Abstract:
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     A remote broadcast vehicle does not require any setup time, may remain fully enclosed
and locked while in operation, and which prevents the ingress of moisture and other
weather.  The vehicle may includes a player for pre-recorded audio programs, a radio
broadcast station receiver, wireless microphone and wireless remote control, mixer,
cross-over, amplifiers and speaker assemblies.  The system may further be used to up-link
a program to a base radio station, and provide full programming capability.  Additionally,
a tuned port speaker system is disclosed for broadcasting low frequencies through the
vehicle wall.  Several different vehicle embodiments are illustrated.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention pertains generally to vehicle-supported electrical audio signal
processing systems.  More specifically, the invention comprises a complete remote
broadcasting system built into and advantageously integrated with features relatively
unique to a vehicle, including local power and amplification, limited access and built-in
security, signal source switching between public address and various audio sources, and
output to selectable internal and external speakers and also through a remote transmitter. 
In one more specific embodiment, a novel tuned-port speaker is provided in combination
with the vehicle-supported remote broadcast system. 
       2. DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART 
       [0002]    In the broadcasting field, two general systems have been implemented to serve the needs
of on-location broadcasting.  The first prior art system uses a trailer to transport audio
components to a site.  At the site, the audio components are unpacked and connected
electrically as required.  Typically, a gasoline engine electrical generator is included as
one of the components, and the generator must be started to provide electrical energy to
the broadcasting components.  This system has several inherent disadvantages.  First of
all, the components used for on-location broadcasting generally include several massive
loudspeakers.  To move these loudspeakers may require several strong persons, which
means that these systems not only require the DJ or announcer, but also require one or
more additional persons just to unpack and pack the gear.  A second disadvantage is the
time required to pack and unpack, which is wasted time.  The gear is also not easily
anchored after it is unpacked, meaning the DJ must remain close to the gear and must pay
close attention thereto, in order to prevent theft or vandalism.  Not only are the
components of a broadcast system expensive, in this trailer system the wiring is also
exposed and readily cut or damaged.  Consequently, the DJ or another person must stand
guard over the equipment during the entire broadcast session.  Unfortunately, the
generator must be run to provide power to the equipment.  Since the DJ must stay close to
the equipment, the noise from the generator presents undesirable background noise and
potential electrical interference which the DJ cannot escape.  Finally, the equipment is
exposed to the vagaries of an outdoor environment during the broadcast, requiring careful
wiring and weatherproof equipment.
  
         [0003]    In another prior art system, speakers may be provided for placement on top of a vehicle,
out of a window, or out the rear doors of a van, pick-up or the like.  In these systems, the
vehicle must be stationary or moving relatively slowly, to prevent dislodging or damage
to the equipment.  Furthermore, the equipment is still exposed to theft and vandalism, and
also the vagaries of weather, as in the trailer configuration.
  
         [0004]    Loudspeakers have been used in combination with vehicles for almost as long as vehicles
have existed.  The broader concept of a loudspeaker mounted through the side of a
vehicle is illustrated, for example, in U.S. patent 3,043,912 to De Laney.  Delaney
discloses an automobile intercom that mounts a speaker into a wooden or plastic block
and ducts the air through a hole in the vehicle side wall.  Additional relevant documents
include 2,110,358 to Dreisback; 4,009,375 to White et al; 4,192,216 to Wait; 4,701,627
to Gambuti et al; 5,170,435 to Rosen et al; 5,228,090 to Marler; 5,263,756 to Gaspar;
5,790,065 to Yaroch; 5,790,947 to Dieringer; 5,917,920 to Humphries; and 6,055,417 to
Hill et al.  Nevertheless, none of these systems integrate a high quality speaker system
into a vehicle for broadcasting exterior to the vehicle, nor do these patents illustrate the
integration of a broadcasting system into a mobile vehicle.  What is desirable then is to
integrate the audio components more closely with a vehicle, to take advantage of the
benefits inherent in the vehicle, such as the secure exterior which provides protection
from weather and also theft or vandalism.   
     
     
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
         [0005]    In a first manifestation the invention is a tuned-port electrical audio processing system for
processing a plurality of electrical source signals and converting said plurality of
electrical source signals into an audio broadcast.  The electrical audio processing system
is transported by a vehicle having an interior compartment surrounded by a vehicle
exterior which protects the interior compartment from the vagaries of moisture, mud, dirt
and debris during transport.  The audio processing system has a means for providing
electricity, a means for selecting an input signal from a plurality of sources, a means for
amplifying the selected signal, a means for dividing the input signal into a plurality of
frequency segregated output components, a means for converting one of the frequency
segregated output components into a low frequency audible sound wave, and a means for
selectively conducting low frequencies within the sound wave through the vehicle
exterior while attenuating frequencies other than low frequencies.  The tuned-port system
conducts low frequencies to the vehicle exterior without coupling to the vehicle, thereby
avoiding the generation of extraneous rumbling and rattling from various vehicle
component resonances.
  
           [0006]    In a second manifestation, the invention is a full-feature, secure remote broadcast vehicle
which is continuously setup.  The vehicle is simultaneously secured against theft and
vandalism in operation and while idle, thereby allowing an operator to leave the
immediate vicinity of the vehicle and not risk loss due to theft or vandalism.  A plurality
of electro-audio components are mounted within the vehicle, such as a CD, tape or DVD
player, a radio broadcast receiver, a wireless microphone transmission receiver, an
electrical generator, a remotely controlled selector switch, a loudspeaker, and a port
coupled from the loudspeaker through the vehicle exterior which emanates audible sound
waves exterior to the vehicle and which selectively enhances a narrow bandwidth of the
audible sound wave.  A microphone and a remote control are also provided which allow
an operator to variably control source, including sounds picked up by the microphone,
and volume of the audible sound wave for broadcast from the vehicle.
  
           [0007]    In a third manifestation, the invention is the combination of a speaker for converting
electrical signals to audible  sounds and a vehicle having an exterior body forming an
enclosed space.  A cross-over divides the electrical signals into a low frequency
component and a high frequency component.  A speaker housing encloses the speaker and
blocks emanation of audible sounds directly from said speaker into an ambient exterior to
said speaker housing.  A tuned port selectively transmits a limited bandwidth of the
audible sounds from the speaker housing through the exterior vehicle body. 
         OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION 
         [0008]    A first object of the invention is to provide a remote broadcast vehicle which does not
require any setup time to operate on-location, and which may be used while in motion as
well as at rest.  A second object of the invention is for the remote broadcast vehicle to
remain fully enclosed and secured while in operation, without unacceptable degradation
of the sound produced and emanating from the vehicle.  A third object of the invention is
to enable an announcer or DJ to move around separate from the remote broadcast vehicle,
while still remaining in control of the sounds emanating therefrom.  Another object of the
invention is to provide a tuned port speaker system which permits broadcasting audio
information at high volumes and power outputs through a vehicle wall without initiating
any resonance within the vehicle itself.   
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       [0009]    [0009]Figure 1 illustrates a preferred embodiment remote broadcasting system designed in
accord with the teachings of the present invention from a side plan view.
  
         [0010]    [0010]Figure 2 illustrates the preferred remote broadcasting system of figure 1 from a schematic
top plan view with the roof removed, while figure 3 illustrates the remote broadcasting
system from an end schematic view looking into the back of the van.
  
         [0011]    [0011]Figure 4 illustrates a preferred source of power for the preferred remote broadcasting
system.
  
         [0012]    [0012]Figure 5 illustrates diagrammatically one preferred combination of audio components
used in the implementation of the preferred remote broadcasting system.
  
         [0013]    [0013]Figure 6 illustrates by block diagram the various components used in the preferred
combination of figure 5.
  
         [0014]    [0014]Figure 7 illustrates diagrammatically an alternative combination of audio components
used in the implementation of the preferred remote broadcasting system.
  
         [0015]    [0015]Figure 8 illustrates an alternative embodiment deluxe remote broadcasting system
designed in accord with the teachings of the present invention from a side plan view.
  
         [0016]    [0016]Figure 9 illustrates the alternative embodiment remote broadcasting system of figure 8
from a schematic top plan view with the roof removed, while figure 10 illustrates the
remote broadcasting system from an end schematic view looking into the back of the
truck.
  
         [0017]    [0017]Figure 11 illustrates a preferred embodiment ported loudspeaker designed in accord with
the teachings of the present invention.
  
         [0018]    [0018]Figure 12 illustrates a second alternative embodiment remote broadcasting system
designed in accord with the teachings of the present invention from a side plan view, and
from an end plan view in figure 13. 
     
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0019]    A preferred full-feature remote broadcast system 100 is most preferably assembled from a
pre-manufactured vehicle 110.  Vehicle 110 will most preferably be a van, truck, pick-up
truck or the like, but it will be understood that other vehicles may be used, including
passenger vehicles and trailers without departing from the full scope of the invention. 
Nevertheless, vehicle 110 will most preferably provide adequate space for and access to
each of the components described herein below, and for this a larger vehicle is most
preferred.  In addition, a larger vehicle provides extra cargo space, when additional
persons, gear, merchandise or the like must be transported.  Access is provided through a
door 120 as is known in the vehicle industry.
  
         [0020]    Speaker assemblies 560 and 560&#39; may be mounted into the side wall of vehicle 110, and
may pass through the body panels or may alternatively pass through windows, where the
vehicle has windows at the desired locations.  Most preferably, speaker assembly 560
may be used to convert electrical signals into audible sound waves which represent one
channel of a stereo program, for example the left channel.  Similarly, speaker assembly
560&#39; will produce audible sound waves from the other channel, for example the right
channel.  Speaker assemblies 560 and 560&#39; will most preferably be separated physically
from each other by as much space as practical, given the limitations  of vehicle 110, to
preserve the full three-dimensional auditory effect of a stereo broadcast as much as
possible.  Once again, a larger vehicle 110 such as a van or truck facilitates this
separation.  Speaker assemblies 560 and 560&#39; will most preferably be weatherproof
speakers having a high quality audible reproduction characteristic.  Nevertheless, the
specific geometries illustrated herein for these assemblies is not critical to the workings
of the invention.  Speakers which provide a desired durability, weather resistance,
physical dimension and quality of sound reproduction will be acceptable regardless of
their construction or type, within reason.
  
         [0021]    Speaker assembly 570 is a sub-woofer driver and tuned port which conveys audible sound
waves to the exterior of vehicle 110.  Placement of assembly 570 is not consequential to
the invention, owing to the non-directional nature of low-frequency sounds.  For the
purposes of this disclosure, low frequency sounds will be understood to be those
frequencies which are non-directional and which are within the range of significant
mechanical resonance of vehicle body panels and parts.  Generally, these frequencies are
below about 100 Hertz, and more commonly are below 60 Hertz.  Many sub-woofers
operate at even lower frequencies, below 30 Hertz and even some lower still.  The exact
frequency range for these low-frequency sounds will be readily determined by the system
designer as will be apparent when considered in light of the present disclosure.  Most
preferably, the tuned port will attenuate frequencies outside of a relatively narrow band of
low-frequency sounds, while simultaneously reinforcing the low-frequency sounds within
the narrow band of frequencies.  The design of critical dimensions used in such ports is
known in the loudspeaker industry, and will not be repeated herein, though it will be
understood that a remote broadcast system 100 will require such design.
  
         [0022]    Figures 2 and 3 illustrate preferred remote broadcast system 100 from a top plan view
with the roof removed and from an end plan view with the back doors removed,
respectively, each having features removed strictly for illustrative purposes.  As can be
seen therein, ported speaker assembly 570 may pass through not just one side of vehicle
110, but will also most preferably include a second similar ported speaker assembly 565
for broadcasting from the opposite side of vehicle 110.  Similar speaker assembly pairs
are provided in speaker assemblies 555 and 555&#39;.  The exact number, spacing and
directional orientation of the various speaker assemblies is not critical to the operation of
the invention, though the orientation and spacing illustrated herein is most preferred to
provide a broadcast signal from both sides of vehicle 110.  Nevertheless, it will be
understood that only one set of speaker assemblies pointing in a single direction may be
adequate for some applications, while others may require speakers pointing in every
direction, or at least from three of the four sides of vehicle 110.  Once again, those skilled
in the art will recognize the various alternatives.
  
         [0023]    Speaker assembly 570 includes a dual-resonance chamber design having ports 1132 and
1134 which are tuned to a center frequency of between 20 and 60 Hertz.  In larger
vehicles 110, this design can accommodate lower frequencies and will be tuned to a
center frequency closer to 20 Hertz, while in smaller compartments ports 1132 and 1134
will need to be tuned to frequencies closer to 60 Hertz.  Port 1140 may be similarly tuned
to resonant frequencies in the 40 to 100 Hertz range, thereby broadening the bandwidth of
the tuned port.
  
         [0024]    Several antennas are provided in remote broadcast system 100, including an antenna 527
for an up-link to a base broadcasting station.  This up-link may utilize a component
known as a Marti box, or other suitable gear.  Antenna 527 will facilitate this
transmission.  Antennas 512 and 514 are provided for communication between a wireless
control and/or microphone and audio gear within vehicle 110 which will be described in
greater detail hereinbelow.  Once again, the exact placement of antennas 512, 514 and
527 is not critical to the invention, so long as the antennas do not physically or
electrically interfere with each other.
  
         [0025]    The preferred electrical power source 400 includes an alternator 410 having a pulley 420
for driving engagement with a belt as is known in the vehicle industry.  However, most
preferably alternator 410 is completely independent from the electrical system provided at
the factory for vehicle 110, and will instead only provide power through cabling 430 to
the audio components of the remote broadcast system 100.  This reduces electrical
interference and noise, while also ensuring that vehicle 110 will start and operate even if
the full capacity of battery 400 electrical storage is consumed during a broadcasting
session.  Where vehicle 110 is a trailer, the electrical power must be provided through a
trailer hitch electrical connection.  As an alternative shown in figure 6, the existing
alternator can be used.  In this case, it will generally be desirable to incorporate a diode
isolator 460 to allow the current from alternator 410 to be split between the factory
vehicle wiring and wiring for system 100 without direct connection therebetween. 
Additional noise filters may also be provided as required in power source 400.
  
         [0026]    [0026]Figure 5 illustrates diagrammatically the various audio components 500 used in preferred
remote broadcast system 100, though it will be understood by those skilled in the art that
various components may be added or removed for the specific needs of a particular
designer.  Figure 6 also illustrates each of these components by block diagram.  A player
505 designed for reproducing pre-recorded audio information may be part of vehicle 110
original equipment, or may be added as a custom feature.  Player 505 may include one or
more of the commercial players, including such devices as audio CD players, tape
players, DVD players and the like.  A receiver 510 for wireless information such as might
be transmitted by wireless microphone 520 and wireless remote control 515 includes two
antennas 512 and 514 previously discussed.  Wireless radio connections from microphone
520 and remote control 515 may be analog or digitally encoded, though an analog link is
simpler and available for lower cost.  Where an analog signal is incorporated, a twin-diversity type signal transmission is preferred which uses two simultaneous channels to
prevent drop-outs from occurring.  Up-link 525 is most preferably a Marti unit, and
includes antenna 527.  The outputs from each of these various components 505 - 527 are
fed to a cross-over 530 which is designed to select from the various audio input sources
and split the selected signal(s) into frequency and channel segregated outputs.  These
outputs are then passed through amplifiers 535 - 550, where the electrical signal power is
amplified and impedance matched to the various speakers of speaker assemblies 555 -
570.
  
         [0027]    An alternative audio component set-up 700 is illustrated in figure 7.  Noteworthy here is
the removable connections between speaker assemblies 562, 572 and amplifiers 540, 550. 
The application of this configuration is found where there is not adequate space within
vehicle 110 to provide built-in speaker assemblies as shown in figure 1, for example.  In
these instances, separate mounts and electrical connections may be provided for speaker
assemblies 562, 572, and the electrical connections must be removable.  In addition, there
is a two-way connection between up-link 525 and cross-over 530.  This two-way
connection allows the further possibility for the entire broadcast from a base radio station
to be provided by remote broadcasting system 100 and transmitted through up-link 525 to
the base radio station for re-broadcasting.  Pre-recorded audio information may be passed
from player 505 through cross-over 530 and into up-link 525, along with audible
information from the announcer or DJ.  In this instance, an audio mixing board separate
from cross-over 530 may also be provided  as is normally implemented in a base radio
station.  This system would, however, most preferably still allow for remote audio
broadcasting without using up-link 525, and allow a remote DJ presentation.
  
         [0028]    Figures 8 - 11 illustrate a somewhat more deluxe remote broadcasting system 800 which
includes four sub-woofer speaker assemblies 866, 867, 871 and 872.  As is evident in
figure 10, the use of a larger truck for vehicle 110 provides substantially better access to
each of the components.  Nevertheless, a large truck requires greater initial capital to
purchase and may not provide the appearance sought by all remote broadcasters.  One
sub-woofer 872 of the four sub-woofer speaker assemblies 866, 867, 871 and 872 is
illustrated in much greater detail in figure 11.  Therein it will be evident that cylindrical
port 1140 passes directly from the front of driver 1130 out of compartment 1120 through
assembly exterior wall 1105.  Port 1140 has an opening 1142 within compartment 1120,
and an opening 1144 which will most preferably pass beyond an exterior of vehicle 110. 
This port 1140 transmits low-frequency sound waves in a first direction from speaker box
110.  A second port 1150 having openings 1152, 1154 is provided from the back side of
driver 1130 in compartment 1115 and will transmit low-frequency sound waves through
assembly exterior wall 1105 preferably beyond an exterior of vehicle 110.  Port 1150
transmits most preferably in a second direction different from port 1140.  This dual-direction transmission of low-frequency sound waves can be optimized with the geometry
of vehicle 110 to provide strongly enhanced low-frequency output, such as is illustrated in
figure 10 where speaker assembly 867 is ported through the left wall and floor, while
speaker assembly 872 is ported through the right wall and floor.
  
         [0029]    Figures 12 and 13  illustrate a second alternative embodiment remote broadcast system
1200 including a pick-up truck 1210 as the vehicle.  Pick-up 1210 has a door 1220 for
access into an interior compartment, which may house one or more of the audio
components securely therein.  Cover 1230 removably covers the cargo area.  Cover 1230
may be elevated by brackets 1235, which may additionally include or incorporate springs
and shock-absorbers as is known in the art.  End gate 1240 raises and lowers in the
ordinary fashion, and when lowered as shown in the figures opens access to sub-woofer
assembly 1270, having ports 1272 - 1278 therein.  Additional ports may be provided
through the sides of the cargo box, the floor or end gate 1240, and these ports may be in
addition to or instead of ports 1272 - 1278, similar to the ported sub-woofers of the earlier
embodiments disclosed herein above.  Speakers 1260 and 1260&#39; are removably mounted
to supports within the cargo area, such that speakers 1260, 1260&#39; may be stored within the
cargo area and secured under cover 1230 when not in use, and placed as shown in figures
12 and 123 during use.  This second alternative embodiment 1200 does not offer all of the
advantages of the preferred and first alternative embodiments described herein above, but
nevertheless does expand the applicability of the present invention to alternative
applications.  Likewise, features that comprise each embodiment and known  equivalents
thereto may be used in combination with other embodiments.  The present disclosure is
not limited strictly to the specific embodiments illustrated herein but is instead open to an
array of conceivable configurations. As is evident, in the earlier embodiments speaker
assemblies 555 and 560 could be replaced by removable speakers similar to speakers
1260 and 1260&#39;, with the attendant requirement for mounting supports and electrical
connectors to provide support and signal to the speaker assemblies.  
  
         [0030]    While the foregoing details what is felt to be the preferred embodiment of the invention,
no material limitations to the scope of the claimed invention are intended.  Further,
features and design alternatives that would be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art
are considered to be incorporated herein.  For example, while the present system uses
radio frequency transmissions from the microphone and remote, the use of an infra-red
link such as a roof-mounted light waveguide or other transmission technique beyond
radio is contemplated herein for the wireless components such as remote control and
microphone.  The scope of the invention is set forth and particularly described in the
claims hereinbelow.