Low profile connection pin for audio system

A connection pin comprises an elongated neck and a base at an end of the neck. The base may include a first portion, a second portion between the first portion and the neck, and a lip between the first portion and the second portion. A distance between the lip and the neck may be less than a radius of the neck. The connection pin may further comprises at least one spring-loaded element along the neck for maintaining the connection pin in a temporary fixed position relative to another element in which the neck is constructed for insertion and an actuator that retracts the at least one spring-loaded element when in a pressed position. An end of the actuator does not exceed a surface of the base when the actuator is in an unpressed position. An opening in the base may be threaded.

BACKGROUND

This description relates generally to acoustic speaker arrays, and more specifically, to low profile connection pins for a speaker array system enclosure.

BRIEF SUMMARY

In accordance with one aspect, a connection pin comprises an elongated neck; and a base at an end of the neck. The connection pin includes at least one of: the base including a first portion; a second portion between the first portion and the neck; and a lip between the first portion and the second portion, wherein a distance between the lip and the neck is less than a radius of the neck; the connection pin further comprising: at least one spring-loaded element along the neck for maintaining the connection pin in a temporary fixed position relative to another element in which the neck is constructed for insertion; and an actuator that resides in an opening in the base and retracts the at least one spring-loaded element when in a pressed position, wherein an end of the actuator does not exceed a surface of the base when the actuator is in an unpressed position; or the opening in the base being threaded.

Aspects may include one or more of the following features:

The connection pin may further comprise another lip between the neck and the second portion, wherein a distance between the lip and the other lip may be less than the radius of the neck.

The lip may be proximal the other lip for reducing an amount of protrusion of the base or neck from the other element.

The other element may be an enclosure of a speaker array module.

The distance between the surface of the base and the first lip may be less than or equal to a distance between the first lip and the second lip.

The threaded opening may be for mating with a tool to remove the connection pin from the other element.

The opening may be constructed and arranged to receive the tool that applies a force to the actuator to activate the spring-loaded element for coupling the connection pin to the other element.

The neck and base may extend in a longitudinal direction of extension. The first portion may have a dimension along the longitudinal direction that is less than that of the second portion along the longitudinal direction.

The first portion may have a dimension extending in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction that is less than that of the second portion along the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

The spring-loaded element may include a detent ball.

In another aspect, a speaker array module comprises an enclosure; at least one electroacoustic driver in the enclosure; and at least one connection pin removably coupled to the enclosure. The at least one connection pin includes an elongated neck and a base at an end of the neck, the base having a lip that is proximal to the enclosure when the connection pin is coupled to the enclosure. A distance between the lip and the neck is less than a radius of the neck.

Aspects may include one or more of the following features:

The first lip may be proximal the second lip for reducing an amount of protrusion of the base or neck from a sidewall of the enclosure.

A distance between the surface of the base and the first lip may be less than or equal to a distance between the first lip and the second lip.

The connection pin may further comprise at least one spring-loaded element at a region of the neck and an actuator that retracts the at least one spring-loaded element when activated by a tool that applies a force to the actuator.

The spring-loaded element may include a detent ball.

The speaker array module may further comprise an endcap removably coupled to the enclosure. The endcap may have a corner that at least partially surrounds a connection pin of the at least one connection pin for protecting the connection pin from damage.

The speaker array module may further comprise a coupling extending from the speaker array module for coupling with another speaker array module. The coupling may include a hole for receiving a connection pin of the at least one connection pin or for receiving a connection pin from the other speaker array module.

The speaker array module may further comprise an opening in the base, and wherein the actuator is positioned in the opening.

The opening may be a threaded opening for mating with a threaded insertion element of the tool to remove the connection pin from an audio system enclosure.

The opening may be constructed and arranged to receive a non-threaded element of the tool that applies a force to the actuator to couple the connection pin to the audio system enclosure.

The neck and base may extend in a longitudinal direction of extension. The first portion may have a dimension along the longitudinal direction that is less than that of the second portion along the longitudinal direction.

The first portion may have a dimension extending in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction that is less than that of the second portion along the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

In another aspect, a connection pin kit, comprises a connection pin, the connection pin including: an elongated neck; a base at an end of the neck; an opening in the base; an actuator in the opening; at least one spring-loaded element extending from the neck that is advanced or retracted by the actuator; and a tool for inserting the connection pin into an element or removing the connection pin from the element, the tool comprising: a body extending in a longitudinal direction; a non-threaded insertion element at a first end of the body, and extending in the longitudinal direction, for inserting the connection pin into the element when positioned in the opening of the base; and a threaded insertion element at a second end of the body opposite the first end in the longitudinal direction, for removing the connection pin from the element when positioned in the opening.

Aspects may include one or more of the following features:

Either the non-threaded insertion element or the threaded insertion element may apply a force to the actuator in the opening to retract the at least one spring-loaded element.

A width of the base may be less than a radius of the neck.

The base may include a first portion and a second portion between the first portion and the neck, a first lip between the neck and the second portion, and a second lip between the first portion and the second portion. A distance between the first lip and the second lip may be less than a radius of the neck.

The element may include a speaker array module, and wherein the connection pin removably couples the speaker array module to another speaker array module.

In another aspect, a tool comprises a body extending in a longitudinal direction; a non-threaded insertion element at a first end of the body, and extending in the longitudinal direction, the non-threaded insertion element constructed and arranged for insertion into an opening of a connection pin for inserting the connection pin into an element; and a threaded insertion element at a second end of the body opposite the first end in the longitudinal direction, the threaded insertion element constructed and arranged for insertion into the opening of a connection pin for removing the connection pin from the element.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A speaker array module100illustrated inFIGS. 1A-1Cis constructed and arranged for use in a touring market or a fixed install market. In the touring market, for an event, the speaker array module100is physically connected to other speaker array modules with a similar structure and configuration to form an array comprising multiple modules. For example, as shown inFIG. 5, a speaker array module100may have a coupling111extending from a top of the speaker array module100for coupling with a bottom portion of another speaker array module positioned on top of the speaker array module100when a connection pin106is inserted through the coupling111. After the event is over, the speaker array modules100are separated from each other during deinstallation, and after the connection pin106is removed from the coupling111. Therefore, it is important for a speaker array module100to be constructed for a quick, easy to use design.

A fixed install market configuration is constructed and arranged for a single installation, where a speaker array is left in place for an extended period of time. Here, the requirement is that the dimensions, especially width, are important. For example, some venues are constructed with a limited amount of space, where a smaller width is desirable. However, the speed of installation is not a factor as with the touring market configuration.

Regardless of the configuration, i.e., touring or fixed install, a common preference is that the module100include endcaps104which include handles107for ease of manipulating the modules100and building an array. Removing endcaps104in this manner provides for reduced width and a cleaner profile.

The endcap104is coupled to the enclosure102by one or more screws105or other connectors. The endcap104has corners113constructed for positioning around the connection pins106so as to not to interfere with the insertion and removal of the pins106. A connection pin106at a top region of the enclosure102may be inserted through the coupling111in a touring market module100for locking the coupling111in position, either in a stowed position or extended position. Alternatively or in addition, a connection pin106at a bottom region of the enclosure102may be used to couple a coupling111from another module to the enclosure102.

The connection pin106may include a handle202, a head204, a shank213, at least one spring-loaded detent ball206, and a spring-loaded push actuator208that when pushed retracts or releases the balls206.

However, as shown inFIGS. 1A-1C, the connection pin106protrudes from the enclosure102by a distance, or protrusion length (w1a), or a length of the handle202, which may increase the risk of damage to the pin106, and increase the overall width (w1) of the module100. Conventional pins106take up more space and can catch on things much more easily if not protected by an endcap104, so when the endcap104is removed, the conventional pins106are prone to damage, and require time consuming efforts to remove and replace.

Although the endcap104may include an indented corner region113that provides some protection by at least partially surrounding the protruding connection pin106, the end of the connection pin106is nevertheless prone to damage due to the configuration of the pin106. Additionally, using a low profile pin and removing the endcaps will produce a simpler and cleaner look to an array. Also, a low profile connection pin can be tamper resistant.

The speaker array module300illustrated inFIGS. 3A-3Cincludes a plurality of low profile connection pins306, in accordance with some examples. The connection pins306also referred to as securing pins or quick pins, include quick release features, described herein. The connection pins306are constructed and arranged for a reduced overall width (w2) between pins306on either side of a module300, for example, a 3 inch reduction when the endcaps104are removed, as compared to the module width (w1) including conventional pins106coupled to the module100shown inFIGS. 1A-1C and 2.

As shown inFIG. 3C, an upper connection pin306A can be used to maintain the position of a coupling111. When the module is moved100, the coupling111may be moved in a stowed position by removing the connection pin306A, and translating the connection pin306A in a linear direction so that the top of the coupling111is flush with or below the top surface of the enclosure102. In other words, the coupling111can slide up and down between stowed and rigged positions in the absence of the upper connection pin306A. Alternatively, the coupling111may be rotated from its position shown inFIG. 3Cto a stowed position to be in flush with or below a surface of the module100. The upper pin306A provides a load bearing connection between the coupling111and a pair of plates115and117of an enclosure of another array module above the module100. A tab location116permits an operator to push the coupling111up from a stowed position to a rigged position where the coupling111extends from the enclosure102as shown. Similarly, the lower connection pin306B provides a similar structural connection between the pair of plates115and117. Here, a coupling from another array module (not shown) is positioned between the plates115and117so that the coupling of the lower module is coupled to the upper module by the lower connection pin306B.

As shown inFIGS. 4A-4D, the low profile connection pin306is constructed and arranged to removably couple to the enclosure102of the speaker array module300. In other examples, the connection pin306can reinforce another coupling between elements of the speaker array module300.

The connection pin306includes an elongated neck402and a base403, also referred to as a head. In some examples, the neck402and base403are formed from a single stock of machined or molded material, such as steel, stainless steel, or the like. In other examples, the neck402is formed separately from the base403, and later joined to the base403, for example, by bonding, welding, or other applicable techniques. Here, the base403and neck402may be formed of the same materials, or formed of different materials. In some examples, as shown inFIGS. 4A-4D, the base403is wider than the neck402in a direction perpendicular to the direction of extension of the connection pin306, and/or has a cross-sectional area greater than that of the neck402but not limited thereto. In some examples, the neck402has a constant diameter from the proximal end to the distal end of the neck402. In other examples, the neck402may have a taper, or gradual reduction in diameter along some or all of the length of the neck402. In other examples, the neck402may have a curvilinear, parabolic, or other shape along at least a portion of the length of the neck402.

In some examples, the base403includes a first portion404and a second portion405. The second portion405of the base403is between the first portion404and a proximal end of the neck402. In some examples, the first portion404and second portion405have a same width. In these examples, the first portion404and second portion405may be collectively referred to as a same or single portion. In other examples, the second portion405may have a width along the direction of extension of the pin306that is less than a width or cross-sectional area (A) of the first portion404and greater than a width or cross-sectional area of the neck402. In other examples, the first portion404has a reduced width or cross-sectional area relative to the second portion405. Here, the first portion404if formed to have a small profile by comprising a proportion of overall width (w2a) of the base403(including both the first portion404and second portion405) that is substantially smaller than a proportion of width of the second portion405alone. In some examples, a dimension, e.g., length, width, area, volume, of the second portion405, for example, surface area a2may be the same as, similar to, or different than a corresponding dimension of the first portion404, for example, surface area a1. In some examples, as shown inFIG. 4D, a width of the second portion405extending along a longitudinal axis L is less than a diameter (r) of the neck402.

In configurations where the first portion404is larger than the second portion405, and the second portion405is larger than the neck402, the connection pin306includes a first lip411between the neck402and the second portion405, and a second lip412between the second portion405and the base403. The first lip411and second lip412are formed by variations in width between the neck402, first portion404, and second portion405, respectively. In some examples, as shown inFIG. 4D, the distance (d) between the first lip411and second lip412is less than a diameter (r) of the neck402. In other examples, a distance between the first lip411and the second lip412is substantially the same as a distance between the second lip412and an end of the base403that is away from the neck402.

The first lip411has a smaller circumference than the second lip412. The first lip411and second portion405are proximal the second lip412for reducing the amount of protrusion of the base403and/or neck402from an element of the module300, for example, a sidewall of the enclosure102of the speaker array module300, for example, shown inFIG. 3B, and a total length of the connection pin306along the direction of extension of the pin306. In some examples, none or very little of the neck402extends from the enclosure102. In some examples, the first lip411directly abuts the enclosure plate115, for example, shown inFIG. 6A. In other examples, the first lip411extends through a hole121in the enclosure plate115so that that second lip412directly abuts the enclosure plate115.

In some examples, the second portion405and first lip411are constructed to allow enough leverage for an improvised set of tools, for example, a fingernail, screwdriver, and so on to be inserted between the first lip411and wall of the enclosure plate115, along with a paper clip, pin, or the like inserted against actuator407to retract the balls406for removing the pin306.

Another feature of the connection pin306in some examples is that the removal of the connection pin306from the module300is simplified and expedient. The pin306may include at least one spring-loaded element, for example, a detent ball406and a spring-loaded actuator407that when pushed retracts or releases the balls406so that the balls406do not protrude from the neck402, and do not impede a linear motion of the neck402when the connection pin306is inserted into or removed from the array module100. Although an actuator407and balls406are shown and described, other spring loaded devices may equally apply for holding the connection pin306in a temporary fixed position relative to the module enclosure such as detent pins, retractable pins, button handle pins, shackle pins, indexing pins, retracting pins, release pins, thrust pins, spring loaded positioning elements, spacer bushings, plungers, or other related devices structured for holding the connecting pin306in place against the enclosure102. As shown inFIGS. 6A and 6B, positioned in the neck402includes a spring-loaded configuration431between the actuator407and balls406that allows for balls406to retract when the actuator407is activated, or pressed. The balls406may retract in a different manner in other examples.

The balls406or related coupling elements, are preferably positioned along the neck402, for example, at a mid-section or distal end of the neck402so that less clearance is required in the enclosure for receiving the pin306. The balls406can be depressed into the neck402by the pressing a actuator407, or plunger, in an opening408in the outermost surface of the base403. In some examples, the balls406are at or near a distal end of the neck402(base403being at a proximal end of the neck402) so that less clearance is required in the enclosure102to accommodate receipt of the pin306. In some examples, the actuator407is positioned in the opening408, instead of extending from the surface of the opening, to further reduce the overall protrusion length (w2a) of the base403, i.e., substantially smaller than the protrusion length (w1a) of a conventional pin106. In some examples, a free end of the actuator407is substantially co-planar with a free end of the base when the actuator is in an un-pressed state. In other words, the actuator407is positioned in the opening408, and does not protrude from the base in the longitudinal direction of extension of the connection pin306.

To remove the connection pin306from the opening in the module enclosure302, the actuator407may be depressed and/or a user may use a fingernail positioned between the base403and the enclosure302to pry the connection pin306away from the module300. With sufficient force, the balls406may retract toward the interior of the neck402, permitting the neck402to be removed from the opening in the enclosure102. In other examples where the actuator407is in the opening408of the base403, a human finger cannot be used to depress the actuator407, so that attempts to pry the connection pin306from the enclosure opening are intended to be difficult or unsuccessful, since the balls406may be positioned in grooves, openings, or the like (not shown) in the enclosure opening, and cannot be separated from the grooves, openings, or the like without depressing the actuator407causing the balls406to retract from the grooves, openings, or the like. This configuration requires the depression of the actuator407to remove the pin306to provide unintentional removal or falling out of the pin306, for example, for safety reasons.

A tool500shown inFIGS. 7A-10Dhas a body502that extends in a longitudinal direction. A first end of the body502has a non-threaded insertion element504. A second end of the body502has a threaded insertion element506. The body502may have a hex-shape, or other geometry permitting a user to rotate the tool500or hold the tool for insertion into the connection pin306.

The non-threaded insertion element504is constructed and arranged for depressing the actuator407in the opening408of the base403when a force is applied to the tool500in a translating or linear direction along which the connecting pin306extends, which in turn retracts the balls406relative to the body402of the pin306, allowing the connection pin306to be removed. The opening408of the base403is constructed and arranged to receive the non-threaded insertion element504, which has an area, or cross-sectional dimension that is less than that of the opening408.

The threaded insertion element506is constructed and arranged for insertion into a counterpart threaded region of the opening408, and therefore, the threaded insertion element506has an area, or cross-sectional dimension that is greater than that of the non-threaded insertion element504and/or the same or similar to that of the opening408so that a rotation of the tool500about an axis along which the opening408extends can permit the helical threads of the insertion element506to mate with the threads in the opening408, permitting insertion to occur. When the threaded insertion element506is inserted in the threaded opening408, the mating permits the tool500to be used for removing the pin306from the enclosure102. In particular, the threaded insertion element506includes a portion that applies a force against the actuator407to depress the actuator407, which in turn retracts the balls406.

The non-threaded insertion element504of the tool500can be inserted in the opening408in the base403of the low profile connection pin306in a direction d1at the speaker array module until the non-threaded insertion element504reaches the actuator407and applies a force against the actuator407until the actuator407activates the detent balls406until the balls406are retracted in a direction d2perpendicular to the direction d1. The detent balls406may be 180 degrees from each other relative to the circumference of the neck402. The non-threaded insertion element504may continue the apply a force in the direction d1until the connection pin306is inserted into the speaker array module and the base304is proximal to or abuts the enclosure plate115.

To remove the connection pin306from the opening in the module enclosure302, as shown inFIGS. 8B, 10A-10D, the threaded insertion element506may be inserted in the opening408of the base306, in particular, screwed into the opening407in a direction d1, until the threaded insertion element506abuts and applies a force to the actuator407, which in turn activates the detent balls406until the balls406are retracted in a direction d2, for example, the force applied to the actuator407compressing a spring in the configuration431in the neck402of the connection pin306which in turn retracts the detent balls406into an opening in the neck402between the spring and balls406. Since the balls406are retracted, the tool500can be pulled in a direction e1to remove the connection pin306from the opening in the enclosure102of the speaker array module.

A number of implementations have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that the foregoing description is intended to illustrate and not to limit the scope of the inventive concepts which are defined by the scope of the claims. Other examples are within the scope of the following claims.