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

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/812,375 filed Apr. 16, 2013 to at least one common inventor. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    This invention relates to providing a flip out dog leg mountable ceiling speaker enclosure. In particular, this invention relates to providing a manually installable flip out dog leg mountable ceiling speaker. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Installation of loudspeakers into panels, especially ceiling panels, presents unique challenges, especially in obtaining the desired balance between speed of installation and security of installation. Significantly, ceiling speaker installation in larger buildings can involve a thousand or more ceiling speakers, and the time it takes to install one ceiling speaker, multiplied a thousand times, becomes a noticeable factor in labor costs. A general class of devices used for ceiling speaker installation are “flip out dog legs” which clamp, or dog, a peripheral portion of ceiling panel between an annular flange and at least two dogs which are mounted peripherally around the speaker enclosure. Flip out dog legs are also known as “flip dogs”. Flip dogs are initially stowed within the outer circumference of the hole in the ceiling panel in which the loudspeaker enclosure is to be mounted. In conventional operation, a screw device is used to “flip” the dog into a radially aligned position and lower the dog to the clamping position, requiring a screw driver for installation, usually a powered screw driver. 
         [0004]    U.S. Pat. No. 8,286,749 discloses flip dogs that are screw-driven to deployment and combine the lowering action with the downward travel of the dog. Dismounting can be achieved by reversing the screw to exploit a vertical spring bias. U.S. Pat. No. 7,780,135 discloses screw-driven, vertical spring biased flip dogs of a different design, but similar functionality. US published patent application 20070121988 discloses yet another design for screw-driven, vertically spring-biased dogs. 
         [0005]    Therefore, a need exists for a flip dog mountable ceiling speaker enclosure that does not require tools for activating the flip dogs. In addition, there is a need for a flip dog mountable ceiling speaker enclosure that can be more rapidly installed. There is also a need for a flip dog mountable ceiling speaker enclosure that can be fitted with a speaker by the user. There is also a need for a flip dog mountable ceiling speaker enclosure that can be dismounted. There is also a need for a flip dog mountable ceiling speaker enclosure in which all flip dogs on the flip dog mountable ceiling speaker enclosure can be deployed simultaneously. 
       OBJECTS AND FEATURES OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    A primary object and feature of the present invention is to overcome the above-mentioned problems and fulfill the above-mentioned needs. 
         [0007]    Another object and feature of the present invention is to provide a system that does not require tools for activating the flip dogs. 
         [0008]    It is a further object and feature of the present invention to provide a system that can be more rapidly installed. 
         [0009]    It is a further object and feature of the present invention to provide a system that can be dismounted. 
         [0010]    It is a further object and feature of the present invention that it can be provided as a mountable enclosure to be fitted with a user&#39;s speaker. 
         [0011]    It is a further object and feature of the present invention to provide a flip dog mountable ceiling speaker enclosure in which all flip dogs on the flip dog mountable ceiling speaker can be deployed simultaneously. 
         [0012]    It is an additional primary object and feature of the present invention to provide such a system that is efficient, inexpensive and handy. Other objects and features of this invention will become apparent with reference to the following descriptions. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0013]    Hereinafter, the term “speakers” is used to mean “audio loudspeakers”. The apparatus of the present invention provides a flip dog mountable speaker enclosure, with or without one or more speakers, that is installed rapidly and manually without tools, by providing an integrated actuator, such as a pull rod. The system comprises apparatus for clamping an inserted speaker enclosure to the periphery of a ceiling panel into which the speaker enclosure has been inserted. The system may also include a dismounting device. The system also includes spring-biased interlockable ratchet teeth. 
         [0014]    More precisely, the invention provides a manually mountable ceiling speaker enclosure, including a speaker enclosure including an output end an annular support flange extending outwardly and perpendicularly from the output end; a plurality of flip dogs mounted on and spaced apart along the annular support flange near the speaker enclosure; where each flip dog has a dog having a first position tangent to the speaker enclosure; and a second position radial to the speaker enclosure and where the first position is distal the annular support flange and the second position is proximal the annular support flange; and a manual actuator operable, without tools, to move the dog from the first position to the second position. The manually mountable ceiling speaker enclosure, where the actuator may be operated by pulling the actuator away from the speaker enclosure. The manually mountable ceiling speaker enclosure, where the actuator may be operated by rotating the actuator. The manually mountable ceiling speaker enclosure, where the actuator may be releasable. The manually mountable ceiling speaker enclosure, where each dog of the plurality of flip dogs includes a barrel for receiving at least a portion of the actuator; a side-facing first ratchet portion including a linear array of upwardly pointed teeth extending from a middle portion of the barrel on a first side of the dog; a bridge portion extending from the barrel above the ratchet portion; and a foot extending from a distal end of the bridge portion and forming a notch between the ratchet portion and the foot. The manually mountable ceiling speaker enclosure, including a perimeter wall extending axially from the annular support flange between the plurality of flip dogs and spaced apart from an outer perimeter of the annular support flange; configured to fit within the notch when the dog is in the second position; and defining a perimeter for an installation opening in a ceiling panel. The manually mountable ceiling speaker enclosure, where each flip dog of the plurality of flip dogs includes first and second spaced apart and opposed sidewalls configured to engage respective first side and a second opposed side of the dog when the dog is in the second position; where the first sidewall includes a second ratchet portion including a linear array of downwardly pointed teeth configured to slidingly engage the barrel when the dog is in the first position and ratchetly engage the first ratchet portion when the dog is moved into the second position; and where the second wall includes a surface to slidingly engage the second side of the dog when the dog is moved into the second position. The manually mountable ceiling speaker enclosure, where the second wall supports a biasing member operable to urge the dog towards the second ratchet portion when the dog is moved into the second position. The manually mountable ceiling speaker enclosure, where the biasing member is releasably supported and each flip dog further includes a tool sleeve aligned to a release member of the releasably supported biasing member and configured to receive a tool for actuating the release member. The manually mountable ceiling speaker enclosure, where the second wall includes an arcuate top surface for engaging a portion of a bottom surface of the dog in the first position and operable to urge the dog into rotation responsive to a downward force. The manually mountable ceiling speaker enclosure, further including first and second supports operable to buttress the first and second sidewalls, respectively. The manually mountable ceiling speaker enclosure, further including a rear arcuate wall extending between the first and second sidewalls, and having an inner curvature conformal to the barrel. The manually mountable ceiling speaker enclosure, including at least one of a loudspeaker and a trim ring. 
         [0015]    A manually mountable ceiling speaker enclosure, including a speaker enclosure having an output end an annular support flange extending outwardly and perpendicularly from the output end; a plurality of flip dogs mounted on and spaced apart along the annular support flange near the speaker enclosure; where each flip dog includes a dog having a first position tangent to the speaker enclosure and a second position radial to the speaker enclosure and where the first position is distal the annular support flange and the second position is proximal the annular support flange; and a manual actuator operable, without tools, to move the dog from the first position to the second position; and where the actuator may be manually operated by at least one of pulling the actuator away from the speaker enclosure and rotating the actuator. The manually mountable ceiling speaker enclosure, where the actuator may be releasable. The manually mountable ceiling speaker enclosure, where each dog of the plurality of flip dogs includes: a barrel for receiving a portion of the actuator; a side-facing first ratchet portion including a linear array of upwardly pointed teeth extending from a middle portion of the barrel on a first side of the dog; a bridge extending from the barrel above the ratchet portion; and a foot extending from a distal end of the bridge and forming a notch between the ratchet portion and the foot. The manually mountable ceiling speaker enclosure, including an annular wall extending axially from the annular support flange between the plurality of flip dogs and spaced apart from an outer perimeter of the annular support flange; and configured to fit within the notch when the dog is in the second position; and defining a perimeter for an installation opening in a ceiling panel. The manually mountable ceiling speaker enclosure, where each flip dog of the plurality of flip dogs includes: first and second spaced apart and opposed sidewalls configured to engage respective first side and a second opposed side of the dog when the dog is in the second position; where the first sidewall includes a second ratchet portion including a linear array of downwardly pointed teeth configured to slidingly engage the barrel when the dog is in the first position; and ratchetly engage the first ratchet portion when the dog is moved into the second position; and where the second wall: includes a surface to slidingly engage the second side of the dog when the dog is moved into the second position; supports a releasable biasing member operable to urge the dog towards the second ratchet portion when the dog is moved into the second position; includes a tool sleeve aligned to a release member of the releasably supported biasing member and configured to receive a tool for actuating the release member; and includes an arcuate top surface for engaging a portion of a bottom surface of the dog in the first position and operable to urge the dog into rotation responsive to a downward force; first and second supports operable to buttress the first and second sidewalls, respectively; and a rear arcuate wall extending between the first and second sidewalls, and having an inner curvature conformal to the barrel. 
         [0016]    A manually mountable ceiling speaker enclosure, including: a speaker enclosure having an output end; an annular support flange extending outwardly and perpendicularly from the output end; a plurality of flip dogs mounted on and spaced apart on the annular support flange proximate the speaker enclosure; wherein each the flip dog further includes a dog having a first position tangent to the speaker enclosure; and a second position radial to the speaker enclosure and wherein the first position is distal the annular support flange and the second position is proximal the annular support flange; wherein each dog of the plurality of flip dogs includes: a barrel for receiving at least a portion of the actuator; a side-facing first ratchet portion including a linear array of upwardly pointed teeth extending from a middle portion of the barrel on a first side of the dog; a bridge extending from the barrel above the first ratchet portion; and a foot extending from a distal end of the bridge and forming a notch between the first ratchet portion and the foot; wherein each flip dog of the plurality of flip dogs includes: first and second spaced apart and opposed sidewalls configured to engage respective first side and a second opposed side of the dog when the dog is in the second position; wherein the first sidewall includes a second ratchet portion including a linear array of downwardly pointed teeth configured to: slidingly engage the barrel when the dog is in the first position; and ratchetly engage the first ratchet portion when the dog is moved into the second position; and wherein the second wall: includes a surface to slidingly engage the second side of the dog when the dog is moved into the second position; supports a releasable biasing member operable to urge the dog towards the second ratchet portion when the dog is moved into the second position; includes a tool sleeve aligned to a release member of the releasably supported biasing member and configured to receive a tool for actuating the release member; includes an arcuate top surface engaging a portion of a bottom surface of the dog in the first position and operable to urge the dog into rotation responsive to a downward force; first and second supports operable to buttress the first and second sidewalls, respectively; a rear arcuate wall extending between the first and second sidewalls, and having an inner curvature conformal to the barrel; a manual actuator operable, without tools, to move the dog from the first position to the second position; wherein the actuator may be manually operated by at least one of: pulling the actuator away from the speaker enclosure; and rotating the actuator; and an annular wall: extending axially from the annular support flange between the plurality of flip dogs and spaced apart from an outer perimeter of the annular support flange; configured to fit within the notch when the dog is in the second position; and defining a perimeter for an installation opening in a ceiling panel. The manually mountable ceiling speaker enclosure, wherein the actuator may be releasable. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0017]    The present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the following drawing figures, wherein like numerals denote like elements, and 
           [0018]      FIG. 1  is a bottom front perspective view illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a flip dog mountable ceiling speaker enclosure, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0019]      FIG. 2  is a front elevation view illustrating the exemplary embodiment of the flip dog mountable ceiling speaker enclosure of  FIG. 1 , defining a detail area “A”, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0020]      FIG. 3  is a front elevation view illustrating the detail “A”, defined in  FIG. 2 , of the exemplary flip dog mountable ceiling speaker enclosure of  FIG. 1 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0021]      FIG. 4  is a top side perspective view illustrating the exemplary embodiment of the flip dog mountable ceiling speaker enclosure of  FIG. 1 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0022]      FIG. 5  is a front elevation view illustrating the exemplary embodiment of the flip dog mountable ceiling speaker of  FIG. 1 , defining a detail area “B”, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0023]      FIG. 6  is a front elevation view illustrating the detail “B”, defined in  FIG. 5 , of the exemplary embodiment of the flip dog mountable ceiling speaker enclosure of  FIG. 1 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0024]      FIG. 7  is a top side perspective view illustrating the exemplary embodiment of the flip dog mountable ceiling speaker enclosure of  FIG. 1 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0025]      FIG. 8  is a front elevation view illustrating the exemplary embodiment of the flip dog mountable ceiling speaker enclosure of  FIG. 1  and defining detail “C”, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0026]      FIG. 9  is a front elevation view illustrating the detail “C”, defined in  FIG. 8 , of the exemplary embodiment of the flip dog mountable ceiling speaker enclosure of  FIG. 1 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0027]      FIG. 10  is a bottom front perspective view illustrating an exemplary embodiment of the flip dog mountable ceiling speaker enclosure, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0028]      FIG. 11  is a diagrammatic side elevation view illustrating the exemplary interlocking ratchet teeth of the exemplary embodiment of the flip dog mountable ceiling speaker enclosure, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0029]      FIG. 12  is a diagrammatic side cross-sectional view illustrating the exemplary dog and pull rod of the exemplary embodiment of the flip dog mountable ceiling speaker enclosure, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0030]      FIG. 13  is a front perspective view illustrating an exemplary second embodiment of a flip dog of the flip dog mountable ceiling speaker enclosure shown in a first deployment state, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0031]      FIG. 14  is a front perspective view illustrating the exemplary second embodiment of a flip dog of  FIG. 13  of the flip dog mountable ceiling speaker enclosure shown in a second deployment state, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0032]      FIG. 15  is a front-top perspective view illustrating an exemplary third embodiment of a flip dog, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0033]      FIG. 16  is a side elevation view illustrating the exemplary third embodiment of a flip dog of  FIG. 16 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0034]      FIG. 17  is a top plan view illustrating the exemplary third embodiment of a flip dog of  FIG. 16 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0035]      FIG. 18  is a bottom plan view illustrating the exemplary third embodiment of a flip dog of  FIG. 16 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0036]      FIG. 19  is a front-top perspective view illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a removable pull rod, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0037]      FIG. 20  is a top plan view illustrating the exemplary embodiment of the removable pull rod of  FIG. 19 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0038]      FIG. 21  is a left side elevation view illustrating the exemplary embodiment of the removable pull rod of  FIG. 19 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0039]      FIG. 22  is a front side elevation view illustrating the exemplary embodiment of the removable pull rod of  FIG. 19 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and 
           [0040]      FIG. 23  is a right side elevation view illustrating the exemplary embodiment of the removable pull rod of  FIG. 19 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0041]    The term “speaker” as defined and used herein refers to an audio loudspeaker. Directional modifiers such as “top”, “bottom”, and the like are oriented to the preferred ceiling installation of the flip dog mountable ceiling speaker enclosure  100  with the diaphragm  136  pointed down from the ceiling. Those of skill in the art, informed by the present disclosure, will appreciate that the flip dog mountable ceiling speaker enclosure  100  can also be mounted in walls, including slanted walls. “Dog” as defined and used herein refers to a securing element, such as a clamping element, as in the nautical “Dog down that hatch!” 
         [0042]      FIG. 1  is a bottom front perspective view illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a flip dog mountable ceiling speaker enclosure  100 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Flip dog mountable ceiling speaker enclosure  100  includes a speaker enclosure  102 , or “can”  102  that, in this embodiment contains a loudspeaker having a surround  138 , diaphragm  136 , and dust cap  106 , all in an output end of the enclosure  102 . In various embodiments, speaker enclosure  102  may be sold without a loudspeaker and with various respective internal fittings for a various respective loudspeakers or arrays of loudspeakers. Speaker enclosure  102  is fixed to an annular support flange  104  that surrounds the output end of speaker enclosure  102 , and extends radially outward from the speaker enclosure  102 , as shown. While the enclosure  102  is illustrated and described as having a circular cross-section, other cross-sectional shapes are within the scope of the invention, and so the annular support flange  104 , for example, may be generalized as a perimetrical support flange  104 . In a particular embodiment, speaker enclosure  102  and annular support flange  104  may be made of one piece. An annular trim ring  140  is fixed to the underside of annular support flange  104 . The top side of annular support flange  104  supports flip dogs  126  and  128 , among others not visible in this view. A flip dog mountable ceiling speaker enclosure  100 , that is sold without a speaker as a mountable enclosure  102  for one or more user-supplied speakers, is within the scope of the present invention. While the speaker enclosure  102  is exemplified as generally a circular cylinder, various other shapes are within the scope of the present invention. 
         [0043]    Flip dog  126  is shown in the stowed position, or first position, before deployment, in which dog  108  is turned tangent to the curvature of speaker enclosure  102  to enable the flip dog mountable ceiling speaker enclosure  100  to be inserted easily into a hole in a ceiling panel. Flip dog  126  includes dog  108  with a linear array of upward-pointed ratchet teeth  110  extending from the barrel  142 , a foot  148 , and a bridge  150  between the barrel  142  and the foot  148 . Flip dog  126  also includes a manual actuator, illustrated as pull rod  116 . extending through an opening  124  to end in a handle  122 ; buttressed  114  first sidewall  112  with downward-pointed ratchet teeth  132 ; buttressed second sidewall  118  with curved portion for rotating the dog  108 ; and releasable biasing member  212 , illustrated as leaf spring  212  (see  FIG. 2 ). Handle  122  is shown in the stowed and shipped position, spaced apart from opening  124  so that an installer may easily grasp the handle  122 . Dog  108  includes a barrel  142  within which pull rod  116  can freely rotate and slide upwardly. Pull rod  116  need not be completely rigid, but should have enough stiffness to be both pulled and pushed. The top end of pull rod  116  has a larger diameter knob  404  (See  FIGS. 10 and 4 ) that, prior to deployment, nests in a socket  406  (see  FIG. 4 ) proximate the top of the barrel  142  of dog  108 . When handle  122  is pulled downward by the installer, knob  404  exerts force on the floor of socket  406  to pull the dog  108  into a deployed position. Flip dog  128  is shown in a deployed position. Once the dog  108  is pulled down, the pull rod  116  is pushed upward by the installer into opening  124 , as shown with handles  146 , which are the same as handle  122 , but deployed. Handles  122  and  146  may be made of a resilient plastic and sized to snap into openings  124  so that handles  122  and  146  are retained. The flip dog mountable ceiling speaker enclosure  100  is exemplified in the drawings as having four flip dogs  126 ,  128 ,  202 , and  402  (see  FIG. 4 ). In various additional embodiments, two or more flips dogs  126 ,  128 ,  202 , or  402  may be used, with the usual, but non-limiting, number between two and five. 
         [0044]    First sidewall  112  of flip dog  126  has a linear array of downward pointing ratchet teeth  132  that are sized complimentarily to upward pointing ratchet teeth  110  on dog  108 . By pulling down on the handle  122 , dog  108  is constrained to rotate outward and move downward such that upward-pointed ratchet teeth  110  of dog  108  engage downward pointing ratchet teeth  132  of first sidewall  112 , enabling dog  108  to move downward to engage the ceiling panel with bottom dog surface  134  but not allowing dog  108  to move upward thereafter. The upper end  144  of first sidewall  112  is thinner to allow dog  108  to gain initial momentum before upward-pointing ratchet teeth  110  engage downward-pointing ratchet teeth  132 . Gap  222  (see  FIG. 2 ) provides a non-engagement area for upward-pointing ratchet teeth  110  when flip dog  108  is initially rotated into radial alignment. First sidewall  112  is buttressed by support  114 . Second sidewall  118  is buttressed by support  120 . Supports  114  and  120  may be of various shapes in various embodiments. First and second sidewalls  112  and  118  constrain the motion of dog  108  to initially rotational and then downward motion. 
         [0045]      FIG. 2  is a front elevation view illustrating the exemplary embodiment of the flip dog mountable ceiling speaker enclosure  100  of  FIG. 1 , defining a detail area “A”, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Flip dog  128 , of the same construction as flip dog  126 , is shown in a fully deployed condition, clamping a ceiling panel (not shown) in gap  210  between bottom surface  134  of foot  148  of dog  108  and top surface  224  of annular support flange  104 . Likewise, flip dog  202  is shown in a deployed position clamping a ceiling panel (not shown) in gap  214 , illustrating the ability of the flip dog mountable ceiling speaker enclosure  100  to adapt to unevenness in ceiling panel thickness. The handles  146  for flip dogs  128  and  202  are snapped into openings  124  (See  FIG. 1 ). 
         [0046]    Second sidewall  118  has a curved, or arcuate, top edge shoulder  204  to rotate, or flip, dog  108  towards radial alignment as dog  108  is pulled downward. Radial outward of support  120 , second sidewall  118  has a second shoulder that is initially flat and thin for holding the clip  216  of biasing member  212 , illustrated as leaf spring  212 . Clip  216  also serves as a release member for releasable leaf spring  212 . Leaf spring  212  urges the dog  108  toward engagement between ratchet teeth  110  and  132  as the dog  108  is pulled downward. Second sidewall  118  extends into arcuate rear wall  220  which, in turn, extends into first side wall  112 . Rear wall  220  has an internal radius of curvature adapted to enable sliding rotation of the barrel portion  142  of dog  108 . Rear wall  220  is buttressed by support  208 . 
         [0047]    Circumferential wall  206  is supported by annular support flange  104  and is outside the stowed flip dog  126  but deployed flip dogs  128  and  202  extend over circumferential wall  206  by virtue of notch  218  (one of three labeled). Circumferential wall  206  has an outer radius that defines the size of the hole to be made in the ceiling panel for insertion of the flip dog mountable ceiling speaker enclosure  100 . Preferably, circumferential wall  206  has a height slightly higher than the thickness of the ceiling panel into which flip dog mountable ceiling speaker enclosure  100  is to be mounted. In embodiments in which the enclosure  102  does not have a circular cross-section, the circumferential wall  206  follows the shape of the enclosure  102  to be a perimetrical wall  206 . 
         [0048]      FIG. 3  is a front elevation view illustrating the detail “A”, defined in  FIG. 2 , of the exemplary flip dog mountable ceiling speaker enclosure  100  of  FIG. 1 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The top portion  302  of the clip portion  216  of leaf spring  212  extends over a thin portion of second sidewall  118  to extend downward to complete leaf spring  212 . Second sidewall  118  has a downward sloping portion  304  at full thickness that ends at the vertical front face of second sidewall  118 . 
         [0049]      FIG. 4  is a top side perspective view illustrating the exemplary embodiment of the flip dog mountable ceiling speaker enclosure  100  of  FIG. 1 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Dog  108  of flip dog  126  has been rotated into radial alignment as it is initially pulled down. Flip dog  202  has been pulled down via handle  122  and pull rod  116 , but pull rod  116  has not yet been pushed back up to snap handle  122  into opening  124  (see  FIG. 1 ). Flip dogs  128  and  402  are fully deployed. Socket  406  is illustrated in regard to flip dog  202 , while knob  404  can be seen in flip dog  126 . Socket  406  is deeper than knob  404  is high. The illustration of flip dog  202  shows a minute portion of knob  404  in socket  406 , which is too small to take a lead line in this drawing. 
         [0050]      FIG. 5  is a front elevation view illustrating the exemplary embodiment of the flip dog mountable ceiling speaker enclosure  100  of  FIG. 1 , defining a detail area “B”, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Flip dog  126  is shown rotated to the radially aligned position. Flip dog  128  is shown fully deployed and flip dog  202  is shown pulled down but without handle  122  stowed. 
         [0051]      FIG. 6  is a front elevation view illustrating the detail “B”, defined in  FIG. 5 , of the exemplary embodiment of the flip dog mountable ceiling speaker enclosure  100  of  FIG. 1 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Upward-pointing teeth  110  on dog  108  have not yet engaged downward-pointing teeth on first sidewall  112  but are in gap  222  and, therefore, not engaged. 
         [0052]      FIG. 7  is a top side perspective view illustrating the exemplary embodiment of the flip dog mountable ceiling speaker enclosure  100  of  FIG. 1 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The relationship of top portion  302  of the clip portion  216  of leaf spring  212  can be more clearly seen in regard to flip dog  126  and  202 . Flip dogs  126  and  128  are shown in the pulled down position but the handles  122  for flip dogs  126  and  128  have not been snapped into openings  124  (see  FIG. 1 ). Flip dogs  128  and  402  are deployed, but their handles  122  cannot be seen in this view. In an additional embodiment, all four handles  122  (corresponding to the four flip dogs  126 ,  128 ,  202 , and  402 ) may be joined by a removable and reusable jig or installation tool, such that all four handles  122  may be pulled down at once and preferably pushed up at once. In a particular embodiment, pull rods  116  are long enough and flexible to enable that an installer can grasp all four handles  122  to pull all four handles  122  down concurrently. Variations in the shape of dogs  108 , consistent with strength and functional requirements, are within the scope of the present invention. 
         [0053]      FIG. 8  is a front elevation view illustrating the exemplary embodiment of the flip dog mountable ceiling speaker enclosure  100  of  FIG. 1  and defining detail “C”, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Flip dog  126  is illustrated as having been pulled completely down, as have flip dogs  128  and  202 . Flip dog  128  is completely deployed, with its handle  122  snapped into opening  124  (see  FIG. 1 ). The handles  122  for flip dogs  126  and  202  are shown as not yet stowed. 
         [0054]      FIG. 9  is a front elevation view illustrating the detail “C”, defined in  FIG. 8 , of the exemplary embodiment of the flip dog mountable ceiling speaker enclosure  100  of  FIG. 1 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Upward-pointing teeth  110  on dog  108  are engaged at the bottom of the downward-pointing teeth  132  of the first side wall  112 . Various shapes of supports  120 ,  114 , and  208 , consistent with the support requirements, are within the scope of the present invention. 
         [0055]      FIG. 10  is a bottom front perspective view illustrating an exemplary embodiment of the flip dog mountable ceiling speaker enclosure  100  of  FIG. 1 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Knob  404  can be clearly seen on the top of pull rod  116  knob as a right circular cylinder to permit rotational motion within socket  406 . Dog  108  has been completely pulled down and pull rod  116  has been pushed upward, snapping handle  122  into opening  124  and revealing knob  404 . Handles  122  of various shapes and sizes, consistent with ease of operation and above-described functionality, are within the scope of the present invention. 
         [0056]      FIG. 11  is a diagrammatic side elevation view illustrating the exemplary interlocking ratchet teeth  110  and  132  of the exemplary embodiment of the flip dog mountable ceiling speaker enclosure  100  of  FIG. 1 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. A portion of dog  108  is shown with upward-pointing teeth  110  engaging downward-pointing teeth  132  of a portion of first sidewall  112 . Ratchet teeth  110  and  132  are preferably made of a resilient material, such as that used for zip ties. Leaf spring  212  urges dog  108  toward first sidewall  112 , but allows point-to point contact of the teeth to compress leaf spring  212  to permit downward motion of dog  108 . 
         [0057]      FIG. 12  is a diagrammatic side cross-sectional view illustrating the exemplary dog  108  and pull rod  116  of the exemplary embodiment of the flip dog mountable ceiling speaker enclosure  100 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The barrel  142  of dog  108  includes a through bore  1202  in which pull rod  116  translates and rotates freely. Knob  404  is positioned at the top of pull rod  116 , and may be attached by screwing onto pull rod  116  or other conventional means. Knob  404  translates and rotates in socket  406 . Pull rod  116  extends through opening  124  in annular support flange  104  and terminates in handle  122 . When handle  122  is pulled downward, the bottom surface of knob  404  meets the floor surface of socket  406  and dog  108  is moved downward thereby. 
         [0058]      FIG. 13  is a front perspective view illustrating an exemplary second embodiment of a flip dog  1328  of the flip dog mountable ceiling speaker enclosure  1300  shown in a first deployment state, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Flip dog mountable ceiling speaker enclosure  1300  is similar in most respects to flip dog mountable ceiling speaker enclosure  100 . In this additional embodiment, pull rod  1316  does not rotate in the bore (not visible in this view, but similar to bore  1202 ) within the barrel  1342  of the dog  1308 . Socket  1306  in dog  1308  is hexagonal, and the knob of pull rod  1316  is of the same shape and of complimentary size. Pull rod  1316  is substantially rigid in torsion, enabling an installer to rotate  1302  handle  1322  to transmit a torque to flip dog  1308  to rotate  1302  dog  1308  from the tangentially aligned, or stowed, position, as shown, to the radially aligned position shown in  FIG. 14 . Dog  1308  has upward-pointing ratchet teeth  1310  for engaging downward-pointing ratchet teeth  1332  on first sidewall  1312 . Dog  1308  also has a resilient contact piece  1350 . 
         [0059]    First sidewall  1312  has a thin portion  1344  for creating an area of non-engagement for upward-pointing ratchet teeth  1310  and also has a buttressing support  1314 . Second sidewall  1318  has a buttressing support  1320 . Second sidewall  1318  also has a rod sleeve  1352  for assisting in dismounting flip dog mountable ceiling speaker enclosure  1300 . Second sidewall  1318  has an arched top  1358  defining an opening  1356  there below. Leaf spring  1322  is installed on the inside of second sidewall  1318  at the bottom of opening  1356  by means of a clip  1360  over a narrow portion of second sidewall  1318 . Outward sloping extension  1354  of clip  1360  assists in removal of leaf spring  1322  in dismounting the flip dog mountable ceiling speaker enclosure  1300  from a ceiling panel. Removing leaf spring  1322  enables upward-pointing ratchet teeth  1310  to disengage from downward-pointing ratchet teeth  1332 , allowing dog  1308  to be raised and stowed by means of handle  1322 . Leaf spring  1322  can be removed by inserting a tool, such as a rod, into tool sleeve  1352  from below and engaging and pushing up on outward sloping extension  1354  of clip  1360  of leaf spring  1322 . 
         [0060]      FIG. 14  is a front perspective view illustrating the exemplary second embodiment of a flip dog  1326  of  FIG. 13  of the flip dog mountable ceiling speaker enclosure  1300  shown in a second deployment state, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. After turning the dog  1308  to the radially aligned position, the installer pulls down  1402  on handle  1322  to force dog  1308  into a clamping position opposite annular support flange  104 , as shown. The dual action approach of  FIG. 14  has the disadvantage of not enabling concurrent activation of all flip dogs  1326 . 
         [0061]      FIG. 15  is a front-top perspective view illustrating an exemplary third embodiment of a dog  1500 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Dog  1500  accommodates removable actuator  1900  (see  FIG. 19 ), has ratchet teeth  1510  off the barrel  1542  and onto the bridge  1506 , and has a smaller notch  1518  for another embodiment of a flip dog mountable ceiling speaker enclosure. Those of skill in the art, enlightened by the present disclosure, will appreciate the modifications to flip dogs  100  or  1300  needed to accommodate dog  1500 . Barrel opening  1504  has an internal groove  1502  that will receive a key  1902  (see  FIG. 19 ) on actuator  1900  to rotate dog  1500  into a deployed position before the dog  1500  is pulled down. 
         [0062]      FIG. 16  is a side elevation view illustrating the exemplary third embodiment of a dog  1500  of  FIG. 15 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The relocation of the ratchet teeth  1510  can be more clearly seen. 
         [0063]      FIG. 17  is a top plan view illustrating the exemplary third embodiment of a flip dog  1500  of  FIG. 15 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. A partial helical surface  1702  engages a bottom surface of key  1902  (see  FIG. 19 ) as actuator  1900  is rotated to engage a side surface of key  1902  with surface  1704  for applying torque to dog  1500 . 
         [0064]      FIG. 18  is a bottom plan view illustrating the exemplary third embodiment of a flip dog  1500  of  FIG. 15 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The entry portion of the partial helical surface  1802 , which guides the key  1902  as push rod is inserted into barrel hole  1504  during can be seen in groove  1808 . The underside  1804  of the bridge  1506  extends from the barrel  1542  to the foot  1834  and supports ratchet teeth  1510  on a first side and a smooth engagement surface  1806  on the opposing side of the bridge  1506 . 
         [0065]      FIG. 19  is a front-top perspective view illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a removable pull rod  1900 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Actuator  1900  has an elongated right circular cylindrical shaft  1916  with opposing first and second ends. The first end has a T-handle  1922  and the second end has a flat surface  1904  that extends over the top surface of a key  1902  that is attached to or integral to a side portion of shaft  1916 , as shown. Key  1902  is shaped generally as a rectangular solid, but the invention is not so limited. In operation, key  1902  is aligned with groove  1808  and inserted into barrel hole  1504  until the key reaches the top of groove  1502 . Depending on the particular embodiment of flip dog mountable ceiling speaker enclosure, either torque may be applied to rotate the flip dog  1500  or a downward pull on the T-handle  1922  will engage the bottom surface of the key  1902  to the inner helical surface  1704  to  1802 , causing rotation of the flip dog  1500  as the pull rod  1900  is withdrawn without rotating T-handle  1922 . 
         [0066]      FIG. 20  is a top plan view illustrating the exemplary embodiment of the removable pull rod  1900  of  FIG. 19 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The axis of the key  1902  is formed at an approximately forty-five degree angle to the long axis of the T-handle  1922 . The angle determines the T-handle  1933  orientation at insertion. Depending on the embodiment of the flip dog mountable ceiling speaker enclosure and the installation environment, other angles may be chosen. 
         [0067]      FIG. 21  is a left side elevation view illustrating the exemplary embodiment of the removable pull rod  1900  of  FIG. 19 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. This view is provided for enablement. 
         [0068]      FIG. 22  is a front side elevation view illustrating the exemplary embodiment of the removable pull rod  1900  of  FIG. 19 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. This view is provided for enablement. 
         [0069]      FIG. 23  is a right side elevation view illustrating the exemplary embodiment of the removable pull rod  1900  of  FIG. 19 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. This view is provided for enablement. 
         [0070]    Although applicant has described applicant&#39;s preferred embodiments of this invention, it will be understood that the broadest scope of this invention includes such modifications as diverse shapes and sizes and materials. Such scope is limited only by the above specification and the claims below. 
         [0071]    Further, many other advantages of applicant&#39;s invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the above descriptions.