WO2002102211A1

WO2002102211A1 - Speaker picture frame having replaceable presentation

Info

Publication number: WO2002102211A1
Application number: PCT/US2001/041092
Authority: WO
Inventors: Benjamin Ma; Mei Li; Jiabin Xu
Original assignee: Languang Us Inc.
Priority date: 2001-06-18
Filing date: 2001-06-19
Publication date: 2002-12-27

Abstract

A speaker picture frame has a user replaceable presentation that comprises a user replaceable frame and/or a low tack picture adhesive. The speaker is positioned behind, and is transmitted through the picture or other image. Where a user replaceable frame is employed, the frame can comprise one or more distinct members that snap to each other, or to a frame base. Where a low tack adhesive is employed, the adhesive preferably occupies a total area of at least 10 square inches, and more preferably at least 20 square inches. Preferred speaker picture frames comprise some sort of electronic storage medium such as a disk drive or other memory, but may alternatively be coupled to a radio or other sound producing signal.

Description

SPEAKER PICTURE FRAME HAVING REPLACEABLE PRESENTATION

Tins application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional application filed on June 18, 2001 (serial number to be determined), incorporated herein in it's entirety.

Field of the Invention

The field of the invention is picture frames.

Background

Picture frames and speakers often compete for the same space on a desk, wall, or some other surface. Often times such competition is a problem because of limited space. Thus, devices have emerged that combine an electronic speaker with a picture frame.

U.S. Patent 5533290 issued to Lee et al. (July 1996) discloses a picture frame that has a sound-producing device appended to it, such that sound is generally emitted to the rear of the picture. For example, if the device were hung on a wall in the typical manner, the sound would be directed toward the wall, and would therefore tend to be muffled. Thus, although specific combinations of speaker and picture frame may minimize some of these problems, the Lee solution may result in diminished sound quality.

U.S. Patent 5504836 issued to Loudermilk et al. (April 1996) provides additional functionality, and perhaps a less muffled sound quality, by adding a microphone and speaker to the face of the picture frame — the portion that faces a direct picture viewer. While that improvement would overcome some of the problems of the previous designs, the quality of the sound quality tends to be restricted by the size of the speaker that can be placed on the face of the frame. Additionally, because the picture frame is traditionally a decorative item, the existence of a speaker and a microphone on the face of the frame are likely to detract from the frame's esthetic value. Thus, degradation of both sound quality and esthetic value persist.

Another problem found in both Lee and Loudermilk et al., as well as in other picture frame speaker combinations, is the inconvenience of changing the picture presentation. First, the picture is generally interposed between a backing and a piece of glass or other covering. Replacing the picture usually involves removal of the backing, which can be inconvenient, and possibly even somewhat dangerous, especially when a large piece of glass is involved. Second, the picture frame facing is not readily replaceable in known embodiments. For example, it may be difficult or impossible to change the frame from one that matched a previous picture or environment, to one that matches a new picture or environment.

Attempts have been made to solve the picture presentation problem by providing an area in which to slip pictures in and out of the frame. In those instances, however, the picture typically resides loosely within the frame to facilitate easy removal and entry. Such a provision may be viable for stand-alone picture frames, but it can be problematic for picture frame speaker combinations. Sound from the speaker often causes the loosely held picture to vibrate, and the vibration may cause the sound from the speaker to appear distorted.

Thus, there is still a need to provide picture frame speaker combinations that provide improved sound quality, as well as convenience in changing of the picture presentation, while maintaining the functionality of the picture frame and the speaker.

Summary of the Invention

The present invention provides a speaker picture frame having a user replaceable presentation that comprises a user replaceable frame and/or a low tack picture adhesive. The speaker is positioned behind, and is transmitted through the picture or other image.

Where a user replaceable frame is employed, the frame can comprise one or more distinct members that snap to each other, or to a frame base. Where a low tack adhesive is employed, the adhesive preferably occupies a total area of at least 10 square inches, and more preferably at least 20 square inches.

The term "picture frame" is used herein in its broadest possible sense, to include frames for photographs, paintings, sketches, collages, and all manner of other relatively flat materials that one may want to include in a frame, as well all manner of frames including wooden, metal, plastic, composites, or any other types of frames. All practicable sizes and shapes of framed materials and frames are also contemplated. The term "speaker" is used herein in its broadest possible sense, to include both cone type speakers, and emitter/sounding board combinations. Preferred speaker picture frames use one or more emitter/ sounding board combinations to produce audible sound of sufficient loudness.

Preferred speaker picture frames comprise some sort of electronic storage medium such as a disk drive or other memory, but may alternatively be coupled to a radio or other sound producing signal source.

Various objects, features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention, along with the accompanying drawings in which like numerals represent like components.

Brief Description of The Drawings

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a prior art speaker picture frame.

Figure 2 is a front view of a prior art speaker picture frame.

Figure 3 is a perspective view of a speaker picture frame.

Figure 4 is a front view of a speaker picture frame.

Detailed Description

In Figure 1, a prior art speaker picture frame 100 generally includes an area for a picture 110, a speaker 120, and a picture frame 130. The speaker 120 is coupled to the back of the picture frame 130 such that sound is directed away from a viewer of the picture. The speaker picture frame 100 resembles a picture frame with a speaker coupled to the back.

Figure 2 is a prior art speaker picture frame 200 generally having a picture 210, a frame 220, a speaker 222, and a microphone 224. Sound may be directed toward the viewer of the picture, however, the size of the speaker 222 may be limited by the width of the frame 220, and the existence of the picture 210. In Figure 3, a perspective view of a speaker picture frame 300 generally comprises a replaceable frame 310, and an electronics housing 320. The electronics housing 320 may have an input/output strip 322, an electronic coupling port 323, a coupling cable 324, a plurality of air vents 326, and a pair of speakers or emitters (in phantom lines) 340. The replaceable frame 310 may have pivotable clips 312 that couple the replaceable frame 310 to the electronics housing 320. Preferred speaker picture frames comprise some sort of electronic storage medium such as a disk drive or other memory 330, but may alternatively be coupled to a radio or other sound producing signal.

The frame 310 is preferably constructed of a durable polymer, wood, metal, or any reasonable combination thereof. Virtually any degree of decoration may be utilized, from a simple flat finish, to multiple colors and images, and even inclusion of relief decorations. The frame 310 may also comprise incidentals such as surface coatings, finishes, nails, glues, and so on.

The replaceable frame 310 is advantageously configured to be easily removable and replaceable with a substitute frame (not shown) by virtue of a quick release mechanism, preferably without removing or otherwise disturbing the picture that it displays. In one class of embodiments, frame 310 may be constructed of multiple, detachable members, with the members clicking together around a lip or other receiving aspect of the electronics housing 320 to form the finished frame.

In another, more preferred class of embodiments, the frame can be of a unibody construction, and in that case pivoting, sliding, or other clips 312 may be used to facilitate the coupling of the frame 310 to the electronics housing 320. Although four pivotable clips are displayed in Figure 3, all practicable other types and numbers of coupler devices are contemplated. Thus, the coupler(s) may be mechanical, chemical, magnetic, or other type, and by way of example, may include tacks, brad, Velcro™, threaded fasteners, spring latches, hooks, pins, dowels, nails, snaps, non-pivoting clips, and adhesives.

The electronics housing 320 houses the speaker components (here: pair of speakers 340) or at least part of a sound producing device. Particularly contemplated sound producing devices include a voice coil, a magnet, a diaphragm, and an emitter. The replaceable frame 310 preferably fits on the front (not shown) of the electronics housing 320. In this manner, the front of the electronics housing 320 may be substantially open, while the back 328 may be relatively closed with the exception of air vents 326. The components of the speaker are advantageously positioned to direct sound toward the front of the electronics housing 320.

The input/output strip 322 may have any of one or more features. As currently contemplated, the most desirable features include an electronic coupling port 323, a power port (not shown), a port for connecting to other speakers (not shown), a volume control (not shown), and other ports, controls, and components such as a wireless modem, receiver, transmitter, or other device capable of communicating without wires. The electronic coupling port 322 generally is the point where an external device is connected to the speakers, preferably to supply audio. The port 322 may advantageously have a female connection (not shown), or a cable 324 having a male connection (325) for coupling to an external device such as a computer, an MP3 player, a radio, a CD player, or other device.

The speaker picture frame 400 depicted in Figure 4 generally comprises a user replaceable frame 410, a low tack adhesive surface 420, and a decorative mat 430.

The replaceable frame 410, described above with respect to frame 310 of figure 3, generally fits over the front of the electronics housing which, in the exemplified embodiment, comprises the decorative mat 430, and the low tack adhesive surface 420. The dotted lines 412, depict joints formed where frame 410 optionally comprises four segments (members) that are coupled and de-coupled by a user.

The low tack adhesive surface 420 is located on the front of the electronics housing, and removably holds the image 440 securely in place, preferably with little vibration. The term "image" as used herein may include photos, paintings, drawings, sketches, sculptures, and other items of display. As further used herein, the term "low tack" is used as short hand expression for "low tack relative to image (and particularly to the surface of the image that is used for affixing the image to the surface 420)". Consequently, it is contemplated that the low tack adhesive provides sufficient tack to retain the image in the place to which it has been affixed, yet is sufficiently weak to permit removal of the image without causing structural damage to the picture (e.g., partial or complete loss of the surface of the image that is used for affixing the image to the surface 420, or partial or complete ripping of the image). Furthermore, preferred low tack adhesives will provide sufficient tack such that an image can be repeatedly (at least 2 times) affixed and removed without causing significant loss of tack, which would result in insufficient adhesion. A well-known example of a satisfactory, but relatively low "low tack" adhesive is that used in Post it Notes™. The low tack adhesive should be able to removably mount at least 3 image replacements, more preferably at least 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, or even more image replacements. By way of contrast, Super Glue™ is not considered to be a low tack adhesive because it tends to bind so tightly to surfaces, that removal usually damages one or more of the surfaces being bound.

The low tack adhesive surface 420 preferably transmits sound with relatively little effect on the sound quality or volume, and especially preferred materials include synthetic polymers (e.g., polypropylene), metal films or plates (typically with a thickness of less than 2mm, preferably less than 1mm) and paper- or fiber based material (e.g., card board, resin-embedded cellulose fibers, etc.), or any reasonable combination thereof. It is also contemplated that the low tack adhesive surface may be a component of, or applied to, a sounding board (not shown), discussed in greater detail below.

The low tack surface 420 is preferably continuous, although it is contemplated that the low tack adhesive surface 420 may be discontinuous, as for example where dozens or even hundreds of closely spaced adhesive dots or other regions are employed. There are limits, however, and it should be appreciated that the adhesive regions should be spaced together closely enough to avoid baffling of the image.

The low tack surface 420 also preferably occupies a total of at least 10, 15, 20, 30, 40, 50 , 60, 70, 80, 90, or 100 square inches. Here again there are innumerable variances contemplated, including having the low tack surface 420 occupy a relatively small area such as 1 square inch for a very small image, to relative large areas such as at least 100, 150, 200, 250, 300, 350, or even 400 or more square inches, for larger images. In general, it is deemed desirable for the total area of low tack surface to be at least 50%, or more preferably at least 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, or even 100% of the inside area bounded by the frame 410. The decorative mat 430 may also be located on the front of the electronics housing. Such mats are advantageously selected to avoid deleterious effects upon the quality or volume of the sound being output by the speaker. Mat 430 is preferably decorative, but may alternatively be thought of as having no decorative value at all, as for example where the mat is a surface of a speaker component.

In Figure 4 image 440 is depicted as having x, y dimensions slightly larger than those of the underling low tack surface 420, which in turn is applied on top of a sounding board 422. It should be appreciated that other embodiments are contemplated, including those in which the x, y dimensions of the image are the same size as that of the underling low tack surface 420, significantly larger than that of the underling low tack surface 420, or even smaller than that of the underling low tack surface 420. Consequently, it is contemplated that the area of low tack adhesive is at least 50%, more preferably at least 75%, and most preferably at least 90% of the image to be affixed to the surface 420.

In a further especially contemplated aspect, the speaker picture frame 400 uses an emitter 424 (in phantom) and sounding board 422 rather than a cone type speaker to produce sound. The emitter 424 can be a specialty device, or more preferably any one of numerous off-the shelf models such as ST33DSO 01 or ST33DSO 02 available from Ole Wolff Electronics, so long as it provides relatively good sound at a sufficient volume, and a relatively thin profile. The sounding board 422 cooperates with the emitter to produce audible sound, as well as providing a ready surface upon which to place the low tack adhesive 420. Suitable sounding boards are Rohacell foam™ and Gatorfoam™ available from Richmond Aircraft and International Paper respectively. Although not shown, it is contemplated for a single speaker picture frame to include multiple emitter/sounding board combinations, or a single sounding board with multiple emitters.

In Figure 5, a speaker picture frame 500 (only a portion of which is depicted) has a user replaceable frame 510 with a notch 512. A slidable tab 522 that can be laterally extended from the housing 520 has a matching fit with the notch 512 and when engaged with the tab of the housing locks the user replaceable frame to the housing 520. Housing 520 further has a front panel 524 onto at least part of which a low tack adhesive 524 is disposed. Affixed to the low tack adhesive is a picture 526, and disposed at least partially within the housing is an emitter 530 that actuates the front panel that is coupled to the low tack adhesive 524 and the picture 526.

Figure 5 can be viewed as a method of displaying an image, comprising: providing an electronics housing having a substantially open front and a relatively closed back; removably applying the image to the front of the housing; and removably securing a frame to the front of the housing. An especially preferred method is where the step of removably applying the image comprises juxtaposing a backside of the image to a low tack adhesive. An especially preferred method of removably securing the frame comprises laterally extending a tab outward from the housing.

Thus, specific embodiments and applications of speaker picture frames having replaceable presentation have been disclosed. It should be apparent, however, to those skilled in the art that many more modifications besides those already described are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein. The inventive subject matter, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the spirit of the appended claims. Moreover, in interpreting both the specification and the claims, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms "comprises" and "comprising" should be interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements, components, or steps may be present, or utilized, or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are not expressly referenced.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A speaker picture frame having a user replaceable presentation that includes at least one of a user replaceable frame and a low tack picture adhesive.

2. The speaker picture frame of claim 1 further comprising and electronic storage medium.

3. The speaker picture frame of claim 1 further comprising an electronics housing wherein the user replaceable frame is removably coupled to the electronics housing.

4. The speaker picture frame of claim 3 wherein the housing has a substantially open front and a relatively closed back and the user replaceable frame fits on the front.

5. The speaker picture frame of claim 3 further comprising a replacement picture frame distinct from the user replaceable frame.

6. The speaker picture frame of claim 3 wherein the user replaceable frame consists essentially of a single piece.

7. The speaker picture frame of claim 3 wherein the user replaceable frame comprises at least two distinct and separate pieces.

8. The speaker picture frame of claim 1 wherein the low tack picture adhesive occupies an area of at least 10 square inches.

8. The speaker picture frame of claim 1 wherein the low tack picture adhesive occupies an area of at least 20 square inches.

9. The speaker picture frame of claim 8 wherein the image comprises a picture.

10. The speaker picture frame of claim 8 wherein the image is selected from a group consisting of photos, paintings, drawings, sketches, and sculptures.

11. The speaker picture frame of claim 8 wherein sound passes through the image.

12. The speaker picture frame of claim 1 further comprising an electronic coupling suitable for connection to an external device.

13. The speaker picture frame of claim 13 wherein the electronic coupling is wireless.

14. A method of displaying an image, comprising: providing an electronics housing having a substantially open front and a relatively closed back; removably applying the image to the front of the housing; and removably securing a frame to the front of the housing.

15. The method of claim 14 wherein the step of removably applying the image comprises juxtaposing a backside of the image to a low tack adhesive.

16. The method of claim 14 wherein the step of removably securing the frame comprises laterally extending a tab outward from the housing.