Grille Patents (Class 381/391)
  • Patent number: 11785366
    Abstract: An audio device includes a frame having a first frame portion having a first circumference and a second frame portion coupled to the first frame portion. A grill tray has a second circumference smaller than the first circumference and is coupled to the first frame portion. The first circumference of the frame and the second circumference of the grill tray define a grill slot therebetween. The audio device further includes a magnet partially protruding within the grill slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Assignee: JL Audio, Inc.
    Inventors: Lucio Proni, Dwayne Spanbroek, Kaushik Korat
  • Patent number: 11589144
    Abstract: A protective cover assembly is disclosed that comprises a porous expanded membrane having a plurality of pores, a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface. The porous expanded membrane comprises an active area and a bonded area. The bonded area comprises an adhesive material that forms a bridge extending through the plurality of pores in the bonded area from the first surface to the second surface. The adhesive material in the bonded area improves the Z-strength and allows the porous expended membrane to be a lightweight material having a mass/area ratio of less than or equal to 3 g/m2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignees: W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc., W. L. Gore & Associates G.K.
    Inventors: Ryan Kenaley, Ryosuke Nakamura, Dustin Perrin
  • Patent number: 11206491
    Abstract: Provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure is a speaker module and an electronic device. The speaker comprises: a module housing, a speaker unit and sound-absorbing particles; wherein the speaker unit divides an inner cavity enclosed by the module housing into a front acoustic cavity and a rear acoustic cavity; the rear acoustic cavity is provided with a filling area separated out by a partition wall, and the filling area is provided with a port enabling air circulation; the sound-absorbing particles are filled in the filling area and are confined within the filling area; a gap is formed between the port of the filling area and an inner wall of the module housing, and sound-absorbing cotton is provided in the gap. The technical solution of the present disclosure can reduce influence of the resonance caused by the gap on acoustic performance of the speaker module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2021
    Assignee: Goertek Inc.
    Inventor: Shuzhi Zhou
  • Patent number: 11051092
    Abstract: Described herein is a modular speaker cover that is removably attachable to a speaker. This device can comprise a modular grille and a grille insert, wherein the grille insert is removably attached to the modular grille. The grille insert can be replaced with other grille inserts of various colors, shapes, textures, and materials. In some embodiment, the grille insert is permanently fixed to the modular grille.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: SSV Works, Inc.
    Inventors: Trevor Kaplan, Greg Orlando, Jeremy Prater
  • Patent number: 9739472
    Abstract: A dimmable and color temperature adjustable LED lamp with Bluetooth audio playback function includes a ceiling plate, an LED light source component connected to a lamp cover and a support plate and formed by an LED panel and a driver for supplying low voltage power, and a driving circuit having an input power line, a high voltage input module, a control module, a diming module, a color temperature adjusting module, a transformer module, a low voltage output module and an output power line. The ceiling plate and the support plate are connected by a suspension part, and the lower end of the suspension part is fixed to a Bluetooth amplifier. The LED lamp has a Bluetooth amplifier to improve the overall surround sound quality for music playback.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: DONGGUAN CITY GENERAL SUCCESS INDUSTRIAL CO.LTD
    Inventor: Ming Li
  • Patent number: 9591387
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a loudspeaker (1; 1?; 1?) with a loudspeaker housing (2; 2?), a basket (3) held in the loudspeaker housing (2; 2?) and bearing a permanent magnet (9), a coil (91) arranged in a constant magnetic field generated by the permanent magnet (9) and connected with a diaphragm (5), and at least one heat pipe (10) with a heating zone (Z1) and cooling zone (Z3), wherein the heating zone (Z1) is arranged on the permanent magnet (9), and the cooling zone (Z3) on the loudspeaker housing (2; 2?). The present invention further relates to the use of such a loudspeaker for actively extinguishing or influencing sound waves, and a noise control system (100) for exhaust systems of a vehicle powered by an internal combustion engine with such a loudspeaker (1; 1?, 1?).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: EBERSPAECHER EXHAUST TECHNOLOGY GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventor: Georg Wirth
  • Patent number: 9510071
    Abstract: Communication device includes a housing with a two or more apertures defined therein to form a speaker grille. The apertures are arranged to form one or more aperture sets, each comprised of at least two apertures connected by a fluid channel defined on an internal face of the panel. The fluid channel is comprised of one or more channel segments. Each of the channels segments and the acoustic apertures has a predetermined size and shape which draws fluid through the apertures from an exterior side of the panel, to an interior side of the panel, and then into one of the channel segments. The dimensions and geometry of the channels and apertures are selected to cause the fluid in the channels to exit from the housing at a lowermost one of the acoustic apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: Harris Corporation
    Inventors: Kurt E. Jones, James D. Haschmann, Michael E. Bausch
  • Patent number: 9492958
    Abstract: A case having a speaker mesh module and a manufacturing method thereof are provided. The case includes a base, a speaker mesh module and a combination member. The base is formed with a filling port and an opening in which the speaker mesh module is correspondingly placed. The speaker mesh module is formed with a buckle part and a sound output part. The combination member is secured on the base through the filling port with an injection molding means and served to cover the speaker mesh module. The combination member is formed with a combining part mutually fastened with the buckle part and a penetrated hole corresponding to the sound output part. Accordingly, the speaker mesh module is able to be sealed in the opening with a means other than adhering, thereby allowing the case to be provided with a stable and excellent waterproof performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: Getac Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Po-Tsun Chao
  • Patent number: 9414142
    Abstract: Apparatus, devices, housings, systems and methods for providing wireless speakers in bathroom ventilation exhaust fans mounted in ceilings and walls. A main housing can house both the ventilation fan and the speaker separately from one another. The wireless speaker can use the same power source as the fan, and can be separately controlled. Wireless technologies such as Bluetooth, Wi Fi and Zigbee can be used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: Chien Luen Industries Co., Ltd., Inc.
    Inventors: Zachary Zauhar, Willard Passauer, Eliezer Rivera, Tien S. Lowe
  • Patent number: 9319795
    Abstract: A speaker microphone design that prevents, eliminates, and/or minimizes speaker mechanical failure caused by fine metal particles in the ambient environment. The contemplated invention includes embodiments that utilize one or more barrier cover installed at a location between the speaker diaphragm and the grille. The barrier cover can be a thin shell of various shapes and sizes, such as a dome-shaped structure. In other embodiments, the barrier cover can be a thin membrane, such as a Bayer® film. Additionally or alternatively, the speaker is positioned further back away from the grille, to provide a clearance space of at least 10 mm between the diaphragm and the grille. This novel design of clearance is also effective in preventing, eliminating, and/or minimizing speaker mechanical failure caused by fine metal particles in the environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: Anray International Corp.
    Inventors: Haijuan Qu, Liren Lin
  • Patent number: 9014411
    Abstract: A speaker grille is provided including a front portion capable of sound transmission and side portions extending from the front portion. Each side portion includes an edge and a projection that extends beyond the edge, where each side portion has a substantially similar capability for sound transmission as the front portion. In one embodiment, the speaker grille comprises a perforated metal material, a fabric cloth material attached to the perforated metal material on an interior surface of the grille, and a metal cloth material attached to the fabric cloth material such that the fabric cloth material is disposed between the metal cloth material and the perforated metal material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Harman International Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Derrick Rodgers
  • Patent number: 9002041
    Abstract: A process for the manufacture of a speaker cover comprises loading the speaker cover into a plasma chamber, introducing a fluoro monomer into the plasma chamber, pulsing plasma for processing, removing any excess monomer gas from the plasma chamber, and removing the speaker cover from the plasma chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Logitech Europe S.A.
    Inventors: Steve McGarry, Joy E. Lyons, Jeff Anderson, Timothy Valentine
  • Patent number: 8965033
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for acoustic optimization. An example playback device includes a first transducer to at least one of output sound waves and receive sound waves, a second transducer to at least one of output sound waves and receive sound waves, and an acoustic grille positioned in relation to the first transducer, where the acoustic grille is to reflect sound waves received at a first angle of incidence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Sonos, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel C. Wiggins
  • Patent number: 8958580
    Abstract: An ultrasonic emitter comprises a support member operable to support an ultrasonic emittive material. The support member includes a plurality of support ribs. The ultrasonic emittive material is coupled to upper portions of the support ribs so as to be carried by the support member. A protective screen has a plurality of apertures formed therein, the protective screen being in contact with the ultrasonic emittive material atop the support ribs such that the spacing between the ultrasonic emittive material and the protective screen is substantially zero atop the support ribs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Turtle Beach Corporation
    Inventor: Elwood G. Norris
  • Patent number: 8938080
    Abstract: A method for generating engine acoustic emissions including the steps of providing a loudspeaker configuration (100) based upon the configuration of said engine, and feeding the said loudspeaker configuration (100) with signals for providing desired engine acoustic emission. Also a device, a computer program and a computer program product for performing the method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Scania CV AB
    Inventors: Ragnar Glav, Manfred Klopotek Von Glowczewski, Adam Wikström, Ola Jönsson, Bror Tingvall, Roger Johnsson
  • Publication number: 20150010194
    Abstract: A speaker grille is provided including a front portion capable of sound transmission and side portions extending from the front portion. Each side portion includes an edge and a projection that extends beyond the edge, where each side portion has a substantially similar capability for sound transmission as the front portion. In one embodiment, the speaker grille comprises a perforated metal material, a fabric cloth material attached to the perforated metal material on an interior surface of the grille, and a metal cloth material attached to the fabric cloth material such that the fabric cloth material is disposed between the metal cloth material and the perforated metal material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2013
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Applicant: Harman International Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Derrick Rodgers
  • Patent number: 8897481
    Abstract: A grille attachment for a loudspeaker is disclosed. A grille retainer is defined by a retention lip portion, a radial rim interface portion, and a hinge portion. The radial rim interface portion is in an abutting relationship with a flange radial mounting surface of the loudspeaker basket. The hinge portion connects the retention lip portion and the radial rim interface portion. The retention lip portion extends toward a flanged rim of the speaker basket, and defines an inner retention surface that is opposed to a flange circumferential surface. A grille extends across the griller retainer and is defined by a grille body and a grille rim that is circumferentially disposed and extending from the grille body. The grille rim is interposed between the flange circumferential surface and the inner retention surface, with the retention lip portion exerting a radial compressive force against the grille rim.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Sound Sources Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Yoichiro Sumitani, Chun-Yi Lin, Yu-Ling Cheng
  • Publication number: 20140270322
    Abstract: To allow a manufacturer to minimize the distance between the electroacoustic transducers, arrangements of the innovation relate to a substantially flexible grille for an electroacoustic transducer. In one arrangement, the grille is manufactured from a material that substantially simulates the foam headrest material and provides a degree of rigidity to the fabric covering over the headrest. Accordingly, with the grille being manufactured from a relatively flexible material, the manufacturer can mount the electroacoustic transducers at a relatively close distance (e.g., within a 140 mm central area) while adequately supporting the perforated or acoustically transparent headrest covering material and complying with automotive safety regulations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventor: Steven A. Silverstein
  • Publication number: 20140233786
    Abstract: A grille attachment for a loudspeaker is disclosed. A grille retainer is defined by a retention lip portion, a radial rim interface portion, and a hinge portion. The radial rim interface portion is in an abutting relationship with a flange radial mounting surface of the loudspeaker basket. The hinge portion connects the retention lip portion and the radial rim interface portion. The retention lip portion extends toward a flanged rim of the speaker basket, and defines an inner retention surface that is opposed to a flange circumferential surface. A grille extends across the griller retainer and is defined by a grille body and a grille rim that is circumferentially disposed and extending from the grille body. The grille rim is interposed between the flange circumferential surface and the inner retention surface, with the retention lip portion exerting a radial compressive force against the grille rim.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2013
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: Sound Sources Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Yoichiro Sumitani, Chun-Yi Lin, Yu-Ling Cheng
  • Publication number: 20140193023
    Abstract: A terminal includes a first upper carrier including a speaker grill housed as a separate piece in a penetrating hole formed at one surface, and a second upper carrier having an antenna pattern in at least one surface and being coupled to one end of the first upper carrier. A method of manufacturing a terminal having a speaker device, comprises forming a penetrating hole to house the speaker device at one surface of a first upper carrier, coupling a speaker grill to the penetrating hole, forming an antenna pattern at one surface of a second upper carrier separated from the first upper carrier and coupling the first upper carrier and the second upper carrier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2014
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Joon Heo, Junhui Lee
  • Publication number: 20140177901
    Abstract: An audio equipped fan is disclosed having a housing defining an inner cavity, a motor disposed at least partially in the inner cavity of the housing and having an output shaft extending therefrom that is rotatable by the motor, a fan connected to the output shaft of the motor and rotatable therewith, a grille connected to the housing and positioned in alignment with the fan, the grille having an interior side and an exterior side and defining first openings through which air may flow while the fan is rotated and second openings through which sound may travel, and having a speaker connected to at least one of the housing, motor, fan and grille and aligned on the interior side of the grille with the second openings of the grille so that sound may travel from the speaker through the grille. Related methods are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2013
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicant: Homewerks Worldwide, LLC
    Inventors: Peter D. Berkman, Ruilin Zhang, Jeffrey Jon Pischke, Michael Malaker
  • Publication number: 20140177900
    Abstract: An audio equipped fan is disclosed having a housing defining an inner cavity, a motor disposed at least partially in the inner cavity of the housing and having an output shaft extending therefrom that is rotatable by the motor, a fan connected to the output shaft of the motor and rotatable therewith, a grille connected to the housing and positioned in alignment with the fan, the grille having an interior side and an exterior side and defining first openings through which air may flow while the fan is rotated and second openings through which sound may travel, and having a speaker connected to at least one of the housing, motor, fan and grille and aligned on the interior side of the grille with the second openings of the grille so that sound may travel from the speaker through the grille. Related methods are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2013
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicant: Homewerks Worldwide, LLC
    Inventors: Peter D. Berkman, Ruilin Zhang, Jeffrey Jon Pischke, Michael Malaker
  • Publication number: 20140146993
    Abstract: An apparatus including a housing having a sound hole; a sound transducer in the housing; and a dust barrier in the housing between the sound hole and the sound transducer. The dust barrier has a deck located in a path between the sound hole and the sound transducer. The deck comprises a dust collection pocket configured to accumulate dust therein and prevent dust from passing through the deck at the dust collection pocket. A sound aperture is provided between the sound hole and the sound transducer such that sound passes by the dust collection pocket between the sound hole and the sound transducer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2014
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: Nokia Corporation
    Inventors: Toni O. Soininen, Petri A. Soronen, Heikki J. Huttunen, Marko H. Kelloniemi
  • Patent number: 8712091
    Abstract: A loudspeaker grille is disclosed. In accordance with one example, a loudspeaker grille includes a louver arrangement to be arranged in front of a chassis of a loudspeaker to protect membrane and suspension thereof. The louver arrangement includes a first and a second louver arranged on opposing sides of a center plane. Both louvers include a plurality of fins which are arranged slanted with respect to the center plane and which are spaced such that a clearance is provided between projections of neighboring fins to the center plane. The fins of the first louver are inversely slanted to the fins of the second louver. Further, the fins of the first louver are shifted in a lateral direction within the to center plane with respect to the fins of the second louver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Harman International Industries Ltd.
    Inventors: Garry Taylor, Andrew Holt
  • Patent number: 8693722
    Abstract: A magnetic sound box device comprising a sound box and an antimagnetic plate is disclosed, wherein the sound box has at least one speaker and the sound box is for receiving sound source signals from an electronic device and transmitting the sound source signals to the speaker to play the sound source signals, and the lateral side of the sound box is disposed with a coupling portion; a plurality of magnets is disposed on the coupling portion so that the sound box can be magnetically attracted to any objects capable of being attracted by the magnets; the antimagnetic plate is disposed on the sound box for covering the coupling portion for blocking the magnetism of the magnets on the coupling portion, thereby preventing other storage devices with magnetic materials from being affected and damaged by the magnetism of the magnets when the magnetic sound box device is carried.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Ozaki International Co. Ltd.
    Inventor: Keng-Yuan Liu
  • Publication number: 20140064550
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for acoustic optimization. An example playback device includes a first transducer to at least one of output sound waves and receive sound waves, a second transducer to at least one of output sound waves and receive sound waves, and an acoustic grille positioned in relation to the first transducer, where the acoustic grille is to reflect sound waves received at a first angle of incidence.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2012
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Inventor: Daniel C. Wiggins
  • Patent number: 8638973
    Abstract: A speaker apparatus comprises a slit structure, wherein the slit structure including a plurality of plate-shaped parts each of which extends so that a plurality of slits are formed, a plurality of fold-back parts each of which is folded back from an end of the plate-shaped part on the side of the speaker toward a side of the front surface of the housing, so that the plurality of slits are formed, and a drain part that is arranged on a side of one of the two side surfaces of the housing, and wherein each of a plurality of grooves formed by the plurality of plate-shaped parts and the plurality of fold-back parts communicates with the drain part and is inclined so that, in a posture of the slit structure when the operation panel is operated, liquid led from the plate-shaped parts flows to the drain part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Shoichiro Hayashi, Toshinori Hanji
  • Patent number: 8620016
    Abstract: A speaker assembly having a removable grill. The grill includes a perforated portion circumscribed by a flange. The flange has one or magnets disposed around an outer periphery of the flange. The speaker body has corresponding slugs disposed so as to align with the magnets of the grill upon assembly. The magnetic bond formed between the slugs and magnets keeps the grill attached to the speaker body during operation of the speaker assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: KSC Industries Incorporated
    Inventors: Donald Belanger, Guillermo Escobar
  • Publication number: 20130336516
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a loudspeaker assembly is provided. In accordance with at least one embodiment, apparatus is provided comprising a ground plane, a loudspeaker driver mounted in a loudspeaker driver aperture of the ground plane, and a grille positioned relative to the ground plane such that a distance between the grille and the ground plane decreases with increasing distance from the loudspeaker driver. The loudspeaker assembly can be used to replace ceiling tiles having any size or configuration, and can also me mounted in other surfaces, such as ceiling walls, floors, table tops, etc. made of drywall, hard decking, wood, stone, cement, glass, or any other material or type of construction, or configured in a stand-alone loudspeaker frame or cabinet. The loudspeaker assembly of the present invention can be mounted in any orientation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2013
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicant: RGB SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: William C. Stewart, Andrew C. Edwards, Michael Hudson, Andrew Evans
  • Patent number: 8600093
    Abstract: A capacitor microphone includes: a capacitor microphone unit; a microphone casing that incorporates the microphone unit and is provided with an opening communicating with a rear acoustic terminal of the microphone unit; and a shield plate that covers the opening in the microphone casing from inside of the microphone casing. The shield plate has a projection extending towards axial direction of the microphone casing at least on microphone unit side in the axial direction of the microphone casing. The projection is folded to be pressed firmly against the outer surface of a casing of the capacitor microphone unit. The shield plate is rolled into a cylindrical shape and is in contact with the inner surface of the microphone casing with pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Audio-Technica
    Inventor: Satoshi Yoshino
  • 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: 8548189
    Abstract: An exemplary positioning structure for a portable electronic device includes a support element, a metal element, and a ring seal. The support element defines an opening. The metal element is attached to the support element. The metal element includes a projection and a depression. The opening and the depression receives the speaker. The ring seal is placed around the projection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignees: Shenzhen Futaihong Precision Industry Co., Ltd., FIH (Hong Kong) Limited
    Inventor: Zhi-Qiang Xiao
  • Patent number: 8488817
    Abstract: A portable electronic device may have acoustic ports such as microphone and speaker ports. Acoustic devices such as microphones and speakers may be associated with the acoustic ports. An acoustic port may have an opening between an interior and exterior of the portable electronic device. The opening may be covered by a metal mesh. An acoustic fabric may be interposed between the metal mesh and the opening. The opening may be formed from a hole in a glass member having outer and inner chamfers. A microphone boot may be provided that forms front and rear radial seals with a housing of the device and a microphone unit respectively. The microphone boot may also form multiple face seals with the microphone unit. A speaker for the speaker port may be enclosed in a sealed speaker enclosure. The speaker enclosure may have a pressure-equalizing vent slit covered with an acoustic mesh.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Adam D. Mittleman, Richard P. Howarth, Chad Seguin
  • Publication number: 20130177196
    Abstract: A speaker housing or module facilitates the interchanging or swapping of designer grills outside the speaker housing without further disassembly and reassembly. There are one or more magnets located in the speaker housing that enable various patterns of acoustically permeable designer grills to be attached to the outside of the speaker housing or module. Magnets are disposed at locations within the speaker housing that align with magnetically attractive elements on the speaker grills to facilitate quick and easy replacement or exchange of the grills according to user preference.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2012
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Inventor: Noel Lee
  • Publication number: 20130114845
    Abstract: Disclosed is a device and a casing therefor. The device comprises a casing having a back side and a casing opening in the back side; a speaker mounted inside the casing and in communication with the casing opening; and a cover shaped to mate with and to cover the casing opening, the cover having a first nub and a second nub and a speaker opening providing an air channel for the speaker. In the device, the first and the second nubs are located about the speaker opening in a symmetrical pattern; and when the communication device is placed on a flat surface with the side of the casing facing the flat surface, the first and second nubs cause the back side of the casing to be canted from the flat surface to expose the speaker opening to ambient air.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2012
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: RESEARCH IN MOTION LIMITED
    Inventor: RESEARCH IN MOTION LIMITED
  • Patent number: 8437493
    Abstract: An apparatus for mounting a speaker module to a portable terminal is provided. The speaker module is mounted to a casing frame of the terminal using a coupling part formed outside a housing of the speaker module, so as not to leave a space between the speaker module and the casing frame in a sound output direction of the speaker module. Therefore, better speaker performance can be achieved by raising the height of the speaker module of the slim portable terminal or increasing the space for the back volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kyoung-Min Nho, Young-Hoon Kim, Won-Kyung Kim, Hyoung-Il Song, Chi-Sun Kim
  • Patent number: 8437495
    Abstract: A compensation assembly for a mounted loudspeaker system includes a mounting frame having a spherical front socket; a retaining ring; a compensating back socket having a spherical back socket; and a woofer frame having a spherical ball structure that fits between the front and back sockets. The compensating back socket has an array of matching slots that align with and partially surround bosses of the mounting frame such that the compensating back socket is free to float in a vertical axis but is restrained from rotating around a central axis. The ball structure is held by a force applied to the compensating back socket by compressing deformable elements around the outer perimeter of the compensating back socket. The deformable elements may be integrally formed as molded-in-place polymer tensioning springs or separately formed as metallic elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Niles Audio Corporation
    Inventors: Doug Stuart Wright, Albert Burdett, Lowell J Smith, Michael L Strange
  • Patent number: 8428285
    Abstract: A microphone assembly includes a microphone composed of a case having an open end and a printed circuit board. The printed circuit board is disposed in the open case end. The microphone assembly further includes a metal screen coupled to the case over the printed circuit board for shielding the microphone from electromagnetic interference. The metal screen includes several apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Plantronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Khamashta, Ching Shyu, Dennis Fish
  • Patent number: 8422722
    Abstract: An audio speaker assembly is provided with a grill which twist locks with the speaker housing for assembly and disassembly. The housing includes a perimeter edge with a plurality of slots and tab retainers. The grill includes a perimeter edge with a plurality of tabs. The tabs of the grill align with the slots of the housing, and the grill is then rotated so that the tabs under lay the tab retainers so as to lock the grill into securement with the speaker housing. The grill is rotated in the opposite direction to unlock the grill for disassembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Three Amigos LLC
    Inventors: Ronald D. Maurer, Sean P. McDermott, Richard P. Apgar
  • Publication number: 20130083957
    Abstract: An apparatus including a housing having a sound hole; a sound transducer in the housing; and a dust barrier in the housing between the sound hole and the sound transducer. The dust barrier has a deck located in a path between the sound hole and the sound transducer. The deck comprises a dust collection pocket configured to accumulate dust therein and prevent dust from passing through the deck at the dust collection pocket. A sound aperture is provided between the sound hole and the sound transducer such that sound passes by the dust collection pocket between the sound hole and the sound transducer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2011
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Inventors: Toni O. Soininen, Petri A. Soronen, Heikki J. Huttunen, Marko H. Kelloniemi
  • 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: 8374378
    Abstract: Portable computer structures are provided. The portable computer structures may include speaker grill structures. A speaker grill structure may be formed by creating an array of small holes (perforations) in a portable computer housing structure such as a planar housing wall. A speaker may be mounted adjacent to the array of holes. The planar housing wall may be formed in a block of milled aluminum and may have a thickness of less than 1 mm. The speaker holes may have with small diameters without overly attenuating sound from a speaker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Ron Hopkinson, John Raff, Bartley K. Andre, Chris Ligtenberg, Ruchi Goel
  • Patent number: 8374377
    Abstract: A speaker apparatus in accordance with the present invention is for use with a vehicle having a compartment and is to be mounted to the vehicle. The speaker apparatus includes: an interior member including a hole edge that defines an attachment hole; a speaker unit configured to be placed in the attachment hole, the speaker unit including a limiting member; and a speaker grille configured to be attached in the attachment hole from an inside of the compartment, the speaker grille including a claw-fixing portion that is bendable and is configured to be engaged with the hole edge. Accompanying the engagement of the claw-fixing portion with the hole edge, the speaker grille is fixed to the interior member. Accompanying the placement of the speaker unit in the attachment hole, the limiting member is positioned in a bending space for the claw-fixing portion and thereby prevents disengagement of the claw-fixing portion from the hole edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Toyota Boshoku Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Mamoru Yamaguchi, Koji Morita
  • Publication number: 20130028464
    Abstract: A speaker apparatus comprises a slit structure, wherein the slit structure including a plurality of plate-shaped parts each of which extends so that a plurality of slits are formed, a plurality of fold-back parts each of which is folded back from an end of the plate-shaped part on the side of the speaker toward a side of the front surface of the housing, so that the plurality of slits are formed, and a drain part that is arranged on a side of one of the two side surfaces of the housing, and wherein each of a plurality of grooves formed by the plurality of plate-shaped parts and the plurality of fold-back parts communicates with the drain part and is inclined so that, in a posture of the slit structure when the operation panel is operated, liquid led from the plate-shaped parts flows to the drain part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2010
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shoichiro Hayashi, Toshinori Hanji
  • Publication number: 20130028463
    Abstract: A loudspeaker assembly comprising: a mounting part configured to be mounted in an opening in a wall or ceiling; an electro-acoustic driver unit for connection to the mounting part; and a grille for covering at least a part of the electro-acoustic driver unit from view when the loudspeaker assembly is installed in a wall or ceiling; wherein the electro-acoustic driver unit comprises an integral mounting surface for attaching the grille to the loudspeaker assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2012
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Applicant: AUDIO PARTNERSHIP PLC
    Inventor: Dominic Baker
  • Publication number: 20130016870
    Abstract: Antenna configurations for wireless speakers are disclosed. An example playback device includes a housing having a metallic face and a non-metallic face, the metallic face including an opening; a first antenna of a first type positioned within the housing adjacent an inner surface of the non-metallic face; and a second antenna of second type different from the first type positioned within the housing, the second antenna including a slot aligned with the opening of the metallic face.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2011
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Inventors: Lee-Yin Vicki Chen, Shao-Hon Tim Chen
  • Patent number: 8345896
    Abstract: A thermoacoustic device includes a thermoacoustic module, a first protection component, a second protection component, and an infrared-reflective film. The thermoacoustic module includes a sound wave generator, at least one first electrode and at least one second electrode. The at least one first electrode and the at least one second electrode are electrically connected to the sound wave generator. The sound wave generator includes a carbon nanotube structure, and the first and second protection components are located on opposite sides of the sound wave generator. The infrared-reflective film is located on the first protection component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Beijing FUNATE Innovation Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Liang Liu, Li Qian, Yu-Quan Wang, Chen Feng
  • Publication number: 20120321121
    Abstract: A loudspeaker grille is disclosed. In accordance with one example, a loudspeaker grille includes a louver arrangement to be arranged in front of a chassis of a loudspeaker to protect membrane and suspension thereof. The louver arrangement includes a first and a second louver arranged on opposing sides of a center plane. Both louvers include a plurality of fins which are arranged slanted with respect to the center plane and which are spaced such that a clearance is provided between projections of neighboring fins to the center plane. The fins of the first louver are inversely slanted to the fins of the second louver. Further, the fins of the first louver are shifted in a lateral direction within the to center plane with respect to the fins of the second louver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2012
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Applicant: HARMAN BECKER AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS GMBH
    Inventors: Garry Taylor, Andrew Holt
  • Patent number: 8315415
    Abstract: A speaker includes a thermoacoustic module, an amplifier circuit board, and a frame. The thermoacoustic module includes a sound wave generator, at least one first electrode and at least one second electrode. The at least one first electrode and the at least one second electrode are electrically connected to the sound wave generator. The sound wave generator includes a carbon nanotube structure. The amplifier circuit board is electrically connected to the carbon nanotube structure by the at least one first electrode and at least one second electrode. The frame secures the thermoacoustic module and the amplifier circuit board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Beijing FUNATE Innovation Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Li Qian, Yu-Quan Wang, Chen Feng, Liang Liu
  • Patent number: 8315414
    Abstract: A thermoacoustic device includes at least one first electrode, at least one second electrode, a sound wave generator and two protection components. The sound wave generator is electrically connected to the at least one first electrode and the at least one second electrode. The sound wave generator includes a carbon nanotube structure. The two protection components are located on opposite sides of the sound wave generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Beijing FUNATE Innovation Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Li Qian, Yu-Quan Wang, Chen Feng, Liang Liu