With Furniture, Clothing, Or Image Display Patents (Class 381/388)
  • Patent number: 8675905
    Abstract: An improved case for a handheld electronic device is provided. The case comprises: a housing for enclosing an audio transducer and a display, the housing having a front portion having an interior region formed therein, a window for the audio transducer and the display in the interior region, a housing surface surrounding the window and a transducer hole for part of the audio transducer; and a lens having an interior lens surface, the interior lens surface formed to mate with the housing surface and the lens having a first region having an indentation formed in the interior lens surface. For the case, a cavity is formed by the indentation with the transducer hole when the interior lens surface is mated with the housing surface to cover the transducer hole; and the case has an opening formed therein in fluid communication with the cavity and atmosphere around the handheld electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Blackberry Limited
    Inventors: Ilan Rashish, Robert Phillips, Larry Hawker
  • Patent number: 8675906
    Abstract: An apparatus for mounting two speakers to a flat panel display device is disclosed which engages standardized mounting plates formed in such displays. The apparatus may be utilized with flat panel mounting devices, such as pedestal, wall or ceiling mounts. The apparatus provides adjustments of the position of each speaker mounted in regard to height, fore/aft and depth position, as well as rotation about an X, Y and Z axis. The apparatus enables changes relative to one or more of the aforementioned adjustments without altering other aspects of speaker position. A second alternate preferred embodiment of the disclosed mounting device provides remote actuation and locking of a pivot joint and a sliding joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Inventor: Ka Wai Lau
  • Patent number: 8670587
    Abstract: A hat that allows the wearer to select and play one of a plurality of pre-recorded audio tracks at an event is disclosed. The hat has a visor or brim formed of two layers between which are disposed an electronic audio-playing module having a plurality of pre-recorded audio tracks, a speaker and a plurality of switches. By pressing the appropriate switch, the sound module is activated and plays the selected audio. The provision of multiple tracks allows the wearer to select and broadcast audio appropriate for the event and to play different audios in response to changing circumstances during the event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Entertainment Headwear Inc.
    Inventor: Richard W. Townsend
  • Patent number: 8670581
    Abstract: An electrostatic loudspeaker (ESL) assembly providing curvature in two directions for improved dispersion of sound waves. The ESL comprises at least one stator panel, a flexible diaphragm and a spacer that impedes contact between the stator panel and the diaphragm. The stator is formed from a material that comprises an array of apertures. Furthermore, the material can be annealed. The material temper, along with the aperture geometry and patter, affect the stretchability of the material. The two-axis curved structure enables a compact form of ESL to be realized, including bookshelf type loudspeakers whereas all known commercial units are comparable in height to that of a human listener. The individual curved ESL panels can also be readily combined to create larger transducer assemblies including omni-directional units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Inventor: Murray R. Harman
  • Patent number: 8666104
    Abstract: A lighting and communication system with a horn enclosure for recessed ceiling panel or wall mounting, including a speaker with a horn expansion area to direct sound waves from the speaker to a horn enclosure front, at least one light enclosure located within the horn enclosure, the light enclosure defining a light cavity which is separated from said horn expansion area, with a light source inside the light cavity. The light source can be an LED array, which is capable of displaying text, colors or patterns in response to a control system signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Mitek Corp., Inc.
    Inventors: Loyd Ivey, Bruce Marlin, Alan Cross, Brad Diedrich
  • Patent number: 8666106
    Abstract: A sound reproducing device includes parametric speakers disposed to a display, a loudspeaker, drivers, a human-body sensor, and a controller. The loudspeaker has a wider directivity than the parametric speakers. The drivers change directions of the parametric speakers, respectively. The parametric speakers and the drivers constitute at least two parametric speaker units each composed of respective one of the parametric speakers and respective one of the drivers. The controller reproduces sound information based the number of persons in front of the display detected from an output from the human-body senor. The sound reproducing device reduces the possibility for a number of persons to hear the sound noisily, and allows drawing more attention to the content, e.g. an advertisement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Fumiyasu Konno, Katsu Takeda
  • Patent number: 8660290
    Abstract: A display device includes an image display component, first and second speakers, and a stand. The first and second speakers are mounted to the image display component. The first and second speakers are spaced apart from each other in a first direction of the image display component. The stand includes a base with first and second sound reflecting faces. The first and second sound reflecting faces are opposite the first and second speakers in a second direction of the image display component, respectively. The second direction is perpendicular to the first direction. The first sound reflecting face slopes downward as moving away from the second sound reflecting face and forward of the image display component. The second sound reflecting face slopes downward as moving away from the first sound reflecting face and forward of the image display component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Funai Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takahito Yamanaka
  • Patent number: 8655008
    Abstract: A method and a device are disclosed for a portable headset including an attached earphone and a support structure configured to position the earphone in a random position by user action. In various embodiments, the support structure is further configured to be detachably coupled to various different earphones. The portable headset is further configured to be attachable to different seats or anchor points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Cherno Waka Jagne
    Inventor: Cherno Waka Jagne
  • Publication number: 20140044301
    Abstract: A transducer includes a housing, a magnet unit, an elastic diaphragm, a vibration unit, and a coil. The housing has a first housing and a second housing to form a storing space. The magnet unit is secured in the first housing. The elastic diaphragm is a thin layer and disposed between the second housing and the vibration unit. The spiral coil is mounted on the vibration unit and has two electrical connecting points for inputting electric signal of alternating current. Hence, the coil can generate continuous vibration caused by alternating attraction/repelling force of the magnet unit. When the frequency of the electric signal is within 20˜20000 Hz, the elastic diaphragm generates sound signals within earshot. When it is within 10˜20 Hz, it can generate vibration signals. So, signal unit can produce sound and vibration. In addition, it saves space for effectuating the thickness minimization of a product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2013
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: Jabil Circuit (Beijing) LTD.
    Inventors: Jiliang Zhang, Xiaofei Wang, Mengxia Wang
  • Patent number: 8638966
    Abstract: A sound enhancing system includes a haptic chair formed of a chair and plural speakers mounted to the chair. The speakers receive audio input from a subject audio source and generate corresponding sound vibrations. The chair is configured to deliver the generated sound vibrations to various body parts of a user seated in the chair through the sense of touch and by bone conduction of sound. A visual display viewable by the user corresponds to the generated sound vibrations and is indicative of the corresponding audio input. The sound enhancing system enhances user experience of the audio input by any one or combination of visually, by the sense of touch, and by bone conduction of sound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: National University of Singapore
    Inventors: Oh Elizabeth Ann Taylor, Suranga Chandima Nanayakkara, Lonce Lamar Wyse, Sim Heng Ong, Kian Peen Yeo, Ghim Hui Tan
  • Patent number: 8638958
    Abstract: A music playing system employing the combination of mini-speaker footwear wirelessly receiving music from a music source (20) external to the footwear using an audio adapter transmitter (13) connected to the music source (20) to wirelessly transmit music to an audio adapter receiver (9) mounted in the footwear is disclosed. A rechargeable lithium-ion polymer battery pack (10) is hidden in a shoe compartment (19). This battery pack powers the speakers (1-4) in the footwear and the audio adapter receiver (9). The external music source (20) may for example be but not limited to an iPod, iPhone, iPad, iPad 3G, iPod nano, iPod Shuffle, iPod Touch, iPad Tablet, smart phone, Droid phone, Android phone, MP3 player, CD player, microchip player or computer. Power for the audio adapter transmitter (13) is provided by the battery power pack of the external music source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Inventor: John Andrew Wells
  • Patent number: 8630428
    Abstract: A display device includes a display portion that displays video, a first audio output portion that outputs stereo audio of a high frequency range, and that is a surface sound source positioned on a rear surface of the display portion, on one of an upper section and a lower section of the display portion, a second audio output portion that outputs stereo audio of a lower frequency range, and that is one of a surface sound source and a point sound source positioned on the rear surface of the display portion, on which the first audio output portion is not positioned, and a delaying portion that delays output of the second audio output portion to be later than output of the first audio output portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: Thomson Licensing
    Inventors: Terutaka Yana, Yutaka Miki, Yoshio Ohashi, Nobukazu Suzuki
  • Publication number: 20140010401
    Abstract: A hat that allows the wearer to select and play one of a plurality of pre-recorded audio tracks at an event is disclosed. The hat has a visor or brim formed of two layers between which are disposed an electronic audio-playing module having a plurality of pre-recorded audio tracks, a speaker and a plurality of switches. By pressing the appropriate switch, the sound module is activated and plays the selected audio. The provision of multiple tracks allows the wearer to select and broadcast audio appropriate for the event and to play different audios in response to changing circumstances during the event.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2012
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Inventor: Richard W. Townsend
  • Patent number: 8625835
    Abstract: The present invention provides for the embodiments for a combined apparel and conductive extension wire assembly to bridge connectivity between a portable audio listening devices and transducers that emit audio sounds. The combined garment and extension wire assembly comprises of a garment (such as a shirt, jacket, cap, etc.) having an electrical wire with a connector on one end positioned within the interior of a garment pocket for conductive connectivity to the audio output of a portable listening device held within said pocket. The extension wire assembly shall channel through the interior of the garment through passageways or within garment seams, extending to garment apertures wherein a left and right channel wire shall respectively pass through and exit the apparel fabric having each wire ending with a connector enabling further conductive connectivity respectively to left and right channel transducers emitting audio sounds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Inventor: Lawrence Mark Gotlieb
  • Patent number: 8615099
    Abstract: A transparent speaker is suitable for being disposed on a display panel. The transparent speaker includes a transparent membrane, a transparent electrode plate, and spacers. Each transparent electrode plate has a plurality of openings. The display panel includes a plurality of pixels. The pixels emit optical signals. A Moire spatial period of the optical signals is less than 600 ?m after the optical signals pass through the transparent speaker. When the transparent speaker is disposed on the display panel, a user is able to watch an image on the display panel through the transparent speaker without being interfered by a Moire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: You-Chia Chang, Jyi-Tyan Yeh, Chun-Ti Chen, Shur-Fen Liu, Jyh-Long Jeng, Dar-Ming Chiang
  • Publication number: 20130322678
    Abstract: A speaker includes a diaphragm, a housing, and a sound blocking member. The housing fixes an edge of the diaphragm. The sound blocking member is disposed on a surface of the housing different from an audio output surface thereof and in the vicinity of the diaphragm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2013
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Applicant: FUNAI ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Kazutoshi MIYAJIMA
  • Patent number: 8594361
    Abstract: A speaker mounting member for a display apparatus including: one or plurality of mounting plates configured to be laid on a back surface of a display apparatus; a linking member configured to be crosswise linked to the mounting plate at a predetermined position in a first direction along a longitudinal direction of the mounting plate; a movable member configured to be linked to the linking member movably along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; and a speaker mounting panel configured to be attached to the movable member and to be able to mount a speaker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Satoshi Noguchi, Takahisa Tagami, Emiko Ikeda, Hiroshi Iki
  • Patent number: 8594360
    Abstract: A mounting structure for a speaker with respect to a panel (1) is provided. The mounting structure includes a speaker (20), a pair of projecting latches (10, 11) flanking a predetermined mounting region of the panel (1), and a frame member (30) which is held in fixed engagement with the latches (10, 11) so as to press the speaker (20) onto the mounting region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Haruyasu Nishiyama, Masao Honda
  • Patent number: 8577070
    Abstract: A speaker with vibration absorbing function is disclosed in the present invention. The speaker is disposed on a boss of a casing. The speaker includes a sound box, and a supporting arm disposed on a lateral surface of the sound box. The supporting arm includes a bending portion. An end of the bending portion is connected to the sound box. The supporting arm further includes a hooking portion disposed on the other end of the bending portion for hooking the boss of the casing. Vibration generated from the sound box can decay by the bending portion, and is not transmitted to the boss via the hooking portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Wistron Corporation
    Inventor: Ching-Jeng Yu
  • Patent number: 8577069
    Abstract: A wireless mobile electronic device includes a first housing and a first acoustic chamber disposed within the first housing. A sound generator, within said first housing, is acoustically coupled to the first acoustic chamber. Additionally, a first acoustic port defines an opening into the first acoustic chamber. The acoustic port includes a first mating structure configured for mating with a second mating structure of a second acoustic chamber, exclusive of said first housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Motorola Mobility LLC
    Inventors: Patrick A. Hampton, Narendra Persaud
  • Publication number: 20130287242
    Abstract: An electronic device (1) is provided with a piezoelectric element (30), a panel (10) holding the piezoelectric element (30), and a housing (60) holding the panel (10) and transmitting vibration through the panel (10). The electronic device (1) causes the panel (10) to generate vibration sound that is transmitted by vibrating a part of a human body. The electronic device (1) includes a stiffness varying portion (62, 63) in which the stiffness of the housing (60) varies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2013
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Applicant: Kyocera Corporation
    Inventors: Toshihisa NABATA, Satoshi MIZUTA, Tomoaki MIYANO, Kiyokazu SATO, Akio KIHARA, Shun KAZAMA
  • Patent number: 8553919
    Abstract: An audio source system may be built into a garment such as a hooded garment in such a way that safety concerns such as with a hooded garment for children are taken into account so that the audio system wiring cannot be made loose causing a danger of strangulation nor can the hood be cinched. This is done by putting speakers into the hood between a lining and an outer layer and passing the wires into the space between them and then into a tube that is open to the hood inner space and down the tube to a pocket in the body of the garment. Also securing tabs are used to prevent cinching action upon pulling the wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Jerry Leigh of California, Inc.
    Inventor: James Wolfe
  • Patent number: 8526658
    Abstract: A musical travel cap assembly provides music to sooth a child while traveling. The assembly includes a main body having a crown section and opposed ear sections extending from the crown section. A pair of speakers is provided with each the speaker being positioned adjacent to an interior surface of the main body. Each speaker is further positioned adjacent to an associated one of the ear sections. A pocket is coupled to the main body and a music player is positioned in the pocket. The music player is operationally coupled to the speakers whereby music from the music player is played through the speakers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Inventor: Inez Houston
  • Patent number: 8526662
    Abstract: An articulating speaker assembly includes a first member including a first driver and a second member including second driver. The first member and the second member are pivotally connected for selectively changing the profile of the speaker assembly. A central housing member is pivotally connected to each of the first member and the second member, wherein the central housing member supports a third driver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Inventor: Dennis A. Tracy
  • Patent number: 8526663
    Abstract: An electronic device of the present invention has a configuration in which an enclosed space is formed continuously from an opening face of a cone portion of a speaker on a reverse side of a main face of a flat housing, and an opening portion of the enclosed space is formed in a face not parallel to the main face of the housing, whereby even when a reduction in diameter of a speaker is inevitable and there is a limit to a space volume for housing the speaker due to the downsizing of the device, sound information can be reproduced with higher quality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventor: Shintaro Tanaka
  • Patent number: 8520836
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for displaying data or an image from a headset and acquiring data with a headset. In one example, a headset includes a processor, an acoustic transducer operably coupled to the processor, and a projector/scanner operably coupled to the processor for displaying an image on a surface exterior to the headset. The projector may also be used to acquire or capture data from a surface exterior to the headset. Advantageously, data and images may be displayed and acquired with a headset without requiring the headset to be taken off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Plantronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy P. Johnston
  • Patent number: 8520883
    Abstract: An articulating speaker assembly includes a first member pivotally connected to a second member for selectively changing the profile of the speaker assembly. A central driver is positioned between the first member and the second member. The first member includes a first enclosure with a cavity shaped and dimensioned for receiving a first driver, the first driver being secured within the first enclosure. The second member includes a second enclosure with a cavity shaped and dimensioned for receiving a second driver, the second driver being secured within the second enclosure. Each of the first member and the second member includes a central driver aperture and the central driver is mounted within the central driver apertures of the first member and the second member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Inventor: Dennis A. Tracy
  • Publication number: 20130208925
    Abstract: A reflector and an electronic system produce a diffuse way by creating time delays in accordance with a number sequence. An acoustical passive reflector incorporates a series of wells in its surface to transform an acoustical wave into a series of acoustical waves having a time difference based on a number sequence. The electronic signal conversion system converts a signal into a series of signals having a time difference based on a number sequence. This can be used in an audio speaker system having N×N array of speakers where N is an odd prime number, arranged to be driven by the electronic signal conversion system in which the signal is converted into a series of signals centred on the signal with at least one signal being timed to precede the signal and at least one signal to follow the signal and the signal being arranged to be sent to the central speaker in the N×N array.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2011
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Inventor: Joseph Francis Hayes
  • Patent number: 8509470
    Abstract: The present invention relates to magnetic field interface clothes performing contactless magnetic field communication with a mobile terminal, the magnetic field interface clothes includes: a receiving part in which a mobile terminal is received and a coil part performing contactless magnetic field communication with a coil part of the mobile terminal at a position facing a coil part of the mobile terminal is formed, wherein the coil part formed in the receiving part includes a first coil and a second coil, the first coil and the second coil are received in the receiving part to have different winding directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute
    Inventors: Dong-Woo Lee, Yong-Ki Son, Bae-Sun Kim, Il-Yeon Cho, Hyun-Tae Jeong
  • Patent number: 8503711
    Abstract: A hat mounted music system includes a semi-rigid hatband and a flexible crown and hat bill mounted to the hatband. A retaining pocket is mounted to the hatband and is sized and shaped to hold a portable music player. First and second headphone mounts are located to align with the ears of a user. The mounts have first and second hinges. First portions of the hinges are attached to the hatband and second portions of the hinges are attached to the mounts. The hinges permit movement of the mounts from a first, open position to a second, listening position. First and second headphone modules are adapted to fit the headphone mounts. Connection wires connect the player to the headphone modules. The headphone mounts are spring-loaded and are retained in the second position by a latching mechanism. A release device allows the headphone mounts to return to the first, open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Inventor: Michael Flynn
  • Patent number: 8498679
    Abstract: An electronic device includes a main body and a BLUETOOTH earphone that can be detachably attached to the main body. The earphone includes a keyboard capable of generating signals to control the electronic device in response to user input. The main body includes a detecting unit, a processing unit, and a touch-sensitive screen. The detecting unit generates a signal when the earphone is attached to the main body. The processing unit controls to display information without specific information or with specific information on the touch-sensitive screen upon receiving the signal from the detecting unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Qi Yu
  • Patent number: 8498441
    Abstract: It is an objective of the present invention to provide an electronic device that includes an sound signal generating unit, and that can be placed on a cradle including a sound producing unit, in which a sound signal generated by the sound signal generating unit is output to the cradle such that the difference between the sound quality of sound produced from the electronic device and that of sound produced from the cradle is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Kyocera Corporation
    Inventor: Masayuki Takayama
  • Patent number: 8494186
    Abstract: Provided are a sound plate and an electronic device employing the same. The sound plate includes at least one speaker unit disposed within a plate that is configured as a stand of the electronic device. Sound output by the at least one speaker is emitted through at least slit provided in a side surface of the plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Gyeong-tae Lee, Jong-bae Kim, Jong-in Jo
  • Patent number: 8494192
    Abstract: An audio reproducing system includes a pair of speaker units, a mounting unit for mounting the pair of speaker units, without being attached to a baffle board, to the vicinity of a listener's ears in a manner such that sounds emitted from the front and back of a diaphragm of each speaker unit are mixed, and an audio signal output unit for virtual sound imaging an input audio signal and outputting the virtual sound imaged signal to the pair of speaker units in a manner such that the listener listens to a sound reproduced by the pair of speaker units feeling as if the sound is emitted from a different speaker device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Teppei Yokota, Nobuyuki Kihara
  • Publication number: 20130182863
    Abstract: An audio control apparatus is adapted for use with an external portable electronic device having display functionality, and includes a data storage device, an operation controller operable to access and process audio data stored in the data storage device, and to output information of the audio data, a user control device operable by a user to control operation of the operation controller, and a function expanding interface coupled to the operation controller and configured to transmit the information of the audio data for reception and subsequent display by the external portable electronic device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2013
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Applicant: YA HORNG ELECTRONIC CO., LTD.
    Inventor: YA HORNG ELECTRONIC CO., LTD.
  • Patent number: 8488833
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, an electronic apparatus includes a housing including a top wall, a keyboard supported on the top wall, and a speaker contained in the housing. A region of the top wall positioned on the front side of the keyboard comprises a palm-rest surface on which a user's hand is to be placed, and a speaker exposure surface including an opening part exposing the speaker to an outside of the housing. The speaker exposure surface is depressed and lower than the palm-rest surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventor: Masahiko Takakusaki
  • Patent number: 8483422
    Abstract: An enclosure for a magnetic speaker of a wireless device is provided. The wireless device has a display mounted in a case and a transparent cover mounted over at least the display. The enclosure comprises: an upper surface of the display at least partially spaced from a lower surface of the transparent cover to form at least a portion of an enclosed back-volume formed within the case for the magnetic speaker, the magnetic speaker being mounted proximate to the enclosed back-volume, and at least one of the transparent cover and the case having an opening formed therein for emitting sound from the magnetic speaker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Research In Motion Limited
    Inventors: Michael Welker, Daniel Hanson
  • Patent number: 8477986
    Abstract: An audience interaction device is provided in the form factor of a glove. The glove can include a light emitting circuit including a series of lights disposed long finger receptacles of the glove. The light emitting circuit includes a series of lights, a portable power source, a switch, and wires providing electrical communication between the components. The circuit can include controls to provide a steady light output, a flashing output, a sequencing output, etc. The lights can be of a single color or multi colored. Chemiluminescence's can also be used for producing light. The device can include a noise generating device disposed upon a palm section of the glove. The noise generating device can be a mechanical device or an electrically drive noise generating apparatus. The electrically driven apparatus can be continuous, time based, or based upon proximity to an opposing glove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Inventor: Mary Kiser
  • Patent number: 8447052
    Abstract: An electronic device includes a sound plate switchable between a stand type and a hang type. In the electronic device, the sound plate has a coupled structure movable between a first arrangement, in which the sound plate functions as a stand and a second arrangement wherein the sound plate is disposed at the rear of a main body as a hang type. In the first arrangement, the sound plate emits a sound through a slit provided in a side surface of the sound plate, and in the second arrangement, the sound plate emits sound through an opening in a front surface of the sound plate which is perpendicular to the side surface of the sound plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Gyeong-tae Lee, Jong-bae Kim, Jong-in Jo
  • Publication number: 20130101152
    Abstract: An exemplary display includes a front frame, a rear frame, a screen sandwiched between the front frame and the rear frame, and two sound boxes received between the front frame and the rear frame. Two openings are defined in a bottom of the display. Each sound box includes a front cover, a rear cover, and a woofer and two tweeters mounted in the front cover. The woofer faces a front and a corresponding opening of the display. The tweeters face the corresponding opening of the display.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2012
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: HWANG-MIAW CHEN
  • Patent number: 8428291
    Abstract: A speaker system includes an enclosure defining a resonance chamber, a loudspeaker received in the resonance chamber, and a sound wave reflecting member. The enclosure includes a front panel and a base. The loudspeaker is exposed at the front panel. The base includes a back panel facing the front panel, an inner tube, and an outer tube. The back panel defines a back bass port. The inner tube and the outer tube extend from the back panel and are received in the resonance chamber. The inner tube surrounds the back bass port. The outer tube surrounds the inner tube. The sound wave reflecting member is coupled with the outer tube and the inner tube. The sound wave reflecting member, the outer tube, and the inner tube cooperatively form a resonator. The resonator communicates with the resonance chamber and the back bass port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shi-Quan Lin, Te-Hua Lee
  • Patent number: 8422720
    Abstract: A loudspeaker assembly arranged in a surrounding surface of a multimedia apparatus, wherein the loudspeaker assembly including a transducer unit, the transducer unit being located at the back side of the multimedia apparatus. The transducer may be configured so to radiate sound away from the apparatus in directions from primarily upward to primarily backward relative to the apparatus. Each of the one or more transducer units are driven as active speakers with means for amplification per each transducer unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Bang & Olufsen A/S
    Inventor: Ejnar Johannesen
  • Patent number: 8411891
    Abstract: The invention is a garment with an integrated earphone, headset, and wire. The wire allows an audio signal to travel from an electronic device at one end of the wire to the earphone or earphones, and/or a microphone at the other end of the wire. The wire, or wires, is preferably permanently sewn into the seams of the garment. The earphone may be retractable and/or kept in a small pocket near the collar of the garment to limit the movement of the earphone when it is not being actively used. The integrated earphone and microphone are preferably machine washable and dryable along with the garment with which they are integrated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Inventor: Antonio Del Prete
  • Patent number: 8411892
    Abstract: A linear speaker assembly including a plurality of speakers in side by side relation within a piece of furniture in such a manner that a horn element, a phase plug and other ancillary speaker structure forms a sound path that communicates from the speakers to the environment and the speaker assembly is partially concealed or camouflaged from the casual viewing of an observer. The phase plug and horn element are elongated and are provided along the entire length of the plurality of speakers which comprise a portion of the linear speaker assembly. The phase plug and horn element visually complement the outer portion of the piece of furniture that the plurality of speakers are disposed within. This permits the piece of furniture or other structure to provide amplified sound from a plurality of speakers in side by side relation in such a manner whereby the speaker assembly is substantially camouflaged or not visible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Inventors: Norberto Grundland, Evenecer Garcia
  • Patent number: 8406449
    Abstract: A portable audio amplifier for a portable audio device or musical instrument that includes an internal housing and an exchangeable external housing and exchangeable cover, as well as a storage compartment is described. The storage compartment, which is contained in the internal housing, may contain a cord and other audio accessories such as picks, batteries, adapters, or personal items. The storage compartment can be opened through various methods, including translation, swiveling, pivoting, or sliding of a cover. The amplifier's external housing and/or cover may be customized by the user after purchase using exchangeable elements. Exchangeable external housing options, which act like a skin for the amplifier, include both manufactured housings (designed specifically as an external housing for the audio amplifier) and repurposed housings (designed for a primary purpose other than audio amplification).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Trash Amps LLC
    Inventor: Adam Stephen Wegener
  • Publication number: 20130058520
    Abstract: An audio speaker assembly for providing a 360° all around audio output. A speaker rod includes an upper audio output portion and a lower extending insertion tube portion. A holder includes a longitudinally extending inner passageway for receiving the rod in inserting fashion, with an electrical output signal representative of a succeeding audio output being communicated to the holder and rod.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2012
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Inventor: Justin A. Paye
  • Patent number: 8379901
    Abstract: A speaker assembly mounted on a bracket extending from a ceiling comprises an enclosure that includes a bottom wall, side walls including opposing first and second side walls, a sleeve that receives a tubular member of the bracket, and an interior wall having a first segment that extends from the sleeve to the first side wall and a second segment that extends from the sleeve to the second side wall. The interior wall cooperates with the sleeve to divide the enclosure into two approximately equal sized compartments. Each of the speakers within the assembly either forms, or is mounted in or on, one of the side walls. A top plate is mounted on, and forms a top of, the enclosure and seals the two compartments, the top plate having an opening that is aligned with the sleeve when the top plate is mounted on the enclosure. A power unit and circuitry for the speakers are mounted on the top plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Rajeev Mishra, Maurice N. Leacock, Matthew R. Ford
  • Patent number: 8379902
    Abstract: Attention can be effectively called to an advertisement, and the effect of calling attention can be known. A control device is connected to a super-directional speaker that outputs audio in a specific direction, and a speaker pedestal that adjusts the audio output direction of the super-directional speaker. The control device takes a picture of an area in front of an advertisement display surface by means of a camera, detects a person photographed in the image captured by the imaging unit as a target, adjusts the audio output direction of the super-directional speaker to the direction of the target by means of the speaker pedestal, and causes the super-directional speaker to output audio. After outputting the audio, the control device takes another picture by the camera, and again determines the direction in which the face of the target is looking based on this picture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Koji Koseki
  • Patent number: 8374357
    Abstract: An audio output device includes: a main unit including a terminal configured to connect an external speaker; a speaker unit configured to be detachably attached to the main unit while the terminal is covered with the speaker unit; and an amplification unit configured to amplify an audio signal so that the amplified audio signal is input to the terminal and the speaker unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventor: Tooru Nakagawa
  • Patent number: 8369558
    Abstract: A portable speaker for a music play such as an iPod® player. The housing of the speaker is shaped and sized as a cup and can be placed inside a commonly seen cup holder, such as a cup holder in a car or other vehicles, a baby stroller, a foldable camping chair, etc. The speaker housing has a slot for receiving a music player, as well as electrical connectors for electrically connecting to the audio output of the music player. The sound producing devices are disposed within the speaker housing and face upwards and/or downwards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Baby Trend Inc.
    Inventors: Derek Conrad, Denny Tsai