GB2591975A

GB2591975A - Embossed speaker grilles

Info

Publication number: GB2591975A
Application number: GB1910861.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Bashford Robert
Original assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke AG
Current assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke AG
Priority date: 2019-07-30
Filing date: 2019-07-30
Publication date: 2021-08-18
Anticipated expiration: 2039-07-30
Also published as: GB2591975B; GB201910861D0

Abstract

A grille, typically for use as a speaker cover, having at least one embossed or debossed region and a method of forming the grille comprising providing a jig comprising male 301 and female 320 formers and clamping a grille between the formers. At least one of the embossed or debossed regions of the grille may have a different surface treatment, for example polishing or application of a differently coloured coating. The embossed region may be coated using physical vapour deposition. Preferably the grille is formed from aluminium or stainless steel. The embossing and debossing can be used to provide a decorative effect on the grille or to present a sign or other information to a user, without detriment to the function. The embossed or debossed grille could be applied to a parcel shelf grille.

Description

Embossed Speaker Grilles

Introduction

The present invention relates to grilles, particularly though not exclusively speaker grilles, parcel shelf grilles and ROPS grilles.

Background to the Invention

Speakers are typically provided with a grille over their front face, in particular to protect the diaphragm while still enabling sound waves to be projected from the diaphragm. The grilles have a regular array of apertures to enable the passage of sound out of the speaker but reduce or minimise dust or other debris from entering the speaker. Such grilles may also have a dust cover on their inside, typically a sheet of open weave or non-woven material. This material also allows the passage of sound waves out of the speaker, but generally prevents viewing of the speaker as such from the outside of the grille.

Other devices that incorporate grilles include microphones, air conditioning systems and fans.

In cars, grilles may also be present in or on the parcel shelf, for example to enable passage of air between the main body of the car and the boot. In convertibles a grille may also be present between the back passenger seats and the soft top storage. This area may contain roll over protection devices, which extend above the height of the passenger heads in the event of the car rolling over, to provide protection to the passengers. A grille may be provided over such an area; this grille being known as a ROPS grille.

Grilles are typically essentially flat, or are contoured to cover the front of the speaker or other element to be covered. Speaker grilles may be provided with indentations or formations to aid acoustics or to provide attachment points for other elements within the device in which they are used. Such portions may be provided with indentations designed to match the pattern of the regular array of apertures, with the indentations not forming an aperture. Such non-through indentations will appear different to the apertures to a viewer due to reflection of light from the base of the indentation. US 2018/0176670 describes the variation in the depth of the indentations to minimise variation in the appearance of the apertures and the indentations and in particular at -2 -the boundary therebetween. Other grilles may also be shaped and provided with attachments points or fittings appropriate to their use.

It is known to enhance the appearance of a grille by creating striations thereon, for example in a grille formed from moulded resin. It is also known to paint a grille, or cover it with some other protective material, in a colour that matches with the material surrounding the grille, essentially to camouflage the grille. As such most grilles are purely functional.

Grilles are designed in order to allow the passage of air or sound waves from one side of the grille to the other, while reducing the passage or dust, other debris or visibility from one side to the other. As such the array of apertures in a grille is essential for the functioning of the grille.

The array may be a regular array, namely a regular arrangement of apertures in aligning rows and columns. Alternatively the array may be based on a series of concentric circles, with a series of apertures following the lines of the circles. The apertures may be essentially circular, or may be other shapes, such as elongate. As arrays are designed to allow the passage of sound waves or air, it is generally considered that any disruption to the array may affect the performance of the grille and are to be avoided.

It is an object of the invention to provide a grille having an improved appearance while retaining its functionality.

Summary of the Invention

According to the invention there is provided a grille having at least one embossed or debossed region.

The at least one embossed or debossed region can be formed without affecting the performance of the grille.

Preferably, one or more of the embossed or debossed regions may be provided with a different surface treatment to the un-embossed or un-debossed region. For example one or more of the regions may be polished and/or lacquered. Alternatively one or more of the regions may be treated such that the embossed or debossed -3 -region(s) have a different colour to the un-embossed or un-debossed region(s). A combination of polishing and colouring may be used. Other coatings may also be applied, for example powder coating, or PVD (physical vapour deposition) to one or more of the regions. In a further alternative, a different texture may be applied to one or more of the at least one embossed or debossed regions. For example, striations may be applied. Where more than one embossed or debossed region is provided, each embossed or debossed region may be provided with a different surface treatment, including colour.

The embossed and/or debossed region(s) may be used to create a decorative appearance on the grille. This may be highlighted by the different appearance of the embossed and/or debossed region(s).

Alternatively the embossed and/or debossed region(s) may be used to create a an information image on the grille, either information relating to the grille, an adjacent item or about the device covered by the grille, for example a logo.

The grille may be made from any suitable material. Preferably the material is a metal or alloy. Preferably the material is aluminium. Alternatively it may be stainless steel, or mild steel. In other alternatives the material may be a plastic material, or a composite material.

Typically, the embossed or debossed area will have a height of 1-10mm above the height of the non-embossed or non-debossed area. Preferably the height will be 325 9mm and most preferably 4-8mm.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a method of embossing or debossing a grille comprising providing a jig having male and female formers defining between them at least one projection and/or indentation; placing a grille between the formers and clamping the jig together whereby the projection(s) and/or indentation(s) are formed into the grille forming at least one embossed and/or debossed region.

Preferably the method further comprises the step of providing a different surface treatment to at least one of the at least one embossed or deposed regions. -4 -

Where the grille is made of metal, at least one of the embossed or debossed regions may be polished, while the rest of the grille is left unpolished or is painted or otherwise coated. Alternatively, at least one of the embossed and/or debossed region(s) may be coated in a material having a different colour or texture. For example an embossed or debossed region may be painted a different shade of the colour applied to the rest of the grille or may be provided with a different texture of coating.

Typically the jig will include a press to clamp the formers together. The press may be a manual press, machine press, electrically operated press or a hydraulic press.

Typically, the embossed or debossed area will have a height of 1-10mm above the height of the non-embossed or non-debossed area. Preferably the height will be 315 9mm and most preferably 4-8mm.

To help understanding of the invention, specific embodiments thereof will now be described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a standard speaker grille for use in a car; Figure 2 is a perspective view of the speaker grille of Figure 1, that has been embossed; Figure 3 is a top view of the speaker griller of Figure 2, in which the embossed section has been sanded, polished and lacquered; Figure 4 is a side by side view of the speaker grille of Figure 2, together with the male former used to make it; Figure 5 is a top view of the male and female formers used to prepare the grille of Figure 2; Figure 6 is a perspective view of the formers of Figure 5 in their mated 30 together; Figure 7 is a top view of a male former for preparing a grille having an infinity symbol embossed thereof; Figure 8 is a side view of the former of Figure 7; Figure 9 is a top view of a female former corresponding to the former of Figure -5 -Figure 10 is a perspective view of the formers of Figures 7 and 9 fitting together; Figure 11 is a perspective view of a ROPS grille; and Figure 12 is a perspective view of a section of a ROPS grille including an embossed circle.

Referring to Figure 1, the grille 1 thereshown is a grille cover for a speaker for use in a car. The grille includes a main body 2, including attachments points 4 for connection with the speaker, and a domed surface 6. The grille 1 also includes a material backing 8, designed to reduce passage of dust and other debris into the speaker and to prevent a user viewing the speaker.

The grille 1 is made of a metal, for example aluminium, although it could be made of other metals, such as steel, stainless steel or copper, or from another material such as a plastic material or a composite.

The grille 1 comprises an array 10 of apertures 11, arranged in a regular formation in rows and columns. As can be seen the regular array of apertures extends across the entirety of the dome 6 of the grille 1.

Turning now to Figure 2, an embossed region 116 has been formed on a domed surface 106 of a grille 101 that is otherwise very similar to the grille 1 of Figure 1. The embossed region is in the shape of the Spirit of Ecstasy.

As show, the height of the embossed area 116 above the remainder of the domed surface 108 is approximately 5mm. However, the embossed area could have a height of 1-10mm.

To further highlight the embossed region 116 it may be provided with a different surface treatment to the un-embossed regions, namely the reminder of the domed surface 106. Figure 3, shows the grille 101 of Figure 2 having been further treated to accentuate the embossed region. As shown the embossed region 116 has been sanded, polished and lacquered. In contrast the remainder of the domed surface 106 of the main body 2 of the grille is painted in a matt colour, the colour prior to embossing Thus the embossed region is highlighted to make it more visible to a user. -6 -

As shown, the embossed region is a decorative element. However, it could also be an information symbol or sign.

Importantly and surprisingly, as can be seen, the array of apertures 111 has not been disrupted by the embossing process. As such the passage of the sound waves out of the grille has not been affected.

In an alternative the embossed region 116 could be painted, or otherwise coated, in a material having a contrasting colour to the colour of the paint or other coating material, applied to remainder of the domed surface 106.

In a further alternative, where the grille is made from a plastic or composite material, the portion substantially incorporating the embossed section could be formed from a material having a contrasting colour to the colour of the remainder of the grille.

As will be apparent, a grille may be provided with any number of embossed or debossed regions or a combination thereof. Each may be provided with a separate surface treatment to differentiate it from other embossed or debosssed regions, and the remaining portions of the grille. Sometimes all of the embossed, debossed or embossed and debossed regions will be provided with the same surface treatment, which may contrast with the surface treatment applied to the non-embossed or nondebossed regions.

Turning now to Figures 4 -10, which show apparatus for forming the embossed and/or debossed grille.

The apparatus comprises having male and female formers, defining therebetween at least one embossed or debossed region. The formers are designed to incorporate 30 projections and depressions corresponding to the embossed or debossed regions to be formed into the grille.

Figure 4 shows the grille of Figures 2 and 3 together with the male former used to create it and Figure 5 shows the male and female formers used to create the grille of Figures 2 and 3. -7 -

As can be seen the former 201 comprises a raised section 202 that corresponds to the shape of the embossed region 116 in grille 101. Equally former 220 comprises and indented section 222 that corresponds to the shape of the embossed region 116 in grill 101.

As shown in Figure 6, the two formers 201 and 220 fit together, and define between them the shape of the grille of Figures 2 and 3.

In order to form the grille of Figures 2 and 3, a plane grille, similar to that shown in Figure 1, or indeed a plain portion of a mesh array can be placed between the male and female formers, 201 and 220, which are then clamped together. The clamping force may be applied by bolting the parts together as shown in Figure 6. Alternatively, the element may be placed into a press and pressure applied though a lever, or hydraulically.

The jig may be used to create the whole of the shape of the grille, including the, or any, domed central portion, and attachment points, or may be used to form at least one embossed and/or debossed region in a grille that has previously be formed into it main shape.

Figures 7 -10 show an alternative jig according to the invention, comprising two formers, namely a male former 301 and a female former 320. The mail former 301 includes a raised portion 308 corresponding a top surface of a standard speaker grille. Further projections 314 are provided on this portion 308, in the form of an infinity symbol. The corresponding female former 302 is provided with corresponding depressions 334 such that the formers 301 and 320 fit together as shown in Figure 10.

These formers 301, 320 are designed in emboss the infinity symbol into a speaker grille. As such the projection 314 on the former 301 is in the design of the infinity symbol. Equally, the depression 334 on former 320 is correspondingly in the same design of the infinity symbol.

In use a section of grille material is placed between the formers, which are clamped together in a press, imparting the impression of the raised portions into the grille. On -8 -removal from the jig, the raised portions, in particular the infinity symbol 314 can be provided with a different surface finish to the remainder of the grille.

Turning now to Figure 11 and 12, Figure 11 shows a ROE'S grille 400, namely a roll over protective structures grille. This is a grille that fits overs structures that are actuated in the event of a roll over, and are designed to protect passengers in the rear seats of the car. The grille 400 fits behind the passenger seats, and include two sections 402, which are frangible and designed to break away to allow roll protection structures (not shown) to extend in the event of a roll-over. The ROE'S grille 400 also includes a sections 404 that may be embossed or debossed.

Figure 12 shows a central portion 408 of the ROE'S grille 400 including an embossed section 406. As show the embossing is simply in the form of a raised circle 410. As an alternative, a symbol, for example the infinity symbol, or any other symbol, including a name, an allegiance badge, or other logo, could be applied.

In other embodiments, not shown, the embossing or debossing could be applied to a parcel shelf grille, or indeed any other grille.

The invention thus provides a decorative effective or information containing symbol(s) on what is otherwise a purely functional element, namely a grille. This is achieved without detriment to the function of the grille, for example as a speaker grille. -9 -

Claims

Claims 1. A grille having at least one embossed or debossed region.
2 A grille according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the at least one embossed or debossed region(s) is provided with a different surface treatment to a remainder of the grille.
3. A grille according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein at least one of the at least one embossed or debossed region(s) is polished.
4. A grille according to any preceding claim wherein at least one of the at least one embossed or debossed region(s) is lacquered.
5. A grille according to any preceding claim, wherein at least one of the at least one embossed or debossed region(s) is painted.
6 A grille according any to any preceding claim, wherein at least one of the at least one embossed or debossed region(s) is coated using physically vapour deposition.
7. A grille according to any preceding claim, wherein the grille is formed from aluminium.
8. A grille according to any one of claims 1-6, wherein the grille is formed from stainless steel
9. A grille according to any preceding claim, wherein the grille comprises a regular array of apertures
10.A grille according to any one of claims 1-8, wherein the grille comprises an array of apertures based on concentric circles.
11.A grille according to claim 10, wherein the grille comprises a series of arrays of apertures based on concentric circles.
12.A grille according to any preceding claim, wherein the grille comprises substantially circular apertures.-10 -
13.A grille according to any one of claims 1 -11, wherein the grille comprises an array of apertures comprising one or more elongate apertures.
14.A method of forming a grille having at least one embossed or debossed region, the method comprising providing a jig comprising male and female formers, the formers having at least one projection or depression, and defining between then the shape of a grille having at least one embossed or debossed region, placing a grille between the male and female formers and clamping together, forming at least one embossed or debossed region on the grille.
15.A method according to claim 14, whether in the method further comprises providing a surface treatment on at least one of the at least one embossed or debossed region(s) that is different from the surface treatment of a remainder of the grille.
16. A method according to claim 14, wherein the at least one of the at least one embossed or debossed region(s) is polished.
17.A method according to any one of claims 14 -16, wherein at least one of the at least one embossed or debossed region(s) is lacquered.
18.A method according to any one of claims 14 -17, wherein at least one of the at least one embossed or debossed region(s) is painted.
19.A method according to any one of claims 14 -18, wherein at least one of the at least one embossed or debossed region(s) is coated using physically vapour deposition.
20.A method according to any one of claims 14-19, wherein the grille is formed from aluminium.
21.A method according to any one of claims 14-21, wherein the grille comprises a regular array of apertures.
22.A method according to any one of claims 14-20, wherein the grille comprises an array of apertures based on concentric circles.
23.A method according to claim 23, wherein the grille comprises a series of arrays of apertures based on concentric circles.
24.A method according to any one of claims 14-24, wherein the grille comprises substantially circular apertures.
25.A method according to any one of claims 14-24, wherein the grille comprises an array of apertures comprising one or more elongate apertures.