Abstract:
The invention relates to a loudspeaker system. The loudspeaker system respectively includes first and second satellite speaker having a housings supporting a high frequency driver and a middle frequency driver. Each housing forms a complete enclosure with a single opening and the middle frequency driver includes a magnet and a cone. The middle frequency drivers are respectively mounted within the single openings of the housings such the middle frequency drivers seal the interior of the housings from an external environment and the magnets are directed away from the interior of the housings. The high frequency drivers are mounted to the housings for movement in a plurality of planes. The system further includes a subwoofer having a subwoofer housing in which at least one low frequency driver is mounted. The invention further relates to the specific loudspeakers forming the present system.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This U.S. patent application is based upon U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/142,445, filed Jul. 6, 1999, and entitled “LOUDSPEAKER SYSTEM”. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The invention relates to a loudspeaker system. More particularly, the invention relates to a small, aesthetically pleasing loudspeaker system which does not sacrifice sound quality for size. 
     2. Description of the Prior Art 
     Loudspeaker technology has consistently attempted to reproduce a recorded sound in the most realistic manner possible. In fact, the goal of many designers is the creation of a loudspeaker which sounds as if the singer and/or musician are playing across the room. 
     The vast majority of loudspeaker designs employ a variety of sound drivers mounted within an acoustic box. The sound drivers are mounted along a face of the acoustic box in the direction along which the sound is to be directed. These designs dictate that relatively large drivers are mounted within a relatively large box. 
     While these large loudspeakers often produce very high quality sound, their size makes them difficult, if not impossible, to discretely position within a room. Many manufacturers have attempted to remedy size problems by providing small loudspeakers sized to conveniently sit on a bookshelf or coffee table. Unfortunately, these smaller loudspeakers sacrifice sound quality for size. Since they are smaller and may not accommodate drivers for a variety of frequency ranges, they are unable to offer the full range of sounds the larger loudspeakers offer. 
     The overwhelming popularity and usefulness of personal computers have made the lack of small, high quality loudspeakers even more apparent. Computer users require high quality sound to play games, listen to music while working and even watch movies on their computer monitors. In some instances, an individual&#39;s computer forms the central module in an elaborate multimedia environment including DVD, Digital Dolby processing and high definition television. When all of these high quality components interact to create a realistic entertainment environment, it is highly frustrating to settle for moderate quality loudspeakers because high quality loudspeakers are simply too big to place on a desktop. 
     As such, a need exists for small, aesthetically pleasing loudspeakers, which do not sacrifice sound quality for reductions in the size of the loudspeakers. The present loudspeaker system overcomes the limitations of the prior art. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide a loudspeaker system. The loudspeaker includes a first satellite speaker having a first housing supporting a first high frequency driver and a first middle frequency driver. The first housing forms a complete enclosure with a single opening and the first middle frequency driver includes a magnet and a cone with a concave portion and a convex portion. The first middle frequency driver is mounted within the single opening of the first housing such the first middle frequency driver seals the interior of the first housing from an external environment and the concave portion of the cone is directed to an interior of the first housing while the magnet is directed away from the interior of the first housing. The first high frequency driver is mounted to the first housing for movement in a plurality of planes. The system further includes a second satellite speaker having a second housing supporting a second high frequency driver and a second middle frequency driver. The second housing forms a complete enclosure with a single opening and the second middle frequency driver includes a magnet and a cone with a concave portion and a convex portion. The second middle frequency driver is mounted within the single opening of the second housing such that the second middle frequency driver seals the interior of the second housing from an external environment and the concave portion of the cone is directed to an interior of the second housing while the magnet is directed away from the interior of the second housing. The second high frequency driver is mounted to the second housing for movement in a plurality of planes. The system further includes a subwoofer having a subwoofer housing in which at least one low frequency driver is mounted. 
     It is also an object of the present invention to provide a loudspeaker including a speaker housing supporting a first driver and a second driver. The housing forms an enclosure with a single opening. The first driver includes a magnet and a cone with a concave portion and a convex portion. The first driver is mounted within the single opening of the housing such the driver seals the interior of the housing from an external environment and the concave portion of the cone is directed to an interior of the housing while the magnet is directed away from the interior of the housing such that the magnet forms a support base for the loudspeaker. The second driver is mounted to the housing for movement in a plurality of planes. 
     It is further an object of the present invention to provide a loudspeaker including a frustoconically shaped speaker housing supporting a first driver and a second driver. The housing forms an enclosure with a single opening. The first driver includes a magnet and a cone with a concave portion and a convex portion. The first driver is mounted within the single opening of the housing such the driver seals the interior of the housing from an external environment and the concave portion of the cone is directed to an interior of the housing while the magnet is directed away from the interior of the housing. The second driver is mounted to the housing for movement in a plurality of planes. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide a loudspeaker including a housing with a first member forming a complete enclosure with a single opening and a second member forming a complete enclosure with a single opening. The opening of the first member and the opening of the second opening are opposed. A first driver, including a magnet and a cone with a concave portion and a convex portion, is mounted within the single opening of the first member such that the driver seals the interior of the first member to form an internal environment and the concave portion of the cone is directed to an interior of the first member while the magnet is directed away from the interior of the first member. A second driver, including a magnet and a cone with a concave portion and a convex portion, is mounted within the single opening of the second member such that the driver seals the interior of the second member to form an external environment and the concave portion of the cone is directed to an interior of the second member while the magnet is directed away from the interior of the second member. 
     Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description when viewed in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which set forth certain embodiments of the invention. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a loudspeaker system in accordance with the present invention. 
     FIG. 2 is a front plan view of the satellite speaker in accordance with the present invention. 
     FIG. 3 is a line depiction of the satellite speaker shown in FIG.  2 . 
     FIG. 4 is a front plan view of an alternate embodiment of the satellite speaker. 
     FIG. 5 is a line depiction of the satellite speaker shown in FIG.  4 . 
     FIG. 6 is a front plan view of the subwoofer in accordance with the present invention. 
     FIG. 7 is a line drawing of the subwoofer shown in FIG.  6 . 
     FIG. 8 is a partial cross section view of the mounting system used in accordance with the present invention. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     The detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein. It should be understood, however, that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, the details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limited, but merely as the basis for the claims and as a basis for teaching one skilled in the art how to make and/or use the invention. 
     With reference to FIG. 1, a loudspeaker system  10  in accordance with the present invention is disclosed. The system  10  includes a first satellite speaker  12 , a second satellite speaker  14  and a subwoofer  16 . The first and second satellite speakers  12 ,  14 , in combination with the subwoofer  16 , provide high quality sound while employing a small, aesthetically pleasing design. 
     In fact, and in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first and second satellite speakers  12 ,  14  are no taller than approximately 6″ with a maximum diameter of approximately 3″, and the subwoofer  16  is no taller than approximately 12″ with a maximum diameter of approximately 6″. In addition, the smallest practical size envisioned for the satellite speakers  12 ,  14  is a height of 4″ and a diameter of 2.5″, while the smallest practical size envisioned for the subwoofer  16  is a height of 10″ and a diameter of 4.5″. While these are the preferred dimensions of the present loudspeaker system  10 , the system may be designed with other dimensions without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, where size is not an important consideration, the components of the loudspeaker system may be substantially larger to meet specific needs. 
     The first and second satellite speakers  12 ,  14  are identical. When used in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the satellite speakers  12 ,  14  respectively reproduce the left and right channels of conventional recordings. The satellite speakers  12 ,  14  may also be used as rear speakers in a surround sound audio-visual system. In addition, the satellite speakers  12 ,  14  may be used in groups of one, or more, to suit the needs of various applications. 
     The first satellite speaker  12  will now be described in detail. It should be appreciated that the following explanation applies to the second satellite speaker  14 , as well as any additional speakers that might be used in accordance with the present invention. 
     The first satellite speaker  12  is shown in detail in FIGS. 2 and 3. The satellite speaker  12  includes a frustoconical housing  18 . The housing  18  includes a large diameter open end  20  and a small diameter closed end  22 . The housing  18  is preferably made from lightweight aluminum with a thickness of approximately 0.040 in., although other materials could be used without departing from the spirit of the present invention. 
     The housing  18  supports a first high frequency driver  24  (generally referred to as a tweeter) and a first middle frequency driver  26  (generally referred to as a mid-range). The first high frequency driver  24  reproduces sound in the directional frequency range. As such, the first and second satellite speakers  12 ,  14 , and particularly, the first and second high frequency drivers  24 ,  25 , may be placed some distance apart to create a stereo image. 
     The first middle frequency driver  26  is mounted within the large diameter open end  20  of the housing  18  such that the drivers&#39;s magnet  28  is the base upon which the first satellite speaker  12  is supported when placed on a support surface. The first middle frequency driver  26  completely closes off the large diameter open end  20  of the housing  18  and seals the interior  30  of the housing  18  from the external environment. The first middle frequency driver  26  is mounted within the large diameter open end  20  of the housing  18  with the concave portion  32  of the driver cone  34  directed toward the interior  30  of the housing  18 , while the convex portion  36  of the driver cone  34  and the magnet  28  are directed away from the interior  30  of the housing  18 . 
     The first middle frequency driver  26  is securely mounted within the large diameter open end  20  of the housing  18 . Adhesive secures the first middle frequency driver  26  within the large diameter open end  20  of the housing  18 , although other mounting techniques may be used without departing from the spirit of the present invention so long as the first middle frequency driver  26  completely closes off the large diameter open end  20  of the housing  18 , sealing the interior  30  of the housing  18  from the external environment. 
     By mounting the first middle frequency driver  26  in this way, sound is emitted from the convex portion  36  of the driver cone  34  and directed to the listener. In addition, sound emitted from the concave portion  32  resonates the housing  18  and is also transmitted to a listener. 
     The first high frequency driver  24  is pivotally and rotatably mounted on the small diameter closed end  22  of the housing  18 . Specifically, the first high frequency driver  24  is mounted within a rotating dome  46  coupled to the small diameter closed end  22  of the housing  18 . 
     The dome  46  includes a dome housing  48  with a central slot  50  in which the first high frequency driver  24  is mounted. The dome housing  48  is rotatably coupled to the small diameter closed end  22  of the housing  18 , allowing the first high frequency driver  24  to rotate approximately 300° as desired by the listener. 
     The first high frequency driver  24  is pivotally mounted within the dome  46 , allowing the first high frequency driver  24  to pivot freely along an arc defined by the slot  50 . An apron  52  covers the exposed portions of the slot  50  which revolves with the first high frequency driver  24  as the driver  24  pivots within the dome housing  48 . 
     An alternate embodiment of the first satellite speaker  12 ′ is disclosed in FIGS. 4 and 5. The alternate embodiment is identical to the embodiment disclosed with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, with the exception that the mounting structure for the first high frequency driver  24 ′ is modified. In accordance with the alternate embodiment, a mounting arm  38 ′ secures the first high frequency driver  24 ′ to the small diameter closed end  22 ′ of the housing  18 ′. The mounting arm  38 ′ further supports an inductor  40 ′ for the crossover network (not shown) employed in driving the present speaker. The mounting arm  38 ′ is rotatably mounted to the small diameter closed end  22 ′ of the housing  18 ′, and allows the first high frequency driver  24 ′ to rotate about a defined arc. For example, the mounting arm  38 ′ is preferably mounted to rotate approximately 300°, and stops  42 ′ are provided for limiting the rotation as desired. While a preferred range of motion is disclosed, the range of motion may be readily varied without departing from the spirit of the present invention. 
     The mounting arm  38 ′ also includes a hinge  44 ′ permitting rotation in second plane. The hinge  44 ′ allows the first high frequency driver  24 ′ to pivot about an axis generally perpendicular to the axis about which the driver  24 ′ is permitted to rotate 300°. 
     The satellite speakers in accordance with present invention produce both directional (high frequency) and nondirectional (middle and low frequency) sound from a single source. The generated sound is optimized by proportionally balancing the directional and nondirectional sound to a desirable listening level. 
     In fact, by permitting the high frequency drivers to move, the present satellite speakers allow an individual to selectively direct the sound field to produce a coherent stereo image even when the satellite speakers are not optimally positioned. In this way, the stereo image created by the spaced apart satellites is not overly diminished when one places the satellite speakers at positions which are not centered about the listener. This characteristic is highly advantageous where the satellites are used in conjunction with a computer and there is not sufficient space for the placement of the satellite speakers on opposite sides of the computer monitor. The ability of the present satellite speakers to create such a stereo image is enhanced by the speakers capacity to minimize the directional sound generated by the middle frequency drivers of the first and second satellites. 
     In addition, the positioning of the first middle range driver within the open end of the housing substantially moves the satellite&#39;s center of gravity downward. Lowering the center of gravity in this way provides the satellite with improved stability. 
     While two alternate embodiments for mounting the first high frequency are disclosed above, other mounting structures may be employed without departing from the spirit of the present invention. In addition, while the preferred housing is frustoconical, other housing shapes may be adopted without departing from the spirit of the present invention. 
     The subwoofer  16  is disclosed in detail in FIGS. 6 and 7. The subwoofer  16  includes a housing  54  in which opposed low frequency drivers  56 ,  58  are mounted in a push/pull  40  arrangement. The subwoofer housing  54  includes opposed first and second frustoconical members  60 ,  62  coupled at their large diameter open ends  64 ,  66  to form the subwoofer housing  54 . As with the satellite housing  18 , the first and second frustoconical members  60 ,  62  are preferably manufactured from aluminum, although other materials may be used without departing from the spirit of the present invention. 
     The large diameter open ends  64 ,  66  of the first and second frustoconical members  60 ,  62  are separated to create an open space  68  for mounting first and second low frequency drivers  56 ,  58  therein. The small diameter ends  70 ,  72  of both the first and second frustoconical members  60 ,  62  are closed. A base member  73  is attached to the small diameter end  72  of the second frustoconical member  62 . 
     A first low frequency driver  56  is mounted within the large diameter open end  64  of the first frustoconical member  60  and a second low frequency driver  58  is mounted within the large diameter open end  66  of the second frustoconical member  62 . The first and second low frequency drivers  56 ,  58  oppose each other to produce a desirable bass response exiting the open space  68  created between the first and second frustoconical members  60 ,  62 . Thin mumetal  75 , shields the magnet  74  of the first low frequency driver  56  from the magnet  76  of the second low frequency driver  58  to prevent magnet interference between the first low frequency driver  56  and the second low frequency driver  58 . While the use of a magnetic barrier is not required in with the first and second satellite speakers  12 ,  14 , mumetals may be incorporated with the satellite speakers where specific applications require magnetic shielding. 
     As with the first middle frequency driver  26 , the first and second low frequency drivers  56 ,  58  are fully sealed within the large diameter open ends  64 ,  66  of the first and second frustoconical members  60 ,  62 , respectively, such that the drivers  56 ,  58  respectively seal the interiors  78 ,  80  of the frustoconical members  60 ,  62  from the external environment. The first low frequency driver  56  is mounted within the large diameter open end  64  of the first frustoconical member  60  with the concave portion  82  of the driver cone  83  directed toward the interior  78  of the frustoconical member  60 , while the convex portion  84  of the driver cone  83  and the magnet  74  are directed away from the interior  78  of the frustoconical member  64 . Similarly, the second low frequency driver  58  is mounted within the large diameter open end  66  of the second frustoconical member  62  with the concave portion  86  of the driver cone  87  directed toward the interior  80  of the frustoconical member  62 , while the convex portion  88  of the driver cone  87  and the magnet  76  are directed away from the interior  80  of the frustoconical member  62 . 
     A series of support arms  90  maintains the first and second frustoconical members  60 ,  62  in the opposed relationship. Specifically, the support arms  90  extend between the large diameter open ends  64 ,  66  of the first frustoconical member  60  and the second frustoconical member  62 . 
     As with the middle frequency drivers, the first and second low frequency drivers  56 ,  58  emit sound from the convex portion  84 ,  88  of their cones  83 ,  87  and direct it to the listener. In addition, sound emitted from the concave portion  82 ,  86  of the first and second low frequency drivers  56 ,  58  resonates the housing  54  and is also transmitted to a listener. 
     The subwoofer  16  is further provided with a conventional crossover circuit (not shown). In this way, the present loudspeaker system  10  may be wired to a conventional receiver in much the same manner prior art subwoofer/satellites are wired. The first and second low frequency drivers  12 ,  14  are wired to reproduce left and right low frequency channels, respectively. In addition, the subwoofer  16  may be modified to include a separate amplifier, and thereby function as a powered subwoofer. In this alternate embodiment, the first and second low frequency drivers  56 ,  58  would be wired to reproduce the combined low frequency channels. 
     The disclosed first and second satellite speakers  12 ,  14  and subwoofer  16  generate ideal sound reproduction. More particularly, the combination of a pivotally mounted high frequency driver  24 ,  25 , a middle frequency driver  26  emitting sound from its convex side, and a subwoofer  16  with opposed first and second drivers  56 ,  58  reproduces sound in an ideal manner without occupying valuable space. 
     In addition, high fidelity sound is created by properly matching the drivers with the housing materials. In this way, the resonant peaks of the generated sound are improved and the resulting sound is improved. Further, the sloped shaped of the frustoconical housings may result in direct cancellation of undesirable frequency due to the slope of the housing walls. 
     With reference to FIG. 8, a mounting system  92  for the present satellite speaker  12 ,  14  is disclosed. The mounting system  92  allows one to selectively and discretely mount the satellite speakers  12 ,  14  of the present invention in a convenient manner. The mounting system  92  includes a housing  94  adapted for attachment within an opening  96  formed in a ceiling or wall. The housing  94  includes a central cavity  98  shaped and dimensioned to receive the magnet  28  of the middle frequency driver  26 . 
     Specifically, the mounting system  92  includes a plurality of downwardly extending resilient support arms  100 . The support arms  100  are shaped to resiliently engage the magnet  28  and securely attach the satellite speaker  12 ,  14  to the mounting system  92 . 
     While the preferred embodiments have been shown and described, it will be understood that there is no intent to limit the invention by such disclosure, but rather, it is intended to cover all modifications and alternate constructions falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.