as
described in connection with the foregoing embodiment and indicated
with reference characters 24L and 24R also can be used. However,
the manner in which the telescoping arms are secured to the housing
differs in the illustrative example. Further, a drive mechanism can
be provided to move the speakers as will be described in more
detail below.
[0060] Referring to FIGS. 5A-C, housing 4' comprises frame or bezel
30, mounting strips 32, and support plate or bracket 34. Bezel 30
is secured to video display 6' by conventional means and can be
part of a commercially available assembly comprising a flat panel
video display with a bezel or frame. Mounting strips 32 are secured
to the back of video display panel 6' with conventional fastening
means. Strips 32 come installed on some commercially available flat
panel displays. Strips 32 are provided with threaded holes or other
fastening means to secure the display to support plate or bracket
34. In the illustrative embodiment, fasteners 36, which can be
screws, are shown securing support plate or bracket 34 to mounting
strips 32 (FIGS. 4A and 4B). The outer telescoping arm segment of
each telescoping arm pair 22L and 22R is secured to the bracket
with glue or fasteners or other means known to those of ordinary
skill in the art. Although one bracket assembly configuration has
been shown other configurations can be used as well. For example,
the bezel can be secured to plate or bracket 34 as opposed to being
directly secured to video display 6'.
[0061] Any of the audio visual system embodiments described herein
can include a drive to move the speakers synchronously or
independently of one another. The audio visual system in any of the
embodiments can include a rack and gear drive as shown in FIGS. 4A
and 4B, which can be configured to have either speaker move the
same distance as the other when one of the speakers is pulled
laterally outward to the position shown in FIG. 4B or pushed
laterally inward to the position shown in FIG. 4A. With such a
configuration, the speakers remain spaced the same distance from
the housing when either one is pulled or pushed laterally. This
provides a predetermined balancing of the speakers relative to the
housing and can provide the desired acoustic results with minimal
effort. According to the illustrative embodiment shown in FIGS. 4A
and 4B, the drive comprises toothed arms or racks 42, each having
an end secured to one of the speakers 8L or 8R via a bracket 44 or
other suitable means, and its toothed portion meshing with gear
wheel or pinion 40, which is rotatably mounted or coupled to
bracket 34. The end of each arm 42 that is secured to a respective
speaker can be mounted thereto with conventional hardware to
pivotally couple the end of the arm to the speaker and allow
speaker rotation if desired. Such hardware can be provided on the
rear of the speaker or the side of the speaker facing the display.
For example, a conventional hinge having a pair of mating hinge
plates and a pin pivotally coupling the plates can be used. One
hinge plate can extend from the end of arm 42 to be secured or
coupled to the speaker and the other hinge plate can be secured to
the speaker side facing the display. It should be understood,
however, that such hardware and/or speaker rotation is optional. A
plurality of tracking rollers 38 also can be rotatably mounted to
bracket 34 to support and/or guide toothed arms or racks 42. As a
further option, a motor or drive (e.g., a thin or pancake style
motor) can be mounted to bracket 34 and gear wheel 40 coupled
thereto to provide a power driven speaker drive mechanism.
[0062] As described above, the drive mechanism can be configured to
move the speakers independently of one another. Referring to FIGS.
4C and 4D, audio visual system 2" is shown. Audio visual system 2"
is the same as audio visual system 2' with the exception that it
incorporates an alternative drive configuration, which can drive or
displace one speaker independently of the other. In this case, two
gear wheels or pinions 40 are rotatably coupled to bracket 34, one
for each toothed arm or rack 42. A motor also can be provided as
described above to provide a power driven speaker drive mechanism.
In this manner, a motor can be provided for each gear wheel to
independently power each gear wheel. With this arrangement. One can
actuate one motor to move one speaker, while allowing the other
speaker position to remain unchanged. Alternatively, one can
actuate both motors to move one speaker inwardly and the other
outwardly. Variable speed motors also can be used so that speakers
can be moved at different rates of speeds.
[0063] Although various embodiments described herein are shown with
drive mechanisms, it should be understood that they need not
include such mechanisms. Further, other drives than those shown can
be used. For example, motorized spiral gear or auger type drives or
belt drives can be used in lieu of the illustrated rack and pinion
drive to move the speakers outwardly or inwardly. Such drives also
can be configured to move the speakers synchronously or
independently of one another as described above.
[0064] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, a further audio visual system is
shown and generally indicated with reference numeral 2'". Audio
visual system 2'" is the same as audio visual system 2' or 2" with
the exception that audio visual system 2'" further includes two
screens 50 that cover at least a portion of the telescoping arms,
and toothed arms or racks if included, and can also cover speaker
wires or any other components between the speakers and the video
display housing. Each screen is coupled to a spring loaded roller
52 that is mounted to bezel or frame 30. Each uncoiled end of each
screen is secured to an inner wall surface of one of speakers 8L
and 8R so that the screens are carried with the speakers when the
speakers are laterally extended. When the speakers are retracted to
a position behind the bezel, the spring loaded rollers rewind the
screen therearound. Screens 50 can comprise any suitable material
including opaque, translucent or transparent materials. The
material may have various patterns or designs including, but not
limited to, solid, striped, or repeated circle designs. It can have
artwork, pictures or prints incorporated therein or thereon. When
it is desirable to completely hide the telescoping arms, racks 42,
and or speakers, opaque materials generally are preferred. Although
a rolling screen configuration has been illustrated, it should be
understood that other screen configurations can be used. Other
screen configurations include but are not limited to, for example,
accordion configured screens. The accordion configuration
facilitates expansion and contraction to provide the desired
coverage of components.
[0065] Referring to FIG. 8, another audio visual system 2"" is
shown. Audio visual system 2"" is the same as audio visual system
2'" with the exception that in audio visual system 2"" the uncoiled
ends of the screens are secured to the outer surface of the
speakers to entirely cover the speakers, telescoping arms, and the
optional rack and gear drive mechanisms described above.
[0066] Referring to FIG. 9, a further embodiment is shown and
generally indicated with reference numeral 2'"". Audio visual
system 2'"" is the same as Audio visual system 2"" with the
exception that upper and lower speakers SU and 8L and telescoping
arms 22U and 22L are provided and bezel 30' is enlarged on the
upper and lower sides to accommodate hiding upper and lower
speakers 8U and 8L therebehind. The drive mechanisms described
above also can be incorporated into this embodiment where the
desired number of gears can be used to move toothed arms or racks
42. For example, the lateral drive mechanism can be a one or two
gear system as described above in connection with FIGS. 4A-D. The
vertical drive system also can incorporate the single or dual gear
drive system and any combination of the mentioned lateral and
vertical drive systems can be used. Further, screening can be
provided as shown in FIGS. 6-8.
[0067] A remote control system for driving the powered speaker
drive mechanisms described above is diagrammatically shown in a
block diagram in FIG. 10. The remote control can include a
conventional signal transmitter and actuator therefor to send a
signal to a signal detector that is coupled to the motor to provide
forward and reverse control signals to the motor which is
separately coupled to suitable power. Thus, actuation of the signal
transmitter can actuate the drive assembly any of drive assembly
motors 40 to move so as to extend or retract the left, right,
upper, or lower speakers. According to one variation, the remote
control circuit can be controlled by voice recognition.
[0068] FIGS. 11A and 11B illustrate a further embodiment, which is
the same as system 2' as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B with the
exception that the extensible or telescoping arms are configured so
that the speakers remain in view when in the retracted state. For
example, the length of the toothed portion measured from the free
end of each extensible arm can be shortened to reduce the distance
that the each speaker moves. As is the case with system 2', the
bracket assembly of FIGS. 5A-C and/or any of the drive mechanisms
described above (e.g., the drive mechanisms shown in FIGS. 4A-C) or
screen arrangements described herein and illustrated in FIGS. 6-9
can be incorporated into this embodiment. The embodiment
illustrated in FIGS. 11C and 11D is the same as that shown in FIGS.
11A and 11B with the exception that it does not include frame or
bezel 30 around the flat panel or plasma display. Otherwise this
embodiment, like the embodiment of FIGS. 11A and 11B, can include
the bracket assembly illustrated in FIGS. 5A-C and any of the
aforementioned drives, screens and related mechanisms. A mounting
bracket can be secured to plate or bracket 34 when used to
facilitate wall or pedestal mounting or mounting the display in a
cabinet.
[0069] According to another embodiment of the invention, a modular
system is provided where the telescoping speakers are provided in
separate or modular speaker cabinets. Referring to FIGS. 12A-D, an
illustrative example of a modular entertainment center or audio
visual system is shown and generally indicated with reference
numeral 200. System 200 includes a center cabinet 202C, which
houses a video display such as video display 6. Center cabinet 200C
can include shelves and can house audio visual components,
including a center speaker mounted in a flipper door as described
above in connection with cabinet 4. However, in this embodiment,
the extendable speakers are mounted to left speaker cabinet 202L
and right speaker cabinet 202R. In the illustrative embodiment,
speaker 8L is telescopically mounted to left speaker cabinet 202L
and speaker 8R is telescopically mounted to right speaker cabinet
202R in a manner similar to any of the embodiments depicted in
FIGS. 2A-C so that each speaker can be moved from a first state
where it is behind the front wall of a respective speaker cabinet
and hidden from view (FIGS. 12B-D) to a second state where it is
moved to a position spaced from the cabinet with its front
unobstructed by the speaker cabinet front wall (FIG. 12A). As
described above, the swivel mounts ate optional. Thus, for purposes
of example, FIG. 12A illustrates the system where the swivel mounts
(24L or 24R) are not included and the telescoping arms are attached
directly to the rear side of speakers 8L and 8R. FIG. 12D, however,
is an example where the telescoping arms can be coupled to the
speakers through swivel mounts 24R and/or 24L (not shown). Although
FIG. 12D illustrates extensible member or telescoping arm 22R with
three telescoping segments, one can vary the number of segments. In
addition, a drive mechanism can be provided for each speaker
cabinet to move the speakers inward and outward. For example, a
drive mechanism as illustrated and described in connection with
FIGS. 4C and 4D can be used where one rack and pinion assembly is
coupled to one speaker and speaker cabinet combination and the
other rack and pinion assembly is coupled to the other speaker and
speaker cabinet combination. Each pinion also can be provided with
a motor or drive. Although a three piece system is shown (center
video display cabinet with right and left speaker cabinets), one or
more speaker cabinets can be provided separately to compliment an
existing cabinet.
[0070] According to another embodiment, a modular speaker system is
provided with extendable speaker boxes, which can be coupled
through telescoping arms to a video display as in any of the
embodiments described above. Each speaker box is configured to
receive one or more speakers therein or to receive a speaker box
containing one or more speakers. This construction facilitates
quick speaker interchangeability or customization.
[0071] Referring to FIG. 13, a perspective partial sectional view
of a modular speaker system in accordance with the invention is
shown. Modular speaker system 300 includes outer speaker box 302,
which is adapted to receive inner speaker box 304, which can
correspond to either speaker 8L or 8R, which can comprise one or
more speakers or speaker cones mounted in a box. Outer speaker box
302 can be provided without inner speaker box 304 or it can have
inner speaker box 304 installed therein. Inner speaker box 304
includes one or more speakers or speaker cones 304a and housing or
box 304b. Outer speaker box 302 can have one or more speaker
supports such as top and bottom shelves 306 and 308 for supporting
or restraining inner speaker box 304. The shelves can be supported
by elongated members or brackets 310, which can be positioned at
the desired location and secured to the inner walls of outer box
302 as shown in FIGS. 13, 14A and 14B. In FIG. 14A, the brackets
are positioned in a different position than their position in FIG.
14B in order to accommodate a differently sized or configured inner
speaker box. The shelf supports also can be arranged so that the
shelves minimize or eliminate movement of inner speaker box
304.
[0072] Elongated members or brackets 310 can be secured to the
outer box using fasteners or glue as is known in the art.
Alternatively, adjustable bracket means can be used. For example,
holes can be drilled into the inner walls of outer speaker box 302
and pegs inserted therein to support the shelves. The holes can be
arranged to provide alternative locations for the pegs so that the
shelves can be positioned at different locations to accommodate
speakers of different size. Alternatively, a plurality of vertical
arranged slots can be provided in opposed inner wall surfaces to
form diametrically opposed and horizontally aligned slot pairs,
each sized to receive a respective shelf. The adjustable peg and
adjustable slot shelf holding means are conventional adjustable
shelf designs, which are known in the art.
[0073] A conventional speaker cover 312, which can comprise nylon
mesh, can be placed on or form the front of the outer speaker box.
A plurality strips, such as strip 320, can be secured to opposed
inner walls of outer speaker box 302 to engage inner speaker box
304 and secure inner speaker box 304 in speaker box 302 so that
speaker box 304 does not rattle and to absorb vibrations. One strip
can arranged to engage a forward end of one side of the inner
speaker box. Another strip can be arranged to engage a rear end of
the same side of the inner speaker box. Two more strips can be
arranged to similarly engage the opposite side of the inner speaker
box. The strips can comprise or be made of neoprene or any other
suitable material. The thickness of the material can vary as would
be apparent to one skilled in the art. Depending on the size of the
speaker driver and inner speaker box 304, which houses the driver,
the thickness of the strip can vary. One example can be a 1/8 inch
thick neoprene strip. A rear plate, which can have a central cut
out portion, such as rear plate 314, can be secured to or form the
back of outer speaker box 302 to secure inner speaker box 304
therein. Fasteners 316 can be used to secure rear plate 314 to a
rear portion of outer speaker box 302.
[0074] End housings or caps 318 can be rotatably coupled to the
main housing of outer speaker box 302 using rotating speaker
supports or swivel mounts 24L and/or 24R as described above.
Shelves 322 can be used to support speaker supports 24L and/or 24R.
One or more telescoping arms 22L can be coupled to end caps 318 as
shown in FIG. 13. The other end of each telescoping arm is mounted
to a video housing as described in any of the preceding embodiments
so that the speakers can be extended therefrom. Although only one
outer speaker box arrangement is shown, another can be provided and
similarly coupled to the other side of an audio display as
described in any of the foregoing embodiments.
[0075] While the invention has been described with reference to
specific embodiments, the invention by no means is limited to the
specific embodiments illustrated and described herein. It is
recognized that departures from the disclosed embodiments may be
made within the scope of the invention and that obvious
modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art. In
addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular
situation, material, composition of matter, process, process step
or steps, to the objective, spirit and scope of the present
invention. All such modifications and equivalents are intended to
be within the scope of the claims appended hereto.
* * * * *