Abstract:
A wireless audio system is provided for use with home audio speakers and includes a transmitter coupled to a stereo receiver and a plurality of speaker stands with built-in receivers. The speakers are placed on the speaker stands and coupled to the receivers.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of prior filed, co-pending application Ser. No. 60/794,398, filed Apr. 24, 2006, entitled WIRELESS AUDIO SYSTEM. 
     
    
     THE FIELD 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to an apparatus for the consumer electronics industry, and more particularly, to an integrated wireless audio system for use with audio speakers. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Wireless speakers and headphones are known in the art. Wireless speakers and headphones typically operate in the frequency range of 902 MHz to 928 MHz. Generally a base unit is attached to a stereo output of an audio device such as a receiver. The base unit receives the stereo output signal from the receiver and converts it to an FM radio signal and broadcasts that signal. A receiver in the wireless speaker or headphone receives the radio signal from the base and converts it to an electrical signal which is sent to the speaker or headphone speaker where it is converted to sound. Both the base and speakers or headphones include a tuner to select a matching frequency between 902 MHz and 928 MHz. Other frequencies may be used such as 2.9 GHz and 5.8 GHz. These frequencies provide better range and clarity. 
         [0004]    Other wireless technologies such as Bluetooth, WiFi and WiMAX, for example, are known for use with wireless headphones. Bluetooth enabled headphones or devices are designed to have a limited range so that they do not interfere with other Bluetooth devices. Bluetooth devices communicate on a frequency of between 2.402 GHz and 2.480 GHz. Other wireless devices operate in this frequency range such as baby monitors and cordless phones. However, Bluetooth transmitters use spread-spectrum frequency hopping to randomly change frequencies 1,600 times per second within the frequency range to avoid interference with other devices. 
         [0005]    One problem with these systems is the wireless headphones or speakers are typically of poor audio quality, must be purchased separately, and are not adaptable for use with a consumer&#39;s existing speakers. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0006]    The present invention provides an apparatus to wirelessly connect a pair of standard speakers to an audio source. The apparatus includes a transmitter which is connected to the audio source such as a stereo receiver. The transmitter includes a tuner and broadcasts the audio signal over a range of predetermined frequencies which is received by two or more receivers. The receivers may include RCA or other speaker jacks, a volume control, frequency tuner, and indicator light, for example. The receivers may be integrated into a speaker stand or caddie. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0007]      FIG. 1  is a functional block diagram of the wireless audio system of the present invention. 
           [0008]      FIG. 2  is a front elevation view of an illustration of a wireless receiver and speaker. 
           [0009]      FIG. 3  is a side view of  FIG. 2 . 
           [0010]      FIG. 4  is a front elevation view of a wireless speaker stand and speaker. 
           [0011]      FIG. 5  is a side view of a wall mounted wireless audio receiver and speaker. 
           [0012]      FIG. 6  is an illustration of the wireless audio system integrated into a television stand. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0013]    Referring to the  FIG. 1 , a wireless audio system of the present invention is generally indicated by reference numeral  20 . Wireless audio system  20  is connected to an audio device  22  such as a stereo receiver. A wireless transmitter  24  is connected to a stereo output of the audio device  22  on one or more lines  26 . The wireless transmitter  24  encodes the audio signal from the audio device  22  and broadcasts it via an antenna  28 . The wireless transmitter  24  may include be 
         [0014]    The wireless transmitter  24  may transmit a signal at a frequency of between 902 MHz and 928 MHz. Other frequencies may be used such as 2.9 GHz or 5.8 GHz, or Bluetooth, for example. The transmitted signal  30  is received by receivers  32  and  34  which decode the signal to produce an audio signal to left speaker  36  and right speaker  38 . 
         [0015]    Referring to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , receiver  32  may include a volume control  40 , a signal strength indicator  42  and a power indicator  44 . It should be understood that the description for receiver  32  is the same for receiver  34  and will not be repeated. Signal strength indicator  42  may be a multi-segment LED bar, graphical display or analog meter, for example, which provides a visual indication of the power of the signal received from the transmitter  24  ( FIG. 1 ). Receiver  32  may be battery powered or may be powered through an AC power source  46 . The audio signal is conveyed to the speaker  32  via line  48 . 
         [0016]    Referring to  FIG. 4 , the wireless audio system  20  of the present invention may be incorporated into a speaker stand  60 . Speaker stand  60  includes a receiver  62  as discussed hereinabove for receiver  32  which is connected to a standard speaker  64 . A volume control (not shown), signal strength indicator (not shown) and power indicator (not shown) may be incorporated into the speaker stand  60  as discussed hereinabove for receiver  32 . 
         [0017]    Referring to  FIG. 5 , receiver  32  may be mounted to a wall  70  and support a standard speaker  36 . Standard mounting brackets (not shown) may be included to allow the user flexibility in locating the wireless receiver  32  anywhere in a room. 
         [0018]    Referring to  FIG. 6 , an entertainment center  80  is illustrated supporting a television set  82  and includes wireless receivers  84  and  86  integrated into the entertainment center  80 . The receivers  84  and  86  are connected to speakers  88  and  90 , respectively, through audio cables (not shown). Additional wireless audio speaker stands  92  and  94  with speakers  96  and  98  may be present in the room and placed at various locations to enhance the listening enjoyment of the audio system. A receiver  100  may be placed on a shelf under the television set  82 , along with a wireless transmitter  24 . A separate wireless transmitter  24  may be used for each pair of speakers or a single wireless transmitter may include inputs to control two or more pairs of speakers. Utilizing the present invention with two or more pairs of speakers a user may enjoy surround sound without having to run wires throughout the room. Additionally, when a room is rearranged or the entertainment system is moved to another room or house, the wireless audio system may be easily set up. 
         [0019]    It is to be understood that while certain forms of this invention have been illustrated and described, it is not limited thereto, except in so far as such limitations are included in the following claims and allowable equivalents thereof.