CA2082371A1 - Speaker grille - Google Patents
Speaker grilleInfo
- Publication number
- CA2082371A1 CA2082371A1 CA 2082371 CA2082371A CA2082371A1 CA 2082371 A1 CA2082371 A1 CA 2082371A1 CA 2082371 CA2082371 CA 2082371 CA 2082371 A CA2082371 A CA 2082371A CA 2082371 A1 CA2082371 A1 CA 2082371A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- speaker
- frame
- grille
- fabric
- channel
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
- H04R1/00—Details of transducers, loudspeakers or microphones
- H04R1/02—Casings; Cabinets ; Supports therefor; Mountings therein
- H04R1/023—Screens for loudspeakers
Landscapes
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Acoustics & Sound (AREA)
- Signal Processing (AREA)
- Details Of Audible-Bandwidth Transducers (AREA)
Abstract
ABSTRACT
This invention relates to a grille, covering an exposed face of an object and to a speaker grille. The grille can be used for an object, such as a speaker, having a body and an exposed face. There is a channel in the exterior surface of the body. The grille includes a frame defining an opening which is similar in shape and in size to the exposed face and a sheet of fabric attached to the frame covering the opening. The channel receives and removably holds the frame and the fabric covers the face.
This invention relates to a grille, covering an exposed face of an object and to a speaker grille. The grille can be used for an object, such as a speaker, having a body and an exposed face. There is a channel in the exterior surface of the body. The grille includes a frame defining an opening which is similar in shape and in size to the exposed face and a sheet of fabric attached to the frame covering the opening. The channel receives and removably holds the frame and the fabric covers the face.
Description
2~237~
3PEAKER GRILLE .
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a grille covering an exposed face of an object. More particularly, this invention relates ~-to a grille for speakers.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
A speaker is generally composed of a number of component~, such as (1) drivers, which are woofers or tweeters mounted on a baffle of a speaker, and (2~ ports within the speaker baffle. The speaker parts and the baffIe are combined with a speaker sleeve or cablnet to form a speaker. The speaker parts work together to project sound :
;10~ ~from the face of the~speaker. Good speakers reproduce sound neutrally and minimize resonances that colour or distort sound.
Designers and manufacturers of speakers strive to ;; accurately reproduce live sound. The placement of the speaker ~ , , ~15 parts is critical in obtaining sound~which is accurate. Also , ~ ~critical is the use of a baffle on the face of the speaker to ~
: ~ ~ :: .-:
;.... -~:::
~"';' ~;"' '";'`~'''"""''' ' '' '''' ` -~ 2082371 support the speaker parts. Having taken these steps to accurately reproduce live sound, manufacturers of speakers are loathe to use speaker grilles which cause image-smearing distortion.
Speaker grilles are grilles which are placed over the baffle of the speaker to make the speakers appear more aesthetically pleasing. The aesthetics of a speaker are important because many consumers regard them as ~urniture and place them in prominent locations in living rooms and dens.
Many speaker grilles distort the sound of the speakers.
This is because the grilles have or fit into frames which project beyond the face of the speaker. The frames distort the sound projected by the speaker parts causing unwanted fluctuations in the frequency response.
:
If a driver is mounted on the speaker baffle, its response~will be smoother than if it were mounted behind the baffle. In this latter situation, the edges of the baffle distort the sound emanating from~ the driver. So too, the ~; frame of a speaker grille which projects beyond the face of the speaker distorts the sound.
To attempt to overcome the distortion caused by speaker grilles, a number of solutions have been proposed.
-: ::~.
2~82371 Mordaunt-Short, a manufacturer of speakers in Great Britain, has invented a speaker grille which is a mesh resembling a hair-net with no frame to cause distortion. The grille is removable and has elastic edges which fit into a channel circumscribing the entire speaker cabinet. However, the grille often slips off the speaker cabinet exposing unsightly speaker parts. Furthermore, when the grille is on the speaker, its net-like appearance does not mask the speaker parts.
10Definitive Technology, a manufacturer of pillar-like loud-speakers, has used a grille which resembles a sock. The sock slips over the speaker and is drawn closed with a string ; at the top and at the bottom of the speaker. The socX does not provide a snug fit between the grille and the speaker, nor does it provide an attractive finish to an expensive speaker.
: ~ -, To compensate for the d1stortion~that the grille makes, Global Sound Systems Inc., ;a manufacturer of MIR~GETM
; speakers, has advanced the drivers of the speaker within the housing so that they are flush with;the grille frame. In this io~ ~speaker, the sound is~ adequate when the ~grille is on.
However, when the grille is removed, as is often the case in ;;point-of-sale demonstrations, the speaker provides a poorer sound than when the grille is on the speaker.
: ~ ' . .. . . .
' . ." ' _ 4 _ 20823~
Thus, there is a need for a speaker grille which (l) is easily mounted on and dismounted from the speaker, (2) when mounted, is locked onto the speaker, (3) does not distort the sound of the speaker when it is either mounted on the speaker or does not distort the sound of the speaker when it is removed from the speaker, (4) does not require advancement of the speaker parts within the housing to compensate for distortion caused by the grille, and (5) masks the parts of the speaker when it is mounted on the speaker in an aesthetically pleasing way.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
::: . : : :
This invention relates to a grille for an object having :: .: .:
:: : : -:
an exposed faoe and, in particular, to a speaker grille.
: ~ :,, ~ . ,.
The grille can bs used for an object having a body with an exposed face and a channel in the exterior surface of the 15~ body. The grille comprises a frame defining an opening which is similar ln s1ze and shape tD the exposed face and a sheet of fabric attaohed to the frame and covering the opening. The channel receives and~removably holds the frame and the fabric covers the exposed face.
, :: , ~ 20The speaker grille of this ~invention is used with a -::; :: :, .:-:
speaker which has a housing with a channel in its exterior -~
:~' :'-''~
~'~
::
2~8237~
surface and a face adjacent the housing and from which the sound of the speaker emanates. The speaker grille has a frame defining an opening which is similar in size and shape to the face of the speaker, and a sheet of fabric attached to the frame and covering the opening defined by the frame. The channel receives and removably holds the frame and the fabric covers the face of the speaker.
The width of one side of the frame can be about the same as or less than~the depth of the channel. Alternatively, the depth of the channel is at least twice the width of one side of the frame.
The fabric is stretchable and, if used with a speaker grille, is acoustically transparent. The fabric could be LYCRATM fabric.
: :~
15 ~ The frame is stretchable, flexible or both stretchable and flexible.
:~ :
The invention can be used with pillar-like speakers where the housing of the speaker is a~ roof and floor joined by a support. ;~
- 6 - ~2~7~
The channel in the housing could be a series of grooves in the exterior surface of the housing which are parallel to the plane of the face of the object or of the speaker.
' The housing may include a speaker sleeve and a baffle.
The channel could be in the exterior surface of the speaker sleeve, in the baffle, or between the speaker sleeve and the baffle.
The fabric may be attached to the frame using an adhesive or using a double-sided adhesive tape. Alternatively, the fabric may be attached to the frame using ultrasonic welding.
The fabric may be attached to part of the frame or may completely envelope the frame.
This invention also relates to a combination speaker ;~
grille and speaker. The grille comprises a stretchable, ~lexible frame defining an opening~and a sheet of stretchable, acoustically transparent fabric attached to the frame and covering the opening defined by~ the frame. The speaker comprises a ;housing having an exterior surface, a face ~ -ad~acent the housing from which the sound of the speaker emanates and a channel in the exterior surface of the housing.
The channel receives and removably holds the frame and the fabric covers the face of the speaker. ;~
:
2û~237~
This invention also relates to a process for making a grille having a flexible frame defining an opening covered by a stretchable fabric. Each side of the frame is bowed by the fabric. The process comprises attaching the fabric to one surface of the frame so that it covers the opening defined by the frame and inverting the frame onto itself in the direction of the opening.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In drawings which illustrate embodiments of the invention, Figure 1 is a plan view of the sound waves emanating from a speaker with a grille that distorts sound;
Figure 2 is a plan view of the sound waves emanating from : :
a speaker with a grille that does not distort sound;
, : ::
Figure 3 is a perspective view of the grille;
-Figure 4 is a perspective view of the frame to which the adhesive is applied;
:
. . . .
Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of the fabric and the frame before the fabric is bound to the frame;
:
2~8~37~
Figure 6 is a perspective view of the fabric bound to the frame of the grille before excess fabric is removed;
Figure 7 is a perspective view of the fabric bound to the : :
frame of the grille showing how to invert the frame onto -itself;
Figure 8 is an exploded perspective view of the speaker and the speaker grille;
Figure 9 is a perspective view of the speaker grille and ;-the speaker;
Figure 10 is an enlarged section view of one end of the grille taken along lines 10-lo in Figure 3; ~ ;
Figure 11 is a se~ction view taken along lines 11-11 in Figure 8;
Figure 12 is a v1ew simil~ar to~that of Figure 11 showing :~
~: ~ 15 the~:grille frame being:inserted into the channel, ~:
,: ~ Figure 13 is a section view taken along lines 13-13 of ~:
~ Figure 9; ~:
.~
:
`:
::
~82371 Figure 14 is a section view taken along lines 14-14 of Figure 9.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Figure 1 shows sound waves emanating from a speaker (20) having a grille (22) which distorts the sound waves (26) directed to a listener's ear (28). Figure 2 shows sound waves emanating from a speaker (20) having a grille (22) of this invention whose frame (24) does not distort the sound waves (26).
The speaker grille (30) illustrated in Figure 3 has a ;~ 10 stretchable, lightweight fabric (32) and a grille frame (34) which extends around the periphery of the fabric. The fabric is acoustically transparent. A preferred fabric is LYCRATM
cloth manufactured by BTF International.
The fabric (32) can be mounted on the frame using the ;~ techn~ique illustrated by Figures~4 and 5. One mounts the fabric using any adhesive ~36~, but double-slded adhesive tape is preferred. Adhesive is applied to the frame (34) on the surface which will abut the fabric (32), as shown in Figure 4.
The frame (34) is then placed on~the~fabric (32) with~the adhesive (36) facing down so that the fabric can be mounted to the frame, as shown in Figure 5.
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The fabric is stretchable. In the preferred embodiment, the direction of stretch of the fabric should be aligned along the width of the frame. This helps to bow the frame inwards and to secure the frame (34) within the channel (44) As shown in Figure 6, excess fabric (38) is then trimmed from the grille (30) with a knife (40) so that the fabric is flush with the outside edge (42) of the frame (34).
As shown in Figure 7, the frame (34) is then inverted , onto itself so that the fabric (32) is completely wrapped -~
around the frame and the frame is unexposed. This minimizes bunching of the fabric against the speaker. Also, the fabric . ~
is less likely to shear from the frame when the grille is inserted into the channel.
The frame (34) is made of lightweight plastic which is 15~ resilient and~ which stabilizes the speaker grille. ;~
Lightweight plastic is a preferred material because of its flexibility and because the fabric~can be readily mounted onto the frame. The frame's corners are rounded to help to avoid shearing of the plastic.~The frame can be made of any ~, 20 material that has some rigidity and can be flexible, stretchable or both.
:
: :: :
:
- 20~2~7~
In the preferred embodiment, the frame is sufficiently flexible so that it can be inverted onto itself as shown in Figure 7. Where the speaker cabinet is approximately 6.5 inches x 16 inches, the dimensions of the frame would be 16 inches in overall length, 6.5 inches in overall width, 1/16 inches in thickness, and 1/4 inch in width.
The frame need not extend around the entire periphery of the fabric, however, doing so will more effectively mask all of the speaker parts. For example, one could use independent pieces of frame and attach the fabric to those pieces.
In the preferred embodiment, the frame is aompletely enveloped by fabric so that inserting the frame into the channel will not shear the fabric from the frame. Where the speaker is a rectangular box, the frame can be a rectangular piece of plastic mounted onto a rectangular piece of fabric sized to fit the speaker's housing.
As shown in Figures 8 and 11, the speaker t20) has a channel (44) between the~baffle t46)~and the speaker sleeve (48)~. This channel is in the tap (50), bottom ~(52), right side t54) and left side t56) of the speaker. To provide a secure fit for the speaker grllle, the channel should be substantially parallel ta the plane af the face t58) of the speaker as is generally shown in Figure 11~
';
:
' ~'' ;' 2~8237~
Figure 10 illustrates how the fabric (32) completely surrounds the frame (34) and it illustrates the position of the fabric (32), adhesive (36) and frame (34) after the grille (30) is assembled.
In the preferred embodiment, the depth of the channel is ~-~
at least twice the width of one side of the frame as is shown in Figure 14. In other embodiments, the depth of the channel will vary depending on the elasticity of the fabric and on the flexibility of the frame. -~
As shown in Figures 11-14, one applies the speaker grille (30) to the speaker (20) by slipping a bottom edge of the grille (30) over the bottom edge (52) of the speaker baffle (46) and placing it in the channel (44). One then pulls the sides of the grille frame up the right side (54) and the left 15 slde (56) of the speaker (20), wor]cing the frame (34) into the : channel (44). One then works one corner of the grille over a ~: ~ aorresponding corner of the baffle (46). One pulls the opposite corner of the grilIe over the remaining corner of the :
: speaker baffle and works the frame into the channel. Then, one draws one's fingers over the grille frame for a final, flush adjustment.
To remove the grille (30), one simply pinches the grille fabric (32) along one of the vertical edges of the grille '~:
(30). Then one removes the frame from the channel working towards one of the upper corners, lifting the grille frame over a corner of the baffle (46). One pulls the adjacent corner and removes it from the channel (44). Last, one simply pulls the grille down and slides it off the speaker.
The grille (30) is removably secured in the channel (44) because the force on the fabric (32) is opposite to the force on the frame (34) within-the channel. ~ ~ ~
;. .~ ` : . ~, As is shown in Figure 9, after the grille is applied to the speaker (20), the frame (34) is entirely within the channel (44) so that only the acoustically transparent fabric (32) extends over the speaker face (58). The speaker grille does not distort the sound of the speaker projecting from the speaker face. The speaker performs the same with and without the grille which is important in po:lnt-of-sale demonstrations.
As the grille does not distort the sound of the speaker, th~e~manufacturer need not advance the speaker parts within the housing to attempt to compensate for any distortion.
This invention can be used with any type of speaker, whether the parts of the speaker are simply attached to a support or are mounted onto a support within a speaker sleeve or cabinet. While the preferred embodiment of this invention '.'- :'"' "~
' :" . "',.`
", .. . . . .. ...
208237~
describes the use of a speaker grille with a rectangular speaker cabinet, this invention could be used with pillar-liks speakers or speakers having another shape.
Although the preferred embodiment of this invention has been described in detail, those skilled in the art will appreciate that variations of the preferred embodiment are within the scope of the claims of this invention. One could vary the material used for the fabric or the frame and vary ~:
;: the depth, direction or placement of the channel and still be within the ambit of this invention. One could also use the grille of this invention for any body having an exposed face or surface to be covered such as tables or windows.
,; ;
: ., :
- . . .
~ : , .~ .. :: :
. : ~ : : :
3PEAKER GRILLE .
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a grille covering an exposed face of an object. More particularly, this invention relates ~-to a grille for speakers.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
A speaker is generally composed of a number of component~, such as (1) drivers, which are woofers or tweeters mounted on a baffle of a speaker, and (2~ ports within the speaker baffle. The speaker parts and the baffIe are combined with a speaker sleeve or cablnet to form a speaker. The speaker parts work together to project sound :
;10~ ~from the face of the~speaker. Good speakers reproduce sound neutrally and minimize resonances that colour or distort sound.
Designers and manufacturers of speakers strive to ;; accurately reproduce live sound. The placement of the speaker ~ , , ~15 parts is critical in obtaining sound~which is accurate. Also , ~ ~critical is the use of a baffle on the face of the speaker to ~
: ~ ~ :: .-:
;.... -~:::
~"';' ~;"' '";'`~'''"""''' ' '' '''' ` -~ 2082371 support the speaker parts. Having taken these steps to accurately reproduce live sound, manufacturers of speakers are loathe to use speaker grilles which cause image-smearing distortion.
Speaker grilles are grilles which are placed over the baffle of the speaker to make the speakers appear more aesthetically pleasing. The aesthetics of a speaker are important because many consumers regard them as ~urniture and place them in prominent locations in living rooms and dens.
Many speaker grilles distort the sound of the speakers.
This is because the grilles have or fit into frames which project beyond the face of the speaker. The frames distort the sound projected by the speaker parts causing unwanted fluctuations in the frequency response.
:
If a driver is mounted on the speaker baffle, its response~will be smoother than if it were mounted behind the baffle. In this latter situation, the edges of the baffle distort the sound emanating from~ the driver. So too, the ~; frame of a speaker grille which projects beyond the face of the speaker distorts the sound.
To attempt to overcome the distortion caused by speaker grilles, a number of solutions have been proposed.
-: ::~.
2~82371 Mordaunt-Short, a manufacturer of speakers in Great Britain, has invented a speaker grille which is a mesh resembling a hair-net with no frame to cause distortion. The grille is removable and has elastic edges which fit into a channel circumscribing the entire speaker cabinet. However, the grille often slips off the speaker cabinet exposing unsightly speaker parts. Furthermore, when the grille is on the speaker, its net-like appearance does not mask the speaker parts.
10Definitive Technology, a manufacturer of pillar-like loud-speakers, has used a grille which resembles a sock. The sock slips over the speaker and is drawn closed with a string ; at the top and at the bottom of the speaker. The socX does not provide a snug fit between the grille and the speaker, nor does it provide an attractive finish to an expensive speaker.
: ~ -, To compensate for the d1stortion~that the grille makes, Global Sound Systems Inc., ;a manufacturer of MIR~GETM
; speakers, has advanced the drivers of the speaker within the housing so that they are flush with;the grille frame. In this io~ ~speaker, the sound is~ adequate when the ~grille is on.
However, when the grille is removed, as is often the case in ;;point-of-sale demonstrations, the speaker provides a poorer sound than when the grille is on the speaker.
: ~ ' . .. . . .
' . ." ' _ 4 _ 20823~
Thus, there is a need for a speaker grille which (l) is easily mounted on and dismounted from the speaker, (2) when mounted, is locked onto the speaker, (3) does not distort the sound of the speaker when it is either mounted on the speaker or does not distort the sound of the speaker when it is removed from the speaker, (4) does not require advancement of the speaker parts within the housing to compensate for distortion caused by the grille, and (5) masks the parts of the speaker when it is mounted on the speaker in an aesthetically pleasing way.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
::: . : : :
This invention relates to a grille for an object having :: .: .:
:: : : -:
an exposed faoe and, in particular, to a speaker grille.
: ~ :,, ~ . ,.
The grille can bs used for an object having a body with an exposed face and a channel in the exterior surface of the 15~ body. The grille comprises a frame defining an opening which is similar ln s1ze and shape tD the exposed face and a sheet of fabric attaohed to the frame and covering the opening. The channel receives and~removably holds the frame and the fabric covers the exposed face.
, :: , ~ 20The speaker grille of this ~invention is used with a -::; :: :, .:-:
speaker which has a housing with a channel in its exterior -~
:~' :'-''~
~'~
::
2~8237~
surface and a face adjacent the housing and from which the sound of the speaker emanates. The speaker grille has a frame defining an opening which is similar in size and shape to the face of the speaker, and a sheet of fabric attached to the frame and covering the opening defined by the frame. The channel receives and removably holds the frame and the fabric covers the face of the speaker.
The width of one side of the frame can be about the same as or less than~the depth of the channel. Alternatively, the depth of the channel is at least twice the width of one side of the frame.
The fabric is stretchable and, if used with a speaker grille, is acoustically transparent. The fabric could be LYCRATM fabric.
: :~
15 ~ The frame is stretchable, flexible or both stretchable and flexible.
:~ :
The invention can be used with pillar-like speakers where the housing of the speaker is a~ roof and floor joined by a support. ;~
- 6 - ~2~7~
The channel in the housing could be a series of grooves in the exterior surface of the housing which are parallel to the plane of the face of the object or of the speaker.
' The housing may include a speaker sleeve and a baffle.
The channel could be in the exterior surface of the speaker sleeve, in the baffle, or between the speaker sleeve and the baffle.
The fabric may be attached to the frame using an adhesive or using a double-sided adhesive tape. Alternatively, the fabric may be attached to the frame using ultrasonic welding.
The fabric may be attached to part of the frame or may completely envelope the frame.
This invention also relates to a combination speaker ;~
grille and speaker. The grille comprises a stretchable, ~lexible frame defining an opening~and a sheet of stretchable, acoustically transparent fabric attached to the frame and covering the opening defined by~ the frame. The speaker comprises a ;housing having an exterior surface, a face ~ -ad~acent the housing from which the sound of the speaker emanates and a channel in the exterior surface of the housing.
The channel receives and removably holds the frame and the fabric covers the face of the speaker. ;~
:
2û~237~
This invention also relates to a process for making a grille having a flexible frame defining an opening covered by a stretchable fabric. Each side of the frame is bowed by the fabric. The process comprises attaching the fabric to one surface of the frame so that it covers the opening defined by the frame and inverting the frame onto itself in the direction of the opening.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In drawings which illustrate embodiments of the invention, Figure 1 is a plan view of the sound waves emanating from a speaker with a grille that distorts sound;
Figure 2 is a plan view of the sound waves emanating from : :
a speaker with a grille that does not distort sound;
, : ::
Figure 3 is a perspective view of the grille;
-Figure 4 is a perspective view of the frame to which the adhesive is applied;
:
. . . .
Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of the fabric and the frame before the fabric is bound to the frame;
:
2~8~37~
Figure 6 is a perspective view of the fabric bound to the frame of the grille before excess fabric is removed;
Figure 7 is a perspective view of the fabric bound to the : :
frame of the grille showing how to invert the frame onto -itself;
Figure 8 is an exploded perspective view of the speaker and the speaker grille;
Figure 9 is a perspective view of the speaker grille and ;-the speaker;
Figure 10 is an enlarged section view of one end of the grille taken along lines 10-lo in Figure 3; ~ ;
Figure 11 is a se~ction view taken along lines 11-11 in Figure 8;
Figure 12 is a v1ew simil~ar to~that of Figure 11 showing :~
~: ~ 15 the~:grille frame being:inserted into the channel, ~:
,: ~ Figure 13 is a section view taken along lines 13-13 of ~:
~ Figure 9; ~:
.~
:
`:
::
~82371 Figure 14 is a section view taken along lines 14-14 of Figure 9.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Figure 1 shows sound waves emanating from a speaker (20) having a grille (22) which distorts the sound waves (26) directed to a listener's ear (28). Figure 2 shows sound waves emanating from a speaker (20) having a grille (22) of this invention whose frame (24) does not distort the sound waves (26).
The speaker grille (30) illustrated in Figure 3 has a ;~ 10 stretchable, lightweight fabric (32) and a grille frame (34) which extends around the periphery of the fabric. The fabric is acoustically transparent. A preferred fabric is LYCRATM
cloth manufactured by BTF International.
The fabric (32) can be mounted on the frame using the ;~ techn~ique illustrated by Figures~4 and 5. One mounts the fabric using any adhesive ~36~, but double-slded adhesive tape is preferred. Adhesive is applied to the frame (34) on the surface which will abut the fabric (32), as shown in Figure 4.
The frame (34) is then placed on~the~fabric (32) with~the adhesive (36) facing down so that the fabric can be mounted to the frame, as shown in Figure 5.
::
: .
- ~82~7~
The fabric is stretchable. In the preferred embodiment, the direction of stretch of the fabric should be aligned along the width of the frame. This helps to bow the frame inwards and to secure the frame (34) within the channel (44) As shown in Figure 6, excess fabric (38) is then trimmed from the grille (30) with a knife (40) so that the fabric is flush with the outside edge (42) of the frame (34).
As shown in Figure 7, the frame (34) is then inverted , onto itself so that the fabric (32) is completely wrapped -~
around the frame and the frame is unexposed. This minimizes bunching of the fabric against the speaker. Also, the fabric . ~
is less likely to shear from the frame when the grille is inserted into the channel.
The frame (34) is made of lightweight plastic which is 15~ resilient and~ which stabilizes the speaker grille. ;~
Lightweight plastic is a preferred material because of its flexibility and because the fabric~can be readily mounted onto the frame. The frame's corners are rounded to help to avoid shearing of the plastic.~The frame can be made of any ~, 20 material that has some rigidity and can be flexible, stretchable or both.
:
: :: :
:
- 20~2~7~
In the preferred embodiment, the frame is sufficiently flexible so that it can be inverted onto itself as shown in Figure 7. Where the speaker cabinet is approximately 6.5 inches x 16 inches, the dimensions of the frame would be 16 inches in overall length, 6.5 inches in overall width, 1/16 inches in thickness, and 1/4 inch in width.
The frame need not extend around the entire periphery of the fabric, however, doing so will more effectively mask all of the speaker parts. For example, one could use independent pieces of frame and attach the fabric to those pieces.
In the preferred embodiment, the frame is aompletely enveloped by fabric so that inserting the frame into the channel will not shear the fabric from the frame. Where the speaker is a rectangular box, the frame can be a rectangular piece of plastic mounted onto a rectangular piece of fabric sized to fit the speaker's housing.
As shown in Figures 8 and 11, the speaker t20) has a channel (44) between the~baffle t46)~and the speaker sleeve (48)~. This channel is in the tap (50), bottom ~(52), right side t54) and left side t56) of the speaker. To provide a secure fit for the speaker grllle, the channel should be substantially parallel ta the plane af the face t58) of the speaker as is generally shown in Figure 11~
';
:
' ~'' ;' 2~8237~
Figure 10 illustrates how the fabric (32) completely surrounds the frame (34) and it illustrates the position of the fabric (32), adhesive (36) and frame (34) after the grille (30) is assembled.
In the preferred embodiment, the depth of the channel is ~-~
at least twice the width of one side of the frame as is shown in Figure 14. In other embodiments, the depth of the channel will vary depending on the elasticity of the fabric and on the flexibility of the frame. -~
As shown in Figures 11-14, one applies the speaker grille (30) to the speaker (20) by slipping a bottom edge of the grille (30) over the bottom edge (52) of the speaker baffle (46) and placing it in the channel (44). One then pulls the sides of the grille frame up the right side (54) and the left 15 slde (56) of the speaker (20), wor]cing the frame (34) into the : channel (44). One then works one corner of the grille over a ~: ~ aorresponding corner of the baffle (46). One pulls the opposite corner of the grilIe over the remaining corner of the :
: speaker baffle and works the frame into the channel. Then, one draws one's fingers over the grille frame for a final, flush adjustment.
To remove the grille (30), one simply pinches the grille fabric (32) along one of the vertical edges of the grille '~:
(30). Then one removes the frame from the channel working towards one of the upper corners, lifting the grille frame over a corner of the baffle (46). One pulls the adjacent corner and removes it from the channel (44). Last, one simply pulls the grille down and slides it off the speaker.
The grille (30) is removably secured in the channel (44) because the force on the fabric (32) is opposite to the force on the frame (34) within-the channel. ~ ~ ~
;. .~ ` : . ~, As is shown in Figure 9, after the grille is applied to the speaker (20), the frame (34) is entirely within the channel (44) so that only the acoustically transparent fabric (32) extends over the speaker face (58). The speaker grille does not distort the sound of the speaker projecting from the speaker face. The speaker performs the same with and without the grille which is important in po:lnt-of-sale demonstrations.
As the grille does not distort the sound of the speaker, th~e~manufacturer need not advance the speaker parts within the housing to attempt to compensate for any distortion.
This invention can be used with any type of speaker, whether the parts of the speaker are simply attached to a support or are mounted onto a support within a speaker sleeve or cabinet. While the preferred embodiment of this invention '.'- :'"' "~
' :" . "',.`
", .. . . . .. ...
208237~
describes the use of a speaker grille with a rectangular speaker cabinet, this invention could be used with pillar-liks speakers or speakers having another shape.
Although the preferred embodiment of this invention has been described in detail, those skilled in the art will appreciate that variations of the preferred embodiment are within the scope of the claims of this invention. One could vary the material used for the fabric or the frame and vary ~:
;: the depth, direction or placement of the channel and still be within the ambit of this invention. One could also use the grille of this invention for any body having an exposed face or surface to be covered such as tables or windows.
,; ;
: ., :
- . . .
~ : , .~ .. :: :
. : ~ : : :
Claims (23)
1. A grille for an object having a body with an exposed face and a channel in the exterior surface of the body, comprising (1) a frame defining an opening which is similar in shape to the exposed face, and (2) a sheet of stretchable fabric attached to the frame and covering the opening, wherein the channel receives and removably holds the frame and the fabric covers the exposed face.
2. A speaker grille for use with a speaker which has a housing with a channel in its exterior surface and a face adjacent the housing and from which the sound of the speaker emanates, comprising: a frame defining an opening which is similar in size and shape to the face of the speaker, and (2) a sheet of fabric attached to the frame and covering the opening defined by the frame wherein the channel receives and removably holds the frame and the fabric covers the face of the speaker.
3. A grille of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the width of one side of the frame is the same as or less than the depth of the channel.
4. A grille of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the depth of the channel is at least twice the width of one side of the frame.
5. A grille of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the fabric is stretchable.
6. The speaker grille. of claim 2, wherein the fabric is stretchable and acoustically transparent.
7. The speaker grille of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the frame is flexible.
8. The speaker grille of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the frame is stretchable.
9. The speaker grille of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the frame is stretchable and flexible.
10. The speaker grille of claim 2, wherein the frame is flexible and stretchable, and the fabric is stretchable and acoustically transparent.
11. The speaker grille of claim 6 or claim 10, wherein the fabric is LYCRATM.
12. The speaker grille of claim 2, wherein the speaker is pillar-like and the housing is a roof and floor joined by a support.
13. The grille of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the channel is a series of grooves in the exterior surface of the housing which are parallel to the plane of the face.
14. The speaker grille of claim 2, wherein the housing includes a speaker sleeve and a baffle.
15. The speaker grille of claim 14, wherein the channel is in the speaker sleeve.
16. The speaker grille of claim 14, wherein the channel is in the baffle.
17. The speaker grille of claim 15, wherein the channel is between the speaker sleeve and the baffle.
18. A grille of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the fabric is attached to the frame using an adhesive.
19. A grille of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the fabric is attached to the frame using a double-sided adhesive tape.
20. A grille of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the fabric is attached to part of the frame using ultrasonic welding.
21. A grille of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the fabric completely envelopes the frame.
22. A combination speaker grille and speaker, comprising:
(1) a grille having a flexible, stretchable frame defining an opening, and a sheet of stretchable, acoustically transparent fabric attached to the frame and covering the opening defined by the frame; and (2) a speaker having a housing having an exterior surface, a face adjacent the housing from which the sound of the speaker emanates, and a channel in the exterior surface of the housing;
wherein the channel receives and removably holds the frame and the fabric covers the face of the speaker.
(1) a grille having a flexible, stretchable frame defining an opening, and a sheet of stretchable, acoustically transparent fabric attached to the frame and covering the opening defined by the frame; and (2) a speaker having a housing having an exterior surface, a face adjacent the housing from which the sound of the speaker emanates, and a channel in the exterior surface of the housing;
wherein the channel receives and removably holds the frame and the fabric covers the face of the speaker.
23. A process for making a grille having a flexible frame defining an opening covered by a stretchable fabric where each side of the frame is bowed by the fabric, comprising (1) attaching the fabric to one surface of the frame so that it covers the opening defined by the frame, and (2) inverting the frame onto itself in the direction of the opening.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2082371 CA2082371A1 (en) | 1992-11-06 | 1992-11-06 | Speaker grille |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2082371 CA2082371A1 (en) | 1992-11-06 | 1992-11-06 | Speaker grille |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2082371A1 true CA2082371A1 (en) | 1994-05-07 |
Family
ID=4150662
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2082371 Abandoned CA2082371A1 (en) | 1992-11-06 | 1992-11-06 | Speaker grille |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2082371A1 (en) |
Cited By (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US20140140556A1 (en) * | 2012-11-20 | 2014-05-22 | Logitech Europe S.A. | Covered housing |
| USD780153S1 (en) | 2012-11-20 | 2017-02-28 | Logitech Europe S.A. | Speaker housing |
| WO2024011180A3 (en) * | 2022-07-06 | 2024-04-11 | Sound United, LLC | Speakers |
-
1992
- 1992-11-06 CA CA 2082371 patent/CA2082371A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (6)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US20140140556A1 (en) * | 2012-11-20 | 2014-05-22 | Logitech Europe S.A. | Covered housing |
| CN103841476A (en) * | 2012-11-20 | 2014-06-04 | 罗技欧洲公司 | Covered housing |
| US9544670B2 (en) * | 2012-11-20 | 2017-01-10 | Logitech Europe S.A. | Covered housing |
| USD780153S1 (en) | 2012-11-20 | 2017-02-28 | Logitech Europe S.A. | Speaker housing |
| CN103841476B (en) * | 2012-11-20 | 2017-07-14 | 罗技欧洲公司 | Capped outer cover |
| WO2024011180A3 (en) * | 2022-07-06 | 2024-04-11 | Sound United, LLC | Speakers |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Dead |