Abstract:
An apparatus for mounting a loudspeaker unit to a structure is disclosed. A primary mounting bracket is defined by an arcuate center section and a pair of opposed arms extending therefrom. There is at least one open groove and at least one substantially coextensive track spanning the arcuate center section. Each of the arms include a circular planar bearing structure rotatably engageable to a corresponding one of bracket coupling platforms on an enclosure of the loudspeaker unit. A tab defining at least one mounting hardware hole in axial alignment with open groove substantially throughout its length is in a guided sliding engagement with the track. The enclosure of the loudspeaker unit is rotatable about a first axis extending between the arms of the primary mounting bracket and about a second axis defined by a radial center of an arc corresponding to a travel path of the tab along the track.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     Not Applicable 
     STATEMENT RE: FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH/DEVELOPMENT 
     Not Applicable 
     BACKGROUND 
     1. Technical Field 
     The present invention generally relates to mounting devices for attaching loudspeakers to architectural structures. More particularly, the present invention relates to a universal angle speaker bracket. 
     2. Related Art 
     Loudspeakers, or acoustic transducers, are utilized in countless applications in which audio such as music, voice, sound effects, or any combination thereof, is reproduced. These applications may be as miniscule as portable music players, mobile telephone devices and desktop, laptop or tablet computer-based entertainment, medium scale such as car audio installations, home theater installations and other architectural installation, or larger scale such as movie theaters, stadiums, concert venues, and the like. Generally, loudspeakers are utilized anywhere audio communications is desired or needed. The suitable type and size of loudspeakers depends upon the particular requirements of its use. 
     In a typical configuration that may be utilized across most consumer or consumer-oriented commercial applications, loudspeaker units may be comprised of one or more drivers. It is understood that the diaphragm size of a given driver is directly related to its frequency response characteristics, and so a loudspeaker unit may include one driver (i.e., a tweeter) for higher frequency signals and another driver (e.g., a woofer) for lower frequency signals. Medium frequency signals may be output via the aptly named midrange. Connected to the signal source may be a crossover No matter the number of drivers utilized, they are typically mounted to enclosures, or cabinets, to reduce interference of in-phase sound waves on the front or face of the loudspeaker driver, from out-of-phase sound waves from the rear. Conventional loudspeakers are provided as a standalone unit, and are positioned and oriented in a room as desired by the listener. As understood, the term loudspeaker may refer to individual drivers as well as the combination of one enclosure with multiple drivers. 
     Due to the directivity of loudspeaker drivers, that is, the quality and maximum energy transfer from the loudspeaker driver to the listener&#39;s ears being dependent upon an optimal radiating direction, the placement and orientation is important. Difficulties relating to this issue are often encountered with architectural installations in public spaces and buildings that have unique acoustic characteristics. Further, various advanced applications utilize a combination of audio from a several different loudspeakers each oriented to produce various psycho-acoustic effects. Such surround sound techniques are commonly utilized in home and professional theater installations. 
     In some installations, it may be desirable to mount individual loudspeaker drivers and loudspeaker units to recede into the architectural structure. One of the most common ways of doing so is by placing the loudspeaker into a pre-drilled hole in the ceiling or the wall, with the loudspeaker being secured thereto with fasteners such as bolts, screws, and nails. With such an installation, however, unless complicated, location-specific adapters are utilized, the radiating direction is limited to vertical (ceilings and floors) or horizontal (walls). It is also unsatisfactory because the heavy weight of the loudspeaker driver is held by a relatively small and weak area of the structure, and the likelihood of detachment therefore increases. 
     Alternatively, brackets, adapters, and other hardware can be used to statically mount loudspeaker units to architectural surfaces. Although somewhat more intrusive than in-wall or in-ceiling installations, substantial concealment is possible with colors and exterior stylization that match the surrounding décor. The hardware is relatively easy to install, and can be accomplished with simple hand tools. So long as it was fixed to solid structural components such as studs and beams (rather than drywall, for example) the risk of detachment was minimal. However, the range of possible rotation was limited, if there was any at all, and restricted to a first axis. Thus, due to the restricted orientation range, highly directional loudspeaker driver designs could not be utilized. 
     Therefore, there is a need in the art for an improved loudspeaker bracket mount that can be oriented in various directions. Furthermore, there is a need in the art for a loudspeaker assembly that is simpler and easier to install and manipulate as the need arises, while also retaining its set orientation indefinitely. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY 
     In accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure, there is contemplated an apparatus for mounting a loudspeaker unit to a structure. The apparatus may include a primary mounting bracket defined by an arcuate center section and a pair of opposed arms extending therefrom. The arcuate center section may define at least one open groove and at least one substantially coextensive track spanning the arcuate center section. Each of the arms may include a circular planar bearing structure that is rotatably engageable to a corresponding one of bracket coupling platforms on an enclosure of the loudspeaker unit. There may also be tab that is in a guided sliding engagement with the track defined on the arcuate center section of the primary mounting bracket. The tab may define at least one mounting hardware hole in axial alignment with the at least one open groove substantially throughout its length. The enclosure of the loudspeaker unit may be is rotatable about a first axis extending between the arms of the primary mounting bracket. Additionally, the enclosure of the loudspeaker unit may be rotatable about a second axis defined by a radial center of an arc corresponding to a travel path of the tab along the track. The present invention will be best understood by reference to the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       These and other features and advantages of the various embodiments disclosed herein will be better understood with respect to the following description and drawings, in which like numbers refer to like parts throughout, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a loudspeaker assembly in accordance with one aspect of the present invention with a primary mounting bracket in a first position; 
         FIG. 1B  is a perspective view of the loudspeaker assembly with the primary mounting bracket rotated to a second position; 
         FIG. 2  is an exploded perspective view of the loudspeaker assembly showing the major components of an apparatus for mounting the loudspeaker to a structure in accordance with another aspect of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3A  a detailed cross sectional view of a primary mounting bracket of the apparatus for mounting the loudspeaker to a structure; 
         FIG. 3B  is a detailed top plan view of the primary mounting bracket; 
         FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view of the primary mounting bracket with the tab engaged to a pair of tracks defined by the bracket; 
         FIG. 5A  is a perspective view of the tab; 
         FIG. 5B  is a cross-sectional view of the tab along axis x-x shown in  FIG. 5A ; 
         FIG. 5C  is a side view of the tab along axis z-z shown in  FIG. 5A ; and 
         FIG. 6  is a side plan view of the loudspeaker assembly mounted to a fixed mounting point on the primary mounting bracket. 
     
    
    
     Common reference numerals are used throughout the drawings and the detailed description to indicate the same elements. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The present disclosure contemplates bracket devices for mounting loudspeakers to a structure in various orientations. The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of the presently preferred embodiment of such devices, and is not intended to represent the only form in which the present invention may be constructed or utilized. The description sets forth the functions of the devices in connection with the illustrated embodiment. It is to be understood, however, that the same or equivalent functions and may be accomplished by different embodiments that are also intended to be encompassed within the scope of the disclosure. It is further understood that the use of relational terms such as first and second, top and bottom, and the like are used solely to distinguish one from another entity without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities. 
     The perspective views of  FIGS. 1A and 1B  depict one embodiment of a loudspeaker assembly  10  that includes a loudspeaker unit  12 . As will be recognized by those having ordinary skill in the art, the loudspeaker unit  12  is generally comprised of an enclosure  14  that houses one or more loudspeaker drivers (not shown), the diaphragms of which face a front section  16  and radiate sound in a direction d  18 . In accordance with the embodiments of the present disclosure, it is possible for the loudspeaker unit  12  to be mounted to an architectural structure such that its direction of radiation d  18  is capable of being adjustably oriented utilizing the various features discussed in further detail below. Although the direction of radiation d  18   a  shown in  FIG. 1A  is depicted as being in the same direction of radiation d′  18   b  of  FIG. 1B , it is understood that the mounting orientation is different. In the former, the direction of radiation d  18   a  is substantially parallel to a mounting surface, while in the latter, the direction of radiation d′  18   b  is substantially perpendicular to a mounting surface. 
     The enclosure  14  may take on a variety of different configurations, but in the illustrated example, it is generally box-shaped. In further detail, the enclosure  14  may be defined by the front section  16  and a back end  20  opposite thereto. There may also be a top  22 , a bottom  24 , and opposed sides  26 . These various sections of the enclosure  14  may be curved and therefore be merged together, with no clear delineation of where one starts and another ends. Furthermore, each of the aforementioned parts of the enclosure  14  may have compound surfaces such as contours. The particular configuration illustrated herein is by way of example only, and any other suitable shape of the enclosure  14  may be substituted depending on the aesthetic needs or desires of a particular application. 
     The loudspeaker unit  12  includes several components that are common to most other loudspeaker units, the detailed explanation of which will be omitted in favor of a brief general overview. The loudspeaker drivers are covered and concealed by a grill  28  that may be detachably coupled or otherwise positioned on the front section  16  of the enclosure  14 . The terminals receptive to the electrical connections from the sound source and any crossover circuitry ting such connections to the individual loudspeaker drivers are also housed within the enclosure  14 . In some configurations, an audio amplifier may also be incorporated into the loudspeaker unit  12 , in which case such circuitry is likewise housed within the enclosure  14 . It will be appreciated that any other suitable loudspeaker unit  12  may be substituted without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. 
     With additional reference to the exploded perspective view of  FIG. 2 , the loudspeaker assembly  10  includes a primary mounting bracket  30  that is removably coupled to the enclosure  14 . The cross-sectional view of  FIG. 3A  further illustrates the various sections of the primary mounting bracket  30 . In one embodiment, the primary mounting bracket  30  is defined by an arcuate center section  32 , and a pair of opposed arms  34  extending therefrom. Specifically, the arcuate center section  32  is defined by a center  36  that bisects the arcuate center section  32 , a left end  38   a , and an opposite right end  38   b . As the name of the feature suggests, the arcuate center section  32  is characterized by an arc C-C  40  extending between the left end  38   a  and the right end  38   b . The radius r arc    42  is understood to be that of a segment of a geometrically equivalent circle that would correspond to such arc C-C  40 . In other words, the arc of the arcuate center section  32  is the traced partial rotation about an axis Z-Z  44  extending from a point spaced apart from arc by the length of radius r arc    42 . As will be discussed in further detail below, the axis Z-Z  44  is also one of the contemplated axes of rotation of the loudspeaker unit  12 . 
     According to various embodiments, the primary mounting bracket  30  may be constructed from a flexible yet semi-rigid material such as sheet metal or polymer. Such a sheet may further be defined by an exterior side  46  and an opposed interior side  48 , with the primary mounting bracket  30  likewise being referenced for the sake of consistency. Any suitable grade of sheet metal may be utilized for the construction of the primary mounting bracket  30 . It is contemplated that the various parts of the primary mounting bracket  30  described herein are structurally contiguous and integrally formed of a single sheet of material, though alternative embodiments may involve multiple discrete components that are attached to each other with a variety of fastening modalities. The different holes, bends, and extrusions may be formed according to sheet metal working techniques well known in the art. 
     As best shown in  FIGS. 1A and 1B , the primary mounting bracket  30  and more particularly, the arms  34 , are rotatably engaged to the enclosure  14  of the loudspeaker unit  12 . A left arm  34   a  extends from the left end  38   a  of the arcuate center section  32 , while a right arm  34   b  extends from the right end  38   b  of the arcuate center section  32 . Because the left arm  34   a  and the right arm  34   b  are identical except for their mirrored positioning/orientation, details pertaining to both will be discussed at once, rather than each individually. 
     In the particular embodiment shown in  FIG. 3A , the arm  34  is defined by a base segment  52  that extends in a substantially parallel relationship to a center axis Y-Y  54 . There is a slight bend at an elbow  56  to an angled segment  58 , and another elbow  60  that bends to a circular planar bearing structure  62  that is in a substantially parallel relationship to the base segment  52 , and by definition, the center axis Y-Y  54 . The exterior side  46  of the circular planar bearing structure  62  defines a circular inset  64 , while the interior side  48  correspondingly defines a circular projection  66 . The flat surface of the circular projection  66  is understood to be frictionally engageable to a bracket coupling platform  50 , which have a planar surface that is substantially parallel to the direction of radiation  18  of the loudspeaker unit  12 . In order to enhance the frictional engagement, the bracket coupling platform  50  may include serrations  68 . Along these lines, the curvature associated with the arcuate center section  32 , together with the various bends at the elbows  56 ,  60  exerts an inwardly directed force upon the arms  34 , and hence the circular planar bearing structure  62 . Although it is contemplated that the circular planar bearing structure  62  is positionable at an arbitrary angle, the serrations  68  may be configured such that there is a step-wise rotational engagement with the bracket coupling platform  50 . 
     The primary mounting bracket  30  is secured to the enclosure  14  via bracket engagement knobs  70  for each of the circular planar bearing structures  62  of the respective arms  34   a ,  34   b . More particularly, bracket coupling platform  50  further defines a tapped opening  72  that accepts a threaded post  74  on the bracket engagement knob  70 . By tightening the bracket engagement knob  70  into the tapped opening  72 , the frictional engagement of the primary mounting bracket  30  to the enclosure  14  is increased. The circular planar bearing structure  62  is understood to have an annular configuration with a central hole  76  defined thereby. The threaded post  74  of the bracket engagement knob  70  extends through this central hole  76 . An axis X-X  78  is defined between the center of the circular planar bearing structures  62 , and the respective central holes  76  thereof. Thus, the central holes  76  are understood to be coaxial with respect to the axis X-X  78 . With the enclosure  14  being engaged to the primary mounting bracket  30 , the axis X-X  78  also extends through the center of the bracket coupling platform  50  and particularly the tapped opening  72  thereof. 
     As further shown in  FIGS. 1A and 1B , the primary mounting bracket  30  can be rotated about the axis X-X  78  and fixed to a desirable orientation. Generally, the limit of rotation is an upper corner  80  of the enclosure  14  that engages a front edge  82  of the arm  34 , as well as a lower stop  84  that engages a rear edge  86  of the arm  34 . The specific position of the upper corner  80  and the lower stop  84  as well as the specific shape and size of the primary mounting bracket  30  as it relates to the front edge  82  and rear edge  86  dimensions, permits a range of rotation that is approximately 180°. It will be appreciated, however that these dimensions may be varied to permit a different range of rotation. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 3A and 3B , the arcuate center section  32  of the primary mounting bracket  30  defines a first open groove  88   a  and a second open groove  88   b . The open grooves  88  span a substantial length of the arcuate center section  32 , and extend in a parallel relationship to each other. The arcuate center section  32  is further bisected by the axis X-X  78  into a front half  90  and a rear half  92 . The illustrated embodiment shows that the length and positioning along the arcuate center section  32  is identical between the first open groove  88   a  and the second open groove  88   b , except that one is defined on the front half  90  and the other is defined on the rear half  92 . 
     With reference to the cross-sectional view of  FIG. 4 , the interior side  48  of the primary mounting bracket  30  further defines coextensive tracks  94  that are defined by raised edge portions  96  that substantially surround the open grooves  88 . One of the contemplated embodiments utilizes stamped sheet metal as the base for the primary mounting bracket  30 . In such case, the raised edge portions  96  correspond to recessed edge portions  98  on the exterior side  46  as a result of the stamping process. It will be recognized by those having ordinary skill in the art that other methods for forming the tracks  94  may also be utilized without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. 
     As best shown in  FIG. 1B  and  FIG. 4 , in a guided, sliding engagement with the tracks  94  is a tab  100 . Generally, the tab  100  is configured to slide along the tracks  94 , and the relative position along the arc C-C  40  sets the angle of rotation of the primary mounting bracket  30  about the axis Z-Z  44  per the discussion above. In further details shown in  FIGS. 5A ,  5 B, and  5 C, the tab  100  defines a first mounting hardware hole  102  and a second mounting hardware hole  104  that has a center in alignment with a central lateral axis X-X  106 . The first mounting hardware hole  102  is positioned along the central lateral axis X-X  106  such that when the tab  100  is engaged to the tracks  94 , the first mounting hardware hole  102  is aligned with the first open groove  88   a  on the primary mounting bracket  30 . Similarly, the second mounting hardware hole  104  is positioned along the central lateral axis X-X  106  such that when the tab  100  is engaged to the tracks  94 , the second mounting hardware hole  104  is aligned with the second open groove  88   b  on the primary mounting bracket  30 . 
     Fasteners  107  may be inserted from an interior side  108 , which coincides with the interior side  48  of the primary mounting bracket  30  when engaged thereto, through the mounting hardware holes  102 ,  104  as well as the open groove  88 , and secure the exterior side  46  of the primary mounting bracket  30  against the structure. Thus, the relative position of the tab  100  along the arc C-C  40  defines the angle at which the primary mounting bracket  30  is attached with a center about the axis Z-Z  44 . As utilized herein, the fasteners  107  are understood to be any appropriate coupling device such as screws, bolts, and the like that can be attached to the structure. 
     As mentioned above, the tab  100  is in a sliding engagement with the tracks  94 . More particularly, the tab  100  has a raised flat central portion  110  intermediate a pair of lowered foot portions  112 . The bottom surface of the lowered foot portions  112  are understood to contact the interior side  48  of the arcuate center section  32 . Shoulder portions  114  defined by the junction between the raised flat central portion  110  and the respective lowered foot portions  112  contact the raised edge portions  96  corresponding to the tracks  94 , and contributes to centering the tab  100  on the tracks  94 . Because the tab  100  slides along the arcuate center section  36 , as best shown in the cross-sectional view of  FIG. 5C , the tab  100  has a curved or arched profile that substantially matches the profile of the arcuate center section  32 . 
     The movement of the tab  100  along the tracks  94  may be restricted by the fastener  107  inserted through the mounting hardware holes  102 ,  104 , and the limits of the open groove  88 . Since the mounting hardware holes  102 ,  104  are offset from the edges of the tab  100 , the tab  100  may extend slightly beyond the tracks  94  when in a fully extended position. End to end, the angle of possible rotation about the axis Z-Z  44  is contemplated to be around 80°, or 40° in each direction relative to the center  36 . 
     Notwithstanding the disclosed use of two fasteners  107 , along with the two open grooves  88  on the primary mounting bracket  30  and the corresponding two mounting hardware holes  102  of the tab  100 , it is expressly contemplated that fewer (i.e., one) or additional fastener configurations are possible. The need for additional fasteners  107  and the concomitant changes to the configuration of the tab  100  and the primary mounting bracket  30  may depend on the weight and size of the loudspeaker unit  12 , or the anticipated installation location and orientation. 
     In view of the foregoing, a typical installation procedure may first involve securing the fasteners  107  through the tab  100  and the primary mounting bracket  30 . Thereafter, the fasteners  107  may be tightened to support the weight of the primary mounting bracket  30  and the loudspeaker unit  12 , yet keeping the tab  100  unlocked for further possible rotational adjustment about the axis Z-Z  44 . Then, the loudspeaker unit  12  may be attached to the primary mounting bracket  30  with the direction of radiation d  18  being first adjusted about the axis X-X  78  (pitch). When a desired orientation is set, it may be locked by tightening the bracket engagement knob  70 . Thereafter, further adjustment about the axis Z-Z  44  (roll) may be made, and finally secure the tab  100 , the primary mounting bracket  30 , and hence the loudspeaker unit  12  to the structure by completely tightening the fasteners  107 . The appropriate torque levels to be applied may depend on the underlying material of the structure. 
     Although the terms pitch and roll have been referenced parenthetically above, it is by way of example only and not of limitation. It will be recognized that as the loudspeaker unit  12  is rotated further along either the axis X-X  78  or the axis Z-Z  44 , a rotation about the other axis becomes something else relative to the direction of radiation d  18 . For example, in the position shown in  FIG. 1A , rotating about the axis Z-Z  44  results in a roll, whereas in the position shown in  FIG. 1B , the same rotation results in a yaw. 
     Instead of the final tightening of the fasteners  107  after securing the loudspeaker unit  12  to the primary mounting bracket  30 , such step may be completed beforehand. Along these lines, it is expressly contemplated that the fasteners  107  and the bracket engagement knobs  70  may be maintained in a semi-loose state while adjustments about both the axis X-X  78  and the axis Z-Z  44  may be made concurrently. 
     With reference to  FIG. 6 , as an alternative to utilizing the tab  100  as a securement point to rotatably mount the primary mounting bracket  30  to the structure, a fixed mounting point thereon may be utilized.  FIG. 3B  further depicts a central recessed bridge  116  that defines a static mounting hole  118  that is tapped to accept the threaded fastener  107 . It is envisioned that the loudspeaker unit  12  is then capable of being rotated about the center axis Y-Y  54 . Additional means such as locknuts may be used to secure the rotational position of the primary mounting bracket  30 . 
     The particulars shown herein are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of the embodiments of the present invention only and are presented in the cause of providing what is believed to be the most useful and readily understood description of the principles and conceptual aspects of the present invention. In this regard, no attempt is made to show structural details of the present invention in more detail than is necessary for the fundamental understanding of the present invention, the description taken with the drawings making apparent to those skilled in the art how the several forms of the present invention may be embodied in practice.