GB2592172A

GB2592172A - Method and apparatus for installing an object in a recess

Info

Publication number: GB2592172A
Application number: GB2107695.5A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Goodwin Edward; Hartshorn Richard; Weir Jake
Original assignee: B&W Group Ltd
Current assignee: Bowers and Wilkins Group Ltd
Priority date: 2014-09-09
Filing date: 2015-09-08
Publication date: 2021-08-18
Anticipated expiration: 2035-09-08
Also published as: GB2530177A; GB202107695D0; GB2517846A; GB2517846B; GB201515913D0; GB2530177B; GB2592172B; GB201415897D0

Abstract

A method of installing an object 1, such as a loudspeaker or light fitting, in a recess 4 using a fixing 12. The fixing comprises a retaining member 16 and a flexible tail 14. The object comprises an object housing including a first channel 10. The method comprises inserting the retaining member and the object into the recess such that a first portion of the tail is located outside the recess immediately after the retaining member and object have been inserted therein. The method then comprises moving (e.g pulling) the first portion of the tail in a first direction such that the retaining member abuts a surface of the recess thereby retaining the object in the recess. A guide surface of the object housing may be shaped to cause the retaining member to move radially outward when the tail is moved in the first direction. The tail of the fixing may be inserted into a second channel 24 in the object housing to reduce the length of the portion of the tail located outside of the housing. A kit of parts comprises the object and at least one fixing.

Description

Method and apparatus for installing an object in a recess

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for installing an object, for example a loudspeaker or light fitting in a recess. The invention also concerns a fixing for use in such a method.

Background of the Invention

For aesthetic reasons, and in order to save space, it is often desirable to accommodate loudspeakers and other objects in recesses in walls, ceilings and/or other 15 surfaces.

One known method of installing loudspeakers in a recess uses a fixing known as a "swing-out dog". For example, swing-out dogs are used in the CCM3 series (within the 0I300 range) of loudspeakers produced by Bowers & Wilkins (RIM), for example when installing the loudspeakers in recesses behind ceiling panels. Each swing-out dog comprises a rotatable member (the dog) which, after the loudspeaker has been inserted in the recess, is rotated about an axis perpendicular to the front face of the loudspeaker by turning a screw located on the front surface of the loudspeaker. Before rotation the dog is located within the footprint of the loudspeaker so that the loudspeaker may be inserted through an aperture in the ceiling panel. After rotation, the dog extends outside the footprint of the loudspeaker, beyond the edge of the aperture through which the loudspeaker has been inserted. Repeated rotation of the screw draws the dog down until the dog -2 -rests on the back surface of the ceiling panel, thereby retaining the loudspeaker in the recess. To install a loudspeaker in a recess using a swing-out dog, a tool, for example a screw driver or Allen key, is needed in order to rotate the screw located on the front of the loudspeaker. It would be advantageous to provide a tool-free method for installing loudspeakers, and other objects, in a recess.

Another known method of installing a loudspeaker in a ceiling recess is accomplished using a fixing known as a "quick-dog". For example, quick-dogs are used in the CCM6 series (within the 0I600 range) of loudspeakers produced by Bowers & Wilkins (RTM). When using a quick-dog to install a loudspeaker a separate frame, on which multiple quick dogs are mounted, is first inserted into the recess. A quick-dog comprises an inverted L-shaped member including a spring-clamp system. The quick-dog is arranged and configured such that the quick dog can be readily rotated relative to the frame, can be translated downwards by means of the user exerting a downwards force on a finger platform of the L-shaped member, but such that translation of the quick-dog upwards is resisted unless the spring clamp is released, by means of additionally pushing up a metal tab located:last below the finger platform of the L-shaped member. In use, once the frame has been inserted into the ceiling recess, the user puts their hand inside the recess and rotates the L-shaped member so that it swings out from the body of the loudspeaker. The user then presses on the finger platform at the upper end of the dog so as to move the dog down the frame until the lower end of the dog presses against the rear surface of the ceiling thereby retaining the frame in the recess. Once the frame is in place the -3 -loudspeaker may be retained in the recess by attaching it to the frame. The requirement of a separate frame increases the volume of recess required in order to accommodate the loudspeaker and may render the quick-dog unsuitable for use in certain situations. Moreover, because the quick-dog fitting requires the installer to insert his/her hand into the recess, their use is limited either to objects with a separate frame, or objects that do not close the aperture when inserted.

The present invention seeks to mitigate one or more of the above-mentioned problems. Alternatively or additionally, the present invention seeks to provide an improved method of installing an object in a recess.

Summary of the Invention

The present invention provides, according to a first aspect, a method of installing an object (for example a loudspeaker, light fitting, or the like) in a recess using a fixing, the fixing comprising a retaining member and a flexible tail, the object comprising an object housing including a first channel formed in the object housing, the method comprising the steps of: (i) inserting the retaining member and object into the recess, such that a first portion of the tail is located outside the recess immediately after the retaining member and object have been inserted therein, and (ii) moving the first portion of the tail in a first direction such that the retaining member abuts a surface of the recess thereby retaining the object in the recess, wherein movement of the first portion of the tail causes movement of the fixing along a pre-set path determined, at least in part, by the first channel. Thus, embodiments of the -4 -present invention may allow for a tool-free method of installing an object in a recess. Certain embodiments of the method of installation may also concern installing objects which close off an aperture, with the advantage of not requiring the use of a separate frame. As the first portion of the tail is located outside the recess it can easily be seen and manipulated by the user, without requiring the user to insert his/her hand into the recess. Thus, embodiments of the present method of the invention may provide for easier installation of an object compared with some prior art methods. The flexibility of the tail may facilitate methods which include a step of reducing the length of the portion of the tail located outside the recess and/or object when the retaining member is abutting the surface of the recess. Such methods may provide a recess-installed loudspeaker, light fitting, or the like, with an improved appearance.

It will be understood that it is not necessary for the entirety of the object to be contained within a recess for the object to be described as installed in the recess. That is to say, a portion of the object may protrude from the recess when the object is installed therein.

In the case where the object is a loudspeaker, the loudspeaker may include a driver, for example, having a diaphragm, chassis, coil and magnet. The loudspeaker may comprise one or more drivers.

The object comprises a housing to which components 30 of the object may be attached. It will be understood that the housing need not necessarily enclose all the components of the object. The first portion of the tail may be located outside the housing of the object after -5 -the retaining member and the housing have been inserted into the recess.

The surface of the recess may be defined as any surface which defines, at least in part, the spatial extent of the recess. The recess may include a cavity defined at least in part by a mounting surface. The recess may include an aperture formed in the mounting surface. The front face of the mounting surface may be defined as the face of the mounting surface visible to the user when the object is installed in the recess. Certain embodiments may result in the object being substantially flush with -or, optionally, just protruding beyond -the outward facing structure that defines the recess (for example, the front face of the mounting surface). In use, the retaining member may abut the rear face of the mounting surface. The mounting surface may be substantially planar. The rear face of the mounting surface may be opposite the front face. The step of inserting the object into the recess may comprise inserting a portion of the object into the aperture formed in the mounting surface. The mounting surface may include a non-planar portion, for example an indentation, which defines the spatial extent of the recess.

The method causes the retaining member to abut a surface of the recess. The step of moving the first portion of the tail in a first direction may cause the retaining member to move so as to abut such a surface, thereby to retain the object in the recess. The retaining member may be pressed against the surface. The retaining member may contact the surface, for example being in direct contact. The retaining member may retain the object in the recess by preventing movement of the object in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the -6 -recess the member abuts. For example, the retaining member may support the weight of the object by pressing against the surface of the recess. The retaining member may positively engage with the mounting surface. The retaining member and a portion of the object located outside the recess may cooperate to clamp a portion of the mounting surface between the portion of the object and the retaining member. The retaining member may retain the object in the recess by preventing movement of the object in a direction parallel to the surface of the recess the member abuts. For example, the retaining member may include a portion arranged to grip the mounting surface. In use, the object may be retained in the recess as a result of the friction between the retaining member, particularly the gripping portion thereof and the mounting surface.

Moving the first portion of the tail in the first direction may increase the length of the portion of the tail located outside the recess and/or the object (or its housing).

Movement of the first portion of the tail in the first direction may cause at least a portion of the retaining member to move radially away from the axis of the object (the axis typically being in a direction parallel to the direction in which the object is inserted into the recess). Thus, moving the first portion of the tail in the first direction may cause at least a portion of the retaining member to protrude radially outward from the object.

Movement of the first portion of the tail in the first direction may comprise a translation of the first portion of the tail. The first direction may be any direction pointing away from the edge of the recess, for example the edge of the aperture, into which the object is inserted. The first direction may be in a direction opposite to the direction in which the object is inserted into the recess. The first direction may be substantially normal to the front face of the mounting surface. The first direction may be substantially parallel to the front face of the mounting surface. A user may move the tail in the first direction by pulling the tail.

The method may include a step of connecting the fixing to the object (for example a loudspeaker, light fitting, or the like). The step of connecting the fixing to the object may include passing the tail of the fixing through a first channel formed in the object, for example a housing of the object.

The step of inserting the retaining member and the object into the recess may Include first inserting the retaining member into the recess and then inserting the object into the recess. In a case where the retaining member and the object are inserted into the recess one after the other, the method may comprise a step of connecting the fixing to the object once the object is at least partially inserted in the recess.

The step of inserting the retaining member and the object into the recess may include simultaneously inserting the object and the retaining member into the recess. In a case where the retaining member and the object are inserted into the recess simultaneously, the method may comprise a step of connecting the fixing to the object before inserting the object into the recess. Connecting the fixing to the object before inserting the object in the recess means no access is required to the recess in order to connect the fixing and object. This may facilitate more compact designs of light fittings, loudspeakers, or other such objects and/or the use of such objects in smaller recesses. Not having to connect the fixing and object in the recess may also render the installation process more user-friendly.

The retaining member may be located within the footprint of the recess during the step of inserting the object into the recess. That is to say, it may be that the retaining member does not protrude beyond the perimeter of the recess during this step. The retaining member may be located within the footprint of the aperture during the step of inserting the object into the recess. The retaining member may be located within the footprint of the object during the step of inserting the object into the recess. That is to say, it may be that the retaining member does not protrude radially beyond the outer circumference of the portion of the object which is to be inserted into the recess.

The fixing may be located in a pre-installation storage space formed in the object housing, for example in the outer surface of the object housing, during insertion of the object into the recess. The retaining member may be located wholly within the pre-installation storage space during insertion of the object into the recess. Moving the first portion of the tail in the first direction may cause at least a portion of the retaining member to move radially outward. Thus, moving the first portion of the tail in the first direction may cause at least a portion of the retaining member to move out of the pre-installation storage space. Moving the first portion of the tail in the first direction may cause at least a portion of the retaining member to protrude radially outwardly from the pre-installation -9 -storage space. A guide surface, for example of the object housing, may be so shaped and arranged to cause such movement of the portion of the retaining member radially outward.

The object housing includes a first channel formed in the object housing, for example in the outer surface of the object housing. The first channel may extend along a portion of the length of the object housing. The first channel may extend substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the object housing, for at least part of the length of the channel (and optionally all of its length). The first channel may have an opening on the front surface of the object. Moving the first portion of the tail may cause at least a portion of the retaining member to move along a pre-set path from the pre-installation storage space into the first channel. Moving the first portion of the tail may cause at least a portion of the retaining member to move along the channel towards the mounting surface. The depth of the first channel may be less than the depth of the pre-installation storage space. Moving the first portion of the tail in the first direction may cause at least a portion of the retaining member to move radially away from the axis of the object. Moving the first portion of the tail in the first direction may cause at least a portion of the retaining member to protrude radially outwardly from the first channel. Moving the retaining member from the pre-installation storage space and along the first channel may cause at least a portion of the retaining member to move outside the footprint of the object and/or the recess. Thus, moving the first portion of the tail in the first direction may cause at least a portion of the retaining member to move outside the -10 -footprint of the object and/or the recess towards the retaining position.

Movement of the first portion of the tail causes movement of the fixing along a pre-set path determined, at least in part, by the first channel. The pre-set path may extend along the length of the object housing. It may be that the path, and therefore the fixing when it moves along such a path, does not substantially change position with respect to the distance from the central axis of the object along the length of the path. In the case where the object has rotational symmetry, it may thus be that the path, and therefore the fixing when it moves along such a path, does not substantially change position with respect to the radius of the object along the length of the path. It may be that the path or at least the majority of the path), and therefore the fixing when it moves along such a path, does not rotate axially about itself. It may be that the path (or at least the majority of the path) is so shaped that the movement of the fixing when it moves along the path is simple translational movement substantially along a straight line. Having a pre-set path defined by the first channel reduces the risk of the fixing becoming fouled during installation and therefore Increases ease and reliability of installation.

Moving the first portion of the tall in the first direction may move at least a portion of the retaining member to a position in which the retaining member abuts a surface of the recess. The retaining member may bear against the surface of the recess. The retaining member may press against the surface of the recess. It may be that a single movement of the first portion of the tail in the first direction deploys the retaining member from the insertion position (i.e. the position occupied by the retaining member when the object is inserted into the recess) to the retaining position (i.e. the position in which the retaining member abuts the surface of the recess). The step of moving the first portion of the tail in the first direction may comprise moving the tail in the first direction relative to the object. The step of moving the first portion of the tail may include pulling the tail in the first direction and/or pushing the object in a second direction, opposite to the first direction. The step of moving the first portion of the tail may include supporting the object during movement of the tail. Fixings in accordance with the present invention may be used with recesses having a wide variety of dimensions without further modification as the tail may be moved relative to the housing until the retaining member contacts a surface of the recess.

Moving the first portion of the tail in the first direction may increase the length of the portion of the tail located outside the recess and/or the object housing. Once the retaining member has been moved to the retaining position, the method may include reducing the length of the portion of the tail which is located outside the recess and/or the object housing. The length-reduction step may include moving the first portion of the tail in a second direction. The second direction may be opposite to the first direction. The length-reduction step may include bending the tail. The tail may be bent by more than 90 degrees, for example more than 135 degrees, for example more than 170 degrees to the first direction. The length-reduction step may include inserting a portion of the tail, for example the first portion of the tail, into the object housing. It -12 - may be that whole of the portion of the tail that is outside the recess and/or object housing after the retaining member has been moved to the retaining position is inserted into the object housing during the length-reduction step. It may be that the tail of the fixing does not protrude beyond the front face of the object once the length-reduction step has been completed. Once the length-reduction step has been completed, it may be that the tail is completely contained within the object housing. Inserting the tail into the object housing may facilitate arrangements having an improved visual appearance.

The tail may be Inserted into a second channel formed in the object housing during the length-reduction step. The second channel may extend substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the object housing. The second channel may extend substantially parallel to the first channel. The second channel may be located radially inward of the first channel. The arrangement of the second channel radially inward of the first channel may help to reduce the size of the object, and therefore the size of recess in which it can be accommodated. The second channel may be formed inside the object housing. The first portion of the tail may be inserted into the second channel when performing a step of inserting the first portion of the tail into the object housing. The second channel may have an opening on the front surface of the object. The first and second channels may share the same opening on the front surface of the object.

Having two channels per fixing may reduce the risk of the fixing becoming tangled or jamming during installation. The first channel may merge with the second channel, along at least part of their respective lengths.

-13 -The length-reduction step may include removing, for example cutting or breaking off, at least part of the portion of the tail which is located outside the recess, for example in the case where the fixing is disposable at least in part. For example, the method may include cutting off the first portion of the tail after the retaining member has been moved to the retaining position.

The method may include a step of locking the retaining member in place relative to the object once the retaining member is in the retaining position. The method may include using the tail to lock the retaining member in place. The tail and/or retaining member may be locked in place using a locking mechanism. The retaining member may be locked in place using a locking mechanism that allows movement in an 'unlocked' direction, but not in a 'locked direction', the 'unlocked' direction being opposite to the 'locked' direction.

The method may include a step of covering a portion of the fixing, for example a portion of the tail, with a cover plate. It will be understood that covering the fixing includes covering the opening of a channel in which a portion of the fixing is located. Thus, methods using a cover plate may result in an object with an improved appearance. The cover plate may be arranged and configured such that covering the fixing locks the fixing into position relative to the object. The cover plate may be arranged and configured such that uncovering the fixing releases the fixing. The step of covering the fixing may include covering the opening to the first and/or second channels.

The method may include a step of inserting the retaining member and at least part of the object into the -14 -recess, such that the first portion of the tail is located outside the recess and a second portion of the tail is located inside the recess once the retaining member and object have been inserted therein. The second portion of the tail may be located inside the object housing during the step of inserting the retaining member and the object therein. Movement of the tail in the first direction may move the second portion from inside the recess to outside the recess. Thus, the length of the portion of the tail located outside the recess may increase when the tail is moved in the first direction. The step of reducing the length of the tail may include inserting the second portion of the tail into the object housing.

The method may include using further fixings, for example one, two, three, four, five or more further fixings to retain the object in a recess. Using more than one fixing may provide a more stable installation.

The method may include a step of uninstalling the object from the recess. The step of uninstalling the object may include removing the cover plate (if present). The method may include a step of increasing the length of the portion of the tail located outside the recess and/or housing (for example such a step being performed once the cover plate (if present) has been removed). The length-increasing step may comprise removing the tail from the channel into which it had been inserted. The method may include a step of unlocking the retaining member. The method may include a step of removing the object from the recess. The step of removing the object from the recess may include a step of moving the object relative to the fixing. The movement of the object relative to the fixing may move the retaining member back inside the -15 -footprint of the object and/or recess. Thus, the movement of the object relative to the fixing may return the retaining member to the insertion position.

The object may comprise a main portion which in use is located within the recess. The object may comprise a protruding portion which in use is located outside the recess. The depth of the protruding portion may be very much less than the depth of the main portion. Once installed, the rear surface of the protruding portion may abut the front face of the mounting surface. The cross-sectional area of the protruding portion may be greater than the cross sectional area of the main portion. For example, where the object is substantially cylindrical, the radius of the main portion may be less than the radius of the protruding potion. The present invention may have application in cases where the object is substantially cuboidal.

The volume of the object may be less than 1000 cm3, for example less than 800 cms. The depth of the object may be less than 100 mm, for example less 80 ram. The object may have a mass of less than 10 kg, for example less than 5kg and/or less than 2kg. The object may be used with mounting surfaces having a depth of less than 100 mm, for example less than 80mm and/or less than 70mm.

The object may be used with mounting surfaces having a depth greater than 1 mm, for example greater than 5mm, and/or lOmm. The size of retaining member may vary as a function of the cross-sectional area of the object. The radial distance by which the portion of the retaining member extends beyond the footprint of the object and/or recess when the object is installed in the recess may be 5% or more. The radial distance by which the portion of the retaining member extends beyond the footprint of the -16 -object and/or recess may be less than 15', and optionally less than 103, of the diameter of the object.

The housing may include a plurality of first channels. The housing may include a plurality of second channels. The housing may include a pair of first and second channels for each fixing used to install the object in the recess.

The locking mechanism (see above) may be a ratchet mechanism. The tail of the fixing may include a plurality of teeth. The object, for example the object housing, may include a pawl that engages the plurality of teeth. The cover plate may act as a pawl that engages the plurality of teeth. Thus, the fixing, for example the tail of the fixing, may form part of a ratchet mechanism which is used to lock the retaining member into position relative to the object. Using the fixing to form part of the locking mechanism may reduce the number and complexity of components required in order to install the object in a recess thereby helping to reduce costs. The object, for example the object housing, may include a lever arranged and configured to release the pawl. Ratchet mechanisms are used in wide variety of applications, including cable ties, and as such are well understood and will not be discussed further.

The locking mechanism may comprise a grip attached to the object, for example the object housing. A portion of the fixing, for example the tail of the fixing, may pass through an aperture in the grip. The grip may allow free movement of the portion of the fixing in one, unlocked, direction and preventing movement in the opposite, locked, direction. The grip may be connected to the cover plate such that removing the cover plate releases the grip. The grip may be a wire grip, for example a 1superclamp' available from Ormiston Wire Limited of Isleworth, Middlesex, UK.

The mounting surface may be a panel, for example a plasterboard panel. The mounting surface may be a composite panel. The mounting surface may include one or more voids between the front and rear faces of the mounting surface. The mounting surface may be a wall, for example a stud wall. The mounting surface may be a ceiling. The mounting surface may form part of a piece 10 of furniture.

There may be provided a fixing for use in the method of the first aspect. The fixing may thus comprise a retaining member and a flexible tail.

The first portion of the tail may be the region adjacent to the distal end of the tail. The tail may be directly connected to the retaining member. Thus, the fixing may be of an extremely simple construction thereby helping to reduce manufacturing costs. The fixing may be of a composite construction. The tail of the fixing may be in the general form of a cable tie. The tail may be made from a commercial available cable tie. The retaining member may be arranged for connection to the cable tie. For example the retaining member may include an aperture through which a portion of the cable tie may be passed. Once assembled, the head of the cable tie may be accommodated in a recess in the retaining member. Using a commercially available cable tie to form the tail of the fixing may reduce production costs.

The fixing may be of a monolithic construction.

That is to say the retaining member and the flexible tail may be integrally formed.

The retaining member may have a first surface that, in use, abuts the retaining surface thereby retaining the -18 -object in the recess. The first surface may be substantially flat. The retaining member may have a second surface. The first surface and the second surface may meet to form a first edge of the retaining member. It may be that a normal to the first surface crosses, for example is perpendicular to, a normal to the second surface. It may be that, when the fixing is connected to the object, the second surface extends along a portion of the length of the object housing. It may be that, when the fixing is connected to the object, the second surface is adjacent to the object housing. It may be that the second surface extends parallel to the region of the object housing to which it is adjacent. It may be that, when the retaining member is in the retaining position the second surface includes the point on the retaining member that is radially closest to the centre of the object housing. The second surface may abut the object housing when the retaining member is in the retaining position. The second surface may be substantially flat.

It may be that when the retaining member is in the retaining position, pivoting of the retaining member in a first direction is prevented by the contact between the first surface and the mounting surface, and pivoting of the retaining member in a second, opposite, direction is prevented by the contact between the second surface and the object housing. The retaining member may include a third surface, opposite the second surface. When the fixing is connected to the object housing the third surface may be located radially outward of the second surface. The tail of the fixing may be connected to the retaining member at one end of the retaining member. The tail of the fixing may be connected to the retaining member at a point closer to the second edge than to the -19 -third edge. The tail may be connected to the retaining member in the region of the edge formed between the first surface and the second surface.

In certain embodiments, the retaining member may be 5 a substantially wedge-shaped member. In certain other embodiments, the retaining member may be a substantially planar member. The retaining member may be annular. The retaining member may be arcuate. The radius of the retaining member may be greater than the radius of the 10 object and/or recess. The fixing may have more than one flexible tail, for example the fixing may have two, three, four or more flexible tails attached to the retaining member. The flexible tails may be circumferentially spaced around the retaining member. The 15 retaining member may be radially compressible.

In the case that the fixing includes more than one tail, it may be that the step of inserting the retaining member and the object into the recess comprises first inserting the retaining member into the recess and then inserting the object into the recess. The method may include a step of connecting each tail of the fixing to the object immediately after inserting the retaining member into the recess and before fully inserting the object into the recess.

The fixing may be made from a plastic material. For example, the fixing may be made, at least in part, from a cable tie. The fixing may be made from a metal material. For example, the tail may be a metal cable, for example a braided metal cable.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a kit for installing an object in a recess, the kit comprising: at least one fixing comprising a retaining member and a flexible tail, and the object. The -20 -object comprises an object housing including a first channel formed in the object housing. The object and the fixing are configured such that when the fixing is received in the first channel moving a first portion of the tail in the first direction increases the length of the portion of the tail located outside the object housing and moves at least a portion of the retaining member to a retaining position in which the retaining member can abut a surface of the recess.

In further aspects of the invention there are provided an object for use as the object of the kit of the second aspect and a fixing for use as the fixing of the kit of the second aspect.

In a broader aspect of the invention a method of installing an object in a recess using a fixing is provided, the method comprising the steps of: inserting the object and at least a portion of the fixing into the recess; and moving at least a portion of the fixing in a first direction such that the fixing retains the object in the recess. The method may include the step of moving the fixing such that a portion of the fixing abuts a surface of the recess thereby retaining the object in the recess. It may be that the fixing comprises a retaining member. It may be that the fixing comprises a flexible tail. It may be that a first portion of the fixing, for example a portion of the tail, is located outside the recess immediately after the object and at least a portion of the fixing have been inserted therein. It may be that the step of moving a portion of the fixing in the first direction includes moving the first portion, for example the tail, in the first direction.

It will of course be appreciated that features described in relation to one aspect of the present -21 -invention may be incorporated into other aspects of the present invention. For example, the method of the invention may incorporate any of the features described with reference to the apparatus of the invention and vice versa.

It will be appreciated that fixings in accordance with the present invention may be used to install a wide variety of objects into recesses, including loudspeakers, light fittings and other objects. Thus, any aspect of the present invention described with reference to the installation of loudspeakers may apply equally to methods and/or apparatus for installation of any other object in a recess. Other objects which may be installed using the apparatus or methods of the present invention include, but are not limited to, lights (including light fittings), sensors (including fire alarms), and air conditioning vents.

Description of the Drawings

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings of which: FIG. 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a loudspeaker and fixings for use in an example method in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 shows a flow chart of the example method of the first embodiment; FIG. 3 shows a cut-away view of a loudspeaker in accordance with the first embodiment; -22 -FIG. 4 shows a flow chart of an example method of uninstalling a loudspeaker in accordance with the first embodiment; FIGS. Sa and Sb show a close up of fixing for use in the example method of the first embodiment; FIG. 5a shows the fixing as configured during insertion of the loudspeaker into the recess; FIG. 5b shows the fixing as configured after the loudspeaker has been installed; FIG. 6 shows a loudspeaker and fixings for installation using an example method in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention; FIG. 7 shows an example of a loudspeaker and fixings for installation using an example method in accordance with a third embodiment of the invention; and FIG. 8 shows a flow chart of the example method of the third embodiment.

Detailed Description

The illustrated embodiments concern the fitting of an object in a recess, the object being in the form of a loudspeaker.

FIG. 1 shows a cross sectional view of a loudspeaker 1 and associated fixings 12 for use in an example method in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention. The loudspeaker 1 has a main body 2 mounted in a plasterboard ceiling panel 6. The main body 2 of the loudspeaker 1 extends upwards through an aperture formed in the ceiling panel 6 into a cavity 4 formed behind the panel 6. The loudspeaker 1 has a front portion 2a which has a greater radius than the main body -23 - 2 of the loudspeaker 1. The rear surface of the front portion 2a abuts the front surface of the ceiling panel 6. The depth of the main body 2 is very much greater than the depth of the front portion 2a. A loudspeaker driver 8 including a diaphragm 8a and a chassis 8b is concentrically located within the loudspeaker 1. In use, the front portion 2a and diaphragm 8a are visible to the user. An outer channel 10, shown in cross-section on the left-hand side of FIG.1, is formed in the outer surface of the main body 2 of the loudspeaker 1 and extends from a storage space 11 to the front portion 2a. The outer channel 10 runs parallel to the longitudinal axis of the loudspeaker 1 and extends through the front portion 2a of the loudspeaker 1. An inner channel 24 branches off the outer channel 10 just inside the front surface of the front portion 2a and extends upwards parallel to the longitudinal axis of the loudspeaker 1. The inner channel 24 is located radially inward from the outer channel 10. A bar 20 is located at the point where the inner channel 24 branches off from the outer channel 10. A plastic dog (fixing) 12 is located in the outer channel 10 and storage space 11. The fixing 12, comprises a wedge-shaped head 16 and an elongate tall 14 connected to the wedge-shaped head 16 at one side of the fixing. A plurality of teeth 22 are formed in the tail 14 of the fixing 12. A second fixing 12' is located in a second channel 10' which is spaced apart from the first channel 10 at an angle of 180 degrees around the circumference of the loudspeaker 1. The second channel 10' and storage space 11' is shown on the right-hand side of FIG. 1. The first 12 and second 12' fixings are shown in different configurations in FIG. 1. The distal end of the tail 14 of the first fixing 12 is located outside the loudspeaker -24 - 1 on the front side (i.e. the underneath) of the ceiling panel 6 and front portion 2a. The tail 14 of the first fixing 12 passes through the front portion 2a and extends along the outer channel 10 to the head 16, which is spaced apart from the rear surface of the ceiling panel 6. The underside of the wedge-shaped head 16' of the second fixing 12' is in contact with the rear surface of ceiling panel 6. The tail 14' of the second fixing 12' extends along the outer channel 10' from the head 16' towards the front surface of ceiling panel 6, around the bar 20', and then back along the inner channel 24'. The distal end of the tail 14' of the second fixing 12' is located on the far side of the head 16' to the ceiling panel 6. The teeth 22' of the portion of the tail 14' located in the outer channel 10' engage with a pawl (part of piece 30' as shown for example on the right hand side of Fig. 1) located inside the main body 2 of the loudspeaker 1 to form a ratchet mechanism which locks the head 16' in position relative to the loudspeaker 1. A hinged cover plate 18 is open adjacent to the entrance to the outer channel 10 in which the first fixing 12 is located. A second hinged cover plate 18' lies substantially flush with the front surface of the front portion 2a across the opening of the second outer channel 10'.

FIG.2 shows a flow chart of a method of installing a loudspeaker and fixing as shown in FIG.1 in a ceiling in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention. The method includes inserting 100 the loudspeaker 1 and two connected fixings 12 into an aperture in the ceiling 6. After the loudspeaker 1 has been inserted 100 into the ceiling 6, the fixing 12 is configured as shown on the left hand side of FIG. 1 (i.e. -25 -with the head 16 contained in the storage space 11, the majority of the tail 14 contained within the outer channel 10, and the distal end of the tail 14 located in front of the front portion of the loudspeaker 1). The distal end of the tail 14 of each fixing 12 is then pulled 102 downwards (forwards), away from the ceiling thereby moving 104 the head 16 of each fixing 12 out of the storage space 11 and downwards along the outer channel 10 until it abuts and is pressed against 106 the back of the ceiling panel 6 (the position of the fixing as shown on the right hand side of FIG. 1). While the tail 14 is being pulled 102 downwards the loudspeaker is supported 103 by the user's other hand and the teeth 22 on the tail in the outer channel 10 slide over the pawl mechanism (but such that movement of the tail in the reverse direction is prevented by the pawl mechanism). The tail 14 is then bent 108 backwards on itself and the distal end of the tail 14 is inserted 110 into the inner channel 24. The tail 14 is pushed 112 into the channel until the tail is completely contained 114 within the body of the loudspeaker (as shown on the right hand side of FIG. 1). The ratchet-pawl mechanism (see for example the arrangement on the right hand side of FIG. 1 formed by the engagement of the teeth on the tail 14' of the fixing 12' against the corresponding teeth on the part 30') prevents the portion of the tail 14 in the outer channel 10 from moving upwards and thus holds the underside of the head 16 against the rear surface of the ceiling thereby retaining the loudspeaker in the recess.

A cover plate 18 is placed 116 over the entrance to each outer channel 10 to hide the opening to the channels 10, 24 and the fixing 12. Thus, the example method allows for a tool-free installation of a loudspeaker into a -26 -recess. The example method also allows for such tool-free installation without the need for the user to put their hand inside the recess. The fixings may also be easier to use than prior art fixings -the user may pull the tail with one hand while supporting the weight of the loudspeaker with the other, thereby reducing the dexterity required in comparison to some prior art methods. The portion of the tail that is pulled is also visible to the user as it is located outside the recess which may further increase the ease of use. Moreover, the flexibility of the tail allows the tail to be stored inside the body of the loudspeaker thereby improve the visual appearance of the loudspeaker once installed. In use, because the fixing is connected to the loudspeaker via the channels 10, there is no need for a frame in addition to the loudspeaker -the loudspeaker may be installed in the ceiling and directly supported by the fixings. This may reduce the size of the package, and thereby allow loudspeakers in accordance with the present invention to be installed in recesses where space is limited. Fixings in accordance with the present embodiment are mechanically simple and are therefore may be easier to manufacture than prior art fixings.

FIG. 3 shows an external view of a loudspeaker 1 installed in accordance with the method discussed above.

The cylindrical nature of main body 2 and front portion 1 can be seen in FIG. 3. Both cover plates 18 are flush with the front surface of the loudspeaker 1, giving the loudspeaker a finished appearance. The underside of the head 16 of the fixing 12 is in contact with the rear (i.e. upper) surface of the ceiling.

FIG. 4 shows a flow chart for uninstalling the loudspeaker 1 from the ceiling 6 in accordance with the first example method described above. To begin uninstalling the speaker 1 the cover plate 18 is removed 190 from the opening of each outer channel 10. The ratchet mechanism is released 192 using a lever (see for example, the lever formed by the lower portion of the part 30' shown on the right hand side of FIG. 1) and the tail 14 of each fixing 12 is pulled 194 out of the inner channel 24. The loudspeaker 1 is pulled 196 out of the recess, with the head 16 of each fixing 12 being pushed back 198 into the outer channel 10 of the loudspeaker 1 as a result of the movement of the loudspeaker 1 relative to the ceiling panel 6. Thus, the example methods allow for tool-free removal of a loudspeaker from a recess. Methods in accordance with the present embodiment also allow for reuse of the fixings, which may reduce installation costs.

FIGS. 5a and 5h show a close up view of a dog (fixing) 12 for use with the method described above. For clarity, all other elements of the loudspeaker 1 have been omitted from FIGS. 5a and 5b. FIG. 5a shows the fixing as configured during insertion 100 of the loudspeaker 1 into the cavity 4. As discussed above, the fixing 12 comprises a wedge-shaped head 16 and elongate tail 14. In close up in FIG. 5a it can be seen that the wedge-shaped head 16 includes a first surface 16a and a perpendicularly extending second surface 16b which are connected to one another by a third, curved, surface 16c (1.e the head 16 has a shape corresponding to a ninety-degree segment of a circle when viewed from a side-on elevation). A flat pad 16d protrudes from the first surface 16a. Two locating pins 16e are located on each of the side faces of the head 16. The tail 14 is connected to the midplane of the head 16 on the first -28 -surface 16a towards the junction between the first surface 16a and the second surface 16b. In the insertion configuration, as shown in FIG. 5a, the flexible tail 14 is straight, and extends from the first surface 16a in a direction parallel to the normal of the first surface 16a and thus parallel to the vertical surface 16b. The distal end of the tail 14 is located below the head 16.

In use, the vertical surface 16b is adjacent to the bottom of channel 10. The pins 16e are located in a recess (not shown) formed in the sides of channel 10. The tail 14 extends along channel 10. The fixing 12 contacts the rear surface of the ceiling panel 6 via the pad 16d. The segment-like shape of the head 16 prevents rotation of the head 16 while the fixing 12 is retaining the loudspeaker 1 in the cavity 4 due to the contact between (1) vertical surface 16h and the bottom of channel 10 in one rotation direction and (11) the pad 16d and rear of ceiling panel 6. Locating pins 16e help to ensure the fixing 12 is retained in the channel 10 and thereby reduce the risk of the fixing 12 tangling or becoming jammed.

FIG. 5b shows the fixing as configured after the loudspeaker is secured in the recess and the tail 14 is completely contained within the body of the loudspeaker (i.e. after step 114 shown in FIG 2). In FIG.5b the teeth 22 can be seen formed in the front surface 14a of the tail 14. The tail 14 has a rear surface 14b in which no teeth are formed. In the retaining position, as shown in FIG. 5b, the tail 14 is bent away from horizontal surface 16a and the majority of the rear surface 14b faces the vertical surface 16b. The distal end of the tail 14 is located above the head 16.

-29 -In another example method (not illustrated), the tail of the fixing is a commercially available cable tie, the head of which is accommodated in a recess in the retaining member to form the fixing. The structure of the loudspeaker housing and the method of use are otherwise as described in relation to the first embodiment above. The teeth of the cable tie engage with the pawl/ratchet mechanism to lock the fixing in place. Using a commercially available cable tie may reduce production costs and simplify the process of producing the fixing.

In a variation to the method described above (not illustrated), for example in the case where the tail is made from a cable tie, the portion of the tail located outside the loudspeaker after the head has been moved to the retaining position is cut off, rather than being folded back and inserted inside the loudspeaker. In that case, new fixings would be required if the loudspeaker was to be reinstalled but the reduction in manufacturing cost associated with using an off the shelf product may make the use of cable ties appropriate in some situations.

In another example method (not illustrated), the plastic fixing (labelled 12 in FIG. 1) may be replaced with a fixing having a tail formed from braided metal wire and a plastic head (which could alternatively be a metal head in yet other embodiments). The part-metal fixing may be used to install a loudspeaker in a recess as described above, with the exception that the ratchet mechanism which involves teeth formed in the tail of the fixing is replaced with a wire clutch mechanism, such as for example an Ormiston Wire 'superclamp', attached to the loudspeaker housing. The wire clutch mechanism -30 -allows upwards movement of the portion of the wire located in the inner channel (labelled 24 in FIG. 1) but prevents downward movement, thereby locking the retaining member in position. The wire clutch mechanism is attached to the cover plate such that removing the cover plate compresses the collar which releases the wire clutch mechanism. The metal cable may be less prone to aging and breaking than a plastic equivalent and may also be more appropriate when higher loads are to be supported.

FIG. 6 shows an external view of a loudspeaker 201 for installation in a recess (not shown) using an example method in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention. Loudspeaker 201 is substantially the same as the loudspeaker of the first embodiment with the exception that three fixings 212 are connected to the loudspeaker 201. Each fixing 212 is located in a channel 210 spaced apart by 120 degrees around the circumference of the main body 202 of the loudspeaker 201. The method of installation is substantially as described with respect to the first embodiment. After installation, each fixing 212 (comprising its wedge-shaped head 216 and elongate tail 214 connected thereto) is located in the outer channel 210 and storage space 211. Using three fixings 212 to install the loudspeaker 201 may increase the stability of the loudspeaker once installed, and may assist in getting the rear surface of front portion 202a flat against the ceiling panel (not shown in Figure 6).

FIG. 7 shows an exploded view of a loudspeaker 501 and a fixing 550 for installation in a ceiling panel (not shown) using an example method in accordance with a third embodiment of the invention. Only those elements of the present embodiment which differ from the embodiment -31 -described in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 will be described here. The fixing 550 comprises a flexible ring 550a having an inner radius greater than the main body of the loudspeaker 501 to be installed and an outer diameter wider than that of the aperture (not shown) into which the loudspeaker 501 is to be installed. Four elongate flexible tails 550b extend from, and are equally circumferentially spaced around, the ring 550a. Four outer channels 510, each outer channel 510 corresponding to a tail 550b, are formed in the outer surface of the main body 502 of the loudspeaker 501 and extend through to the front surface of the front portion 502b of the loudspeaker 501.

FIG. 8 shows a flow chart of the example method of the third embodiment. In use, the flexible ring 550a is bent and inserted 450 into an aperture in a ceiling panel (not shown) while the flexible tails 550b remain outside the recess. Once the ring 550a has been inserted 450 into the aperture it regains its shape and each tall 550b of the fixing is threaded 452 through a corresponding channel 510 in the loudspeaker housing and out of the front side of the loudspeaker. The loudspeaker 501 is then inserted 454 into the aperture such that a portion of each tail 550b is located outside the recess. Each tail 550b is then pulled 456 downwards to evenly press 456 the ring 550a against the rear side of the ceiling panel. The method then proceeds substantially in accordance with the first example method described above.

Whilst the present invention has been described and 30 illustrated with reference to particular embodiments, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the invention lends itself to many different variations not specifically illustrated herein. By way -32 -of example only, certain possible variations will now be described.

The pawl mechanism shown by part 30' in FIG 1 could be positioned in the inner channel, instead of the outer channel, so that the ratchet-pawl mechanism acts to retain and secure the loudspeaker in place only when the distal end of the tail is inserted into the inner channel. In such a case, when the tall is so inserted into the inner channel, the portion of the tail 14 in the inner channel 24 would be prevented by the ratchet-pawl mechanism from moving downwards -i.e. out of the inner channel 24 -in turn thus preventing the portion of the tail 14 in the outer channel 10 from moving upwards.

It will be appreciated that the loudspeaker of the above embodiments may be replaced with any other object to be Installed in a recess. The use of the fixing method and apparatus of the present embodiments may be of particular use and benefit in relation to the installation of light fittings in recesses, for example in ceilings. Other applications are also envisaged concerning the installation of objects such as, for example, a smoke alarm, a vent and/or a display screen. It will be appreciated that the loudspeaker (or other object) need not be cylindrical; a large variety of loudspeaker shapes can be accommodated provided an appropriate number of fixings are used. It will also be appreciated that the loudspeaker need not be installed in a ceiling, it could be installed in a wall, or a recess formed in any other surface.

Where in the foregoing description, integers or

elements are mentioned which have known, obvious or foreseeable equivalents, then such equivalents are herein incorporated as if individually set forth. Reference should be made to the claims for determining the true scope of the present invention, which should be construed so as to encompass any such equivalents. It will also be appreciated by the reader that integers or features of the invention that are described as preferable, advantageous, convenient or the like are optional and do not limit the scope of the independent claims. Moreover, it is to be understood that such optional integers or features, whilst of possible benefit in some embodiments of the invention, may not be desirable, and may therefore be absent, in other embodiments.

There now follows various clauses defining subject matter that form part of the present disclosure, and which may (whether in combination or otherwise) form the basis of a future patent claim. The subject matter of one or more clauses may be combined with the subject matter of any other clause unless the combination would not be self-consistent or would otherwise not make sense.

1. A method of installing an object in a recess using a fixing, the fixing comprising a retaining member and a flexible tail, the method comprising the steps of: i. inserting the retaining member and the object into the recess, such that a first portion of the tail is located outside the recess immediately after the retaining member and object have been inserted therein, and ii. moving the first portion of the tail in a first direction such that the retaining member abuts a surface of the recess thereby retaining the object in the recess.

2. A method according to clause 1, wherein the method includes bending the tail once the retaining member has -34 -been moved to abut the surface such that the length of the portion of the tail located outside the recess is reduced.

3. A method according to clause 1 or clause 2, wherein the object comprises an object housing and the method includes inserting the first portion of the tail into the object housing once the retaining member has been moved to abut the surface.

4. A method according to any of clauses 1 to 3, wherein the method includes removing at least part of the portion of the tail located outside the recess once the retaining member has been moved to abut the surface.

5. A method according to any of clauses 1 to 4, wherein the method includes using the tail to lock the retaining member in place relative to the object once the retaining member has been moved to abut the surface.

6. A method according to clause 5, wherein the tail comprises a plurality of teeth which engage with a pawl to form a ratchet mechanism that locks the retaining member in place relative to the object.

7. A method according to any of clauses 1 to 6, wherein the method includes covering at least part of the fixing with a cover plate once the retaining member has been moved to abut the surface.

8. A method according to clause 7 when dependent on clause 5 or clause 6, wherein covering the fixing with the cover plate locks the tail and therefore the retaining member in place relative to the object.

9.A method according to any of clauses 1 to 8, wherein the step of inserting the retaining member and the object into the recess comprises first inserting the

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retaining member into the recess and then inserting the object into the recess.

10. A method according to any of clauses 1 to 8, wherein the retaining member is located within a channel formed in the body of the object during the step of inserting the object and retaining member into the recess.

11. A method according to any of clauses 1 to 10, wherein the recess comprises an aperture formed in a mounting surface and the retaining member abuts the rear face of the mounting surface.

12. A method according to any of clauses 1 to 11, wherein the tail is directly connected to the retaining member.

13. A method according to any of clauses 1 to 12, wherein the fixing is made from a plastic material.

14. A method according to any of clause 13, wherein the tail of the fixing is in the general form of a cable tie.

15. A method according to any of clauses 1 to 12, wherein the tail of the fixing is made from a metal.

16. A method according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the object is in the form of a light fitting.

17. A method according to any of clauses 1 to 15, wherein the object is not a loudspeaker.

18. A fixing for use in the method of clauses 1 to 17. 19. A kit for installing an object in a recess using the method of any of clauses 1 to 17, the kit comprising the object and at least one fixing.

Claims

-36 -Claims 1. A method of installing an object in a recess using a fixing, the fixing comprising a retaining member and a 5 flexible tail, the object comprising an object housing including a first channel formed in the object housing, the method comprising the steps of: i. inserting the retaining member and the object into the recess, such that a first portion of the tail is located outside the recess immediately after the retaining member and object have been inserted therein, and ii. moving the first portion of the tail in a first direction such that the retaining member abuts a surface of the recess thereby retaining the object in the recess, wherein movement of the first portion of the tail causes movement of the fixing along a pre-set path determined, at least in part, by the first channel.
2. A method according to claim 1, wherein a user moves the first portion of the tail in the first direction by pulling the tail.
3. A method according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the first portion of the tail is the region adjacent the distal end of the tail.
4. A kit for installing an object in a recess, the kit comprising: at least one fixing comprising a retaining member 30 and a flexible tail, and the object, the object comprising an object housing including a first channel formed in the object housing, wherein the object and the fixing are configured such that when the fixing is received in the first channel moving a first portion of the tail in the first direction increases the length of the portion of the tail located outside the object housing and moves at least a portion of the retaining member to a retaining position in which the retaining member can abut a surface of the recess.
5. A kit according to claim 4, wherein the object and the fixing are configured such that movement of the first portion of the tail causes movement of the fixing along a pre-set path determined, at least in part, by the first channel.
6. A kit according to claim 5 wherein at least the majority of the path is so shaped that the movement of the fixing when it moves along the path is simple translational movement substantially along a straight line.
7. A kit according to claim 5 or 6, wherein moving the first portion of the tail causes at least a portion of the retaining member to move along the pre-set path from a pre-installation storage space into the first channel, the depth of the first channel being less than the depth of the pre-installation storage space.
8. A kit according to any of claims 4 to 7, wherein moving the first portion of the tail in the first 25 direction causes at least a portion of the retaining member to move radially outward.
9. A kit according to claim 8, wherein the a guide surface, of the object housing is shaped and arranged to cause such movement of the portion of the retaining 30 member radially outward.
10. A kit according to any of claims 4 to 9, the first channel extending substantially parallel to the -38 -longitudinal axis of the object housing for at least part of the length of the channel.
11. A kit according to any of claims 4 to 10, wherein the tail of the fixing passes through the first channel and/or the retaining member is located within the first channel.
12. A kit according to any of claims 4 to 11, the object comprising a second channel formed in the object housing, the object and fixing being configured such that the tail of a fixing that passes through the first channel can be inserted into the second channel during a length-reduction step in which the length of the portion of the tail which is located outside the object housing is reduced.
13. A kit according to claim 12, wherein the tail is bent by more than 90 degrees, for example more than 135 degrees, for example more than 170 degrees, to the first direction when the tail is inserted into the second channel.
14. A kit according to claim 12 or claim 13, wherein the first channel merges with the second channel, along at least part of their respective lengths
15. A kit according to any of claims 12 to 14, wherein the second channel extends substantially parallel to the 25 first channel and/or the second channel is located radially inward of the first channel.
16. A kit according to any of claims 4 to 15, wherein the object comprises a locking mechanism configured to lock the tail and/or retaining member in place relative to the object once the retaining member is in the retaining position.-39 -
17. A kit according to claim 16, wherein the tail of the fixing includes a plurality of teeth and the object includes a pawl that engages the plurality of teeth.
18. A kit according to any of claims 4 to 17, further comprising a cover plate for covering the opening of the first channel in which a portion of the fixing is located, and optionally, wherein the object and cover plate are arranged and configured such that covering the fixing locks the fixing into position relative to the object.
19. A kit according to any of claims 4 to 18, wherein the object comprises a plurality of first channels and, optionally, a plurality of second channels; and the kit comprises further fixings.
20. A kit according to any of claims 4 to 19, wherein the object is a loudspeaker.
21. A kit according to any of claims 4 to 20, wherein the retaining member has a first surface that, in use, abuts the retaining surface thereby retaining the object in the recess, and wherein the first surface is substantially flat.
22. A kit according to claim 21, wherein the retaining member has a second surface, the first surface and the second surface meet to form a first edge of the retaining member and when the fixing is connected to the object, the second surface extends along a portion of the length of the object housing and/or wherein the second surface abuts the object housing when the retaining member is in the retaining position.
23. A kit according to any of claims 4 to 22, wherein the object comprise a main portion which in use is located within the recess and a protruding portion which in use is located outside the recess and wherein the -40 -depth of the protruding portion is very much less than the depth of the main portion and/or the cross-sectional area of the protruding portion is greater than the cross sectional area of the main portion.
24. The object of any of claims 4 to 23 comprising a fixing having a retaining member and a flexible tail located in the first channel.
25. The fixing of any of claims 4 to 24.