WO2008029358A1

WO2008029358A1 - A music playing arrangement

Info

Publication number: WO2008029358A1
Application number: PCT/IB2007/053574
Authority: WO
Inventors: Paul Victor
Original assignee: Paul Victor
Priority date: 2006-09-06
Filing date: 2007-09-05
Publication date: 2008-03-13
Also published as: ZA200902097B

Abstract

A music playing arrangement (10) which has a case (12) with a body (14), to which a cover (16) and a chassis (18) is attached, a plurality of first input sources (20) on the body, a plurality of first output means (22) which are connected to the first input sources, a plurality of second input sources (70) on the chassis, a plurality of second output means (72) which are connected to the second input sources, a plurality of controls (24) which are connected to the first and second input sources, a primary power supply connector (102) on the case, a first secondary power supply connector (104) which connects the primary connector with the first input sources and a second secondary power supply connector (106) which is independent from the first secondary connector and which connects the primary connector to the second input sources.

Description

A MUSIC PLAYING ARRANGEMENT

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a music playing arrangement primarily for use by a disk jockey.

A disk jockey or DJ who plays recorded music on site at live events usually sets up a number of individual components in order to play the music and often carries a number of backup components in case of component failure.

The number of individual components are difficult to transport and the setting up and the striking down of the components after the event can be laborious and time consuming.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention aims to provide an alternative music playing arrangement which might alleviate some of the abovementioned problems.

The invention provides a music playing arrangement which includes a case which has a body and a chassis which is removably engaged with the body, at least one first input source which is housed on the body, at least one first output means which is connected to the first input source, at least one second input source which is housed on the chassis, at least one second output means which is connected to the second input source, a plurality of controls on the body which are connected to the first input source and the second input source, a primary power supply connector on the case which is connectable to an electrical power source, a first secondary power supply connector which connects the primary connector with at least the first input source and a second secondary power supply connector which is independent from the first secondary connector and which connects the primary connector with at least the second input source. The case may include a cover which is movably attached to the body. The cover is preferably hinged to the body. The cover may include a screen. The cover may include lights which are preferably in the form of LED spotlights. The cover may include a plurality of speakers.

The first input source may include any one or selection from a first disk player, a second disk player, a microphone input socket, an external music source input socket and a mixer input socket. The second output means may act as the first input source.

Preferably the music playing arrangement includes a plurality of first input sources.

The first output means may include any one or selection from speakers, music output connectors, lights and indicators. The output connectors may be in the form of phono 1 , phono 2, headphone and mixer output sockets. The first output means may act as the second input source. The indicators may include input source, sound source and volume level indicators.

The music playing arrangement may include a plurality of first output means.

The second input source may include any one or selection from a USB connector, a third disk player, a data storage device, a network connector and an electronic direct line input connector.

The music playing arrangement may include a plurality of second input sources.

The second output means may include any one or selection from a display, indicators, an USB connector, a network connector and a video connector.

The music playing arrangement may include a plurality of second input means. The controls may include any selection from light controls, power supply controls, volume controls and music mixer controls. The mixer controls may be in the form of faders, pots, cue slides, mixer slides and equaliser controls.

The invention also provides a music playing arrangement which includes a case which has a body, a cover which is movably attached to the body and a chassis which is engaged with the body, a plurality of first input sources which are housed on the body, a plurality of first output means which are connected to the first input sources, a plurality of second input sources which are housed on the chassis, a plurality of second output means which are connected to the second input sources, a plurality of controls on the body which are connected to the first input sources and the second input sources, a primary power supply connector on the case which is connectable to an electrical power source, a first secondary power supply connector which connects the primary connector with the first input sources and a second secondary power supply connector which is independent from the first secondary connector and which connects the primary connector to the second input sources.

The first input sources may include a selection from a first disk player, a second disk player, a microphone input socket, an external music source input socket and a mixer input socket.

The second input sources may include a selection from a third disk player, a data storage device, a USB connector, a network connector and an electronic direct line input connector.

The music playing arrangement may include a CPU, a mother board, a memory storage device and a sound card which are fixed to the chassis.

The music playing arrangement may include at least a first disk player and a music mixer which are attached to the body. The music playing arrangement may include a screen which is attached to the cover.

The music playing arrangement may include speakers which are attached to the cover or the body.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention is further described by way of examples with reference to the drawings in which :

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a music player according to the invention in an open position;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of the music player of Figure 1 in a closed position;

Figure 3 is an exploded, perspective view of the music player of Figure 1 ;

Figure 4 is a plan view of a player consol of the music player of Figure 1 ;

Figure 5 is a schematic, plan view of a computer assembly of the music player of Figure 1 ;

Figure 6 is a front side view of the music player of Figure 1 ;

Figure 7 is a rear side view of the music player of Figure 1 ;

Figure 8 is a schematic representation of various input, output and control components of the music player of Figure 1 ; and

Figure 9 is a plan view of an alternative player consol for use in the music player of Figure 1. DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Figures 1 to 8 illustrate a music playing arrangement or music player 10 which has a case 12 with an upper body or player consol 14, a cover 16 which is movably attached and hinged to the consol 14 and a lower computer chassis or assembly 18 which is removably engaged with the consol 14.

A plurality of first input sources 20 are housed on the consol 14 and a plurality of first output means 22 are connected to the first input sources 20. A plurality of controls 24 are located on the consol 14, are connected to the first input sources 20 and are used to manipulate output to the first output means 22. Alternatively output is delivered directly to the first output means 22 from the first input sources 20.

In this example there are a number of first input sources 20 but it is possible to only have a single first input source 20 or the first input sources 20 can be a selection from the first input sources 20 of this example.

The first input sources 20 have a first disk player 26, a second disk player 28, a microphone input socket 30 and external music source input sockets 32.

The first input sources 20 are of known construction and each of the first and second disk players 26, 28 is accessible from above and has a laser pick-ups 34 to allow "scratching" of a disk (not shown) which can be played on the first or second disk player 26, 28.

The first output means 22 delivers music in the form of electronic data from the first input sources 20 to internal and external devices. The music player 10 can have a single first output means 22 or alternatively the first output means 22 can be a selection from speakers 36 which are located on the cover 16 and/or the consol 14, lights 38 on the cover 16, indicators 42 on the consol 14 and the computer assembly 18 and music output connectors 44 in the form of a headphone socket 46, direct output sockets 45 to an external mixer and electronic direct line-in, mixer or master output sockets 48. The speakers 36 are known, the lights 38 are in the form of LED spotlights and the indicators 42 are in the form of LED configurations. The output connectors 44, the master output sockets 48 and the headphone socket 46 are known.

The first output means 22 allows music generated from the first input sources 20 and controlled by the controls 24 on the consol 14 to be fed to internal (on board) and external amplifiers, speakers and mixers as required.

The controls 24 of this example are in the form of a power supply switch 50, sound source selectors 52, light switches 54, control buttons 56A for the first disk player 26, control buttons 56B for the second disk player 28, volume adjusters 58 and a music mixer or mixer panel 60. The controls 24 are known and for example include touch buttons, selectors and the mixer panel 60 has cue slides, pots, mixer sliders, faders and equalizer controls. Depending on requirements any one or selection from the controls 24 of this example can be used in a music player 10.

The cover 16 has a display 40 and air vents 62 to assist in the ventilation of the display 40, the speakers 36 and the lights 38. The cover 16 is lockable to the consol 14 in a position to cover the first and second disk players 26, 28 and the controls 24 in order to protect same from damage during transportation.

The consol 14 and the computer assembly 18 are held together by 'n plurality of screws 64, hinges (not shown) and clips (not shown) and the first input sources

20, first output means 22 and controls 24 of the consol 14 are connected to the components of the computer assembly 18 by way of a disengagable data connection 66.

A plurality of second input sources 70 are housed on the computer assembly 18 and a plurality of second output means 72 are connected to the second input sources 70. The controls 24 are connected to the second input sources 70 by way of the data connection 66 and are also used to manipulate the input received from the second input sources 70. Alternatively output is delivered directly to the second output means 72 from the second input sources 70. The second input sources 70 includes a first direct input 74 from the first output means 22 so that the first output means 22 acts as a second input source 70, a third disk player 76 in the form of a DVD Rom device, a data storage device 78 in the form of a hard drive, a direct access or a random access memory device 79, a plurality of USB connectors or ports 80, a network connector or port 82 and an electronic line input connector port 84.

The display 40 on the cover 16 can be in the form of a touch screen in which case it can act as a second input sources 70.

The DVD Rom 76, data storage device 78, USB ports 80, network port 82 and line input socket 84 are known.

The second output means 72 has a first direct output 86 to the first input source 20 so that the second output means 72 acts as a first input source 20. The second output means 72 further includes the display 40, the indicators 42, the USB ports 80, the network port 82, RCA output sockets 88, video output sockets 90 and sound card output sockets 92. Depending on requirements any one or selection from these second output means 72 can be used in the music player 10.

Output from the second input sources 70 to the second output means 72 are controlled by the controls 24 as well as electronic components such as one or more sound cards 94 and a CPU 96 which are housed in the computer assembly

18.

The DVD Rom 76, CPU 96, data storage device 78 and sound cards 94 are held in position on the computer assembly 18 by way of a known frame 98 and are connected through a known mother board 100.

A primary power supply connector 102 is located on the case 12 at the computer assembly 18 and the primary connector 102 is connectable to an electrical power source (not shown). A first secondary power supply connector 104 connects the primary connector 102 with the consol 14 and at least the first input sources 20 and a second secondary power supply connector 106 which is independent from the first secondary connector 104 connects the primary connector 102 to the computer assembly 18 and at least the second input sources 70.

The first and second secondary connectors 104, 106 are each in the form of a connection cable and/or a power supply unit combination and are independently controlled by way of the controls 24. The supply of electrical power to each of the consol 14 and the computer assembly 18 is in this manner independently controlled and independent from one another.

In use the primary connector 102 is connected to electrical mains and appropriate amplifiers, speakers, lights, video projectors, networks etc are connected to the first output means 22 and the second output means 72.

An operator or DJ (not shown) of the music player 10 can then, through the manipulation of the first and second input sources 20, 70 by means of the controls 24 play, mix and manipulate music, sound, video images and light effects by way of the music player 10. The consol 14 can operate independently from the computer assembly 18 and allows the playing of music disks on the first and second disk players 26, 28. Additional data from the computer assembly 18 can be added and mixed with the data received from the first input sources 20.

The display 40 and indicators 42 show the selection of input sources, output volumes and operation of the various components of the music player 10.

The lights 38 are used to illuminate the controls 24 and surrounding operating areas. The speakers 36 are used to provide direct sound to the operator. Alternatively headphones can be connected to the headphone socket 46. If so selected the headphones, once plugged into the headphone socket 46, will cause the speakers 36 to mute. The operator can add voice-overs or input to the mixer 60 and the computer assembly 18 by way of a microphone with is connected to the microphone input socket 30. Data from external sources can also be drawn through the various second input sources 70.

Should the computer assembly 18 fail for whatsoever reason then the consol 14 can continue to be operational and visa versa. This provides protection and backup in case of component failure as a part of the music player 10 can remain functional even when certain components are off line. This is achieved by the independent secondary connectors 104, 106.

The components of the computer assembly 18 can be upgraded and changed according to requirements.

Figure 8 shows an alternative consol 14A to illustrate that the exact layout and arrangement of the first input sources 20 and controls 24 on the consol 14 can vary. Similar reference numerals are used in respect of the consol 14A to identify similar components described in respect of the consol 14 and only the differences between the consol 14 and consol 14A are described.

In the consol 14A a single disk player 26 is used. A first set of additional controls

24A and a second set of additional controls 24B are however added to the controls 24. The exact layout of the controls 24 also vary. Each of the additional controls 24A, 24B is used to manipulate input received from electronic or digital data storage devices such as iPods™. These iPods™ can either form part of the computer assembly 18 as data storage devices 78 or can be external from the music player 10. Additional displays 4OA and 40B are also located on the consol 14 and are used to display information from the respective iPods™.

The music player 10 provides an integrated assembly of various pieces of equipment which are essential to an operator and reduces set up and striking time for the operator. The music player 10 has a large functionality in a compact design with all controls 24, displays 40 and indicators 42 in easy access and in view of the operator. Although the consol 14 and computer assembly can be disengaged in this example it is possible to interengage and integrate the consol 14 and computer assembly 18 into a single body.

Although the music player 10 is in this example described for use by a DJ the music player 10 can also be used as a complete, compact and portable home theatre system, mini hi-fi system and with use of an appropriate keyboard and mouse the music player 10 can be used as a personal computer.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A music playing arrangement which includes a case which has a body and a chassis which is removably engaged with the body, at least one first input source which is housed on the body, at least one first output means which is connected to the first input source, at least one second input source which is housed on the chassis, at least one second output means which is connected to the second input source, a plurality of controls on the body which are connected to the first input source and the second input source, a primary power supply connector on the case which is connectable to an electrical power source, a first secondary power supply connector which connects the primary connector with at least the first input source and a second secondary power supply connector which is independent from the first secondary connector and which connects the primary connector with at least the second input source.

2. A music playing arrangement according to claim 1 wherein the case includes a cover which is movably attached to the body.

3. A music playing arrangement according to claim 2 wherein the cover is hinged to the body.

4. A music playing arrangement according to claim 2 or 3 wherein the cover includes a screen.

5. A music playing arrangement according to claim 2, 3 or 4 wherein the cover includes LED spotlights.

6. A music playing arrangement according to any one of claims 2 to 5 wherein the cover includes a plurality of speakers.

7. A music playing arrangement according to any one of claims 1 to 6 wherein the first input source includes any one or selection from a first disk player, a second disk player, a microphone input socket, an external music source input socket and a mixer input socket.

8. A music playing arrangement according to any one of claims 1 or 7 wherein the second output means acts as the first input source.

9. A music playing arrangement according to any one of claims 1 to 8 which includes a plurality of first input sources.

10. A music playing arrangement according to any one of claims 1 to 9 wherein the first output means includes any one or selection from speakers, music output connectors, lights and indicators.

1 1. A music playing arrangement according to claim 10 wherein the indicators include input source, sound source and volume level indicators.

12. A music playing arrangement according to claim 10 or 1 1 wherein the output connectors are in the form of phono 1 , phono 2, headphone and mixer output sockets.

13. A music playing arrangement according to any one of claims 1 to 12 wherein the first output means acts as the second input source.

14. A music playing arrangement according to any one of claims 1 to 13 wherein the music playing arrangement includes a plurality of first output means.

15. A music playing arrangement according to any one of claims 1 to 14 wherein the second input source includes any one or selection from a USB connector, a third disk player, a data storage device, a network connector and an electronic direct line input connector.

16. A music playing arrangement according to any one of claims 1 to 15 which includes a plurality of second input sources.

17. A music playing arrangement according to any one of claims 1 to 16 wherein the second output means includes any one or selection from a display, indicators, an USB connector, a network connector and a video connector.

18. A music playing arrangement according to any one of claims 1 to 17 which includes a plurality of second input means.

19. A music playing arrangement according to claim 1 which includes, a plurality of first input sources, a plurality of first output means, a plurality of second input sources and a plurality of second output means.

20. A music playing arrangement according to claim 19 which includes a CPU, a mother board, a memory storage device and a sound card which are fixed to the chassis.

21. A music playing arrangement according to claim 19 or 20 which includes at least a first disk player and a music mixer which are attached to the body.

22. A music playing arrangement according to claim 19, 20 or 21 which includes a screen which is attached to the cover.

23. A music playing arrangement according to any one of claims 19 to 22 which includes speakers which are attached to the cover or the body.