GB2387987A

GB2387987A - Louspeaker with integral secondary diaphragm or which fits onto existing speaker cone

Info

Publication number: GB2387987A
Application number: GB0214960A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Jason Noe Kia-Chong Boon; Chuan How Boon
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2002-04-26
Filing date: 2002-06-28
Publication date: 2003-10-29
Also published as: GB0214960D0; GB0209522D0

Abstract

A speaker modifying module 1 fits over the top of an existing speaker 2. The module includes a diaphragm, comprising radiating surfaces 7a,7b, which is secured to the existing speaker 2 via gasket 5. There is an airtight seal between the module 1 and existing speaker 2. A hollow cylindrical column 6 may connect the existing speaker cone 3 and the radiating surfaces 7a,7b. Vibrations in the existing speaker cone 3 thus induce the radiating surfaces 7a,7b to vibrate with the same frequency as the speaker cone 3. The cavity formed between the existing speaker cone 3 and the radiating surfaces 7a,7b damps high frequency noise and reduces resonance in the loudspeaker housing at low frequencies. The module 1 may be an after market kit to modify a pre-existing speaker, or may be formed as part of a newly manufactured speaker.

Description

1 2387987

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION

NZ Patent Application No. 501796 Dated: 16 December 1999 IMPROVED SPEAKER

WE JASON NOE KIA-CHONG BOON and CHUAN HOW BOON both New Zealand citizens of 168 Browns Road, Manurewa, Auckland, New Zealand, hereby declare the invention for which We pray that a patent may be granted to us, and the method by which it is to be performed to be particularly described in and by the following statement:

IMPROVED SPEAKER

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to improvements to or associated with speakers used with 5 electronic audio systems. Preferably the present invention may be adapted to improve the performance of existing speakers used to produce music, sound effects or dialogue in commercial or domestic sound systems.

BACKGROUND ART

This invention relates to improvements to or associated with speakers used with 10 electronic audio systems. Preferably the present invention may be adapted to improve the performance of existing speakers used to produce music, sound effects or dialogue in commercial or domestic sound systems.

BACKGROU. ART

Electronically driven sound speakers are used in a wide variety of applications 15 and locations. Speakers can be provided as part of a domestic home entertainment system or as part of the sound systems for movie theatres, bars, clubs or any other business with the need to transmit sound into an area.

In the case of systems primarily used to produce music, some listeners have very high standards for the quality of sound produced. The design of speakers used in 20 such systems will have a significant effect on the quality of the resulting sound.

A standard electrical loud speaker normally employs a single flexible cone or diaphragm. This cone is mounted to the speaker housing through a single flexible connector or suspension system. The cone is linked to an electromagnetic driving

system to vibrate the cone at the frequencies required to produce music or other sounds. Usually an analogue electrical signal is provided to drive the speaker, with the electrical properties of this signal determining the frequencies and the amplitude of the sounds produced by the speaker cone.

5 One problem with this type of speaker design is the presence of noise signals on the same line as the speaker-driving signal. These noise signals will also be reproduced as part of the sound produced by the speakers. Electrical noise can be caused for example, by low quality cabling used between the speaker and an audio amplifier, or through loose or bad connections between the speaker and the 10 amplifier. In these instances relatively high frequency noise will be transmitted into the speaker and reproduced as unwanted sound.

Existing speakers can also experience problems when required to produce high volume low frequency bass sounds. The frequency and the amplitudes of the signals involved may cause a speaker housing or casing to resonate, thereby 15 distorting the sound produced by the speaker and reducing the overall quality of the sound produced.

These speaker designs are also limited in the range of sound frequencies they can produce. Some speakers have difficulty producing low frequency or bass sounds because of the inability of the speaker cone to vibrate at the correct frequency. In 20 this regard the mounting system for the speaker cone, the size of the speaker cone and also the materials used in its construction all have a significant effect on the ability of the speaker to produce such low frequency sounds.

Furthermore, these types of speakers may also experience degradation in the quality of the sound produced when low volumes are required. As the energy 25 transmitted through to the speaker cone is relatively low, the physical resistance of the cone to vibration, and also the mounting system used to attach the cone to

the housing may damp down the amount of energy retransmitted on as sound waves. This can be the cause of significant power losses at low volumes and hence result in a corresponding decrease in the quality of the sound produced.

An improved speaker or an attachment for a speaker that solved any or all of the 5 above problems would be of advantage. Specifically an improved speaker system that could damp out or remove problems associated with high frequency noise sources, which could reduce or eliminate the chances of speaker casing resonating with low frequency bass sounds, which improved with the ability of the speaker to produce low frequency sounds and which also performed well at 10 low listening volume levels would be of advantage.

It is an object of the present invention to address the foregoing problems or at least to provide the public with a useful choice.

Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the ensuing description that is given by way of example only.

15 DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided an improved speaker which includes: at least one radiating surface configured to vibrate to produce sound waves, and an existing speaker cone configured to vibrate to produce sound waves, wherein 20 said and at least one radiating surface is adapted to fit over or onto the existing speaker cone, the said at least one radiating surface having a direct or indirect airtight attachment to the existing speaker cone to provide a hermetically sealed cavity between the existing speaker cone and said at least one radiating surface.

s According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided an improved speaker which includes: at least two radiating surfaces, and a housing adapted to at least partially enclose and support said at least two 5 radiating surfaces, and a primary flexible suspension element adapted to directly secure a radiating surface to said housing, and at least one secondary flexible suspension element adapted to indirectly secure one or more radiating surfaces to said housing.

10 According to yet another aspect of the present invention there is provided a speaker modifying module and speaker which includes: at least one radiating surface configured to vibrate to produce sound waves, said at least one radiating surface being adapted for airtight attachment to an existing speaker to form a hermetically sealed cavity between the topside 15 diaphragm or cone of said existing speaker and said at least one radiating surface. According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a speaker modifying module which includes: at least two radiating surfaces, and 20 a housing adapted to at least partially enclose and support said at least two radiating surfaces, and

a primary flexible suspension element adapted to directly secure a radiating surface to said housing, and at least one secondary flexible suspension element adapted to indirectly secure one or more radiating surfaces to said housing, 5 said module being adapted for airtight attachment to an existing speaker to form a hermetically sealed cavity between the topside diaphragm or cone of said existing speaker End the speaker-modifying module.

The present invention may be adapted to provide improvements to existing speaker technology. The present invention may be used either in the construction 10 of new speakers as an integral component or alternatively may be or provided as an improvement module or component which can be installed into or onto an existing speaker. Reference throughout this specification will also be made to the

present invention being implemented as an after market module or kit used to improve t'ne performance of an existing speaker. However, it should be 15 appreciated by those skilled in the art that other applications have also been considered and reference to the above only throughout this specification should in

no way be seen as limiting.

In a preferred embodiment the present invention may be adapted to fit over or onto an existing single radiating speaker cone mounted in a standard speaker.

20 This existing speaker cone may be driven normally by an electromagnetic driving system and may radiate and direct the appropriate frequency sound waves up onto the rear surfaces of the radiating surface or surfaces cones discussed above.

At least one radiating surface may be adapted to fit over the top of such an existing speaker cone with an airtight attachment. This will provide a 25 hermetically sealed cavity between the existing speaker cone and the one or more

radiating surfaces of the present invention. This will allow air pressure waves generated by the existing or first speaker cone to drive the radiating surface or surfaces of the present invention. In such an embodiment there is no need to provide a separate driving element for the radiating surface or surfaces provided 5 and discussed above. The airtight cavity formed with the existing speaker cone can harness a 'pump" effect to simply re-transmit and re-create sound waves created by the existing or first speaker cone.

The present invention may employ at least one radiating surface which is configured to vibrate to produce sound waves. A radiating surface may be 10 defined as any element or component that is adapted to vibrate and produce sound waves. Those skilled in the art should appreciate that all manner and types of materials may be used in the construction of such radiating surfaces to provide speaker cones or diaphragms in the construction of the present invention. For example, a radiating surface may be constructed from paper or cardboard, plastic IS materials, carbon Oboe materials, kevlar or any other suitable material.

The main aim of the present invention is to provide a hermetically sealed cavity between an existing speaker cone and a new radiating surface provided through the construction of the present invention. Numerous designs and different embodiments of the invention may also be constructed to embody this concept by 20 using one, two or even more radiating surfaces to trap a pocket of air in the vicinity of an existing speaker cone. For example, in one embodiment a single speaker cone only may be provided above an existing speaker cone and may be attached either directly or indirectly to the existing speaker cone to provide a hermetically sealed cavity between both elements. As will be appreciated by 25 those skilled in the art an additional radiating surface may be either directly connected to an existing speaker cone or may be indirectly connected to the existing speaker through use of a housing or spacer elements.

Reference however throughout this specification will however be made to the

present invention employing at least two radiating surfaces which are mounted above or near an existing speaker cone to provide a hermetically sealed cavity between the existing speaker cone and the additional radiating surfaces provided.

5 However, those skilled in the art should appreciate that other configurations of the present invention are envisioned using for example a single additional radiating surface only and reference to the above only throughout this specification should in. no way be see". as lirit;ng.

In a preferred embodiment the present invention may be provided with a housing 10 to at least partially enclose and support the plurality of radiating surfaces used.

The housing can be adapted to fix in place each of the radiating surfaces, and allow a surface to vibrate to produce sound waves.

In a preferred embodiment the present invention may include a first or primary flexible suspension element which is adapted to directly secure a radiating surface 15 to the housing. Such a primary flexible suspension element may be similar to existing systems already used in prior art speakers to fix a cone or diaphragm in

place with respect to its housing. Such suspension elements are adapted to hold a diaphragm in place yet still allow the cone to vibrate to produce the appropriate frequency sound waves. The primary suspension element used in this instance 20 may be any element with a substantially flexible nature that will still allow the edges of the radiating surface to vibrate while connecting these edges directly onto the housing.

Those skilled in the art should appreciate that any type of appropriate material can be used to construct or form a flexible suspension element used in accordance 25 with the present invention. For example. a flexible suspension element may be

constructed from synthetic foams, rubbers, textile products or any other material that can function effectively to suspend a radiating surface from the housing.

In a preferred embodiment the present invention may include at least one secondary flexible suspension element adapted to indirectly secure one or more of 5 the radiating surfaces to the housing. A secondary flexible suspension element may be constructed from substantially the same materials and in substantially the same way as the primary flexible suspension element. However, a secondary suspension element may be adapted to indirectly connect a radiating surface to the housing by connecting the radiating surface to an edge or topside diaphragm 10 or cone of another radiating surface, which is in turn indirectly or directly connected to the housing.

In a further preferred embodiment each of the radiating surfaces may be shaped as substantially conical or circular curved surfaces. Each radiating surface may have a different diameter or radius of curvature to the other surfaces to allow the 15 surfaces to be nested together as a series of concentric cones or rings. In such an embodiment the primary flexible suspension element may be used to link or attach the largest radiating surface cone or ring to the housing. A secondary flexible suspension element may then be used to attach another smaller diameter radiating surface to the first radiating surface directly attached to the housing.

20 Further secondary flexible suspension elements and reduced diameter radiating surfaces may also be indirectly attached to the housing to provide a series of concentric radiating surface rings or cones.

This configuration of the invention is adapted to reduce actual length, width or diameter of each radiating surface incorporating into the invention, while still 25 preserving the ability of each radiating surface to vibrate or flex freely to produce the appropriate frequency sound waves. By reducing the width or diameter of

each radiating surface the acoustic performance and qualities of the resulting speaker is improved substantially. The improvements provided are also discussed in detail further below.

In a preferred embodiment the present invention may include two radiating 5 surfaces only. As discussed above these radiating surfaces may be shaped as circular cones or discs with a first of these surfaces being attached directly to the housing. The second of these surfaces may be placed inside the inner perimeter of the first surface and attached indirectly to the housing through use of a secondary flexible suspension element and the first radiating surface.

10 Reference throughout the specification will also be made to the present invention

employing the arrangement of two radiating surfaces discussed above. However, it should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that other arrangements and configurations of the radiating surfaces and the suspension elements are also considered, and reference to the above only throughout this specification should

15 in no way be seen as limiting. For example, in one alternative embodiment the present invention may employ three radiating surfaces nested together as a concentric array of rings.

In a further preferred embodiment the present invention may also include a central spacing or supporting element fixed to the inner perimeter of the smallest 20 radiating surface. Preferably this spacing element may be shaped as a substantially cylindrical body and may extend down on to and be connected directly to the centre of the existing speaker cone when the invention is mounted on a standard speaker. This supporting element may also transmit vibrational energy from the existing speaker cone up into the inner radiating surface of the 25 present invention.

This configuration of the invention provides an additional pathway for energy present on the existing speaker cone to be transmitted directly to the smallest radiating surface. The use of such a spacing element in combination with the hermetically sealed cavity between the invention's two radiating surfaces and an 5 existing speaker cone provides high efficiency transfer of the vibration energy of the existing speaker cone up to the two radiating surfaces of the present invention. 7.h.e prl,l. ary and secondary flexible suspension elements discussed above coupled with the reduced diameter or width of each of the radiating surfaces provides 10 substantial improvements to the performance of the resulting speaker. As each of the radiating surfaces are allowed to vibrate relatively freely this results in an improved power transmission of sound at low listening volume levels. As the width of each radiating surface is relatively small compared with existing prior art

speaker cones, and each of these radiating surfaces are relatively free to move due 15 to the primary and secondary suspension elements, there is less excitation energy lost or damped out of the system by the arrangement and configuration of the speaker. More energy than normal is reproduced as sound waves and hence will provide improved quality sound reproduction at relatively low listening volumes.

Furthermore, the above arrangement of radiating surface cones and suspension 20 elements may also substantially improve the frequency response of a resulting speaker. Because of the greater flexibility and freedom of movement provided to each radiating surface, each radiating surface will be better able to produce very low frequency bass sounds that cannot normally be produced with quality by a standard or existing speaker cone.

25 The arrangement and connection of the at least one radiating surface onto the topside diaphragm or on top of an existing speaker cone also provides some

additional noise dampening or filtering advantages. The hermetically sealed cavity between the existing speaker cone and the radiating surface or surfaces acts to damp out distortion caused by a speaker cabinet resonating in a particular low sound frequency. This configuration also provides the ability to damp out S high frequency noise caused by electronic noise on a driving signal supplied to the speaker.

In a further preferred embodiment where a new speaker assembly is constructed including the present invention, the initial standard speaker cone located underneath at least one radiating surface may be constructed from relatively 10 lightweight thermal conductor such as aluminium. Aluminium and other metals are not normally used in existing speakers because they tend to make the resulting sound waves produced sound metallic in origin. However, if at least one radiating surface of the present invention is provided above such a metallic speaker cone, the hermetically sealed cavity between these elements can be used 15 to damp out or filter the metallic overtones of the sounds produced. Furthermore, constructing the existing or first speaker cone from a thermal conductor allows it to be used as a relatively large heat sink or cooling element for the speaker. This first speaker cone can be used by the speaker to radiate heat energy out from the driving electronics used to power the speaker.

20 The present invention provides many potential advantages over existing prior art

speakers. The present invention may be configured as an after market module to modify an existing speaker or alternatively may be constructed into or formed as part of a new speaker.

25 The present invention may be adapted to improve the low frequency response of loud speakers allowing them to produce lower frequency and high quality sound.

The present invention may also be used to damp out or filter bass distortion or high frequency noise commonly produced by existing speakers.

The present invention may also be adapted to provide high quality sound at relatively low listening volumes due to improved power transmission through the S invention's radiating surfaces.

For the present invention to provide high quality low frequency sound the radiating surfaces have to be linear and stable during operation. 1 ne suspensions used play a very important part in the operation of the invention. Low frequency sound requires long cone throws, which in turn require a soft suspension system 10 to facilitate the movements needed. Too soft a suspension system will create instability in the radiating surfaces as well as low power transmission to sound energy, while too stiff a suspension system will reduce the emitted power of low frequency sound.

Preferably the present invention uses the 'trapped' air between radiating surfaces 15 and an existing cone, and the multiple suspension elements in conjunction with the single suspension system of an existing speaker cone to provide soft and stable suspension system that is acoustically tuned to provide an extremely high efficiency low frequency response.

Disclose the invention, as claimed, in such terms that the technical problem (even 20 if not expressly stated as such) and its solution can be understood, and state the advantageous effects, if any, of the invention with reference to the background

art. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Further aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the ensuing description that is given by way of example only and with reference to the

accompanying drawings in which: Figure la shows a top view of a speaker configured in accordance with one 5 embodiment of the present invention; Figure lb shows a side cross sectional view of the speaker of Figure la along section line A-A.

Figure 2 shows a side cross section view of an improved speaker as configured in accordance with another embodiment of the present 10 invention.; BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Figures la,lb show a speaker configured in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. In the embodiment shown, the present invention is configured as a speaker modifying module 1 adapted to fit over the top of an 15 existing speaker 2. Figure lb shows clearly in solid lines the elements of the modifying module 1 and in dotted lines the elements of the existing speaker 2.

The existing speaker includes a diaphragm cone 3 mounted on the main body of the speaker 2 by a single flexible suspension element 4.

The module 1 is adapted to attach to the top of the existing speaker 2 through use 20 of a module housing formed in the embodiment shown as a spacer gasket 5. The gasket 5 is adapted to partially enclose and retain in place other portions of the module 1.

The module 1 also includes a hollow and cylindrical centre column 6 that is adapted to support the underside and centre of the module 1. This column may

act as a spacing element to support the underside of the module and also to provide an additional pathway for energy to be transmitted from the existing speaker cone 3 up to the module. Vibrations in the existing speaker cone 3 may be transmitted through the cylindrical central column 6 up unto the underside and 5 centre of the module 1.

The module 1 also includes first and second radiating surfaces 7a,7b. The first of these radiating surfaces 7a is directly attached or connected to the spacer gasket 5 by a primary flexible suspension element 8. The primary suspension element 8 is used to connect both of the radiating surfaces 7a,7b to the gasket 5 while still 10 allowing these radiating surfaces to vibrate effectively to produce sound waves.

The module 1 also includes a secondary flexible suspension element 9 which is adapted to indirectly secure the second radiating surface 7b to the gasket S. This indirect connection is achieved by the secondary suspension element directly linking the second radiating surface 7b to the inside perimeter of the first 1S radiating surface 7a. As the first radiating surface 7a is directly linked to the gasket 5, this provides an indirect connection for the second radiating surface 7b to the gasket 5.

The gasket S is also adapted to provide an airtight connection between the module 1 and the existing speaker 2. This airtight connection will form a 20 hermetically sealed cavity between the existing speaker cone 3 and the radiating surfaces 7a,7b of the module 1. By providing such hermetically sealed cavity any sound energy generated by the first speaker cone 3 will be directed upwards and on to the bottom of each of the radiating surfaces 7a,7b. This will in turn induce a vibrational motion into each of the radiating surfaces 7a,7b and hence force the 25 surfaces to vibrate at the same frequency which the existing speaker cone 3 is also vibrating.

Furthermore, the direct linkage provided by the column 6 between the existing speaker cone 3 and the smaller of the radiating surfaces 7b provides an additional pathway for vibrational energy to be transmitted through to the module 1.

Vibrations present on the existing speaker cone 3 can be transmitted directly up 5 the spacing column 6 onto the inner perimeter of the smaller of the radiating surfaces 7b.

This configuration of the invention means that no additional driving circuitry is also required to operate and vibrate each of the radiating surfaces 7a,7b. By providing an airtight connection between these elements the sound waves 10 generated by the existing speaker 3 can be used to hydraulically "pump" the upper radiating surfaces 7a,7b.

Furthermore, the cavity formed also has a significant damping effect on unwanted noise frequencies produced by the existing speaker 3. The arrangement and construction of the module 1 is such that it will act to damp out or reduce the 15 power of high frequency noise generated by the existing speaker 3, and reduces the chances of the existing speaker 3 resonating its housing at relatively low sound frequencies.

The configuration of the two radiating surfaces 7a,7b with the primary and 20 secondary suspension elements provides a high degree of freedom of movement to each of the radiating surfaces 7a,7b. This in turn allows each of the surfaces to vibrate easily at relatively low frequencies and also at relatively low power input levels. This will result in the module 1 improving the ability of the speaker to produce low frequency sound waves and also improving the sound quality of the 25 speaker at low volume listing levels.

Figure 2 shows a cross section side view of an improved speaker as configured in accordance with an alternative embodiment to that shown with respect to Figures la, lb. In the embodiment shown the improved speaker includes a number of 5 components from an existing or known type of speaker. For example, the improved speaker 11 includes a driving magnet 12, voice coil 13, central pole piece 14, damper elements 15, dust cap 16, and an existing speaker cone 17 which is to be driven to vibrate to produce sound waves.

To provide the improvement given through the present invention an additional 10 single radiating surface 18 is located directly above the existing cone 17. The radiating surface 18 is joined at one end 19 directly to the existing cone 17 and at opposite end to a set of spacing gaskets 20 which form a top housing for the additional components added on to the existing speakers.

The connections and attachments of the radiating surface are such that a 15 hermetically sealed cavity is provided between the radiating surface 18 and the existing cone 17, allowing air trapped within this cavity which is excited by the existing speaker cone to move up against the radiating surface 18 and to drive same to produce sound waves.

Aspects of the present invention have been described by way of exampleonly and 20 it should be appreciated that modifications and additions may be made thereto without departing from the scope thereof.

Aspects of the present invention have been described by way of example only and it should be appreciated that modifications and additions may be made thereto without departing from the scope thereof as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

WHAT WE CLAIM IS:

1 An improved speaker which includes: at least one radiating surface configured to vibrate to produce sound waves, and an existing speaker cone configured to vibrate to produce sound waves, wherein said at least one radiating surface is adapted to fit over or onto the existing speaker cone, the said at least one radiating surface having a direct or indirect airtight attachment to the existing speaker cone to provide a hermetically sealed cavity between the existing speaker cone and said at least one radiating surface.

2 An improved speaker as claimed in claim 1 which includes: at least two radiating surfaces configured to vibrate to produce sound waves, and a housing adapted to at least partially enclose and support said at least two radiating surfaces, and a primary flexible suspension element adapted to directly secure a radiating surface to said housing, and at least one secondary flexible suspension element adapted to indirectly secure one or more radiating surfaces to said housing.

3 An improved speaker as claimed in claim 2 wherein the radiating surfaces are shaped in a substantially conical or circular curved surfaces.

4 An improved speaker as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 4, herein each radiating surface has a different radius of curvature than the other radiating surfaces incorporated into the improved speaker.

S An improved speaker as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the primary flexible suspension element is used to link the largest diameter radiating surface to the housing.

5 An improved spe '-or as claimed in any previous claim wherein a secondary suspension element is adapted to indirectly connect a radiating surface to the housing by connecting the radiating surface to the edge or the topside diaphragm or cone of another radiating surface which is in turn directly or indirectly connected to the housing.

7 An improved speaker as claimed in any one of claims 4 to 6 wherein a secondary flexible suspension element is used to attach a smaller diameter radiating surface to the first radiating surface directly connected to the housing. 8 An improved speaker as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 7 which includes a central support element fixed to the interior perimeter of the smallest radiating surface at one end and connected to the centre of the existing speaker cone at a second end.

9 An improved speaker as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 8 wherein the existing speaker cone is constructed from a lightweight thermal conductor.

10 A speaker modifying module and speaker which includes: at least one radiating surface configured to vibrate to produce sound waves

said at least one radiating surface being adapted for airtight attachment to an existing speaker to form a hermetically sealed cavity between the topside diaphragm or cone of said existing speaker and said at least one radiating surface.

11 A speaker modifying module and speaker as claimed in claim 10 which includes at least torso radiating surfaces configured to -vibrate to produce sound waves, and a housing adapted to at least partially enclose and support at least two radiating surfaces, and a primary flexible suspension element adapted to directly secure a radiating surface to said housing, and at least one secondary flexible suspension element adapted to indirectly secure one or more radiating surfaces to said housing, said module being adapted for air tight attachment to an existing speaker housing to form a hermetically sealed cavity between the topside diaphragm or cone of said existing speaker housing and the speaker modifying module.

12 A speaker-modifying module as claimed in claim 11 wherein the radiating surfaces are shaped in a substantially conical or circular curved surfaces.

13 A speaker-modifying module as claimed in claim 12 wherein each radiating surface has a different radius of curvature than the other radiating surfaces incorporated into the improved speaker.

14 A speaker modifying module and speaker as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 13 wherein the primary flexible suspension element is used to link the largest diameter radiating surface to the housing.

15 A speaker modifying module and speaker as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 14 wherein a secondary suspension element is adapted to indirectly connect a radiating surface to the housing by connecting the radiating surface to the edge or topside diaphragm or cone of another radiating surface which is in turn directly or indirectly connected to the housing.

16 A speaker modifying module and speaker as claimed in any one of claims 13 to 15 wherein the secondary flexible suspension element is used to attach a smaller diameter radiating surface to the first radiating surface directly connected to the housing.

17 A speaker modifying module and speaker as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 16 which includes a central support element fixed to the interior perimeter of the smallest radiating surface at one end and connected to the contra of the existing speaker cone at a second end.

18 An improved speaker or speaker modifying module and speaker substantially as herein described with reference to and as illustrated by the accompanying drawings and/or examples.

19 A method of manufacturing an improved speaker or a speaker-modifying module and speaker substantially as herein described with reference to and as illustrated by the accompanying drawings and/or examples.

JASON NOE KIA-CHONG BOON and CHUAN HOW BOON by their Attorneys JAMES & WELLS