Abstract: A speaker system utilizes dipole speaker drivers in conjunction with monopole speaker drivers in a listening area to disperse a surround sound effect to a listener. The dipole speaker drivers are physically mounted on top of the front left and right speakers and are angled in a way that the surround information is delivered to the listener via wall/room reflections. By reflecting the sound off the walls, the system provides a delayed diffuse audio signal from the dipole speakers, enhancing the surround effect.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
October 4, 2004
Date of Patent:
October 18, 2011
Assignee:
Altec Lansing, LLC
Inventors:
Charles Emory Hughes, II, Olin Daniel Williford
Abstract: Embodiments of a speaker assembly and cooperating suspension ring designed to allow installation of the assembly in a horizontal ceiling tile from below are disclosed. The speaker assembly includes a body or housing with a flange at one end. The body has a diameter that allows it to fit through a hole the ceiling tile and the suspension ring. The assembly is further provided with clamps attached to the flange next to the body. In order to bring the flange into contact with the ceiling tile, the assembly must be aligned so that the clamps penetrate cooperating voids in the suspension ring. The assembly is then rotated in a direction depending on the tile thickness and lowered into a position where the clamps engage with projections on the suspension ring so that the suspension ring supports the weight of the assembly.