Abstract:
The invention involves a system and method for securing one or more loudspeakers to an overhead structure. The system includes up to six axes about which the speaker(s) can be rotated and/or traversed to provide the desired pan, tilt and rotational splay angle to the speaker.

Description:
FIELD OF INVENTION 
     The present invention generally relates to loudspeaker rigging systems and more particularly to rigging hardware for suspending a single or an array of loudspeakers at a predetermined location relative to an audience. The present invention has particular application in rigging a permanent array of loudspeakers wherein the pan, tilt and rotational splay angles between loudspeakers is desired to achieve a desired coverage and acoustic performance. The system is adapted to cooperate with pre-existing and/or new speakers for attachment to horizontal, vertical or intermediate angled surfaces. 
     BACKGROUND INFORMATION 
     Sound systems for large temporary venues typically involve the suspension or “flying” of stacks of loudspeaker in various arrays to achieve the necessary acoustic output and coverage for a large audience. Such arrays of loudspeakers are typically suspended and held together by rigging systems which can be attached to rigging hoists which position the stack at a desired elevation and location, typically above or in the vicinity of a performance stage. A flown stack of loudspeakers can include many speaker boxes, and the rigging system for flying the stack must be strong enough to support the enormous weight of the loudspeakers. Such rigging systems generally involve the use of metal framing elements secured to the speaker boxes that can be used to link the speakers together in an array and to lift the loudspeaker array to an overhead flying position. 
     Often the design requirements of a sound system will require that the individual speaker boxes be arranged in a horizontal array or vertical stack so that they are angled relative to each other, e.g splayed with respect to each other. Setting the proper splay angle can be critical to achieving the desired acoustic performance while minimizing interference between the acoustic outputs of other speakers in the array. Splay angles, are generally provided by adjusting the linkage lengths between the frames of the stacked speakers to create a desired angle. One existing approach for accomplishing this is to provide a relatively long chain linkage at the front corners of the speakers while providing a short link at the back of the speakers. When the speakers are hoisted overhead to their flown position, additional linkages are used to pull tension on the chains to provide the loudspeaker splay angles. The drawback with this type of system is that additional linkages greatly increase the difficulty of the installation, particularly when the speaker stack includes a large number of speakers. 
     Another known approach to creating a desired splay angle is to use straight, rigid extension bars to link the front or rear corners of the speaker&#39;s rigging frames. Such extension bars have locator holes distributed along their length for achieving different separations between the speaker corners, and can be exchanged with other extension bars with shifted locator holes such that one bar can be used to achieve intermediate splay angles provided by another bar. One problem with such extension bars is that they are often misplaced or lost, and are cumbersome to install. Another difficulty is that the degree of adjustment of the splay angle for any given bar is inherently limited by the size and separation of their locator holes necessary to maintain component strength. 
     An additional drawback to the prior art relates to unforeseen acoustics within a particular structure. Should the acoustics provided by the array not perform as anticipated, all or portions of the array may have to be disassembled to modify the splay of the speakers. This often necessitates lowering the speakers so that they can be repositioned with respect to each other. 
     Finally, there are ergonomic needs that a speaker mounting system must satisfy in order to achieve acceptance by the end user. The system must be easily and quickly assembled using minimal hardware and requiring a minimal number of tools. Further, the system should not require excessive strength to assemble or include heavy component parts. Moreover, the system must assemble together in such a way so as not to detract from the aesthetic appearance of the suspended speaker(s) array. 
     Thus, the present invention provides a rigging system for loudspeakers which overcomes the disadvantages of prior art rigging systems. The rigging system of the present invention not only provides for relative ease in the assembly and flying of an array of loudspeakers, it also permits full adjustment of the pan, tilt and rotational splay angles of the loudspeakers without the need to exchange parts. The present invention also provides a rigging system which holds the separation and splay angle between speaker boxes, thereby eliminating the need for exchanging parts or additional linkages. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Briefly, the invention involves a system and method for securing one or more loudspeakers to an overhead structure. The system includes up to six axes about which the speaker(s) can be panned, tilted, rotated and/or traversed to provide the desired vertical and horizontal splay angle to the speaker. The system preferably includes a first gimbal that is securable to the structure, preferably overhead, and includes two axes of movement. A vertical member extends downwardly from the first gimbal to a swivel which provides rotation about a third axis. The swivel attaches to a tilt traveler assembly which provides two axes of rotation. The tilt traveler assembly is slidably mounted along a contoured axial track member that extends around the top and back of the speaker box to provide an axis along which the speaker can be traversed. The front portion of the axial track member includes a rotation traveler assembly and screw link, slidably secured along a transverse track member, which provides an additional axis along which the speaker can be traversed for rotational splay angle adjustment of the speaker. The screw link cooperates with a threaded rod mounted substantially parallel to the transverse track member, whereby rotation of the threaded rod traverses the rotation traveler assembly bi-directionally across the transverse track member. The construction of the mounting system allows the pan, tilt and rotational splay angles to be adjusted without disassembly of the system. 
     Accordingly, it is an objective of the present invention to provide an Articulated Speaker Mounting System and Method. 
     It is a further objective of the present invention to provide a speaker mounting system for overhead suspension of audio equipment. 
     It is yet a further objective of the present invention to provide a speaker mounting system that provides multiple axes about which the speaker may be panned, tilted, rotated or traversed for adjusting speaker splay. 
     It is another objective of the instant invention to provide a speaker mounting system that allows for adjustment of the pan, tilt and rotational aspects of speaker splay angles without disassembly of the speaker hanger. 
     Other objectives and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein are set forth, by way of illustration and example, certain embodiments of this invention. The drawings constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments of the present invention and illustrate various objects and features thereof. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         FIG. 1  is a top perspective view of one embodiment of the instant invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a partial top perspective view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1  illustrating assembly of a cabinet bracket to a rigging point of a speaker enclosure; 
         FIG. 3  is a partial top perspective view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1  illustrating assembly of a second cabinet bracket to a rigging point of a speaker enclosure; 
         FIG. 4  is a partial perspective view of the transverse and axial tubes of the instant invention; 
         FIG. 5  is a partial perspective view illustrating the axial tube in combination with the traveler assembly; 
         FIG. 6  is a partial perspective view illustrating the axial tube in combination with the traveler assembly and a portion of the tilt traveler; 
         FIG. 7  is a partial perspective view illustrating the axial tube, the traveler assembly and a portion of the tilt traveler secured to a speaker enclosure; 
         FIG. 8  is a partial perspective view illustrating the axial tube, the traveler assembly along with the threaded rod and a portion of the tilt traveler secured to a speaker enclosure; 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view illustrating an assembled view of one embodiment of the instant invention; 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view illustrating the first gimbal and vertical member; 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view illustrating the first gimbal cooperating with an overhead support member; 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view illustrating the first gimbal, vertical support member and a portion of the tilt traveler assembly cooperating with an overhead support member. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     While the present invention is susceptible of embodiment in various forms, there is shown in the drawings and will hereinafter be described a presently preferred embodiment with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments illustrated. 
     Referring generally to FIGS.  1 , 10 - 12 , a rigging system  10  for securing a speaker enclosure  50  to a structure  14  is illustrated. The system includes a first gimbal  16  having a first end  18  constructed and arranged to cooperate with a support member  20  for securing the gimbal to the support structure and a second end  22  constructed and arranged to cooperate with a vertical support member  24 . The support member  20  provides a first axis  30  along which the gimbal  16  may be rotated and traversed. In a most preferred embodiment, the first end  18  of the gimbal  16  is constructed as a pair of spaced apart loops  32  each constructed and arranged to extend around the overhead support member  20  and spaced apart sufficiently to accept a collar assembly  34  therebetween. The collar assembly  34  includes an inner diameter that is constructed and arranged to selectively engage the overhead support member  20 . While in an engaged position, the collar assembly  34  prevents traversal of the gimbal along the first axis  30  while allowing the gimbal to rotate about the first axis. If traversal of the gimbal is desired, the collar assembly  34  is disengaged from the support member and traversed to the desired position prior to re-engaging the collar assembly to the support member. The second end  22  of the gimbal  16  includes a pivot pin  54  defining a second axis  56  about which the vertical member  24  may pivot. 
     Still referring to FIGS.  1 , 4 - 6 , 10 - 12 , the vertical member  24  includes a first end  26  and a second end  28 . The first end  26  of the vertical member is secured to the second end  22  of the gimbal  16  while the second end  28  includes a swivel assembly  82  defining a third axis  84  about which the tilt traveler assembly  35  may be rotated. 
     The tilt traveler assembly  35  includes a first end  36  constructed and arranged for connection to the second end  28  of the vertical member  24  and a second end  38  pivotably connected to said first end portion via a pin  85  defining a fourth axis  86  and constructed and arranged to cooperate with an axial track  40  for selective traversal there along. In a preferred embodiment a pair of collars  34  are utilized to prevent the traveler assembly from traversing the axial track  40 , once in a final position, while still allowing rotation there about. The axial track is preferably round in shape and includes a first end  42  and a second end  44 . The first end  42  of the axial track is secured for traversal along a transverse track  46  while the second end  44  is secured to a rear portion  52  of the speaker enclosure  50  so that the axial track extends along the top and rear surfaces of the speaker enclosure. The axial track defines a fifth axis  58  along and about which the tilt traveler  35  may be traversed and/or rotated for adjusting the splay angle of the speaker enclosure  50 . In a most preferred embodiment, the axial track  40  is tubular in construction and includes a chain  60  extending through the hollow central portion of the tubular axial track. Generally, the chain  60  includes a length sufficient to extend outwardly from at least one or both of the first  42  and/or second ends  44  for connection to the speaker enclosure  50 . Connected to the chain  60  at the first end  42  of the axial track  40  is a rotation traveler assembly  62 . The rotation traveler assembly  62  is constructed and arranged to cooperate with the transverse track  46  as well as a threaded rod  64  for allowing rotational splay adjustment of the enclosure  50 . The rotation traveler assembly  62  includes a tubular, or other suitably shaped, end  66  that is constructed and arranged to cooperate with the transverse track  46 . A generally U-shaped follower member  68  having at least one threaded portion  70  is provided for engaging the threaded rod  64 . The threaded rod  64  is secured substantially parallel to the transverse track  46 , whereby rotation of the threaded rod  64  in a first direction causes the first end  42  of the axial track  40  to traverse across the transverse track  46  in a first direction and rotation of said threaded rod  64  in a second direction causes the first end  42  of the axial track  40  to traverse across the transverse track  46  in a second direction. The rotation traveler assembly also includes a chain slot  67  and pin  71  for adjusting the position of the tilt traveler assembly  35  with respect to the axial track  40  while the pin  71  is constructed and arranged to enclose said chain slot. 
     Referring to  1 - 4  and  7 - 9 , the transverse track  46  defines a sixth axis  74  for traversal of the axial track. The transverse track  46  is preferably secured to the front portion  48  of said speaker enclosure  50  via cabinet brackets  76 . The cabinet brackets  76  are secured to the speaker enclosure(s) by suitable fasteners as is well known in the art. It should also be noted that the cabinet brackets may be attached to the speaker enclosure with adhesives, dovetails, integral formation or any suitable combination thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. The cabinet brackets  76  are generally U-shaped when viewed from the end. One upstanding leg  77  includes an aperture  78  sized and shaped to accept the transverse track  46  while the other leg includes an aperture sized to accept a fastener  80 . It should be appreciated that the vertical member will typically remain in a vertical orientation and pointed directly at the speaker enclosure&#39;s  50  center of mass due to the cooperation between the upper gimbaled connection formed by axes  30  and  56  and the lower gimbaled connection formed by axes  58  and  86 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1-12 , assembly of the instant invention is illustrated. The instant invention may be sold pre-assembled or may be sold in the form of a kit.  FIG. 2  illustrates assembly of the cabinet bracket to the speaker enclosure. In general, the speaker manufacturer&#39;s rigging points, or other suitable points, are utilized for attachment of the cabinet brackets. One cabinet bracket is installed and line  90  is drawn between the centers of the rigging points to be used for measuring length “Y”. The other cabinet bracket is temporarily attached ( FIG. 3 ) and the length “X” between the inside faces of the outer upstanding legs  77  is measured.  FIG. 4  illustrates trimming the transverse and axial tracks to the proper length. The transverse track is cut to measured length “X” while the axial tube is cut to measured length “Y” minus 4 inches.  FIG. 5  illustrates assembly of the chain  60  and rotation traveler assembly  62 . The chain  60  is attached to the rotation traveler assembly  62  such that the chain is vertical and free of twists or bends. The chain  60  is inserted and lowered into the cut end of the axial track  40  until the rotation traveler rests against the first end  42  of the axial track and the chain extends out of the second end as shown in  FIG. 6 . 
       FIGS. 7 and 8  illustrate final installation of the transverse and axial tracks. In this step, one of the cabinet brackets  76  is removed and the transverse track  46  is installed with the rotation traveler assembly  62  in place. The cabinet bracket is then reinstalled. The threaded rod  64  is then cut to length to extend through the cabinet brackets. Lock nuts or other suitable end members are engaged to the threaded rod to hold the rod in place. It should be noted that rotation of the threaded rod causes traversal of the rotation traveler assembly  62  and thus the axial track across the transverse track. The distal end of the chain  60  is then attached to an anchor bracket  98  ( FIG. 1 ) at a rigging point on the lower rear surface of the speaker enclosure. 
       FIG. 10  illustrates assembly of the vertical member  24  to the second end  22  of the gimbal  16 . The vertical member  24  is cut to length and placed within the second end of the gimbal prior to tightening fasteners  100 . Using aperture  102  as a guide, a drill (not shown) is used to drill through the vertical member  24  from either or both sides. Bolts  100  can then be removed and discarded. The gimbal and collar can then be installed onto the support member as illustrated in  FIG. 11 . Thereafter, the vertical member is attached to the gimbal  16  via fastener  54 , and the swivel  82  is attached to the second end of the vertical member as well as the first portion  36  of the tilt traveler  35 . The speaker enclosure  50  is then hoisted into place and second portion of the tilt traveler is secured to the first portion. A chain hoist (not shown) such as a HARRINGTON® LX003 or CM 602 can be secured between the chain slot of the rotation traveler and the tilt traveler assembly  35  to adjust the position of the tilt traveler along the axial track prior to final tightening of the collars  34 . It should be appreciated that adjusting the tilt traveler and the rotation traveler determines which spot on the exterior of the speaker enclosure  50  is brought in line between the end of the vertical member and the speaker&#39;s center of mass and thus determines the speaker&#39;s aiming relative to tilt and rotation while horizontal splay is accomplished by rotating speaker enclosure about the swivel axis  84 . It should also be appreciated that as the rotation traveler is adjusted via the threaded rod  64  and screw link  68 , the axial tube will change its angular relationship with respect to the transverse tube  46 . As the rotation angle increases, the rotation traveler will rotate inside of the axial track to compensate for the changing relationship between the transverse track and the axial track. The construction of the assembly allows the splay angle of the speaker enclosure  50  to be infinitely adjusted and fixed while still allowing moveable pivot points in the assembly whereby the weight of the speaker maintains tension in the assembly. 
     All patents and publications mentioned in this specification are indicative of the levels of those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains. All patents and publications are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. 
     It is to be understood that while a certain form of the invention is illustrated, it is not to be limited to the specific form or arrangement herein described and shown. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention and the invention is not to be considered limited to what is shown and described in the specification. 
     One skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the present invention is well adapted to carry out the objectives and obtain the ends and advantages mentioned, as well as those inherent therein. The embodiments, methods, procedures and techniques described herein are presently representative of the preferred embodiments, are intended to be exemplary and are not intended as limitations on the scope. Changes therein and other uses will occur to those skilled in the art which are encompassed within the spirit of the invention and are defined by the scope of the appended claims. Although the invention has been described in connection with specific preferred embodiments, it should be understood that the invention as claimed should not be unduly limited to such specific embodiments. Indeed, various modifications of the described modes for carrying out the invention which are obvious to those skilled in the art are intended to be within the scope of the following claims.