GB2427538A

GB2427538A - Portable amplifier

Info

Publication number: GB2427538A
Application number: GB0612659A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Grant Emlyn Riley
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2005-06-29
Filing date: 2006-06-27
Publication date: 2007-01-03
Also published as: GB0513217D0; GB0612659D0

Abstract

An amplifier unit 10 comprises carrying means 8 to carry the amplifier unit on a person's back. The portable amplifier unit may further comprise a loudspeaker and an input socket for an audio device, such as a musical instrument or CD player. A water resistant coating may cover at least part of the amplifier unit.

Description

Audio Equipment

Background of the Invention

The present invention relates to audio equipment and more particularly to amplifier units.

Many amplifiers (particularly for musical instruments) are notably very heavy for their size, box-like and old- fashioned in design. As a result, the amplifiers may prove difficult and sometimes painful to carry and lift by hand (many people suffer back-injuries from lifting the amplifiers) . For example, if a street performer wants to amplify his music whilst on the move, he may have to carry an unwieldy box-like amplifier around with him all day.

Summary of the Invention

The present invention seeks to remove or mitigate at least some of the above-mentioned problems. The present invention may enable the amplifier to be simple, easy and pain-free to carry, whilst still being able to produce a good enough sound for public performance. The present invention may enable the user to walk around whilst playing an instrument.

The present invention provides an amplifier unit comprising carrying means, wherein the amplifier unit and the carrying means are arranged to facilitate the carriage of the amplifier unit on a person's back. The present invention may therefore allow a user to carry an amplifier in a more efficient manner (on their back) than the manner necessitated by amplifiers of the prior art. In addition, the present invention may enable a user to carry the amplifier unit whilst having both hands free to perform other activities, such as playing a musical instrument.

A typical amplifier may be associated or incorporated with other equipment, such as a speaker unit. The present invention is of particular benefit in relation to amplifiers comprising associated equipment, as those amplifiers can be especially bulky and/or heavy. The amplifier unit of the present invention may further comprise a speaker unit, and more preferably a plurality of speaker units.

The amplifier unit may be symmetrical about a notional vertical plane, normal to the general plane of the amplifier unit. Alternatively or additionally, the weight distribution in the amplifier unit may be symmetrical about that vertical plane. The notional vertical plane will preferably, during carriage, substantially contain the person's spine. The present invention may therefore provide an especially ergonomic arrangement.

In an embodiment of the invention comprising a speaker unit, the speaker unit may be elongate in shape. The speaker unit may be tear-drop in shape. The speaker unit may be cylindrical. In an embodiment of the invention comprising two or more speaker units, the speaker units may be arranged symmetrically about the notional vertical plane, normal to the general plane of the amplifier unit. Thus the amplifier unit, and particularly the speaker units, may provide an especially ergonomic arrangement. In addition, the amplifier unit may provide a stereo output.

In an embodiment of the invention comprising a speaker unit, the speaker unit can face in any direction, but in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the speaker unit faces upwards. The speaker unit preferably comprises a perforated covering through which the audio output is dissipated. The perforated covering is preferably exposed during use. The perforated covering is preferably releaseably mounted on a main chamber portion of the speaker unit.

The carrying means is preferably directly attached to the amplifier unit. For example, the carrying means may be attached to the amplifier by a fastener such as a rivet, or by adhesive. Alternatively or additionally, the carrying means may be tied to the amplifier. The carrying means may be integrally formed with the amplifier unit.

The carrying means may be connected between a first location in an upper region of the amplifier unit, and a second location in a lower region of the amplifier unit.

Alternatively or additionally, the carrying means may be connected between a location on a first side of the amplifier, and a location on a second side of the amplifier.

The carrying means may comprise a strap. The carrying means may comprise a plurality of straps. The carrying means may comprise a strap and buckle arrangement. The carrying means may comprise a harness.

For example, the carrying means may comprise at least one strap connected at the top, and at the base, of the amplifier, the strap thereby defining a loop for placing on a person's shoulder. In an embodiment of the invention in which the carrying means comprises a plurality of straps, the amplifier unit may be arranged such that, during carriage, at least one strap is positioned over each of the person's shoulders (in the event of any uncertainty, the person may be defined as a year old male of average height and build for the UK) Alternatively or additionally the carrying means may comprise a strap connected between the left-hand side and the right- hand side of the amplifier, the strap thereby defining a loop for placing around a person's chest, or hips.

As will be appreciated by the person skilled in the art, the carriage of the amplifier unit on a person's back' is not limited to the situation in which the weight of the amplifier unit is spread purely over the person's back. In fact, the term on a person's back' will be understood to mean merely any arrangement in which the amplifier unit is located against the back; the weight of the amplifier may be spread to other parts of the body (such as the hips, or shoulders) depending on the carrying means. Such an interpretation is of course consistent with terminology used when referencing backpacks, rucksacks and alike. The amplifier unit may be arranged such that, during carriage, the weight of the amplifier unit is concentrated in the lumbar region of the person's back. The weight of the amplifier unit may thereby be spread in an efficient manner across the person's body, and in particular the weight of the amplifier may not all be acting on the person' s shoulders.

The carrying means may be padded. The carrying means may be adjustable in length. The carrying means may be rigid, but is preferably flexible.

The amplifier may further comprise an input socket, the input socket being arranged to receive, in use, a signal from an audio device, for example a musical instrument or a CD player. The amplifier is preferably suitable for use in a music performance. The amplifier may be suitable for use in a live music performance, for example whilst being worn by the user. The input socket is preferably arranged on the outside of the amplifier unit.

The amplifier may further comprise an interface for adjusting input and/or output parameters of the amplifier unit. Input/output parameters may include, for example, the output volume, bass and treble.

At least one region of the amplifier unit may be greater than 0.lm wide, more preferably greater than 0.2m wide, and yet more preferably greater than 0.3m wide. At least one region of the amplifier unit may have a depth of greater than 0.05m, more preferably greater than 0.lm, and yet more preferably greater than 0.2m. At least one region of the amplifier unit may have a height of greater than 0.15m, more preferably greater than 0.2m, and yet more preferably greater than 0.3rn.

The amplifier unit is preferably no heavier than the maximum weight that can be carried by an average man, on his back, for more than lhour. The amplifier unit preferably weighs less than 15kg, more preferably less than 10kg and yet more preferably less than 5kg. The amplifier unit may weigh more than 2kg.

Advantageously the height of the amplifier unit is greater than its width. Advantageously the height of the amplifier unit is greater than its depth. The amplifier unit is preferably elongate in shape. The shape of the amplifier unit is preferably complementary to the shape of the person's back.

Advantageously, the amplifier power rating is greater than 2W, more preferably greater than 5 W and yet more preferably greater than 30W. The power rating is preferably less than 200W, and more preferably less than 70W.

Advantageously, the amplifier unit is suitable for use in a performance to small or medium sized audiences. The amplifier unit may be suitable for use in a performance to more than 10 people, more preferably more than 50 people, and yet more preferably more than 100 people.

The amplifier unit may comprise a stand-alone power source. The provision of a stand-alone power source advantageously allows the amplifier to be used in locations remote from a mains electricity connection, such as in a Street performance. In addition, the provision of a stand- alone power source may mitigate the need for external power cables which can be a trip hazard. The stand-alone power source may be in the form of a battery.

The amplifier is preferably suitable for outdoor use.

For example, the amplifier unit may include a water resistant coating covering at least part of the amplifier unit, whereby the amplifier unit is suitable for outdoor use.

The present invention also provides a method of carrying an amplifier unit comprising a carrying means, the method including the step of a person putting on the carrying means such that the amplifier unit is directly mounted on their back. The method of the present invention may also provide the step of connecting the amplifier to an audio device. The method may yet further comprise the step of using (for example performing music with or on) the audio device.

The present invention also provides a method of performing live entertainment including the steps of carrying an amplifier unit on the back of a person, the amplifier unit including at least one speaker unit, connecting a musical instrument to the amplifier unit, playing music with the musical instrument, and amplifying the music from the musical instrument with the amplifier to produce sound output from said at least one speaker unit.

It will be appreciated that features relating to one aspect of the present invention may apply equally to another aspect of the invention. For example, the amplifier in the method of the present invention may comprise any of the features of the amplifier unit of the present invention.

Description of the Drawings

Various embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings of which: Figure 1 is a top view of an amplifier unit according to a first embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 is a rear view of the amplifier unit according to a first embodiment of the invention; Figure 3 is a cross-sectional side view of the amplifier unit according to the first embodiment of the invention; and Figure 4 is a rear view of a person carrying the amplifier unit according to the first embodiment of the invention.

Detailed Description

Referring first to Figure 4, the amplifier unit 10 is carried on a person's back. The amplifier unit comprises a carrying means 8, arranged to facilitate carriage of the unit on the person's back.

Figures 1 and 2 show the amplifier unit 10 in more detail. The amplifier unit comprises a main body portion 11 and two speakers units 12a, 12b mounted to either side thereof.

The main body portion 11 houses the amplifier circuitry (not shown) and a rechargeable battery (not shown) as a power source. The main body portion 11 also includes an interface 4 which contains a variety of controls for the volume, bass and other input/output characteristics, and an input socket 5.

The input socket 5 is arranged to receive, in use, a signal from an electric guitar (not shown) . The amplifier unit has a power rating of 50W, making it suitable for use outdoors to small or medium sized audiences.

Each speaker unit 12a, 12b is formed by an MDF main chamber portion 13 with a speaker dome 14 mounted thereon.

MDF is a particularly advantageous material from which to build the main chamber portion 13, since it has good sonic properties and is both light and strong. The main chamber portion 13 includes at its upper end, the loudspeaker 7 itself. The remainder of the main chamber portion defines an enclosed chamber which, as the person skilled in the art will understand, is best-suited to the specifications of the particular speaker.

The speaker dome 14 is connected to the main chamber portion 13 by four recessed screws 1. The domes 14 contain sufficient perforations 2 so as not to inhibit sound dissipation, but are also sufficiently solid so as to be able to act as a protective cover over the speaker 7. Each speaker dome 14 is releasably mounted at the junction 3 to the main body portion, so as to enable service access to the electronics and speakers if they should fail.

The main chamber portion 13 and the dome 14 define an approximate upwardfacing tear-drop shape. The region of the amplifier at which the speaker dome mountings are connected to the speaker chamber body has a width of 0. 35m and a depth of O.15m. This region is the widest and deepest part of the amplifier. Speaker units have a height of 0.45m and thereby define the region of the amplifier having the greatest height.

The face of the amplifier unit that is located, during carriage, against the person's back (i.e. the rear face), is complementary to the shape of an average human back. In particular the rear face does not have any discontinuities and is generally smooth. This means that the amplifier unit is generally comfortable to carry.

The amplifier unit, and more particularly the rear face (not shown) and the carrying means 8, are ergonomically designed such that most of the weight of the amplifier unit 10 is concentrated into the lumbar area of the person's spine.

In addition, the speaker units 12a, 12b are positioned symmetrically about a notional vertical plane normal to the general plane of the amplifier unit (which vertical plane, during carriage, substantially contains the person's spine) Thus the amplifier unit of the first embodiment provides both a balanced, ergonomic arrangement and is arranged to provide a stereo audio output.

Referring now to Figure 3 (which shows a cross-sectional view through the plane A-A of Figure 2) and to Figure 4, the carrying means 8 comprises a padded, flexible strap 15 in the form of a continuous loop of fabric. The strap 15 is directly connected to the rear face of the amplifier at attachment points on the upper end 16 and a lower end 17. The carrying means thereby forms a loop through which the person is able to extend his arm.

To carry the amplifier unit 10, the person puts their arms through the loops defined by each of the straps and manoeuvres the amplifier unit onto their back, as one would with a rucksack or backpack. This provides an especially efficient arrangement for carrying the amplifier unit and also enables the person to keep both hands free so he can play an instrument (not shown) whilst moving the amplifier. The amplifier unit 10 of the first embodiment is used by a street performer 18. The Street performer 18 can move significant distances whilst playing the guitar (not shown) because the amplifier is efficiently mounted on his back. He does not incur the physical difficulties associated with carrying an amplifier unit directly by hand, such difficulties being especially great when the amplifier is carried for long periods of time.

A second embodiment of the invention (not shown) is substantially identical to the first embodiment except for the differences described below. The carrying means further comprises a hip strap. The hip strap is connected between - 10 - either side of the amplifier, at a height suitable for mounting on the persons hips. Such an arrangement of the carrying means and amplifier unit enables even more of the weight of the amplifier to be transferred, during carriage, to a person's hips, and thus provides a particularly comfortable and efficient arrangement.

According to the second embodiment, the amplifier unit is coated in a water-proof layer to enable the person to use the amplifier outside in inclement weather without damaging the electronics or other components on the amplifier. In the second embodiment the amplifier unit has a power rating of SOW, and is used to amplify the output of a CD player.

Claims

- 11 - Claims 1. An amplifier unit comprising carrying means, wherein the

amplifier unit and the carrying means are arranged to facilitate the carriage of the amplifier unit on a person's back.
2. An amplifier unit according to claim 1, wherein the amplifier unit further comprises a speaker unit.
3. An amplifier unit according to claim 2, wherein the amplifier unit comprises two elongate speaker units, the speaker units being arranged symmetrically about a notional vertical plane, normal to the general plane of the amplifier unit.
4. An amplifier unit according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the carrying means is directly attached to the amplifier unit.
5. An amplifier unit according to claim 4, wherein the carrying means is connected between a first location in an upper region of the amplifier unit, and a second location in a lower region of the amplifier unit.
6. An amplifier unit according to any preceding claim, wherein the carrying means comprises a plurality of straps.
7. An amplifier unit according to claim 6 wherein the amplifier unit and carrying means are arranged such that, during carriage, at least one strap is positioned over each of the person's shoulders.

- 12 -
8. An amplifier unit according to any preceding claim, wherein the amplifier unit and carrying means are arranged such that, during carriage, the weight of the amplifier unit is concentrated in the lumbar region of the person's back.
9. An amplifier unit according to any preceding claim, further comprising an input socket, the input socket being arranged to receive, in use, a signal from an audio device.
10. An amplifier unit according to claim 9, further comprising an audio device connected to the input socket.
11. An amplifier unit according to any preceding claim wherein at least one region of the amplifier unit is greater than 0.15m wide, at least one region of the amplifier unit is greater than 0.lm deep and at least one region of the amplifier unit is greater than 0.2m high.
12. An amplifier according to any preceding claim, wherein the amplifier power rating is greater than 5W.
13. An amplifier unit according to any preceding claim, further comprising a stand-alone power source.
14. An amplifier unit according to any preceding claim, further including a water resistant coating covering at least part of the amplifier unit, whereby the amplifier unit is suitable for outdoor use.
15. An amplifier unit substantially described herein with reference to any of Figures 1 to 4 of the accompanying drawings.

- 13 -
16. A method of carrying an amplifier unit comprising a carrying means, the method including the step of a person putting on the carrying means such that the amplifier unit is directly mounted on their back.
17. A method according to claim 16, further comprising the steps of connecting the amplifier to an audio device and using the audio device.
18. A method of performing live entertainment including the steps of: carrying an amplifier unit on the back of a person, the amplifier unit including at least one speaker unit; connecting a musical instrument to the amplifier unit; playing music with the musical instrument; and amplifying the music from the musical instrument with the amplifier to produce sound output from said at least one speaker unit.