Abstract:
A portable system capable of receiving audio signals from one or more sources and reproducing the signals via speakers contained therein. The portable media reproduction system includes a docking component for communicatively coupling a portable media player device to the portable media reproduction system, thereby reducing desktop clutter and simplifying connecting the portable media reproduction system with the media player device. The speaker component of the portable media reproduction system can preferably be engaged with a base component of the system, thereby protecting the docking component during transport and reducing the overall size of the system for improved portability.

Description:
PRIORITY CLAIM  
       [0001]     This application claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/836,113 filed Apr. 30, 2004, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. This application is a continuation-in-part thereof. This application further claims priority to U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/191,799, filed Oct. 15, 2003, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     The present invention relates to the field of portable media playback equipment, and in particular to portable devices for reproducing audio signals.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0003]     The past several decades have seen remarkable advances in audio and video reproduction equipment, particularly equipment that allows a variety of audio tracks to be carried or transported with a user from one location to another. Such equipment includes, e.g., equipment for digitally recording, editing, mixing, producing, storing and reproducing audio tracks. Digital files are advantageous for several reasons, including the fact that running error correction algorithms on the files can guarantee that the audio track data in the files is properly stored, which means that the audio can be faithfully reproduced even where an underlying recording medium induces errors or where errors are induced in the copy process. Another advantage of digital files is that reproduction equipment can precisely control the speed at which the audio track is played, thereby effectively guaranteeing consistent playback.  
         [0004]     In recent years, new algorithms for storing audio tracks have emerged. One of the more popular of these new audio track storage algorithms is the Motion Picture Entertainment Group level 3 algorithm, commonly referred to as the “MP3” algorithm. The MP3 algorithm uses a variety of techniques, including allowing users to vary the audio track sampling rate as the audio track is recorded, varying the number of bits used to represent a given frequency range, and the like, to generate digital audio track files that are significantly smaller than those used on CD&#39;s. This means that users can carry more audio data files on a given medium than they could in the past. For example, a typical seventy-two minute audio CD holds approximately 650 MB of data. Depending on the compression methods chosen, a 650 MB CD-ROM has sufficient capacity for several hours of compressed music.  
         [0005]     As digital storage capacity continues to increase and compression algorithms continue to advance, users are able to carry more and more of the music they like with them. This has resulted in the incorporation of audio track reproduction capabilities in an ever-increasing array of audio-capable devices, including, but not limited to, digital cameras, portable digital assistants (“PDA&#39;s”), wireless telephones, and the like. Several other devices, generally referred to as portable media players (“PMP&#39;s”), have been introduced into the market that are predominately used for reproduction of compressed audio tracks. One of the most popular PMP&#39;s is the iPod®, sold by Apple Computer, Inc. of Cupertino, Calif. The iPod has become popular because it has a relatively small form factor but can store many tens of gigabytes of audio files and other information on a hard disk drive stored within the PMP. Other PMPs additionally store video information for playback on a small display integrated into the device.  
         [0006]     Most of the currently available audio devices are designed to be highly portable and to allow an individual to carry a relatively large number of audio tracks. However, because design of these devices has centered on portability, manufacturers tend to limit them so as to present the reproduced audio to a user only through monaural or stereo headphones that are plugged into the audio device. This means that, at best, these audio devices can only be used to reproduce audio tracks for a limited number of users, such as where one or more splitters are used to allow multiple users to plug headphones into the device. However, because the audio devices are typically battery powered, they are not capable of generating enough energy to power several pairs of headphones. Furthermore, increasing the number of users connected to a single device beyond one or two limits the device&#39;s portability.  
         [0007]     One method alternatively employed by some in the prior art is to allow users to attach speakers to a portable media player. This allows multiple users to experience audio tracks at the same time. Because the power output of audio devices is typically relatively low, it is frequently advantageous for the speakers to include an amplifier which is powered by an external power source. Some in the prior art have created relatively small, battery powered or alternating current (AC) powered speakers for use with portable audio reproduction equipment. These speakers tend to take a lot of physical abuse during transportation, and frequently the cables and adapters used to connect the speakers to the audio device are not capable of withstanding such abuse.  
         [0008]     One solution offered on the market is the original in Motion™, available from Altec Lansing Technologies, Inc., of Milford, Pa., and described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/836,113 filed Apr. 30, 2004. The in Motion™ was a groundbreaking product which, for the first time, provided powered speakers integrated with a docking station for a portable media player in a relatively lightweight and compact portable package that folded to protect the speaker drivers during transport. While the in Motion™offered great advantages in terms of robustness, weight, portability, size, and ease-of-use, room for improvement in each of these qualities remains.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0009]     The present invention is directed to a portable media reproduction system that substantially obviates one or more of the limitations and disadvantages of the related art. The invention provides a portable media reproduction system preferably consisting of a base component for supporting the portable media reproduction system, the base component having a docking component for communicatively coupling a media player device, and a speaker component operably connected and hinged to the base component, the speaker component being rotatable between an open position and a closed position. The open position exposes the docking component and directs the speaker component to an intended listener, and the closed position substantially aligns the speaker component and the base component such that the docking component is not exposed.  
         [0010]     The base component is preferably designed to facilitate positioning the speakers at an optimum angle to enhance enjoyment of reproduced audio tracks. The audio amplifier can preferably be powered by batteries or an AC power source, although it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that purely battery powered and purely AC powered audio amplifiers can be substituted therefor without departing from the spirit or the scope of the invention.  
         [0011]     The portable media reproduction system of the present invention is preferably designed to be communicatively coupled with one or more portable media player devices. In one embodiment, the present invention preferably includes an adapter by which the portable media reproduction system can be connected to one or more PMP&#39;s. By way of example, without intending to limit the present invention, the portable media reproduction system may include a docking cradle for attaching an iPod to the portable media reproduction system, thereby allowing the portable audio reproduction system to reproduce audio signals from the iPod. In an alternative embodiment, the docking cradle provided by the present invention may support multiple, interchangeable connection means, thus allowing a plurality of PMP&#39;s, satellite radio receivers, digital radio receivers, standard radio receivers, CD players, audio players, audio/video players or other portable media player devices to be communicatively coupled with the portable media reproduction system. The signal received by the system from the media playback device may be either digital or analog, and the player may be detachable from the system or permanently connected.  
         [0012]     In addition to communicatively coupling through a docking port or the like, a preferred embodiment of the present invention also allows external devices, such as, but not limited to, audio signals from a computer, secondary audio device, or the like, to be communicatively coupled to the portable media reproduction system through a standard audio connector. Electronic mixing circuitry preferably allows audio signals from the external device to be input to, and reproduced by, the portable media reproduction system in conjunction with an audio signal from an attached PMP or other device.  
         [0013]     It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed. Additional features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The objectives and other advantages of the invention will be realized and attained by the structure particularly pointed out in the written description and claims hereof as well as the appended drawings. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0014]     The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the description serve to explain the principles of at least one embodiment of the invention.  
         [0015]     In the drawings:  
         [0016]      FIG. 1  is a top perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention in a closed position.  
         [0017]      FIG. 2  is a bottom perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention in a closed position.  
         [0018]      FIGS. 3   a  through  3   d  show side elevational views illustrating the transition of the system of the invention from a closed position to an open position.  
         [0019]      FIG. 4  shows a front perspective view of the system of the invention with a personal media player engaged therewith.  
         [0020]      FIG. 5  shows a front elevational view of the system of the invention with a personal media player engaged therewith.  
         [0021]      FIG. 6  shows a rear perspective view of the system of the invention with a personal media player engaged therewith.  
         [0022]      FIG. 7  shows a bottom perspective view of the system of the invention in a closed position.  
         [0023]      FIG. 8  shows a perspective view of a docking cradle of the invention in communication with a remote control.  
         [0024]      FIGS. 9   a  and  9   b  show perspective views of two adapters in accordance with embodiments of the invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
       [0025]     Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. For clarity, corresponding features are consistently labeled across the various views of the invention provided in the figures.  
         [0026]      FIGS. 1 through 9   b  illustrate various views of a portable media reproduction system  10  according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , portable media reproduction system  10  is shown in a closed position from a front view and a rear view, respectively. The closed position allows for a compact unit suitable for travel or space-saving needs. In the closed position, portable media reproduction system  10  is substantially rectangular, having a substantially planar top surface  15  and bottom surface  20 . Although portable media reproduction system  10  is preferably one unit, portable media reproduction system  10  comprises two integrated components, a speaker component  30  and a base component  40 , that are movable and rotatable with respect to each other. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the speaker component  30  may also be detached or detachable, or may itself comprise separate components for each of a plurality of channels of music that may be detached or detachable, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Speaker component  30  and a base component  40  are communicatively coupled to provide a compact unit in the closed position and a stereo system in an open position. In one embodiment, when the portable media reproduction system  10  is in the closed position, the components are designed to mate with each other to form a generally solid form with generally smooth surfaces. The generally sold form and generally smooth surfaces make handling and transportation easier by preventing handles or edges from catching or impeding storage or movement.  
         [0027]     In one embodiment, the process for converting the portable media reproduction system from the closed position to the open position is as follows. Referring to  FIGS. 3   a - 3   d , side elevational views are shown which illustrate the transitioning of the system of the invention from a closed position to an open position. The base component  40  is pulled in a direction away from speaker component  30 . Base component  40  and speaker component  30  are slidably engaged and utilize a spring to encourage an adjacent relationship. The spring allows for the return of the base component  40  and speaker component  30  in an adjacent position wherein the base component  40  abuts the speaker component  30  when no force is applied to separate the base component  40  and speaker component  30 .  
         [0028]     Base component  40  comprises a flange  45  extending from the base component  40  in a direction towards speaker component  30 . When in the closed position, flange  45  is received by a recess (not shown) in speaker component  30 . As a result, base component  40  and speaker component  30  are substantially locked (with respect to rotation) in the closed position by the engagement of the flange  45  in the recess (not shown). By pulling the base component  40  away from the speaker component  30 , the flange  45  is no longer engaged with the recess (not shown), allowing the base component  40  and speaker component  30  to rotate in relation to each other.  
         [0029]     Once the flange  45  is disengaged by applying a force separating base component  40  from speaker component  30 , the components  30 ,  40  may be rotated with respect to each other about an axis extending through a pivot point  50 . The components  30 ,  40  preferably rotate approximately 105 degrees until speaker component  30  engages base component  40 , maintaining the speaker component  30  in an open position. Speaker component  30  is designed to face generally towards the intended listener when being rested upon a table, desk or other similar support surface. Accordingly, in one embodiment, when the base component  40  is supported on a support surface, the speaker component  30  maintains an angle of approximately 100 to 110 degrees with respect to a support surface (where zero degrees represents the angle when the speaker component is in a closed position). Speaker component  30  has a bottom surface  60  that is substantially aligned with a bottom surface  70  of base component  40  when in the open position.  
         [0030]     Referring to FIGS.  4  to  6 , perspective and elevational views of the portable media reproduction system  10  in the open position are shown. A portable media player (“PMP”)  80 , such as an iPod, is shown mounted on a docking port  46  of the base component  40 . The docking port  46  provides a recess for receiving a PMP  80 . Within the recess of docking port  46  is a connector or interface  145  ( FIG. 9   b ) for communicatively coupling the PMP  80  to the portable media reproduction system  10 . The surface  15  of the speaker component  30  provides additional support for the PMP  80  mounted in the docking port  46 . When mounted in the docking port  46 , the PMP  80  and the speakers  90  of the speaker component  30  are inclined at an angle intended to approximately face the listener. The PMP  80 , when mounted in the docking port  46 , makes a connection with the system  10  via an interface  145  ( FIG. 9   b ) for transferring signals between the system  10  and the PMP  80 . The interface  145  is an interface for transmitting electrical power and/or signals, and may be, e.g., the well known iPod data connector, or a connector that supports Universal Serial Bus (“USB”), Fire Wire (also know as IEEE-1394), or other standards for signal and data transmission. In yet another embodiment, the interface  145  may be a ⅛ inch stereo pin jack.  
         [0031]     In one embodiment, the interface  145  is an electrical interface for transferring commands, electrical power, and audio signals between the system and the PMP. However, it will be recognized that other interfaces, such as an optical interface for transferring optically encoded digital signals, may be utilized either alternatively or in addition to an electrical interface of the presently preferred type. In applications where the audio signals are transferred between the PMP  80  and the system  10  in digital format, a suitable analog-to-digital converter such as an MPEG or MP3 decoder may be provided within housing of the system  10 . In one embodiment, an audio amplifier, such as a 4-watt Class D digital amplifier, is provided within the housing of the system for driving the speaker drivers  90 .  
         [0032]     In one embodiment, the speaker component  30  has two arrays of drivers  90  positioned on the left and right sides of the centralized docking port  46 . In an exemplary embodiment, drivers  90  are 28 mm neodymium drivers. The drivers  90  may be covered by a protective layer  95 , such as a metal wire mesh, perforated aluminum grill, fabric or the like, to protect the drivers  90  during handling and use.  
         [0033]     With reference to  FIG. 8 , on a top face  43  of the docking port  46  is a power button  120  and volume controls  130 ,  135 . Volume controls  130 ,  135  allow for control of the volume level, whether or not the volume controls on the PMP  80  are operational upon connection to the portable media reproduction system  10 . An LED  125  indicates the power status of the portable media reproduction system  10 . When the power button  120  is actuated, a power on or off command may be sent to the PMP  80 . In one embodiment, power continues to be applied to the PMP  80  via the interface  145  to provide a small current to charge the battery of the PMP  80  even when the power state of the system  10  is off.  
         [0034]     On a front face  47  of docking port  46  of base component  40  is a sensor  100  for receiving signals from a remote control  110 . The sensor  100  and the remote control  110  may use any well known method of communicating, such as, for example, infrared or RF (i.e., radio frequency). In one embodiment, remote control  110  may be used, e.g., to turn the power on or off, adjust the volume, play or pause an audio track, or advance to another audio track. Signals transmitted by the remote control  110  are received by the sensor  100  and are converted by circuitry within the system  10  into commands. The command may be transferred to the PMP  80  via the interface  145 . In one embodiment, volume commands are not transferred to the PMP  80 , but rather affect the amplification, and thus the playback level of the system  10 .  
         [0035]     Turning now to  FIGS. 9   a  and  9   b , a recess surrounding the connector on docking port  46  is configured to receive a bottom end and connecting portion of a PMP. In order to accommodate various sizes, form factors, and/or configurations of PMPs, an adapter  140  is provided. The adapter  140  may be positioned on docking port  46  and form a recess that sufficiently receives the PMP for associating with the connector. Adapter  140  may be provided in the form of a template that covers the edges of the recess in docking port  45  to provide a recess sized to appropriately accommodate a particular PMP. In one exemplary embodiment, adapter  140  is configured to receive an iPod. In another exemplary embodiment, adapter  140  is configured to receive an iPod Mini. In an alternative embodiment, the recess  46  accommodates a first type of PMP  80  having a bottom end of a given size and shape, while covering recess  46  with adapter  140  accommodates a different portable media player (not shown) having a bottom end with a different size and/or shape. In one embodiment, adapter  140  can additionally adapt the connector  145  to fit a different type of connection, or to accommodate a different electrical signal. The adapter  140  may be configured to accommodate any of a wide variety of portable media players without departing from the invention.  
         [0036]     Referring to  FIG. 6 , on the rear side of base component  40  is an auxiliary input jack  150 , a port  155  for connecting the PMP  80  to a personal computer, an override power switch  160 , and a power jack  165  for providing a DC voltage through wire  170 . The port  155  may be, e.g., an iPod data connector or other connector that conforms with a standard for data transmission, such as USB or Firewire. The port  155 , in combination with the interface  145  ( FIG. 9   b ), may allow the portable media reproduction system to replace a docking station traditionally associated with a portable media player device, thus enabling the device to synchronize with a computer, and may provide power from the personal computer to the system  10  and/or the PMP  80 .  
         [0037]     The auxiliary input jack  150  is an alternative method of providing audio signal input to the system  10 . The auxiliary input jack  150  permits a portable media player (not shown) that is not compatible with the interface  145  to be used with the system  10 . The portable media player (not shown) that is not compatible with the interface  145  may be rested in or on recess  46 . In one embodiment, the system mixes the audio signal from the auxiliary input jack  150  with a signal from the interface  145 , permitting a secondary sound source to be reproduced by the speakers  90 . In one embodiment, an audio signal present on the auxiliary input jack  150  preempts an audio signal being received from the interface  145 ; this configuration would permit a secondary audio source to interrupt the signal coming from the interface  145 .  
         [0038]     The override power switch  160  is used as a second switch to turn the amplifier and other electronics of the portable media reproduction system off. When the override power switch  160  is in the off position power switch  120  ( FIG. 8 ) has no effect; when the override power switch  160  is in the on position, however, power switch  120  ( FIG. 8 ) controls the operational state of the device  10 , as indicated by the LED  125 . In one embodiment, the portable media reproduction system may have a further power override (not shown) that prevents having the portable media reproduction system  10  on when the system  10  is in the closed position. In one embodiment, the portable media reproduction system  10  automatically powers off when closed. These features can help prevent draining the batteries when the portable media reproduction system is not in use.  
         [0039]     On the rear side of speaker component  30  is preferably provided a recess  180  configured to receive remote control  110  for storage thereof. The recess preferably receives the remote control  110  and retains it via a friction fit when the remote control is not in use.  
         [0040]     Referring to  FIG. 7 , the rear side of the portable media reproduction system  10  is shown in the closed position. Remote control  110  is shown as securely received by recess  180  such that the broad surface of the remote control  110  is flush with the broad surface of the speaker component  30 , thus providing improved portability. A top side of base component  40  has two battery compartments  190  having lids  195 .  
         [0041]     When the PMP  80  is connected to the interface  145  of the portable media reproduction system  10 , users can use the controls integrated with the PMP  80  to play music or audio/video content (with the audio portion of such content being reproduced by the speaker component  30 ), to synchronize files with or transfer data to a personal computer (not shown), or to recharge the PMP  80 . While the PMP  80  is connected to the interface  145 , the PMP  80  may receive power from the portable media reproduction system  10 . In one embodiment, the portable media reproduction system  10  supplies power to media player device when the portable media reproduction system  10  receives power from an external power source, such as, but not limited to, an AC to DC converter (not shown), or to an external device capable (also not shown) of providing power to the portable media reproduction system  10 . In one embodiment, the portable media reproduction system supplies power to the PMP  80  regardless of whether the portable media reproduction system  10  is operating on power from an external power source or from internal batteries. In addition to allowing the PMP  80  to function, power supplied by the portable media reproduction system  10  to the PMP  80  may also allow the device to charge any rechargeable batteries stored therein.  
         [0042]     The power jack  165  allows the portable media reproduction system  10  of the present invention to be powered from an external power source, such as, but not limited to, an AC to DC converter or external battery pack. Alternatively or in addition to receiving power from an external power source, the portable media reproduction system can also be powered by one or more batteries, which may be stored within the portable media reproduction system  10 , such as, but not limited to, in compartment or compartments  190 . In one embodiment, rear surface of base component  40  includes two slidably removable covers  195  for access to battery housings.  
         [0043]     In an embodiment in which rechargeable batteries are used, the rechargeable batteries are preferably recharged any time the portable media reproduction system  10  is connected to an external power source via the power jack  165 . The portable media reproduction system  10  may also charge the batteries, and receive power, if a device is connected thereto via port  155 . Where rechargeable batteries are used, the batteries should be of a capacity such that, if the portable media reproduction system  10  is disconnected from the external power source when the batteries are fully charged, the portable media reproduction system  10  can be powered and reproduce audio signals for several consecutive hours without needing to be recharged.  
         [0044]     Power from the power jack  165 , port  155 , an externally connected device, and/or the batteries is preferably used to power a Class D or other audio amplifier (not shown) housed within the portable media reproduction system  10 , as well as other aspects of the invention. A Class D amplifier is preferably used because of the relatively high efficiencies associated with such amplifiers. Such efficiencies provide reduced power consumption over conventional amplifiers, thereby improving the system&#39;s battery life. The amplifier is used to convert audio signals, preferably received via the interface  145  and/or from an external audio source connected to the system  10  through external audio input jack  150 , into a signal capable of driving speaker drivers  90 .  
         [0045]     While the invention has been described in detail and with reference to specific embodiments thereof, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope thereof. Thus, it is intended that the present invention cover the modifications and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.