Patent ID: 9226057
Filing Date: 2015-12-29
Classification: H04R

Abstract:
1. An external sound system for a portable electronic device having an electronic display screen, said external sound system comprising, in combination: a mount configured to be secured to the portable electronic device; at least one sound panel coupled to the mount and selectively movable relative to the mount between at least a first position and a second position; at least one flat panel loudspeaker forming at least a portion of an exterior surface of the sound panel and operably coupled to the portable electronic device to selectively produce sound; wherein the at least one sound panel is configured so that the at least one flat panel loudspeaker faces and at least partially covers the electronic display screen of the portable electronic device to protect the electronic display screen of the portable electronic device when the sound panel is in the first position and so that the at least one flat panel loudspeaker is located laterally beside the electronic display screen of the portable electronic device and faces in the same direction as the electronic display screen of the portable electronic device when the sound panel is in the second position; and wherein the sound panel includes a frame and the at least one flat panel loudspeaker includes a vibratable panel having inner and outer surfaces, an exciter fixed to the frame and secured to the inner surface of the vibratable panel to selectively impart vibrations to the vibratable panel, and a flexible support sheet secured to the outer surface of the vibratable panel and coupled to the frame to partially support the vibratable panel.