Patent Publication Number: US-9432757-B2

Title: Adjustable speaker rigging system

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application 61/755,847 filed Jan. 23, 2013 on behalf of the same inventors. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This invention relates to providing an adjustable rigging system for audio speakers that allows an array of audio speakers to be adjusted while under load. In particular, this invention relates to providing a continuously adjustable rigging system for arrays of audio speakers that are angled with respect to each other, and providing a system for adjusting the angles while the speakers are under load. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Arrays of large speakers are used for concerts, arena events, and the like. For best acoustic adaptation to a particular venue, acoustic engineers calculate the angles at which the speakers should be pointed to produce the best sound. Riggers then install the speakers at those calculated angles. The speakers may be suspended by wires or supported on wheeled platforms. A need for adjusting arrays of large audio speakers arises in the context of a reconfiguration of the venue, either by event-specific reconfigurations or from the users moving between venues. The reconfigured venue requires changes in the acoustic calculations and adjustment of the audio speaker arrays. 
     Prior systems provide discrete increments of adjustment, and further require that the speakers not be under load during the adjustment. The discrete increment systems limit the precision with which the calculations of the acoustic engineers can be implemented, and the unloading requirement requires a disassembly of the array, which is costly in labor and time. 
     Therefore, a need exists for a speaker rigging system that provides for continuous adjustment (as opposed to discrete increments) that can be performed under load. 
     OBJECTS AND FEATURES OF THE INVENTION 
     A primary object and feature of the present invention is to overcome the above-mentioned problems and fulfill the above-mentioned needs. 
     Another object and feature of the present invention is to provide a system that enables continuous adjustment of the audio speaker array. 
     It is a further object and feature of the present invention to provide a system that enables continuous adjustment of the audio speaker array under load. 
     It is a further object and feature of the present invention to provide a system that is simple and easy to manufacture. 
     It is a further object and feature of the present invention to be useful for suspended and supported audio speaker arrays. 
     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 
     Hereinafter, the term “speakers” is defined and used to include audio speaker cabinets that contain audio speakers. The rigging apparatus of the present invention attaches to and enables adjustment of an array of speakers. The system comprises apparatus for pivotably coupling the front edges of a plurality, or array, of speakers together and apparatus for adjustably coupling the backs of the plurality, or array, of speakers together. The system may also include a wheeled support, or customized wheel board, that can be pivotably coupled to the front of the bottom edge of a speaker at the bottom of a vertical linear array of speakers. In addition, a fly frame is used to support the array of speakers from above by attaching, on its underside, to the top ends of the coupling devices (a three-point connection) and to lifting cables on its top side. The system also includes speakers shaped to enable angular adjustment. 
     The rigging allows the angles between cabinets to be adjusted, when the system is flown (suspended by cables) or ground stacked, while under load. With existing rigging systems, either the cabinets must be decoupled, or one cabinet disconnected from the others, to make adjustments. The adjustment for the present invention is continuously variable. Existing systems are adjusted by moving pins that at are set at predetermined intervals and, in some instances, those adjustment increments are quite large. The rigging system of the present invention never “free wheels” while it is being adjusted. The adjustment stops, and the system does not continue to move, after the adjustment stops. Existing systems cannot be adjusted at all while they are under load. With the present rigging system, not only can adjustments be made while the system is under load, but they can be done safely. One person with a wrench can change the angles between sixteen cabinets if necessary. The system is calibrated in small increments and adjustments can be duplicated or repeated easily. 
     In a first embodiment, the invention provides an adjustable speaker rigging system for configuring a plurality of speaker cabinets in an array of speaker cabinets into desired adjustable angular relationships, the system including: first and second front strings of coupling devices; a rear coupling adjustment apparatus; and where the rear coupling adjustment apparatus can be adjusted under load. The adjustable speaker rigging system, where the first and second front strings of coupling devices each includes: a plurality of rigid elongated members each having first and second opposing member ends and configured to be attached to a side of a speaker cabinet proximate a front edge of the speaker cabinet; the first opposing member end configured to transversely receive a locking pin; the second opposing member end configured to receive a first opposing member end of another flat rigid elongated member of the plurality of flat rigid elongated members and to transversely receive the locking pin to create a pivotable coupling. The adjustable speaker rigging system, where the rear coupling adjustment apparatus includes: a first plurality of brackets, each bracket configured to be attached to a rear portion of a speaker cabinet of the array of speakers; and a second plurality of adjustable couplings, each adjustable coupling configured to connect between two brackets of the first plurality of brackets. The adjustable speaker rigging system, where each adjustable coupling includes a continuously adjustable coupling. The adjustable speaker rigging system, where each adjustable coupling includes a turnbuckle. The adjustable speaker rigging system, where each bracket includes: a U-shaped rigid strip; a bracket coupling mounted on the U-shaped rigid strip configured to receive two adjustable couplings of the second plurality of adjustable couplings; and at least one tethered lock pin operable to couple the bracket coupling to the two adjustable couplings. The adjustable speaker rigging system, further including a fly frame configured to make a top three-point connection to the speaker cabinet array. The adjustable speaker rigging system, where first and second connectors of the top three-point connection are configured to couple to top first ends of the first and second front strings of coupling devices, respectively. The adjustable speaker rigging system, further including a wheeled dolly configured to make a bottom three-point connection to the speaker cabinet array. The adjustable speaker rigging system, where first and second connectors of the bottom three-point connection are to bottom second ends of the first and second front strings of coupling devices, respectively. The adjustable speaker rigging system, including at least two dolly couplings, each including: a base plate attachable to the dolly; and an upright member extending from the base plate and terminating in the form of the first opposing member end of the rigid elongated member. The adjustable speaker rigging system, further including the plurality of speaker cabinets. 
     In a second embodiment, the invention provides an adjustable speaker rigging system for configuring a plurality of speaker cabinets in an array of speaker cabinets into desired adjustable angular relationships, the system including: first and second front strings of coupling devices; a rear coupling adjustment apparatus; where the rear coupling adjustment apparatus can be adjusted under load; and where the rear coupling adjustment apparatus can be adjusted continuously. The adjustable speaker rigging system, where the first and second front strings of coupling devices each includes: a plurality of rigid elongated members each having first and second opposing member ends and configured to be attached to a side of a speaker cabinet proximate a front edge of the speaker cabinet; the first opposing member end configured to transversely receive a locking pin; the second opposing member end configured to receive one of: a first opposing member end of another flat rigid elongated member of the plurality of flat rigid elongated members and to transversely receive the locking pin to create a pivotable coupling; and a dolly coupling that is attached to a wheeled dolly. The adjustable speaker rigging system, where the rear coupling adjustment apparatus includes: a first plurality of brackets, each bracket configured to be attached to a rear portion of a speaker cabinet of the array of speaker cabinets; and a second plurality of adjustable couplings, each the adjustable coupling configured to connect between two brackets of the first plurality of brackets. The adjustable speaker rigging system, where each bracket includes: a U-shaped rigid strip; at least one bracket coupling mounted on the U-shaped rigid strip configured to receive two adjustable couplings of the second plurality of adjustable couplings; and at least one tethered lock pin able to couple the bracket coupling to the two adjustable couplings. The adjustable speaker rigging system, further including a fly frame configured to make a top three-point connection to the speaker cabinet array; where first and second connectors of the top three-point connection are configured to couple to top first ends of the first and second front strings of coupling devices, respectively. The adjustable speaker rigging system, further including a wheeled dolly configured to make a bottom three-point connection to the speaker cabinet array; where first and second connectors of the bottom three-point connection are to bottom second ends of the first and second front strings of coupling devices, respectively. The adjustable speaker rigging system, including at least two dolly couplings, each including: a base plate attachable to the dolly; and an upright member extending from the base plate and terminating in the form of the first opposing member end of the rigid elongated member. 
     In a third embodiment, the invention provides an adjustable speaker rigging system for configuring a plurality of speaker cabinets in an array of speaker cabinets into desired adjustable angular relationships, the system including: first and second front strings of coupling devices; wherein the first and second front strings of coupling devices each includes: a plurality of rigid elongated members each having first and second opposing member ends and configured to be attached to a side of a speaker cabinet proximate a front edge of the speaker cabinet; the first opposing member end configured to transversely receive a locking pin; the second opposing member end configured to receive a first opposing member end of another flat rigid elongated member of the plurality of flat rigid elongated members and to transversely receive the locking pin to create a pivotable coupling; and a rear coupling adjustment apparatus, comprising a first plurality of brackets, each bracket configured to be attached to a rear portion of a speaker cabinet of the array of speaker cabinets, wherein each bracket of the first plurality of brackets comprises: a U-shaped rigid strip; at least one bracket coupling mounted on the U-shaped rigid strip configured to receive two adjustable couplings of the second plurality of adjustable couplings; and at least one tethered lock pin operable to couple the at least one bracket coupling to the two adjustable couplings; a second plurality of adjustable couplings, each adjustable coupling configured to connect between two brackets of the first plurality of brackets; further comprising one of: a fly frame configured to make a top three-point connection to the speaker cabinet array, wherein first and second connectors of the top three-point connection are configured to couple to top the first ends of the first and second front strings of coupling devices, respectively; and a wheeled dolly configured to make a bottom three-point connection to the speaker cabinet array, wherein first and second connectors of the bottom three-point connection are to bottom second ends of the first and second front strings of coupling devices, respectively; wherein the rear coupling adjustment apparatus can be adjusted under load; and wherein the rear coupling adjustment apparatus can be adjusted continuously. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the following drawing figures, wherein like numerals denote like elements, and 
         FIG. 1  is a front-right perspective view illustrating an exemplary apparatus for pivotably coupling the front edges of supported speaker cabinets, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a front right perspective close up view of a portion of the exemplary apparatus of  FIG. 1 , illustrating an exemplary pivotable coupling between a wheeled support panel, or dolly, and a speaker cabinet, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a front right perspective close up view of a portion of the exemplary front coupling apparatus of  FIG. 1 , illustrating an exemplary pivotable coupling between a plurality of speaker cabinets, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a diagrammatic side cross-sectional view of a portion of the exemplary apparatus of  FIG. 1 , illustrating an exemplary apparatus for attachment to a front side edge of a speaker cabinet to provide pivotable joints between speaker cabinets, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  is a diagrammatic side cross-sectional view of a portion of the exemplary apparatus of  FIG. 1 , illustrating a pair of exemplary apparatuses of  FIG. 4  attached to a front side edge of two speaker cabinets and a dolly coupling of  FIG. 1  to provide pivotable joints between speaker cabinets and with the dolly, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  is a rear lower perspective view of an exemplary speaker cabinet of  FIG. 1 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 7  is a rear side perspective close up view of the speaker cabinets of  FIG. 1  illustrating exemplary brackets attached to the rear of the speaker cabinets of  FIG. 1  and showing the adjustable coupling between the brackets, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 8  is a rear side perspective close up view of a speaker cabinet of  FIG. 1  illustrating an exemplary bracket attached to the rear of the speaker cabinet of  FIG. 1  without the adjustable coupling between the brackets, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 9  is a side elevation diagrammatic view illustrating the exemplary apparatus of  FIG. 1  and exemplary angular relationships between exemplary speaker cabinets, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 10  is a side elevation diagrammatic view illustrating the exemplary continuous adjustment apparatus of  FIG. 7 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 11  is a rear elevation diagrammatic view illustrating the exemplary continuous adjustment apparatus of  FIG. 7  and  FIG. 10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 12  is a bottom plan diagrammatic view of an exemplary fly frame, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 13  is a top plan diagrammatic view of an exemplary fly frame suspending an exemplary speaker array, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 14  is a front elevation diagrammatic view of an exemplary fly frame suspending an exemplary speaker array, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 15  is a side elevation diagrammatic view of an exemplary fly frame suspending an exemplary speaker array, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     As used and defined herein, the terms “continuous” and “continuously” when used to modify “adjustment” or “adjustable” means being able to adjust to any angle within the range of the device, in analog fashion, and not limited to discrete increments. As used and defined herein, the terms of art “flying” or “fly” refers to a speaker cabinet array that is suspended by cables. As used and defined herein, the term of art “under load” refers to a deployed and operational state and configuration of the speaker cabinet array. 
       FIG. 1  is a front-right perspective view illustrating an exemplary adjustable speaker rigging system  100 , showing the front coupling apparatus  120  for pivotably coupling the front edges of supported speaker cabinets  118  according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Front coupling apparatus  120  comprises a left-front string  121  of coupling devices and a right-front string  122  of coupling devices. The adjustable speaker rigging system  100  comprises front coupling apparatus  120  and rear coupling adjustment apparatus  700  (see  FIG. 7 ). In some embodiments, speaker cabinets  118  are part of the adjustable speaker rigging system  100 , while in other embodiments, front coupling apparatus  120 , and rear coupling adjustment apparatus  700  (see  FIG. 7 ) may be adapted to legacy speaker cabinets  118 . For supported speaker arrays  102 , adjustable speaker rigging system  100  further comprises wheeled support  104 , or customized wheel board  104 . 
     Front coupling apparatus  120  includes left and right strings  121  and  122 , each including a plurality of substantially rigid members, exemplified as flat strips  108 , each with a first pivotable coupling portion  106  extending from a first end  128  of each strip  108  and a second complimentary pivotable coupling portion  202  (see  FIG. 2 ) at the opposing second end  130  of each strip  108 . Each strip  108  is fastened abutting a side surface  114  of a side wall  124  (one of four labeled) of a speaker cabinet  118  and adjacent a front surface  126  of the speaker cabinet  118 . Fastening may be by bolts or other mechanical fasteners through the strip  108  and into structural members internal to the speaker cabinet  118 . In another embodiment, fastening may be by adhesion. In yet another embodiment, strips  108  may be made integral with the speaker cabinet internal structure, with only first and second member ends  128 ,  130  extending outside the speaker cabinet  118 . The first pivotable coupling portion  106  extends beyond the top of the speaker cabinet  118 , as shown, and the second complimentary coupling portion  202  aligns, at its lower extent, near the bottom edge of the speaker cabinet  118 . The strips  108  are attached at both left and right sides of speaker cabinets  118  along the front side edge. The first pivotable coupling portion  106  may be used, in a particular embodiment, to suspend the speaker array  102  by cables via a three-point fly frame  1200  (see  FIGS. 12-15 ). The positioning of the strips  108  on the speaker cabinet  118  preferably aligns with an internal structural framework member  502  (see  FIG. 5 ) of the speaker cabinet  118 , such that the fasteners  302  (See  FIGS. 3 and 4 ) that attach the strips  108  to the speaker cabinet  118  engage the internal structural member  502  (see  FIG. 5 ), and do not rely on the strength of the cabinet side wall  124  for supporting the weight of the speaker cabinet  118 . Strip  108  is preferably made of steel or aluminum. In particular embodiments, other materials that have the required strength and durability may be used. 
     In an additional embodiment, particularly useful with heavy loads, flat strips  108  may be replaced with two parallel spaced-apart flat strips  108  with a flat spacer in between for a central portion of the length. In such embodiment, the pivotable coupling portion  106  is created between the spaced-apart open ends of the two parallel spaced-apart flat strips  108 . 
     First pivotable coupling portion  106  inserts into the second complimentary coupling portion  202  (see  FIG. 2 ), such that holes in the first and second coupling portions  106  and  202  align to receive and retain locking pins  110  (two of eight labeled). The first and second coupling portions  106  and  202  are free to rotate about the locking pin  110 , thereby creating a pivotable coupling  212  (see  FIG. 2 ). The sum of all the coupled strips  108  on each side of the speaker array  102  are the left and right strings  121  and  122  comprising the front coupling apparatus  120 . 
     A small portion of the rear coupling adjustment apparatus  700  (see  FIG. 7 ), being turnbuckle nut  112 , can be seen in this view. 
     In an embodiment in which the speaker array  102  is supported on customized wheel board  104 , or dolly  104 , customized wheel board  104  has left and right dolly couplings  116  that mimic first pivotable coupling portion  106  to provide a pivotable coupling  212  (see  FIG. 2 ) between the dolly  104  and the bottom speaker cabinet  118 . 
       FIG. 2  is a front right perspective close up view of a portion of the exemplary adjustable speaker rigging system  100  of  FIG. 1 , illustrating an exemplary pivotable dolly coupling  212  between a customized wheeled support  104 , or dolly  104 , and a speaker cabinet  118 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Dolly coupling  116  includes a flat base  216  fastened (exemplified as bolt  210 ) to dolly  104  with a vertically upwardly extending pivotable coupling portion  206  (similar to  106 ) to provide a pivotable coupling  212  between the dolly  104  and the bottom speaker cabinet  118  when locking pin  110  is installed. Locking pin  110  is shown installed through second complimentary coupling portion  202  and first pivotable coupling portion  106 , and tethered to strip  108  via tether  208  that connects between locking pin  110  and tether anchor  214 . Tether anchor  214  is attached to strip  108  via fastener  404  (see  FIG. 4 ), exemplified in  FIG. 2  as a screw. 
     Second complimentary coupling portion  202  is a flange with a first end attached (exemplified as spot weld  204 ) to strip  108  and bending to create a second end  202  spaced apart from strip  108  to form a receiver  402  (see  FIG. 4 ) for vertically extending pivotable coupling portion  206 . In a particular embodiment, locking pin  110  extends through second complimentary coupling portion  202 , first pivotable coupling portion  206  or  106 , strip  108 , the speaker cabinet side wall  114 , and an internal speaker cabinet structural member  502  (See  FIG. 5 ). 
       FIG. 3  is a front right perspective close up view of a portion of the exemplary adjustable speaker rigging system  100  of  FIG. 1 , illustrating an exemplary front coupling apparatus  120  between a plurality, or array  102 , of speaker cabinets  118 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Fasteners  302  are illustrated as bolts. On each strip  108 , fasteners  302  near the tether anchors  205  are partially obscured in this view and are better illustrated in  FIGS. 4 and 5 . Then number of speaker cabinets  118  is not limited to the number shown. 
       FIG. 4  is a diagrammatic side elevation cross-sectional view of a portion of the exemplary adjustable speaker rigging system  100  of  FIG. 1 , illustrating an exemplary element  400  of an exemplary front coupling apparatus  120  for attachment to a front side edge of a speaker cabinet  118  to provide pivotable coupling  212  between speaker cabinets  118 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The fastener  404  for the tether anchor  214  can be more clearly seen. Receiver  402  for first pivotable coupling portion  106  is formed between second complimentary coupling portion  202  and strip  108 . Fasteners  302  are not captive, and can be uninstalled for shipping prior to first installation. 
       FIG. 5  is a diagrammatic side cross-sectional view of a portion of the exemplary adjustable speaker rigging system  100  of  FIG. 1 , illustrating a pair of exemplary elements  400  of  FIG. 4  attached to a front side edge of two speaker cabinets  118  and a dolly coupling  116  of  FIG. 1  to provide pivotable couplings  212  between speaker cabinets  118  and with the dolly  104 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. While two elements  400  are shown, it should be appreciated that larger pluralities, or arrays  102 , of speaker cabinets  118  may be connected using additional elements  400 . Fasteners  302  extend through strip  108 , side wall  124 , and internal speaker cabinet structural member  502 . In a particular embodiment, fasteners  302  may be bolts and be secured by nuts, with or without washers, as appropriate for the particular speaker cabinet  118 . 
     When an array of speakers  102  is disassembled for transport, as on a concert tour, the elements  400  remain attached to the speaker cabinets  118 , but the locking pins are pulled out to separate the speaker cabinets  118 . 
       FIG. 6  is a rear lower perspective view of an exemplary speaker cabinet  118  of  FIG. 1 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Speaker cabinet  118  has a rear surface  602 . The connection panel  604  is preferably off center to accommodate a rear coupling adjustment apparatus  700  (see  FIG. 7 ). 
       FIG. 7  is a rear side perspective close up view of the speaker cabinets  118  of  FIG. 1  illustrating exemplary brackets  734  attached to the rear of the speaker cabinets  118  of  FIG. 1  and showing the adjustable coupling  722  between the brackets  734 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Bracket  734  is based on U-shaped rigid strip  702  that attaches to the top and bottom of the speaker cabinet  118  by means of fasteners through the ends  718  and  758 . Lower bracket panel  703  is parallel, abutting, and fixed to U-shaped rigid strip  702 . Lower bracket panel  703  is preferably fixed to U-shaped rigid strip  702  by welding, but other methods, both permanent and releasable, are within the scope of the present invention. Lower bracket panel  703  has first and second holes for receiving upper locking pin  708  and lower locking pin  714 , respectively. Upper bracket panel  704  is parallel to and spaced apart from lower bracket panel  703 , and has first and second holes aligned with the first and second holes in lower bracket panel  703 , respectively, for receiving locking pins  708  and  714 . Spacer panel  710  is fixed between upper and lower bracket panels  703  and  704 . For example, spacer panel  710  may be welded to upper and lower bracket panels  703  and  704 , as shown. A second spacer panel  710  is connects the opposing sides of the upper and lower bracket panels  703  and  704 , but is not visible in this view. 
     Upper and lower locking pins  708  and  714  are tethered to the speaker cabinet by tethers  706  and  720 , respectively, that are anchored to the rear of speaker cabinet  118 . For example, rear tether anchor  716  couples tether  720  to the rear wall of the speaker cabinet  118 . The barrel  712  of locking pin  708  may be used to secure an eye end  728  of adjustable coupling  722 , such as exemplary turnbuckle  722 , as shown. 
     The adjustable coupling  722  eye ends  724  and  728  are threaded into turnbuckle nut  112 . By turning turnbuckle nut  112 , the angle, such as β or γ (see  FIG. 9 ) between the speaker cabinets  118  can be adjusted by pivoting about the front locking pins  110  of the front coupling apparatus  120 . Gauge  730 , which pivots about pivot pin  732 , can be used to measure the angle between the speaker cabinets  118 . 
     Rear coupling adjustment apparatus  700  is the sum of brackets  734  and adjustable couplings  722 . In a grounded embodiment, a coupling on the dolly  104  pivotably engages a bottom eye end  728  of an adjustable coupling  722  linked to the bottom bracket  734  on the array  102  to enable adjustment of the angle of the bottom speaker cabinet  118 . 
       FIG. 8  is a rear side perspective close up view of a speaker cabinet  118  of  FIG. 1  illustrating an exemplary bracket  734  attached to the rear of the speaker cabinet  118  of  FIG. 1  without the adjustable coupling  722  between the brackets  734 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Bracket  734  is shown without any adjustable coupling  722  installed, for comparison with  FIG. 7 . 
       FIG. 9  is a side elevation diagrammatic view illustrating the exemplary adjustable speaker rigging system  100  of  FIG. 1  and exemplary angular relationships β and γ between exemplary speaker cabinets  902 ,  904 , and  906  (same as  118 ), according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Speaker cabinets  902 ,  904 , and  906  have a taper angle α, such as ten degrees, from front to back. This leaves room for angular adjustment of the angles β and γ between speaker cabinets  904  and  906 , and between speaker cabinets  902  and  904 , respectively. The pivot points about which the angle β or γ is adjusted are the locking pins  110  of the front pivotable couplings  212 . While a taper angle α is preferably ten degrees, various other taper angles may be used in various other embodiments. 
       FIG. 10  is a side elevation diagrammatic view illustrating the exemplary continuous rear coupling adjustment apparatus  700  of  FIG. 7 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Rear coupling adjustment apparatus  700  is the sum of brackets  734  and adjustable couplings  722  and optionally, dolly couplings  116  on dolly  104 . Turning the turnbuckle nut  112  creates a continuous adjustment of angles, such as β and γ, as opposed to a discrete incremental adjustment, to allow any angular adjustment desired. In addition, no disassembly is required to make the adjustment, which can be made under load. The number of brackets  734  and adjustable couplings  722  in a rear coupling adjustment apparatus  700  is limited only by the strength of materials used to make brackets  734  and adjustable couplings  722 . Those of skill in the art, enlightened by the present disclosure, will appreciate the strength modifications needed for larger rear coupling adjustment apparatuses  700 . 
     Ends  718  and  758  of U-shaped strip  702  have holes for receiving fasteners for fastening brackets  734  to speaker cabinets  118 . Fasteners used with ends  718  and  758  fasten to internal structural elements (similar to  502 ) of the speaker cabinet  118 . The end  758 , when it is at the top of array  102 , may receive a fastener  1402  (see  FIG. 14 ), such as an eye-bolt, that is used to attach the array  102  to a fly frame  1200  (See  FIGS. 12-15 ), for suspending the array  102  by cables or the like. In another embodiment, the top center array coupling to the fly frame may be independent of the U-shaped strip  702 . 
       FIG. 11  is a rear elevation diagrammatic view illustrating the exemplary continuous adjustment apparatus  700  of  FIG. 7  and  FIG. 10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The shape of upper bracket panel  704  is preferred but is not a limitation of the invention. Lower and upper locking pins  708  and  714  may be commercial-off-the shelf locking pins. 
     The adjustable speaker rigging system  100  comprises at least front coupling apparatus  120  and rear coupling adjustment apparatus  700 , which is preferably sold as a kit. Optionally, the adjustable speaker rigging system  100  may include speaker cabinets  118  (with or without audio speakers installed inside, designed to be used with the front coupling apparatus  120  and the rear coupling adjustment apparatus  700 . In a particular embodiment, the speaker cabinets may be sold with strips  108  and brackets  734  attached to the speaker cabinets  118  and either coupled or uncoupled from each other. In a particular embodiment, dolly couplings  116  are included with front coupling apparatus  120  and rear coupling adjustment apparatus  700  and, optionally, speaker cabinets  118  and/or dolly  104  are included in a kit. Kits for various sizes of speaker arrays  102  may be discretely packaged and sold. The kit comprises the sum of all necessary parts, packaging, and instructions. 
       FIG. 12  is a bottom plan diagrammatic view of an exemplary fly frame  1200 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Fly frame  1200  comprises an outer rectangular (including optional square) frame  1202  with a central cross member  1204 . Cross member  1204  supports rear array coupling  1206 , while the outer frame  1202  supports front array couplings  1208  and  1210 . Array couplings  1206 ,  1208 , and  1210  form a three-point coupling  1212  for speaker array  102 . For example, array coupling  1206  attaches to a top coupling of U-shaped rigid strip  702  and array couplings  1208  and  1210  attach to first pivotable coupling portions  106 . In particular embodiments, additional frame work may be included, as well as panels and/or supports for amplifiers, receivers, cables, and the like, for supporting such equipment on the fly frame  1200 . The three-point coupling  1212 , in which one point is proximate the middle of the frame, as shown, is a novel aspect of this fly frame  1200 . 
       FIG. 13  is a top plan diagrammatic view of an exemplary fly frame  1200  suspending an exemplary speaker array  102 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The top of fly frame  1200  shows top suspension cable couplings  1302  proximate the four corners of the outer frame  1202 . When suspending the fly frame  1200  and speaker array  102 , suspension cables (not shown) are attached to cable couplings  1302 . The top surface of a speaker cabinet  118  is shown below the fly frame  1200 . 
       FIG. 14  is a front elevation diagrammatic view of an exemplary fly frame  1200  suspending an exemplary speaker array  102 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Front array couplings  1208  and  1210  of fly frame  1200  are coupled to respective pivotable coupling portions  106  of speaker array  102 . Rear array coupling  1206  of fly frame  1200  is coupled to rear array fastener  1402  of speaker array  102 . Suspension cable couplings  1302  are shown extending above outer frame  1202 . In a particular embodiment, suspension cable couplings  1302  may be integral to and/or within outer frame  1202 . Fasteners  1402  and couplings  1206 ,  1208 ,  1210 , and  1302  may be of various conventional types, selected for the required mechanical strength for the particular installation. 
       FIG. 15  is a side elevation diagrammatic view of an exemplary fly frame  1200  suspending an exemplary speaker array  102 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The ability to create a “flying” (suspended) speaker array  102  with varied angles between speakers  118  creating a curved front to the speaker array  102  is illustrated. The position of each speaker  118  is determined based on acoustic engineering principles and implemented using the present invention. In a particular embodiment, fastener  1402  and/or rear array coupling  1206  may be adjustable, in order to control the angle of the top speaker  118  of speaker array  102  to the fly frame  1200 . 
     While the illustrated embodiment is shown to be adjustable by a person with a wrench rotating the turnbuckle nut  112 , other methods of rotating the turnbuckle nut  112  are not excluded from the invention. For example, a remotely controlled actuator, such as a solenoid, may be mounted on a bracket  734  to turn turnbuckle nut  112  and a similarly mounted sensor/transmitter can provide information about the angle achieved. A control system, addressing each solenoid as an intranet address, for example, is used to make the adjustments easily manageable with a variety of wireless computing devices. This is particularly advantageous for flown installations, especially in venues that reconfigure for various events. For example, a football stadium reconfigured for a rock concert may have different acoustic properties that require adjustment of the flying array  120 . Various methods of mounting various types of actuators and sensors will be apparent to those of skill in the art when enlightened by the present disclosure. 
     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. Further, many other advantages of applicant&#39;s invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the above descriptions.