Flip out dog leg mountable ceiling speaker enclosure

A manually operated flip dog mountable ceiling speaker enclosure, for ceiling or other panel installation, provides a plurality of flip dogs mounted tangentially on an annular flange around an opening of a speaker can and operated by either pulling on an actuator to create a cam-driven rotation to a radial alignment and a downward dog movement to a ratcheted clamping position, or by first rotating the manual actuator to rotate the dog and then pulling the actuator to pull the dog down into a ratcheted clamping position. Ratchet points on the dog are urged into ratchet points on a wall by a releasable biasing member. Three embodiments are illustrated.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to providing a flip out dog leg mountable ceiling speaker enclosure. In particular, this invention relates to providing a manually installable flip out dog leg mountable ceiling speaker.

BACKGROUND

Installation of loudspeakers into panels, especially ceiling panels, presents unique challenges, especially in obtaining the desired balance between speed of installation and security of installation. Significantly, ceiling speaker installation in larger buildings can involve a thousand or more ceiling speakers, and the time it takes to install one ceiling speaker, multiplied a thousand times, becomes a noticeable factor in labor costs. A general class of devices used for ceiling speaker installation are “flip out dog legs” which clamp, or dog, a peripheral portion of ceiling panel between an annular flange and at least two dogs which are mounted peripherally around the speaker enclosure. Flip out dog legs are also known as “flip dogs”. Flip dogs are initially stowed within the outer circumference of the hole in the ceiling panel in which the loudspeaker enclosure is to be mounted. In conventional operation, a screw device is used to “flip” the dog into a radially aligned position and lower the dog to the clamping position, requiring a screw driver for installation, usually a powered screw driver.

U.S. Pat. No. 8,286,749 discloses flip dogs that are screw-driven to deployment and combine the lowering action with the downward travel of the dog. Dismounting can be achieved by reversing the screw to exploit a vertical spring bias. U.S. Pat. No. 7,780,135 discloses screw-driven, vertical spring biased flip dogs of a different design, but similar functionality. US published patent application 20070121988 discloses yet another design for screw-driven, vertically spring-biased dogs.

Therefore, a need exists for a flip dog mountable ceiling speaker enclosure that does not require tools for activating the flip dogs. In addition, there is a need for a flip dog mountable ceiling speaker enclosure that can be more rapidly installed. There is also a need for a flip dog mountable ceiling speaker enclosure that can be fitted with a speaker by the user. There is also a need for a flip dog mountable ceiling speaker enclosure that can be dismounted. There is also a need for a flip dog mountable ceiling speaker enclosure in which all flip dogs on the flip dog mountable ceiling speaker enclosure can be deployed simultaneously.

OBJECTS AND FEATURES OF THE INVENTION

A primary object and feature of the present invention is to overcome the above-mentioned problems and fulfill the above-mentioned needs.

Another object and feature of the present invention is to provide a system that does not require tools for activating the flip dogs.

It is a further object and feature of the present invention to provide a system that can be more rapidly installed.

It is a further object and feature of the present invention to provide a system that can be dismounted.

It is a further object and feature of the present invention that it can be provided as a mountable enclosure to be fitted with a user's speaker.

It is a further object and feature of the present invention to provide a flip dog mountable ceiling speaker enclosure in which all flip dogs on the flip dog mountable ceiling speaker can be deployed simultaneously.

It is an additional primary object and feature of the present invention to provide such a system that is efficient, inexpensive and handy. Other objects and features of this invention will become apparent with reference to the following descriptions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, the term “speakers” is used to mean “audio loudspeakers”. The apparatus of the present invention provides a flip dog mountable speaker enclosure, with or without one or more speakers, that is installed rapidly and manually without tools, by providing an integrated actuator, such as a pull rod. The system comprises apparatus for clamping an inserted speaker enclosure to the periphery of a ceiling panel into which the speaker enclosure has been inserted. The system may also include a dismounting device. The system also includes spring-biased interlockable ratchet teeth.

More precisely, the invention provides a manually mountable ceiling speaker enclosure, including a speaker enclosure including an output end an annular support flange extending outwardly and perpendicularly from the output end; a plurality of flip dogs mounted on and spaced apart along the annular support flange near the speaker enclosure; where each flip dog has a dog having a first position tangent to the speaker enclosure; and a second position radial to the speaker enclosure and where the first position is distal the annular support flange and the second position is proximal the annular support flange; and a manual actuator operable, without tools, to move the dog from the first position to the second position. The manually mountable ceiling speaker enclosure, where the actuator may be operated by pulling the actuator away from the speaker enclosure. The manually mountable ceiling speaker enclosure, where the actuator may be operated by rotating the actuator. The manually mountable ceiling speaker enclosure, where the actuator may be releasable. The manually mountable ceiling speaker enclosure, where each dog of the plurality of flip dogs includes a barrel for receiving at least a portion of the actuator; a side-facing first ratchet portion including a linear array of upwardly pointed teeth extending from a middle portion of the barrel on a first side of the dog; a bridge portion extending from the barrel above the ratchet portion; and a foot extending from a distal end of the bridge portion and forming a notch between the ratchet portion and the foot. The manually mountable ceiling speaker enclosure, including a perimeter wall extending axially from the annular support flange between the plurality of flip dogs and spaced apart from an outer perimeter of the annular support flange; configured to fit within the notch when the dog is in the second position; and defining a perimeter for an installation opening in a ceiling panel. The manually mountable ceiling speaker enclosure, where each flip dog of the plurality of flip dogs includes first and second spaced apart and opposed sidewalls configured to engage respective first side and a second opposed side of the dog when the dog is in the second position; where the first sidewall includes a second ratchet portion including a linear array of downwardly pointed teeth configured to slidingly engage the barrel when the dog is in the first position and ratchetly engage the first ratchet portion when the dog is moved into the second position; and where the second wall includes a surface to slidingly engage the second side of the dog when the dog is moved into the second position. The manually mountable ceiling speaker enclosure, where the second wall supports a biasing member operable to urge the dog towards the second ratchet portion when the dog is moved into the second position. The manually mountable ceiling speaker enclosure, where the biasing member is releasably supported and each flip dog further includes a tool sleeve aligned to a release member of the releasably supported biasing member and configured to receive a tool for actuating the release member. The manually mountable ceiling speaker enclosure, where the second wall includes an arcuate top surface for engaging a portion of a bottom surface of the dog in the first position and operable to urge the dog into rotation responsive to a downward force. The manually mountable ceiling speaker enclosure, further including first and second supports operable to buttress the first and second sidewalls, respectively. The manually mountable ceiling speaker enclosure, further including a rear arcuate wall extending between the first and second sidewalls, and having an inner curvature conformal to the barrel. The manually mountable ceiling speaker enclosure, including at least one of a loudspeaker and a trim ring.

A manually mountable ceiling speaker enclosure, including a speaker enclosure having an output end an annular support flange extending outwardly and perpendicularly from the output end; a plurality of flip dogs mounted on and spaced apart along the annular support flange near the speaker enclosure; where each flip dog includes a dog having a first position tangent to the speaker enclosure and a second position radial to the speaker enclosure and where the first position is distal the annular support flange and the second position is proximal the annular support flange; and a manual actuator operable, without tools, to move the dog from the first position to the second position; and where the actuator may be manually operated by at least one of pulling the actuator away from the speaker enclosure and rotating the actuator. The manually mountable ceiling speaker enclosure, where the actuator may be releasable. The manually mountable ceiling speaker enclosure, where each dog of the plurality of flip dogs includes: a barrel for receiving a portion of the actuator; a side-facing first ratchet portion including a linear array of upwardly pointed teeth extending from a middle portion of the barrel on a first side of the dog; a bridge extending from the barrel above the ratchet portion; and a foot extending from a distal end of the bridge and forming a notch between the ratchet portion and the foot. The manually mountable ceiling speaker enclosure, including an annular wall extending axially from the annular support flange between the plurality of flip dogs and spaced apart from an outer perimeter of the annular support flange; and configured to fit within the notch when the dog is in the second position; and defining a perimeter for an installation opening in a ceiling panel. The manually mountable ceiling speaker enclosure, where each flip dog of the plurality of flip dogs includes: first and second spaced apart and opposed sidewalls configured to engage respective first side and a second opposed side of the dog when the dog is in the second position; where the first sidewall includes a second ratchet portion including a linear array of downwardly pointed teeth configured to slidingly engage the barrel when the dog is in the first position; and ratchetly engage the first ratchet portion when the dog is moved into the second position; and where the second wall: includes a surface to slidingly engage the second side of the dog when the dog is moved into the second position; supports a releasable biasing member operable to urge the dog towards the second ratchet portion when the dog is moved into the second position; includes a tool sleeve aligned to a release member of the releasably supported biasing member and configured to receive a tool for actuating the release member; and includes an arcuate top surface for engaging a portion of a bottom surface of the dog in the first position and operable to urge the dog into rotation responsive to a downward force; first and second supports operable to buttress the first and second sidewalls, respectively; and a rear arcuate wall extending between the first and second sidewalls, and having an inner curvature conformal to the barrel.

A manually mountable ceiling speaker enclosure, including: a speaker enclosure having an output end; an annular support flange extending outwardly and perpendicularly from the output end; a plurality of flip dogs mounted on and spaced apart on the annular support flange proximate the speaker enclosure; wherein each the flip dog further includes a dog having a first position tangent to the speaker enclosure; and a second position radial to the speaker enclosure and wherein the first position is distal the annular support flange and the second position is proximal the annular support flange; wherein each dog of the plurality of flip dogs includes: a barrel for receiving at least a portion of the actuator; a side-facing first ratchet portion including a linear array of upwardly pointed teeth extending from a middle portion of the barrel on a first side of the dog; a bridge extending from the barrel above the first ratchet portion; and a foot extending from a distal end of the bridge and forming a notch between the first ratchet portion and the foot; wherein each flip dog of the plurality of flip dogs includes: first and second spaced apart and opposed sidewalls configured to engage respective first side and a second opposed side of the dog when the dog is in the second position; wherein the first sidewall includes a second ratchet portion including a linear array of downwardly pointed teeth configured to: slidingly engage the barrel when the dog is in the first position; and ratchetly engage the first ratchet portion when the dog is moved into the second position; and wherein the second wall: includes a surface to slidingly engage the second side of the dog when the dog is moved into the second position; supports a releasable biasing member operable to urge the dog towards the second ratchet portion when the dog is moved into the second position; includes a tool sleeve aligned to a release member of the releasably supported biasing member and configured to receive a tool for actuating the release member; includes an arcuate top surface engaging a portion of a bottom surface of the dog in the first position and operable to urge the dog into rotation responsive to a downward force; first and second supports operable to buttress the first and second sidewalls, respectively; a rear arcuate wall extending between the first and second sidewalls, and having an inner curvature conformal to the barrel; a manual actuator operable, without tools, to move the dog from the first position to the second position; wherein the actuator may be manually operated by at least one of: pulling the actuator away from the speaker enclosure; and rotating the actuator; and an annular wall: extending axially from the annular support flange between the plurality of flip dogs and spaced apart from an outer perimeter of the annular support flange; configured to fit within the notch when the dog is in the second position; and defining a perimeter for an installation opening in a ceiling panel. The manually mountable ceiling speaker enclosure, wherein the actuator may be releasable.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The term “speaker” as defined and used herein refers to an audio loudspeaker. Directional modifiers such as “top”, “bottom”, and the like are oriented to the preferred ceiling installation of the flip dog mountable ceiling speaker enclosure100with the diaphragm136pointed down from the ceiling. Those of skill in the art, informed by the present disclosure, will appreciate that the flip dog mountable ceiling speaker enclosure100can also be mounted in walls, including slanted walls. “Dog” as defined and used herein refers to a securing element, such as a clamping element, as in the nautical “Dog down that hatch!”

FIG. 1is a bottom front perspective view illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a flip dog mountable ceiling speaker enclosure100, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Flip dog mountable ceiling speaker enclosure100includes a speaker enclosure102, or “can”102that, in this embodiment contains a loudspeaker having a surround138, diaphragm136, and dust cap106, all in an output end of the enclosure102. In various embodiments, speaker enclosure102may be sold without a loudspeaker and with various respective internal fittings for a various respective loudspeakers or arrays of loudspeakers. Speaker enclosure102is fixed to an annular support flange104that surrounds the output end of speaker enclosure102, and extends radially outward from the speaker enclosure102, as shown. While the enclosure102is illustrated and described as having a circular cross-section, other cross-sectional shapes are within the scope of the invention, and so the annular support flange104, for example, may be generalized as a perimetrical support flange104. In a particular embodiment, speaker enclosure102and annular support flange104may be made of one piece. An annular trim ring140is fixed to the underside of annular support flange104. The top side of annular support flange104supports flip dogs126and128, among others not visible in this view. A flip dog mountable ceiling speaker enclosure100, that is sold without a speaker as a mountable enclosure102for one or more user-supplied speakers, is within the scope of the present invention. While the speaker enclosure102is exemplified as generally a circular cylinder, various other shapes are within the scope of the present invention.

Flip dog126is shown in the stowed position, or first position, before deployment, in which dog108is turned tangent to the curvature of speaker enclosure102to enable the flip dog mountable ceiling speaker enclosure100to be inserted easily into a hole in a ceiling panel. Flip dog126includes dog108with a linear array of upward-pointed ratchet teeth110extending from the barrel142, a foot148, and a bridge150between the barrel142and the foot148. Flip dog126also includes a manual actuator, illustrated as pull rod116. extending through an opening124to end in a handle122; buttressed114first sidewall112with downward-pointed ratchet teeth132; buttressed second sidewall118with curved portion for rotating the dog108; and releasable biasing member212, illustrated as leaf spring212(seeFIG. 2). Handle122is shown in the stowed and shipped position, spaced apart from opening124so that an installer may easily grasp the handle122. Dog108includes a barrel142within which pull rod116can freely rotate and slide upwardly. Pull rod116need not be completely rigid, but should have enough stiffness to be both pulled and pushed. The top end of pull rod116has a larger diameter knob404(SeeFIGS. 10 and 4) that, prior to deployment, nests in a socket406(seeFIG. 4) proximate the top of the barrel142of dog108. When handle122is pulled downward by the installer, knob404exerts force on the floor of socket406to pull the dog108into a deployed position. Flip dog128is shown in a deployed position. Once the dog108is pulled down, the pull rod116is pushed upward by the installer into opening124, as shown with handles146, which are the same as handle122, but deployed. Handles122and146may be made of a resilient plastic and sized to snap into openings124so that handles122and146are retained. The flip dog mountable ceiling speaker enclosure100is exemplified in the drawings as having four flip dogs126,128,202, and402(seeFIG. 4). In various additional embodiments, two or more flips dogs126,128,202, or402may be used, with the usual, but non-limiting, number between two and five.

First sidewall112of flip dog126has a linear array of downward pointing ratchet teeth132that are sized complimentarily to upward pointing ratchet teeth110on dog108. By pulling down on the handle122, dog108is constrained to rotate outward and move downward such that upward-pointed ratchet teeth110of dog108engage downward pointing ratchet teeth132of first sidewall112, enabling dog108to move downward to engage the ceiling panel with bottom dog surface134but not allowing dog108to move upward thereafter. The upper end144of first sidewall112is thinner to allow dog108to gain initial momentum before upward-pointing ratchet teeth110engage downward-pointing ratchet teeth132. Gap222(seeFIG. 2) provides a non-engagement area for upward-pointing ratchet teeth110when flip dog108is initially rotated into radial alignment. First sidewall112is buttressed by support114. Second sidewall118is buttressed by support120. Supports114and120may be of various shapes in various embodiments. First and second sidewalls112and118constrain the motion of dog108to initially rotational and then downward motion.

FIG. 2is a front elevation view illustrating the exemplary embodiment of the flip dog mountable ceiling speaker enclosure100ofFIG. 1, defining a detail area “A”, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Flip dog128, of the same construction as flip dog126, is shown in a fully deployed condition, clamping a ceiling panel (not shown) in gap210between bottom surface134of foot148of dog108and top surface224of annular support flange104. Likewise, flip dog202is shown in a deployed position clamping a ceiling panel (not shown) in gap214, illustrating the ability of the flip dog mountable ceiling speaker enclosure100to adapt to unevenness in ceiling panel thickness. The handles146for flip dogs128and202are snapped into openings124(SeeFIG. 1).

Second sidewall118has a curved, or arcuate, top edge shoulder204to rotate, or flip, dog108towards radial alignment as dog108is pulled downward. Radial outward of support120, second sidewall118has a second shoulder that is initially flat and thin for holding the clip216of biasing member212, illustrated as leaf spring212. Clip216also serves as a release member for releasable leaf spring212. Leaf spring212urges the dog108toward engagement between ratchet teeth110and132as the dog108is pulled downward. Second sidewall118extends into arcuate rear wall220which, in turn, extends into first side wall112. Rear wall220has an internal radius of curvature adapted to enable sliding rotation of the barrel portion142of dog108. Rear wall220is buttressed by support208.

Circumferential wall206is supported by annular support flange104and is outside the stowed flip dog126but deployed flip dogs128and202extend over circumferential wall206by virtue of notch218(one of three labeled). Circumferential wall206has an outer radius that defines the size of the hole to be made in the ceiling panel for insertion of the flip dog mountable ceiling speaker enclosure100. Preferably, circumferential wall206has a height slightly higher than the thickness of the ceiling panel into which flip dog mountable ceiling speaker enclosure100is to be mounted. In embodiments in which the enclosure102does not have a circular cross-section, the circumferential wall206follows the shape of the enclosure102to be a perimetrical wall206.

FIG. 3is a front elevation view illustrating the detail “A”, defined inFIG. 2, of the exemplary flip dog mountable ceiling speaker enclosure100ofFIG. 1, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The top portion302of the clip portion216of leaf spring212extends over a thin portion of second sidewall118to extend downward to complete leaf spring212. Second sidewall118has a downward sloping portion304at full thickness that ends at the vertical front face of second sidewall118.

FIG. 4is a top side perspective view illustrating the exemplary embodiment of the flip dog mountable ceiling speaker enclosure100ofFIG. 1, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Dog108of flip dog126has been rotated into radial alignment as it is initially pulled down. Flip dog202has been pulled down via handle122and pull rod116, but pull rod116has not yet been pushed back up to snap handle122into opening124(seeFIG. 1). Flip dogs128and402are fully deployed. Socket406is illustrated in regard to flip dog202, while knob404can be seen in flip dog126. Socket406is deeper than knob404is high. The illustration of flip dog202shows a minute portion of knob404in socket406, which is too small to take a lead line in this drawing.

FIG. 5is a front elevation view illustrating the exemplary embodiment of the flip dog mountable ceiling speaker enclosure100ofFIG. 1, defining a detail area “B”, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Flip dog126is shown rotated to the radially aligned position. Flip dog128is shown fully deployed and flip dog202is shown pulled down but without handle122stowed.

FIG. 6is a front elevation view illustrating the detail “B”, defined inFIG. 5, of the exemplary embodiment of the flip dog mountable ceiling speaker enclosure100ofFIG. 1, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Upward-pointing teeth110on dog108have not yet engaged downward-pointing teeth on first sidewall112but are in gap222and, therefore, not engaged.

FIG. 7is a top side perspective view illustrating the exemplary embodiment of the flip dog mountable ceiling speaker enclosure100ofFIG. 1, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The relationship of top portion302of the clip portion216of leaf spring212can be more clearly seen in regard to flip dog126and202. Flip dogs126and128are shown in the pulled down position but the handles122for flip dogs126and128have not been snapped into openings124(seeFIG. 1). Flip dogs128and402are deployed, but their handles122cannot be seen in this view. In an additional embodiment, all four handles122(corresponding to the four flip dogs126,128,202, and402) may be joined by a removable and reusable jig or installation tool, such that all four handles122may be pulled down at once and preferably pushed up at once. In a particular embodiment, pull rods116are long enough and flexible to enable that an installer can grasp all four handles122to pull all four handles122down concurrently. Variations in the shape of dogs108, consistent with strength and functional requirements, are within the scope of the present invention.

FIG. 8is a front elevation view illustrating the exemplary embodiment of the flip dog mountable ceiling speaker enclosure100ofFIG. 1and defining detail “C”, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Flip dog126is illustrated as having been pulled completely down, as have flip dogs128and202. Flip dog128is completely deployed, with its handle122snapped into opening124(seeFIG. 1). The handles122for flip dogs126and202are shown as not yet stowed.

FIG. 9is a front elevation view illustrating the detail “C”, defined inFIG. 8, of the exemplary embodiment of the flip dog mountable ceiling speaker enclosure100ofFIG. 1, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Upward-pointing teeth110on dog108are engaged at the bottom of the downward-pointing teeth132of the first side wall112. Various shapes of supports120,114, and208, consistent with the support requirements, are within the scope of the present invention.

FIG. 10is a bottom front perspective view illustrating an exemplary embodiment of the flip dog mountable ceiling speaker enclosure100ofFIG. 1, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Knob404can be clearly seen on the top of pull rod116knob as a right circular cylinder to permit rotational motion within socket406. Dog108has been completely pulled down and pull rod116has been pushed upward, snapping handle122into opening124and revealing knob404. Handles122of various shapes and sizes, consistent with ease of operation and above-described functionality, are within the scope of the present invention.

FIG. 11is a diagrammatic side elevation view illustrating the exemplary interlocking ratchet teeth110and132of the exemplary embodiment of the flip dog mountable ceiling speaker enclosure100ofFIG. 1, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. A portion of dog108is shown with upward-pointing teeth110engaging downward-pointing teeth132of a portion of first sidewall112. Ratchet teeth110and132are preferably made of a resilient material, such as that used for zip ties. Leaf spring212urges dog108toward first sidewall112, but allows point-to point contact of the teeth to compress leaf spring212to permit downward motion of dog108.

FIG. 12is a diagrammatic side cross-sectional view illustrating the exemplary dog108and pull rod116of the exemplary embodiment of the flip dog mountable ceiling speaker enclosure100, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The barrel142of dog108includes a through bore1202in which pull rod116translates and rotates freely. Knob404is positioned at the top of pull rod116, and may be attached by screwing onto pull rod116or other conventional means. Knob404translates and rotates in socket406. Pull rod116extends through opening124in annular support flange104and terminates in handle122. When handle122is pulled downward, the bottom surface of knob404meets the floor surface of socket406and dog108is moved downward thereby.

FIG. 13is a front perspective view illustrating an exemplary second embodiment of a flip dog1328of the flip dog mountable ceiling speaker enclosure1300shown in a first deployment state, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Flip dog mountable ceiling speaker enclosure1300is similar in most respects to flip dog mountable ceiling speaker enclosure100. In this additional embodiment, pull rod1316does not rotate in the bore (not visible in this view, but similar to bore1202) within the barrel1342of the dog1308. Socket1306in dog1308is hexagonal, and the knob of pull rod1316is of the same shape and of complimentary size. Pull rod1316is substantially rigid in torsion, enabling an installer to rotate1302handle1322to transmit a torque to flip dog1308to rotate1302dog1308from the tangentially aligned, or stowed, position, as shown, to the radially aligned position shown inFIG. 14. Dog1308has upward-pointing ratchet teeth1310for engaging downward-pointing ratchet teeth1332on first sidewall1312. Dog1308also has a resilient contact piece1350.

First sidewall1312has a thin portion1344for creating an area of non-engagement for upward-pointing ratchet teeth1310and also has a buttressing support1314. Second sidewall1318has a buttressing support1320. Second sidewall1318also has a rod sleeve1352for assisting in dismounting flip dog mountable ceiling speaker enclosure1300. Second sidewall1318has an arched top1358defining an opening1356there below. Leaf spring1322is installed on the inside of second sidewall1318at the bottom of opening1356by means of a clip1360over a narrow portion of second sidewall1318. Outward sloping extension1354of clip1360assists in removal of leaf spring1322in dismounting the flip dog mountable ceiling speaker enclosure1300from a ceiling panel. Removing leaf spring1322enables upward-pointing ratchet teeth1310to disengage from downward-pointing ratchet teeth1332, allowing dog1308to be raised and stowed by means of handle1322. Leaf spring1322can be removed by inserting a tool, such as a rod, into tool sleeve1352from below and engaging and pushing up on outward sloping extension1354of clip1360of leaf spring1322.

FIG. 14is a front perspective view illustrating the exemplary second embodiment of a flip dog1326ofFIG. 13of the flip dog mountable ceiling speaker enclosure1300shown in a second deployment state, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. After turning the dog1308to the radially aligned position, the installer pulls down1402on handle1322to force dog1308into a clamping position opposite annular support flange104, as shown. The dual action approach ofFIG. 14has the disadvantage of not enabling concurrent activation of all flip dogs1326.

FIG. 15is a front-top perspective view illustrating an exemplary third embodiment of a dog1500, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Dog1500accommodates removable actuator1900(seeFIG. 19), has ratchet teeth1510off the barrel1542and onto the bridge1506, and has a smaller notch1518for another embodiment of a flip dog mountable ceiling speaker enclosure. Those of skill in the art, enlightened by the present disclosure, will appreciate the modifications to flip dogs100or1300needed to accommodate dog1500. Barrel opening1504has an internal groove1502that will receive a key1902(seeFIG. 19) on actuator1900to rotate dog1500into a deployed position before the dog1500is pulled down.

FIG. 16is a side elevation view illustrating the exemplary third embodiment of a dog1500ofFIG. 15, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The relocation of the ratchet teeth1510can be more clearly seen.

FIG. 17is a top plan view illustrating the exemplary third embodiment of a flip dog1500ofFIG. 15, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. A partial helical surface1702engages a bottom surface of key1902(seeFIG. 19) as actuator1900is rotated to engage a side surface of key1902with surface1704for applying torque to dog1500.

FIG. 18is a bottom plan view illustrating the exemplary third embodiment of a flip dog1500ofFIG. 15, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The entry portion of the partial helical surface1802, which guides the key1902as push rod is inserted into barrel hole1504during can be seen in groove1808. The underside1804of the bridge1506extends from the barrel1542to the foot1834and supports ratchet teeth1510on a first side and a smooth engagement surface1806on the opposing side of the bridge1506.

FIG. 19is a front-top perspective view illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a removable pull rod1900, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Actuator1900has an elongated right circular cylindrical shaft1916with opposing first and second ends. The first end has a T-handle1922and the second end has a flat surface1904that extends over the top surface of a key1902that is attached to or integral to a side portion of shaft1916, as shown. Key1902is shaped generally as a rectangular solid, but the invention is not so limited. In operation, key1902is aligned with groove1808and inserted into barrel hole1504until the key reaches the top of groove1502. Depending on the particular embodiment of flip dog mountable ceiling speaker enclosure, either torque may be applied to rotate the flip dog1500or a downward pull on the T-handle1922will engage the bottom surface of the key1902to the inner helical surface1704to1802, causing rotation of the flip dog1500as the pull rod1900is withdrawn without rotating T-handle1922.

FIG. 20is a top plan view illustrating the exemplary embodiment of the removable pull rod1900ofFIG. 19, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The axis of the key1902is formed at an approximately forty-five degree angle to the long axis of the T-handle1922. The angle determines the T-handle1933orientation at insertion. Depending on the embodiment of the flip dog mountable ceiling speaker enclosure and the installation environment, other angles may be chosen.

FIG. 21is a left side elevation view illustrating the exemplary embodiment of the removable pull rod1900ofFIG. 19, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. This view is provided for enablement.

FIG. 22is a front side elevation view illustrating the exemplary embodiment of the removable pull rod1900ofFIG. 19, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. This view is provided for enablement.

FIG. 23is a right side elevation view illustrating the exemplary embodiment of the removable pull rod1900ofFIG. 19, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. This view is provided for enablement.

Although applicant has described applicant's preferred embodiments of this invention, it will be understood that the broadest scope of this invention includes such modifications as diverse shapes and sizes and materials. Such scope is limited only by the above specification and the claims below.

Further, many other advantages of applicant's invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the above descriptions.