EP1588545A2 - Systeme et appareil audiovisuels - Google Patents

Systeme et appareil audiovisuels

Info

Publication number
EP1588545A2
EP1588545A2 EP04700410A EP04700410A EP1588545A2 EP 1588545 A2 EP1588545 A2 EP 1588545A2 EP 04700410 A EP04700410 A EP 04700410A EP 04700410 A EP04700410 A EP 04700410A EP 1588545 A2 EP1588545 A2 EP 1588545A2
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
speaker
visual system
audio visual
housing
support
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.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP04700410A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Other versions
EP1588545A4 (fr
EP1588545A3 (fr
Inventor
Alan Gillengerten
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Ginni Designs Inc
Original Assignee
Ginni Designs Inc
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Ginni Designs Inc filed Critical Ginni Designs Inc
Publication of EP1588545A3 publication Critical patent/EP1588545A3/fr
Publication of EP1588545A2 publication Critical patent/EP1588545A2/fr
Publication of EP1588545A4 publication Critical patent/EP1588545A4/fr
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47B—TABLES; DESKS; OFFICE FURNITURE; CABINETS; DRAWERS; GENERAL DETAILS OF FURNITURE
    • A47B81/00—Cabinets or racks specially adapted for other particular purposes, e.g. for storing guns or skis
    • A47B81/06—Furniture aspects of radio, television, gramophone, or record cabinets
    • A47B81/061—Furniture aspects of radio, television, gramophone, or record cabinets the device supports being adjustable
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R5/00—Stereophonic arrangements
    • H04R5/02—Spatial or constructional arrangements of loudspeakers

Definitions

  • This invention relates to furniture, and more particularly to audio visual systems that can be used in a home or an office environment.
  • the audio visual system can be an entertainment center.
  • 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 NCR, a CD player, a DND player, a personal video recorder (PNR), and TINO type products. These systems have been available in a variety of sizes, shapes, and styles. For example, a television, receiver, NCR, and CD and DND 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 DNDs. Some entertainment centers are open in the front, while others have doors that conceal some or all of the components from view.
  • the present invention involves improvements in audio visual systems and avoids disadvantages of the prior art.
  • an audio visual system 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.
  • 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.
  • the hidden aspect can provide speaker protection.
  • the housing can provide dust protection for the speakers.
  • 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.
  • an audio visual system 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.
  • a manufacturer or assembler can install different speakers according to the end users preference and customize the system.
  • an audio visual system 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.
  • 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 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.
  • a speaker system 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.
  • FIG. 2A is a perspective view of the home entertainment center of FIG. 1 with speakers extended from the cabinet in an extended state
  • 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;
  • FIG. 2C is a perspective view of another modification of the home entertainment center of FIG. 2 A where the speaker supports are provided solely below each speaker;
  • 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;
  • 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.
  • FIG. 3 A is a front elevational view of another embodiment of the invention with the speakers hidden from view and in a retracted state;
  • FIG. 3B is a front elevational view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3 A with the speakers in an extended state
  • FIG. 4A is a rear elevational view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3 A with the speakers in the retracted state shown in FIG. 3A;
  • FIG. 4D illustrates the speaker drive mechanism of FIG. 4C with the speakers in the extended state
  • FIG. 6 is a front elevational view of a variation of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3 A and 3B with roller screens secured to the inner surface of each speaker;
  • FIGS. 6 with roller screens secured to the outer surface of each speaker
  • FIG. 9 is a further variation of the embodiment of FIG. 3A with speakers extendable in lateral and vertical directions;
  • FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a remote control system for actuating any of the motor drive assemblies described herein;
  • FIGS. 11 A and B illustrate a further variation of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B where FIG. 11 A shows the speakers in view when in the retracted state and FIG. 1 IB shows the speakers in an extended state;
  • FIGS. 11C and 1 ID illustrate a variation of the embodiment of FIGS. 11 A and B
  • FIG. 12A-D illustrate a modular entertainment center where FIG. 12A is a front elevational view of the components assembled and the speakers extended, 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;
  • FIG. 13 is a perspective partial sectional view of modular speaker system in accordance with another aspect of the invention
  • 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;
  • 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.
  • FIG. 1 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.
  • 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 8R (FIG.2A) each having a front 8LF and 8RF, respectively.
  • Other components also can be housed in cabinet 4.
  • 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, NCR, CD, DND, and/or a personal video recorder (PNR).
  • 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.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates the audio visual system in a first state where the left and right speakers 8L and 8R and the optional center channel speaker 10 are hidden from view.
  • 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 8R 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.
  • speakers 8L and 8R 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.
  • FIGS. 4A and 4B 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.
  • one telescoping configuration has been shown, it should be understood that other telescoping configurations can be used in any of the embodiments described herein.
  • one telescoping member can be slidably mounted to an exterior surface of the other member with which it cooperates.
  • 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.
  • telescoping arms or rails have been provided that extend beyond the left and right side of the cabinet by about 30 inches.
  • 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.
  • FIG. 2A 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.
  • 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.
  • FIG. 2C illustrates another modification of the home entertainment center of FIG.
  • 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
  • FIG. 2D3 shows the doors open and the speakers extended therefrom and the video display exposed.
  • 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.
  • the speakers can be pivotally mounted to sliding doors "D.”
  • 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.
  • 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 "TI,” 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • the speakers can have conventional speaker wire connectors 8C.
  • 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 8L and 8R, each having a front 8LF and 8RF, respectively.
  • FIG. 3 A 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.
  • 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.
  • bracket assembly configuration has been shown other configurations can be used as well.
  • the bezel can be secured to plate or bracket 34 as opposed to being directly secured to video display 6' .
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • FIGS. 4A and 4B 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • a motor or drive e.g., a thin or pancake style motor
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Audio visual system 2 " ' “ is the same as Audio visual system 2"" with the exception that upper and lower speakers 8U 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • the remote control circuit can be controlled by voice recognition.
  • FIG. 11 A and 1 IB 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 FIG. 11A and 1 IB, 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.
  • a modular system where the telescoping speakers are provided in separate or modular speaker cabinets.
  • 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.
  • the extendable speakers are mounted to left speaker cabinet 202L and right speaker cabinet 202R.
  • 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 (FIG. 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) .
  • the swivel mounts are optional. Thus, for purposes of example, FIG.
  • 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 is an example where the telescoping arms can be coupled to the speakers through swivel mounts 24R and/or 24L (not shown).
  • FIG. 12D illustrates extensible member or telescoping arm 22R with three telescoping segments, one can vary the number of segments.
  • 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.
  • a 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.
  • 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.
  • 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. Referring to FIG.
  • 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.
  • brackets 310 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.
  • Elongated members or brackets 310 can be secured to the outer box using fasteners or glue as is known in the art.
  • adjustable bracket means can be used.
  • 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.
  • 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. ,, :
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.

Landscapes

  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Acoustics & Sound (AREA)
  • Signal Processing (AREA)
  • Details Of Audible-Bandwidth Transducers (AREA)
  • Fittings On The Vehicle Exterior For Carrying Loads, And Devices For Holding Or Mounting Articles (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention concerne un système audiovisuel comprenant un boîtier et au moins un haut-parleur qui peut être déplacé de façon à être éloigné du boîtier afin d'offrir l'acoustique souhaitée. Ce système peut comprendre un coffret de haut-parleur qui peut être déplacé d'une première position dans laquelle l'avant du haut-parleur est hors de vue, à une seconde position dans laquelle le haut-parleur ou le coffret de haut-parleur est éloigné du boîtier et l'avant du haut-parleur ou le coffret de haut-parleur n'est pas obstrué. Le système selon cette invention peut comprendre un boîtier, au moins un support à haut-parleur comprenant un élément extensible qui est relié au boîtier, ainsi qu'au moins un haut-parleur qui est suspendu depuis le support à haut-parleur.
EP04700410A 2003-01-07 2004-01-06 Systeme et appareil audiovisuels Withdrawn EP1588545A4 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (5)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US43863103P 2003-01-07 2003-01-07
US438631P 2003-01-07
US50431703P 2003-09-17 2003-09-17
US504317P 2003-09-17
PCT/US2004/001186 WO2004064369A2 (fr) 2003-01-07 2004-01-06 Systeme et appareil audiovisuels

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1588545A3 EP1588545A3 (fr) 2005-09-15
EP1588545A2 true EP1588545A2 (fr) 2005-10-26
EP1588545A4 EP1588545A4 (fr) 2007-05-30

Family

ID=32717991

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP04700410A Withdrawn EP1588545A4 (fr) 2003-01-07 2004-01-06 Systeme et appareil audiovisuels

Country Status (2)

Country Link
EP (1) EP1588545A4 (fr)
WO (1) WO2004064369A2 (fr)

Families Citing this family (12)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2412267B (en) * 2004-03-17 2006-11-22 Plastoform Ind Ltd Speaker
GB2423667B (en) * 2005-02-25 2007-01-10 Kuan-Wei Chen Electronic apparatus having automatic lifting/lowering device
US7345886B2 (en) 2005-04-01 2008-03-18 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. Electronic device enclosure with sliding and pivoting doors
US8139171B2 (en) * 2005-06-24 2012-03-20 Sony Corporation Audio/display device
EP2164278A3 (fr) * 2008-09-04 2010-09-01 NOM Juridique Ensemble monobloc haute fidélité d'enceinte acoustique stéréophonique.
FI20105431A0 (fi) * 2010-04-21 2010-04-21 Ilkka Helmikkala Sisustuksellinen kiinnitysratkaisu
EP3149958A1 (fr) * 2014-05-01 2017-04-05 Hugh Brogan Dispositif de haut-parleur
US9937873B2 (en) 2014-08-29 2018-04-10 Joel Brown System, enclosure and method for deployment of audio visual equipment from a vehicle as a base
CN204260204U (zh) * 2014-11-14 2015-04-15 东莞常禾电子有限公司 多功能电视音响柜
US10735850B2 (en) 2016-04-29 2020-08-04 Burmester Audiosysteme Gmbh Loudspeaker
US20240051447A1 (en) * 2020-12-31 2024-02-15 Harman International Industries, Incorporated Vehicle headrest assembly with deployable speaker modules
US20240059201A1 (en) * 2020-12-31 2024-02-22 Harman International Industries, Incorporated Vehicle headrest assembly with configurable speaker modules and control for multiple audio modes

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2536644A1 (fr) * 1982-11-25 1984-06-01 Skowron Jean Claude Meuble de rangement des appareils d'une chaine haute-fidelite
US5119421A (en) * 1990-07-03 1992-06-02 Reime Paul W Stereo system cabinet with loudspeaker door assembly
WO1999031649A1 (fr) * 1997-12-17 1999-06-24 Athos Comolatti Micro-ordinateur portable possedant deux ecrans plats

Family Cites Families (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3680936A (en) * 1967-12-18 1972-08-01 Peter Heinz Backhaus Stereo sound reproduction system
US3918551A (en) * 1974-10-21 1975-11-11 Rizo Patron Alfonso Speaker system
KR0162601B1 (ko) * 1996-01-17 1999-01-15 김광호 컴퓨터 장치
US5782544A (en) * 1996-12-20 1998-07-21 Johnson, Sr.; David Housing for an entertainment system
US6052275A (en) * 1998-10-28 2000-04-18 Dell Usa L.P. Multimedia monitor testing apparatus and method

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2536644A1 (fr) * 1982-11-25 1984-06-01 Skowron Jean Claude Meuble de rangement des appareils d'une chaine haute-fidelite
US5119421A (en) * 1990-07-03 1992-06-02 Reime Paul W Stereo system cabinet with loudspeaker door assembly
WO1999031649A1 (fr) * 1997-12-17 1999-06-24 Athos Comolatti Micro-ordinateur portable possedant deux ecrans plats

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
See also references of WO2004064369A2 *

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP1588545A4 (fr) 2007-05-30
WO2004064369A9 (fr) 2004-09-23
WO2004064369A3 (fr) 2005-09-15
WO2004064369A2 (fr) 2004-07-29

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US20040135476A1 (en) Audio visual system and apparatus
US6997525B2 (en) Audio visual system
US7909421B2 (en) Furniture system enclosing entertainment electronics in range of widths
EP1588545A2 (fr) Systeme et appareil audiovisuels
US7562949B1 (en) Adjustable furniture systems to accommodate objects of various dimensions
US4987706A (en) Controlled-environment entertainment center
US5147122A (en) Tape storage rack
US5303057A (en) Universal projection television cabinet
US3680936A (en) Stereo sound reproduction system
US5119421A (en) Stereo system cabinet with loudspeaker door assembly
US5982537A (en) Speaker apparatus with a picture projecting screen
US7441846B2 (en) Expandable home television cart
US20030151336A1 (en) Computer furniture
JP2004141657A (ja) 垂直方向に移動可能な平坦なパネル表示画面を備えた家具
KR200400753Y1 (ko) 홈시어터용 장식장
US4187395A (en) Stereo sound recording and reproduction apparatus
JP2549484B2 (ja) シアター装置
JP3911458B2 (ja) ホームシアターシステム
JP2003250639A (ja) 教卓、演台用キャビネット
JP2004081538A (ja) ユニット家具
JP2013005831A (ja) 壁面収納ユニット
CN219845663U (zh) 一种多功能电视柜
JP2562243B2 (ja) 収納ユニット
JPH03228710A (ja) 収納家具
WO2008076096A2 (fr) Système audiovisuel et appareil

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

PUAK Availability of information related to the publication of the international search report

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009015

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20050808

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A2

Designated state(s): AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IT LI LU MC NL PT RO SE SI SK TR

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Extension state: AL LT LV MK

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A3

Designated state(s): AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IT LI LU MC NL PT RO SE SI SK TR

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Extension state: AL LT LV MK

RIC1 Information provided on ipc code assigned before grant

Ipc: 7A 47B 5/00 A

DAX Request for extension of the european patent (deleted)
A4 Supplementary search report drawn up and despatched

Effective date: 20070426

RIC1 Information provided on ipc code assigned before grant

Ipc: H04R 5/02 20060101ALI20070420BHEP

Ipc: A47B 5/00 20060101AFI20051103BHEP

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 20080922

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE APPLICATION IS DEEMED TO BE WITHDRAWN

18D Application deemed to be withdrawn

Effective date: 20090403