Patent ID: 6224801
Filing Date: 2001-05-01
Classification: B29C,B29L,H04R

Abstract:
A method of making a speaker comprising providing a pair of dies which define between them a cavity, providing in the cavity a first portion for receiving a diaphragm of the speaker, and, adjacent an outer perimeter of the diaphragm when it is placed in the cavity, a second portion for receiving a fluid thermoplastic elastomer for forming a diaphragm surround, the second portion including a perimetrally inner first region adjacent the outer perimeter of the diaphragm for receiving the thermoplastic elastomer to form a perimetrally inner flange for bonding to the diaphragm adjacent the outer perimeter of the diaphragm when the fluid thermoplastic elastomer is introduced into the cavity, a central second region for receiving the thermoplastic elastomer to form a connecting arch of the surround when the fluid thermoplastic elastomer is introduced into the cavity, and a perimetrally outer third region for receiving the thermoplastic elastomer to form a perimetrally outer flange for attachment to a diaphragm support when the fluid thermoplastic elastomer is introduced into the cavity, forming at least one first notch in the outer perimeter of a diaphragm, placing the diaphragm between the dies, closing the dies, introducing into the cavity an amount of the fluid thermoplastic elastomer sufficient to fill the second portion including the at least one first notch, and permitting the thermoplastic elastomer to solidify.