Abstract:
An improved light weight, portable public address system configured with high fidelity omni-directional and high wattage directional speakers for both indoor and outdoor use with a wide variety of sound inputs assembled in a self-contained, compact housing. Optional systems provide for the remote deployment of up to two speakers and the use of a remote wireless microphone. Improved options include a unique compact configuration that allows for modular construction of all components for plug and play operation and rapid field replacement; a weatherproof housing for operation in inclement weather, and a tape player to provide prerecorded programming.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   This invention relates generally to portable sound apparatus for public address and more particularly to compact, self contained high wattage, low voltage, battery-powered, modular systems suitable for both indoor and outdoor operation having remote microphone and watertight embodiments with improved, modular plug and play components. 
   GENERAL BACKGROUND 
   In general, public address systems are employed for the purpose of amplifying the reproduction of sound or allowing a speaker to be heard above background noise and/or by a large group of people. Portable, public address (PA) systems must address a wide variety of special problems. The environment in which such systems are frequently used may vary drastically from one location to another. For example, ball games and other athletic events or indoor lectures. The types of sounds being amplified may also vary depending on the type of event being addressed. For example, utilizing an amplified megaphone-type speaker generally used for voice amplification indoors or outdoors to play music distorts the sound, while utilizing relatively small music speakers, generally not directional, does not lend themselves to outdoor use. Acoustical feedback is always a problem with an outdoor system when used indoors. Therefore, a need exists for a more universal portable PA system that more closely meets the requirements of both indoor and outdoor environments for a variety of sound amplification. Further, a need also exists for a compact PA system that is user friendly, weather tight and readily field repairable. Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a compact, portable PA system that is lightweight, user friendly, readily adaptable to a wide variety of environments and types of sound reproduction, battery powered, low voltage with high wattage, capable of accommodating large and small audiences and field repairable by replacement of plug and play components. 
   It is a further object of the invention to provide a lightweight, portable, outdoor PA system for operation in inclement weather. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention is an improved model referred to as the T3R model which is a 12 volt DC 15 to 30 watt, portable public address system configured with high fidelity omni-directional and high wattage directional speakers for both indoor and outdoor use with a wide variety of sound inputs assembled in a self-contained, compact housing. Optional systems provide for the remote deployment of up to two speakers and the use of a remote, wireless microphone. The unique configuration, unlike earlier models, allows for modular construction of all components for plug and play operation and rapid field replacement. A new optional system now provides a weatherproof housing for operation in inclement weather. 
   Unlike earlier models, which were hard-wired 120 VAC/12 VDC systems whereby the system was capable of operating selectively on 120 volt AC or from a 12 battery power supply, the newer improved system is an all modular, low voltage 12 VDC amplifier powered by a 12 volt DC battery or directly from a 12 VDC power source, such as from a vehicle. This new low voltage system prevents accidental short-circuiting to the 120 volt AC line, thereby providing a much safer operating system. A 120 VAC/12 VDC adapter provides recharging of the battery. Further, older models utilized a 30-watt horn type speaker that was capable of being overdriven by the system amp, whereas the newer models now utilize a 60 watt directional horn type speaker to prevent such overdriving and maintain the output in the mid range. The higher wattage 60-watt speakers provided on the basic model may now be replaced with a pair of 15-25 watt horn speakers as well. Unlike earlier models, all optional components are now interchangeable between models. Additionally, a tape player is provided with the system to provide prerecorded programming. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     For a further understanding of the nature and objects of the present invention, reference should be made to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which, like parts are given like reference numerals, and wherein: 
       FIG. 1  is an isometric view of a first embodiment of the PA system; 
       FIG. 2  is an isometric view of the first embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1  with additional accessories; 
       FIG. 3  is an isometric view of the first embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1  with horn speaker deployed; 
       FIG. 4   a  is an isometric view of the combination horn speaker mounting base assembly; 
       FIG. 4   b  is an isometric view of the housing plug assembly including cord caddy; 
       FIG. 5  is a vertical end view of the first embodiment as illustrated in  FIG. 3 ; 
       FIG. 6  is a top view of connection plate No.  1  used with the first embodiment; 
       FIG. 7  is a top view of connection plate No.  2  used with the first embodiment; 
       FIG. 8  is an exploded view of the first embodiment Illustrated in  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 9  is an isometric view of a second embodiment of the invention; 
       FIG. 10  is an isometric view of the second embodiment with dual horn speakers remotely deployed; 
       FIG. 11  is an isometric view of the second embodiment with dual horn speakers attached to a removable base; 
       FIG. 12  is an isometric view of the interior of the second embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 10  with accessories. 
       FIG. 13  is a vertical side view of the second embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 11 ; 
       FIG. 14  is a top view of the connection plate illustrated in  FIG. 12 ; 
       FIG. 15  is an exploded view of the second embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 9 ; 
       FIG. 16  is an exploded view of the second embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 11 ; 
       FIG. 17  is a block diagram and plug connection of the invention with internal type player and dual horn speakers; 
       FIG. 18  is a block diagram and plug connection of the invention with optional power control and speaker selection; 
       FIG. 19  is a block diagram and plug connection of the invention with internal type player and single or multiple horn speaker provision. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
   A first embodiment of the basic portable public address (PA) system  10  is illustrated in FIG.  1 . This model is compact, measuring only 21.5 inches by 11.5 inches by 10.25 high, and lightweight, weighing only 20 lbs. The unit may be described as having a tubular “T” shaped housing having a carrying handle  13  with the main body  12  of the “T” having two ends, one of which is fitted with a main, high quality 6.5 inch, 120 watt two-way speaker assembly  14  having a metal protective grill. The opposite end is fitted with a tubular plug assembly  16 , which also serves as a speaker cord housing. The branch portion  18  of the tubular “T” shaped housing is fitted with a support base, plug assembly  20 . The basic model system  10  is also fitted with a plug type, heavy duty, unidirectional/dynamic, low impedance microphone  22  and a pivotal microphone holder  24 . The pivotal microphone holder  24  provides for hands free operation and ease of transport. 
   The basic model may be expanded, as seen in  FIG. 2 , to include a 60-watt directional, horn type speaker assembly  26 , a remote wireless RF microphone system  28 , and battery charging adapters  30 ,  32 . Charging adapters  30 ,  32  provided with all units allow the 12 VDC battery power supply to be re-charged from an AC/DC or DC voltage sources. 
   As seen in  FIG. 3 , the horn speaker assembly  26  may be attached by replacing the housing tubular plug assembly  16  inserted in the end of the tubular “T” portion  12  with the speaker assembly  26 , thereby providing dual event capability. By so doing, the main two-way 30-watt speaker may be used indoors or for relatively small audiences to play music and the like and the larger horn type 60-watt speaker is useful for larger audiences outdoors, primarily for voice amplification. 
   Feedback may be reduced by using the remote wireless microphone, which allows the PA unit  10  to be placed a considerable distance away from and in front of the microphone. Further, the entire PA unit  10  may be elevated by placement on a platform and the horn speaker assembly  26  positioned horizontally for directional address or also may be deployed some distance from the PA unit  10  as illustrated in FIG.  3 . 
   The horn speaker assembly  26  as shown in  FIG. 4   a  includes a pivotally mounted horn speaker  34  with a handle  36  and the tubular plug housing  38 , which also includes a central stem member  40  and a polymeric plate member  42 , preferably of clear plastic, having a pair of apertures  44  therein as finger holes for easy removal whenever necessary. The plate  42  is smaller in diameter than the inside of the plug housing  38  and removably mounted to the stem member  40 . This allows the speaker cord  46  to be optionally attached to the speaker externally as seen in  FIG. 3  or internally spooled from behind and around the plate member  42  as shown in  FIG. 4   b.    
   The plug housing  16 , first seen in FIG.  1  and detailed in  FIG. 4   b , includes an external handle  17  and is otherwise essentially the same as Item  38  in  FIG. 4   a , with the exception of the handle, and may also include the items  40 - 44  as well. A notch  48  may also be provided to allow for the cord  46  to exit from inside the housing when the speaker is deployed as seen in  FIG. 3. A  patch cord may be stored in the plug housing  16  for use with auxiliary input devices. 
   Turning now to  FIG. 5 , we see a vertical side view showing components inside the unit  10 . As seen here the base plug assembly  20  includes a plurality of rubber feet members  50  serving as sound vibration isolation members and a thumb screw  53  threadably inserted through the main body housing for locking the end plug members  38  in any rotated position, thereby allowing the horn speaker  34  to be positioned in two planes. We also see that the electrical components are confined within two modules  52  and  54  with module  52  being the principle amplifier and controls and module  54  being the connection module for recharge power control. 
   As may be seen in  FIG. 6 , the amplifier module  52  is retained within the main “T”-shaped housing by a flange plate  56  which contains a jack plug  58  for receiving input from a microphone (However, a remote wireless RF microphone system may be substituted if desired.), an auxiliary jack plug  60  for receiving input from a device such as a radio, compact disk, or tape player, a volume control  62  for controlling the volume of the speakers  14 ,  28 , a volume control  64  for auxiliary input at jack  60 , a power control switch  6 , and a power indicator light  68 . An onboard, internal, electronically produced siren is also provided and activated by push button  69 . 
   Unlike earlier models an input power module  54  is provided and secured within the housing body  12  by flange plate  70  seen in FIG.  7 . The power module  54  contains a DC power input jack  72 , a fuse holder  74 , a power selector switch  76  for power input jack  72  that selects external DC power input operation or battery charging operation, and a speaker output jack  78  and a 3 VDC power supply jack  75  for powering an external recorder. The output of the recorder  146  seen in  FIGS. 17-19  connects to the Auxiliary input jack  60 . 
   Looking now at  FIG. 8 , we see that the improved PA system  10  is comprised of the previously discussed group of plug in module assemblies that are now removably attached to the “T” shaped tubular housing  12 , 18 . The control module  52  is now interchangeably and electrically connected with connecting plugs with each modular component. 
   The 12-volt DC 5 ampere hour, rechargeable, sealed lead acid battery pack  80  is connected by plug  82  to the central control module  52  at connector  84 . The two-way 30-watt speaker  14  is also connected by plug  86  to the central control module  52  at connector  88 , as is the external power input control module  54  with plug  90  with connector  92 . 60-watt speaker  34  is connected to the control module  54  by way of plug  94  and input microphone  23  is connected to the control module  52  by plug  96 . 
   An entirely new embodiment  100  is illustrated in FIG.  9  and represents an even more compact PA system measuring only 9½ inches high and 7½ inches in diameter. This embodiment is weatherproof and designed principally for outdoor use, even in inclement weather. Two or more systems, utilizing a pair of speakers with each unit, may be used simultaneously with a single remote microphones tuned to multiple receivers on the same frequency, thereby providing broad coverage at sporting events, such as ball games, or for strategic placement and use by duck hunters on or near water. Embodiment  100 , comprises an elongated housing  102  configured for receiving modular tubular plug assemblies  20  and  26 , utilized with the first embodiment  10 , at each end of the housing. The housing further includes an external handle  102  for transport. The interchangeability of all modular components allows the system to be configured in a variety of ways to accommodate specific situations and environments. This embodiment  100  is exclusively adapted for use with a remote wireless microphone  28 . A pair of speaker plug assemblies  16  may also be used with a remote two-horn speaker configuration as seen in FIG.  10 . Alternatively, the second embodiment  100  may be configured with an alternative plug assembly  108  which includes a pair of 12-volt, 15 to 25 watt, 5×8×8 inch long, weatherproof, horn type speakers  106  as illustrated in FIG.  11 . Removing the speaker plug assembly  108  from the housing  102  exposes the system control panel  110  as seen in FIG.  12 . An aperture  112  in the panel  110  is provided for storing the remote wireless microphone  28 . An AC/DC converter  30  and a 12-volt DC vehicle adapter  32  are also provided with this embodiment as well. 
   As seen in  FIG. 13 , we see that this embodiment  100  includes the same speaker assembly  26  and base plug assembly  20  as used with embodiment  10 . 
     FIG. 14  indicates that this embodiment  100  contains a single control flange plate  110  attached directly to the control module  114 , better seen in FIG.  15 . The flange plate includes essentially the same switches, jacks, and controls found on the first embodiment  10  except, in this case, a second speaker jack  116  has been added as well as the aperture  112  for storing the remote wireless microphone. 
   As further seen in  FIG. 15 , the base plug assembly  20  is inserted into the elongated vertical housing  102  and adhered thereto. The control module is electrically connected by plug member  82  to control connecter  118  and inserted in the housing  102  and held in position against a ledge  20  located midway along the interior of the vertical housing  102  and retained in position by an o-ring seal  122 . Either a blank plug assembly  16 , speaker plug module  26 , or the dual speaker plug assembly  108  may be selected for attachment to the PA unit. 
     FIG. 16  demonstrates the assemblage of the dual speaker assembly  108  and sealing method for making the system weatherproof. In this assembly the horn speakers  106  having vertical pivotal mounts are pivotally located at approximately 60 degrees apart on a common adapter plate  124  and secured thereto by fasteners  126 . Adapter plate  124  is fitted with a central column  128  and is slidable through aperture  130 , the adapter plate being secured to the housing plug member  38  by fasteners  132  and held in a spaced apart relationship by spacers  134  and secured thereto by threaded nuts  136 . Vent tubes  140  are also installed in the housing plug member  38  directly below the adapter plate  124  as external air vents to allow heat to escape. One such vent may be used to route a wire for connecting an external antenna when required for the remote wireless microphone. As further seen in  FIG. 16 , sealing rings  142  are also provided with each plug-in module. 
   Looking at  FIG. 17 , we see the amplifier and control module  52  is powered by a disconnectable nominal 12-volt battery  80  or by an optional AC to DC voltage reducer/converter  30  commonly used in the art for connecting to any 120-volt outlet. The voltage reducer reduces the voltage from 120 VAC to nominal 12 VDC for powering the 12 VDC amplifier. External speakers in this case may be a pair of horn type directional speakers  106 , as seen in  FIG. 16 , connected in parallel, thereby providing broader coverage than a single speaker used alone. Obviously, an amplifier may be provided with any wattage capability; however, it has been found that a compact, portable PA system such as described herein is most effective with an approximately 30-watt output. Therefore, the output may be adapted to any speaker combination that is greater than the 30 watts available. i.e. two 30-watt directional horn speakers in parallel connected to a single output jack, an optional 30-watt omni-directional  30  speaker  14  or a 60-watt direction horn speaker  34 , as seen in  FIG. 18 , or a pair of 60-watt horn speaker assemblies  26 , as shown deployed in  FIG. 10 , connected by separate jacks  78 ,  116  as seen in FIG.  14  and shown optionally connected in FIG.  19 . However, in the latter case it is desirable to have the speakers operate in their mid range and thus prevent the possibility of overdriving the speakers. As further seen in  FIGS. 17-19 , a tape player  146  may be used as an input device, simultaneously with a microphone, when plugged into the auxiliary jack  60 . Taped music, repetitious voice recordings, or special sounds such as duck calls, etc., may also be played and amplified through the system. The tape player may be alternatively powered directly from the amplifier  52  with the 3 VDC power jack  75  as illustrated in  FIGS. 7 , and  14 . 
   Because many varying and different embodiments may be made within the scope of the inventive concept herein taught, and because many modifications may be made in the embodiments herein detailed in accordance with the descriptive requirement of the law, it is to be understood that the details herein are to be interpreted as illustrative and not in any limiting sense.