Patent Publication Number: US-9906847-B2

Title: Speaker mountings

Description:
CLAIM OF PRIORITY UNDER 35 U.S.C. § 119 
     The present Application for Patent claims priority to Provisional Application No. 61/089,546 entitled “Improvements to Speaker Mountings”, by Doug S. Wright, filed Aug. 17, 2008, and expressly incorporated by reference herein. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     Various embodiments of the invention pertain to speaker mountings and assemblies that allow relatively easy installation. 
     BACKGROUND 
     In order to save space and/or for aesthetic reasons it is often desirable to mount speakers within a wall or ceiling cavity or recess. A mounting assembly is commonly used to secure the speakers to the wall or ceiling. Various types of frames and fasteners are often used for the purpose of securing the speaker to the wall or ceiling cavities. 
     A speaker mounted in a wall or ceiling using a conventional frame assembly typically has a sound dispersion axis that is perpendicular to the plane formed by the mounting surface, e.g., wall or ceiling. However, speakers with sound dispersion axes directed at the floor or an opposing wall often do not provide an environment with optimum sound quality. Thus, when installing one or more speakers in a room, it is often desirable to adjust the angle of one or more of the speakers to provide a better sound quality or effect. 
     It is often necessary or desirable to adjust the direction in which, for instance, a ceiling-mounted speaker radiates sound. For example, when providing a surround sound effect with one or more recessed speakers, the sound dispersion axis of the speakers is adjusted to provide optimum sound quality at a given point or location in the room. 
     However, conventional speaker mounting systems make it difficult to adjust the sound dispersion axis of a speaker to provide an optimum sound quality. For example, many conventional speakers are fixedly mounted in a wall or ceiling recess and cannot be adjusted. Additionally, even when adjustments to the speakers are possible, prior art mounting mechanisms are typically restricted to a limited number of positions. This may not always permit directing a speaker&#39;s sound dispersion axis to obtain the best sound quality in a particular room or environment. 
     Even when the speakers can be adjusted, they are often difficult and/or cumbersome to readjust at a later time. This may be necessary, for instance, in a surround sound speaker configuration that has been setup for optimal sound quality at a first location and now the optimal sound quality is desired at a second location. Such is the case, for example, when a couch is moved from a first location to a second location in a room. Readjusting conventional speakers is typically requires removal and reinstallation of the speaker and/or speaker mounting assembly which is undesirable and costly. 
     Audio devices, such as speakers, woofers and/or tweeters, are often mounted within a wall or ceiling cavity or recess. Various types of frames and/or fasteners are used for the purpose of securing the audio devices within a wall or ceiling cavity. 
     Mounting such audio devices within a recessed cavity poses several problems. For instance, mounting an audio device inside a ceiling cavity may prevent the sound emitted from such device from directly reaching listeners. Adjusting a conventional mounting mechanism to position the audio device at the correct depth, direction, and angle may be burdensome or impossible. That is, it may not be possible to direct the sound dispersion axis of the recessed audio device to reach a listener directly. As a result sound quality may be affected. 
     When mounting a tweeter, for instance, the tweeter is typically fixedly secured in a mounting base. The mounting base may then be secured to a supporting mechanism within a ceiling cavity, for instance. However, conventional mounting mechanisms do not permit to easily adjust the position (e.g., depth, direction, and angle) of the tweeter. 
     Additionally, conventional mounting systems and fasteners are typically cumbersome and time-consuming to install, take many steps to mount, and require the use of several tools. This increases the cost of installation and deployment of, for instance, recessed speakers, lights, or exhaust fans. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a recessed speaker assembly  100  that can be latched and secured without the need of tools other than the human hand. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a cross-sectional view of the recessed speaker assembly of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a close-up view of a Dog Actuator Ring of the recessed speaker assembly including the Dog Actuator Gears and the Spiral Ramp. 
         FIG. 4  illustrates an example of a Rotating Dog. 
         FIGS. 5 and 6  illustrate an example of the Mounting Frame. 
         FIGS. 7 and 8  illustrate a close up of how the Dog Actuator Ring is secured to the Mounting Frame. 
         FIGS. 9 and 10  illustrate perspective views of the Dog Actuator Ring. 
         FIG. 11  illustrates how additional components may be coupled to the recessed speaker assembly. 
         FIG. 12  illustrates a cross-sectional view of the recessed speaker assembly of  FIG. 11 . 
         FIGS. 13, 14 and 15  (comprising  FIGS. 15 a - o   ) illustrate various views of an example of a Latch Assembly. 
         FIG. 16  illustrates an example of a Rotating Contact Assembly. 
         FIG. 17  illustrates an example of a Contact PCB. 
         FIGS. 18 and 19  illustrate opposite sides of a Baffle. 
         FIGS. 20 and 21  illustrate opposite sides of a Retaining Ring. 
         FIGS. 22 and 23  illustrate an example of an assembled speaker assembly. 
         FIGS. 24, 25, 26, and 27  illustrate various perspective, exploded, and/or cross-sectional views of one example of a wire terminating or connection device. 
         FIG. 28  (comprising  FIGS. 28 a - i   ) illustrates various views of one example of a Wire Guide. 
         FIG. 29  (comprising  FIGS. 29 a - g   ) illustrates various views of one example of a Wire Retainer. 
         FIG. 30  (comprising  FIGS. 30 a - g   ) illustrates various views of one example of a Back Cover. 
         FIG. 31  (comprising  FIGS. 31 a - j   ) illustrates various views of one example of a Connector Base. 
         FIG. 32  illustrates various views of one example of a Needle Wire Penetrator. 
         FIG. 33  (comprising  FIGS. 33 a - g   ) illustrates various views of one example of a Grease Pill Piston. 
         FIGS. 34, 35, and 36  illustrate various exploded views of a wall or ceiling mounted pivoting speaker assembly. 
         FIG. 37  (comprising  FIGS. 37 a - h   ) illustrates various views of a Mounting Bracket according to one example. 
         FIG. 38  illustrates a close-up view of the electrical contacts housed in the Mounting Bracket. 
         FIG. 39  (comprising  FIGS. 39 a - l   ) illustrates various views of a Hinge Bracket according to one example. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     In the following description numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, one skilled in the art would recognize that the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well known methods, procedures, and/or components have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the invention. 
     The following description, certain terminology is used to describe certain features of one or more embodiments of the invention. The term “audio device” refers to any type of sound-generating device, including a speaker, loudspeaker, audio speaker, woofer, subwoofer, tweeter, and/or acoustic transducer. 
     A first aspect of the invention provides a recessed speaker assembly that can be mounted within a cavity and coupled to a mounting substrate by manually turning a single Dog Actuator Ring that causes a plurality of Rotating Dogs to rotate and secure the recessed speaker assembly. The advantage of this recessed speaker assembly is that a single turning motion can serve to couple the assembly within a cavity with the need for tools. 
     A second aspect of the invention relates to a Baffle that is pushed into the recessed speaker assembly to secure the Baffle and an audio transducer (speaker) to the recessed speaker assembly. The Baffle includes a plurality of Latch Assemblies that automatically engage the recessed speaker assembly. Additionally, unique electrical contacts are used so that the audio transducer is electrically coupled to the recessed speaker assembly without having to manually splice and/or attach wires for the audio transducer. 
     A third aspect of the invention relates to a wire connection device that provides an easy to install, secure and reliable electrical connection. The electrical wires are inserted into a Wire Guide which retains the wires in place. The Wire Guide is then inserted into a Connector Base, causing the ends of the wires to be impaled by a Needle Wire Penetrator that electrically couples the wires to terminals at an opposite end of the wire connector device. Additionally, the wire connector device may include an integrated system to release or inject grease into the connection chamber, to thereby seal the electrical connection from environmental effects. 
     A fourth aspect of the invention relates 
     Zero Tool, Thin Wall, Frame Mounting System 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a recessed speaker assembly  100  that can be latched and secured without the need of tools other than the human hand.  FIG. 2  illustrates a cross-sectional view of the recessed speaker assembly of  FIG. 1 . The recessed speaker assembly  100  also improves on the prior art in that it does not require additional depth behind a mounting wall or ceiling to function and is therefore suitable for thin wall cavity applications (like certain marine applications). For example, in various applications the recessed speaker assembly  100  may have a total thickness of between 4 inches and 8 inches. The recessed speaker assembly may include a Mounting Frame  104  that actuates with no more than a one-quarter rotation of a Dog Actuator Ring  102  and is held firmly in place with a ratcheting latch that accommodates varying mounting substrate thicknesses (e.g., the substrate to which the recessed speaker assembly  100  is mounted and coupled). Depending on the overall system depth limitation, the recessed speaker assembly  100  can accommodate a great range of mounting surface thicknesses. 
     In one example, the recessed speaker assembly  100  may comprise a Dog Actuator Ring  102 , a Latch Trap Ring  110 , a Mounting Frame  104 , a plurality of Rotating Dogs  106 , a Retaining Ring  108 , and Back Can  112 . The Mounting Frame  104  may defined as substantially circular ring  124  defining a central opening  114  and having a perimeter flange  116  that serves to rest against the exterior surface of the mounting substrate. The Dog Actuator Ring  102  is inserted within the central opening  114  of the Mounting Frame  104  with the Latch Trap Ring  110  between the Dog Actuator Ring  102  and the Mounting Frame  104 . The Retaining Ring  108  may be fixedly attached to the Mounting Frame  104  by fasteners  118 . The Back Can  112  may fit over the Retaining Ring  108  to protect a speaker and/or other components housed within the recessed speaker assembly  100 . 
     The attachment system to fasten or couple the recessed speaker assembly  100  to a mounting surface, may be comprised of four major components—the Mounting Frame  104 , the Dog Actuator Ring  102 , the plurality of Rotating Dogs  106  and the Retaining Ring  108 . The Mounting Frame  104  is sized to fit through an opening of the mounting surface while the perimeter flange  116  rests against the exterior surface f the mounting substrate. Note that rather than suing screws (as employed by prior art dogs), the recessed speaker assembly  100  uses a plurality of Dog Guide Pins  120  that center and guide a corresponding Rotating Dog  106  that rotates about the Dog Guide Pins  120 . A Dog Tower  122  provides for initial dog placement and rotational constraints. 
     The interaction between the Dog Actuator Ring  102  and the Rotating Dogs  106  is now described. When in the pre-installation position, the Rotating Dogs  106  are in a “retracted” position that allows the Mounting Frame Assembly to be installed through a precut opening in the mounting substrate. That is, the Rotating Dogs  106  are turned or positioned such that they do not obstruct the circular ring  124  from passing through the opening in the mounting substrate. Once the perimeter flange  116  is pressed against the exterior surface of the mounting substrate, the installer rotates the Dog Actuator Ring  102 , assisted by engaging his/her fingers against the Dog Actuator Rotation Assist Flange  126 ; which in turn causes the simultaneous rotation of the plurality of Rotating Dogs  106  via an array of toothed Dog Actuator Gears  130  molded into the exterior edge of the Dog Actuator Ring  102 . This action rotates the plurality of Rotating Dogs  106  into a position approximately ninety (90) degrees from their pre-installation position and positions the Spiral Ramp Engagement Pins  402  ( FIG. 4 ) of the Rotating Dog  106  into the Spiral Ramp  132  of the Dog Actuator Ring  102 . The continued rotation of the Dog Actuator Ring  102  causes the Rotating Dog  106  to simultaneously move down the Dog Tower  122  channel toward the interior surface of the mounting substrate to which the recessed speaker assembly  100  is being mounted. Simultaneous with these actions, the Ratchet Engagement Flange  1004  ( FIG. 10 ) of the Dog Actuator Ring  102  interfaces with the Ratchet Teeth  504  ( FIG. 5 ) of the Mounting Frame  104 . The Dog Actuator Ring  102  is rotated (e.g., clockwise) until the recessed speaker assembly  100  is secured by the mounting substrate. The Ratchet Teeth  504  do not allow a loosening of the recessed speaker assembly  100  since the teeth  504  engage the Ratchet Engagement Flange  1004 . The Ratchet Engagement Flange  1004  is on the opposite side of the Ratchet Release Flange  128 . By pressing on a first end of the Ratchet Release Lever  140 , a second end of the Ratchet Release Lever  140  pulls, flexes or lifts the Ratchet Release Flange  128  thereby causing the Ratchet Engagement Flange  1004  to disengage from the Ratchet Teeth  504 . After the Ratchet Engagement Flange  1004  ( FIG. 10 ) is released or disengaged from the Ratchet Teeth  504 , the recessed speaker assembly  100  can be removed by continuing to rotate the Dog Actuator Ring  102  (e.g., counterclockwise). 
     Simultaneously pressing the Ratchet Release Lever  140  and counter-clockwise rotating the Dog Actuator Ring  102  via finger pressure on the Dog Actuator Rotation Assist Flange  126  allows the ratchet to release (i.e., the Ratchet Engagement Flange  1004  disengages from the Ratchet Teeth  504 ) and the Dog Actuator Ring  102  to rotate. This action lifts the Rotating Dog  106  back up the Dog Tower  122  channels, disengaging the recessed speaker assembly from the mounting substrate. Fully counter-rotating the Dog Actuator Ring  102  causes the Rotating Dogs  106  to reengage the gear interface (e.g., the Dog Gears  410  engaged to the Dog Actuator Gear  130 ) between the Rotating Dogs  106  and the Dog Actuator Ring  102  thereby rotating the Rotating Dogs  106  back into their pre-installation position, and enabling the removal of the Mounting Frame  104  from the mounting substrate. 
       FIG. 3  illustrates a close-up view of the Dog Actuator Ring  102  including the Dog Actuator Gears  130  and the Spiral Ramp  132 . 
       FIG. 4  illustrates an example of a Rotating Dog. To accommodate mechanical variations in the recessed speaker assembly  100  and possible small variations in mounting substrate thicknesses, the Rotating Dogs  106  may be comprised of three components: a Dog Shaft  404 , a Dog Tensioning Spring  406  and a Dog Foot  408 . The Rotating Dog  106  also includes Dog Gears  410  to engage the Dog Actuator Gear  130 . These components, in concert, accommodate the aforementioned variations and provide equal retention forces on the mounting substrate. 
       FIGS. 5 and 6  illustrate an example of the Mounting Frame  104 . It can be appreciated that the Mounting Frame  104  includes an external flange  116  at one end of the ring and an internal flange  506  at an opposite end of the ring. The internal flange  506  includes a partial segment or arc of Ratchet Teeth  504  that serve to prevent the Dog Actuator Ring  102  from rotating once it is secured in place. 
       FIGS. 7 and 8  illustrate a close up of how the Dog Actuator Ring  102  is secured to the Mounting Frame  104 . 
       FIGS. 9 and 10  illustrate perspective views of the Dog Actuator Ring. The Dog Actuator Ring  102  defines an opening  906  and may include a Ring Body  902  and an external flange  904 , where the Ratchet Release Flange  128  is mounted to the external flange  904 . The Ring Body  902  may define a plurality of Spiral Ramps  132 . In one example, each Spiral Ramp  132  may be a groove in the Ring Body  902  that extends partially around the ring at an angle from a first end  908  to a second end  910 . The internal perimeter of the Dog Actuator Ring  102  includes the Dog Actuator Rotation Assist Flange  126  that permits manual rotation of the Dog Actuator Ring  102 . Note that when installation is completed, as illustrated in  FIGS. 22 and 23 , the external flange  904  is adjacent to the internal flange  504 . However, before installation (i.e., prior to rotating the Dog Actuator Ring  102  relative to the Mounting Frame  104 ), the external flange  904  is separated from the internal flange  504 . When the recessed speaker assembly  100  is being inserted into an opening for installation, the Dog Gears  410  are engaged to the Dog Actuator Gears  130 , leaving the Rotating Dogs  106  out of the way. Once the recessed speaker assembly  100  is inserted into the opening, the Dog Actuator Ring  102  is rotated relative to the Mounting Frame  104 , to attach the assembly  100  in place. As the Dog Actuator Ring  102  is initially turned, the Dog Actuator Gears  130  turn the Dog Gears  410  so that the Spiral Ramp Engagement Pin  402  ( FIG. 4 ) engages the Spiral Ramp  132 . At this point, the Dog Foot  408  is now positioned outward. As the Dog Actuator Ring  102  is rotated (e.g., clockwise), the Spiral Ramp Engagement Pin  402  engages and slides along the Spiral Ramp  132  from the first end  908  to the second end  910 . As the Dog Actuator Ring  102  rotates (e.g., clockwise), the Spiral Ramp Engagement Pin  402  causes the Dog Actuator Ring  102  to be pushed inward toward Mounting Frame  104  (so the gap between the external flange  904  and the internal flange  504  is reduced). As the Spiral Ramp Engagement Pin  402  moves toward the second end  910 , the Mounting Frame  104  is secured to a mounting substrate sandwiched between the perimeter flange  116  and the Dog Foot  408 . Note that the Spiral Ramps  132  are just a partial segment of the Dog Actuator Ring  102 , therefore the Mounting Frame  104  can be secured in place in less than a full turn of the Dog Actuator Ring  102 . As the Dog Actuator Ring  102  is rotated, the Ratchet Engagement Flange  1004  engages the Ratchet Teeth  504  to prevent the Dog Actuator Ring  102  from loosening. In this manner, the recessed speaker assembly  100  (e.g., Mounting Frame  104 , Dog Actuator Ring  102 , Retaining Ring  108 , and Latch Trap Ring  110 ) can be inserted a cavity and coupled a mounting substrate with a single manual turn of the Dog Actuator Ring  102 , without the need to individually tighten each rotating dog or fastener. 
     To disengage, the Ratchet Release Lever  140  is manually depressed so that the Ratchet Engagement Flange  1004  disengages from the Ratchet Teeth  504 . The Dog Actuator Ring  102  is then rotated in the opposite direction (e.g., counterclockwise), which causes the Dog Actuator Gear  130  to slide within the Spiral Ramp  132  from the second end  910  to the first end  908 . Upon reaching the first end  908 , the reverse rotation (e.g., counterclockwise) of the Dog Actuator Ring  102  causes the Dog Gears  410  to become engaged to the Dog Actuator Gears  130 . This rotation of the Rotating Dog Gears  410  causes the Dog Foot  408  to rotate inward so that the recessed speaker assembly  100  can be removed. In this manner, the recessed speaker assembly  100  (e.g., Mounting Frame  104 , Dog Actuator Ring  102 , Retaining Ring  108 , and Latch Trap Ring  110 ) can be disengaged (by pressing on the Ratchet Release Lever  140 ) by a single manual reverse turn or rotation of the Dog Actuator Ring  102 , without the need to individually disengage each rotating dog or fastener. 
     Zero Tool, Linear Snap-Lock Baffle Attachment System 
     According to yet another feature, a near instantaneous mechanical assembly between a loudspeaker Baffle Assembly and a preinstalled Mounting Baffle Assembly can be achieved while simultaneously making the electrical connections required for the previously installed and wired Mounting Baffle Assembly. No pre-alignment is required other than inserting the Baffle Assembly into the Mounting Frame opening. Any rotational orientation is allowed, and the system makes and maintains an electrical connection regardless of the insertion orientation. The latching system is spring tensioned such that pushing inward slightly unloads the retention latches sufficiently to allow after insertion rotation in those applications that incorporate angled transducers. The spring tensioning system also accommodates tolerance variations ensuring tight mechanical connections. The latching method described is small enough to fit into the space normally allowed between the low frequency transducer and the outer diameter of the Baffle molding, thereby requiring very little, if any, increase in the system&#39;s overall diameter. 
       FIG. 11  illustrates how additional components may be coupled to the recessed speaker assembly  100 .  FIG. 12  illustrates a cross-sectional view of the recessed speaker assembly of  FIG. 11 . 
     In one example, recessed speaker assembly  100  may further include a Baffle  1102 , a plurality of Latch Assemblies  1104 , a Network Printed Circuit Board (PCB)  1106 , a plurality of Rotating Contact Assemblies  1108 , and a Connector Support Ring  1110 . The Connector Support Ring  1110  is coupled by a plurality of ribs  1112  and supported by the Retaining Ring  108 . The Connector Support Ring  1110  serves as a support for a Contact PCB  1114  which may provide audio signals or power to the recessed speaker assembly  100 . An audio transducer  1120  may be mounted our coupled within the Baffle  1102 . The plurality of Latch Assemblies  1104  are coupled to the perimeter of the Baffle  1102  (on the inner side of the Baffle  1102 ) and serve to couple and engage the Baffle  1102  to the Mounting Frame  104 . 
       FIGS. 13, 14 and 15  (comprising  FIGS. 15 a - o   ) illustrate various views of an example of the Latch Assembly  1104 . The Latch Assembly  1104  may include a Latch Carrier  1402 , a Latch  1404 , a Rotating Wedge  1406 , a Latch Pin  1408 , a Rotating Wedge Pin  1410  and a torsion Latch Spring  1412 . The Latch Assembly&#39;s  1104  Latch  1404  is activated and held in position by the torsion Latch Spring  1412 . During the Baffle Assembly&#39;s insertion, the Latch&#39;s  1404  Latch Foot  1414  is held in an “out” position by the Latch Spring  1412 , thereby enabling the Latch Foot  1414  to engage the Latch Trap Ring  110 , which causes the Baffle to be secured to the Mounting Frame  104 . Consequently, the installation of the Baffle  1102  simply requires inserting the Baffle  1102  into the previously mounted or installed recessed speaker assembly  100  (e.g., Mounting Frame  104 , Dog Actuator Ring  102 , Retaining Ring  108 , and Latch Trap Ring  110 ). 
     When it is desired to remove the Baffle  1102  from the Mounting Frame  104 , the Latch&#39;s  1404  Latch Foot  1414  is disengaged by lifting the Lever  1416  to turn the Spiraling Wedge  1418  ninety (90) degrees upward. In one example, the Spiraling Wedge  1418  may be molded into the Rotating Wedge  1406 . As it is rotated around the Rotating Wedge Pin  1410 , the Spiraling Wedge  1418  engages the Rotating Wedge Engagement Flange  1420  located on the Latch  1404 . As the Lever  1416  is lifted, the Spiraling Wedge  1418  forces the Latch  1404  to rotate against the tension of the Latch Spring  1412  causing the Latch Foot  1414  to disengage from the Latch Trap Ring  110 , thereby allowing the Baffle Assembly  1102  to be removed from the Mounting Frame  104 . Note that by lifting the Lever  1416  in a first direction, this causes the Latch to pivot in a second direction. 
     In many prior art recessed speakers, wires must be attached when inserting the Baffle  1102  and audio transducer  1120  into the Mounting Frame  104 . However, the present recessed speaker assembly  100  avoids the step of making separate electrical connections. Instead, Rotating Contact Assemblies  1108  are used and serve both the purpose of tensioning the Latch Assembly&#39;s  1104  Latch Foot  1414  against the Latch Trap Ring  110  and to simultaneously provide a means for making an electrical connection to the Mounting Frame  104 . 
       FIG. 16  illustrates an example of the Rotating Contact Assembly  1108 . The Rotating Contact Assembly  1108  may be made up of two components a Contact Base  1602  and a Flexible Contact  1604 . The Rotating Contact Assembly  1108  is made up of two different components: a Contact Base  1602  and a Flexible Contact  1604 . The Contact Base  1602  may be made of a structurally stiff, thick material that is not prone to flexing. The Flexible Contact  1604  may be constructed of a spring steel material so as to allow for substantial flexure without fatiguing over time. The two are riveted together. The Flexible Contact  1604  allows for up to 0.100″ of movement, while maintaining constant pressure, which gives the system its ability to accommodate mechanical tolerance variations. 
     The plurality of Contact Assemblies  1108  engage a plurality of Contact Rings  1702  etched into the Contact PCB  1114  mounted on the Retaining Ring&#39;s  108  Connector PCB Support Ring  1110  which in turn is a part of the Mounting Frame  104 . The Contact PCB  1114  is positioned within the Retaining Ring&#39;s  108  Connector PCB Support Ring  1110  at a distance from the installed Baffle Assembly to allow for appropriate contact to be made with the plurality of Contact Assemblies  1108  located on the Network PCB  1116 . 
       FIG. 17  illustrates an example of the Contact PCB  1114 . Note that the Contact PCB  1114  may be shaped as at least one circular contact ring  1702 . The Rotating Contact Assembly  1108  comes into contact with the contact ring  1702  to complete an electrical circuit even as the Baffle  1102  is rotated while engaged to the mounting frame  104 . 
       FIGS. 18 and 19  illustrate opposite sides of a Baffle. 
       FIGS. 20 and 21  illustrate opposite sides of a Retaining Ring. 
       FIGS. 22 and 23  illustrate an example of a speaker assembly. 
     Zero Strip Wire Connection System 
     Yet another feature provides a wire terminating (connector) device that does not require the wire ends to be stripped of insulation to be terminated. The wire terminating device may be small in dimension, enabling its use in tight quarters. Optionally, the wire terminating device seals the connection from environmentally induced electrical degradation by injecting a silicone grease into areas so exposed, which makes the device particularly advantageous in marine applications. In addition, the connector is able to terminate wires of various gauges, ranging generally from 12 to 18 gauge, including wiring that includes a thick insulation, specifically as may be used in high gauge, stranded loudspeaker wire. This is an unusual advantage as other no-strip devices have a difficult time penetrating varying thicknesses and hardness of insulation. 
       FIGS. 24, 25, 26, and 27  illustrate various perspective, exploded, and/or cross-sectional views of one example of a wire terminating or connection device  2400 . The wire connection device  2400  may comprise a Connector Base  2402  coupled to a Wire Guide  2404  at a first end and coupled to a Back Cover  2406  at an opposite second end. The Wire Guide  2404  may include a Wire Retainer  2407  to retain an inserted wire through each opening  2408 . The Wire Guide  2404  and Wire Retainer  2407  serve to support and position the inserted wire and are permanently and irretrievably attached to the inserted wire. If it becomes necessary to replace the wire, the Wire Guide  2404  and Wire Retainer  2407  can be decoupled from the Connector Base  2402  and a new Wire Guide  2404  and Wire Retainer  2407  can be inserted. 
     To make an electrical connection between the inserted wire and the Terminal  2410 , a penetrating electrical connection is used comprising a Needle Wire Penetrator  2412 , a Needle Shroud  2414 , and a Needle Shroud Spring  2416 . Once a wire is inserted and electrically coupled to the Terminal  2410 , a Grease Pill Piston  2418  can be depressed to push on a Grease Pill  2420  which flows into the Needle Shroud  2414  and serves to insulate the connection to the inserted wire. As can be appreciated in  FIG. 25 , each wire connection device  2400  may provide connectors for two or more (i.e., a plurality of wires). 
     The sequence of installation is as follows. The installer clips an end of the wire to be inserted (but does not strip the insulator) with a pair of wire cutters to ensure a clean exposure of wire end. The installer takes the Wire Guide  2404  preassembled with a Wire Retainer  2407 , and forces the Wire Guide  2404  onto the ends of the wire to be inserted as far as the wire will penetrate into the Wire Guide  2404 . The installer then presses down on the Wire Retainer  2407  to lock the wire into place. The Wire Retainer  2407  incorporates a Wire Retainer Ratchet  2422  that engages a pair of non-reversible Wire Retainer Latches  2424  located on the sides of the Wire Guide  2404 . The Wire Guide  2404  is able to accommodate varying gauges by employing a tapered, cone shaped hole, referred to here as a Wire Guide Taper  2430 . Regardless of the inserted wire diameter, the Wire Guide Taper  2430  always centers the wire. Of course the smaller gauges will move further up the tapered hole  2408  and the larger gauges will not penetrate into the Wire Guide Taper  2430  as far. The advantage of the Wire Guide Taper  2430  is its ability to center/position wires with a large range of diameters. 
     After the Wire Guide  2404  is securely coupled to the end of the inserted wire, the installer makes a connection by inserting the Wire Guide  2404  into a Wire Guide Receptacle  2432  of the Connector Base  2402 . As the Wire Guide  2404  is inserted into the Wire Guide Receptacle  2432 , the Wire Guide  2404  encounters and displaces the Needle Shroud  2414 , which in turn exposes the tips of the Needle Wire Penetrators  2412  via the Needle Wire Penetrator Guide  2450 . Note that as the Needle Shroud  2414  is being pushed back by the Wire Guide  2404 , the Needle Shroud Springs  2416  push on the Needle Shroud  2414 . The Needle Wire Penetrators  2412  are electrically coupled to corresponding Terminals  2410  and are fixed in place relative to the Connector Base  2402 . As the Wire Guide  2404  is inserted into the Wire Guide Receptacle  2432 , and because the inserted wire is centered and held fast in the Wire Guide  2404 , the Needle Wire Penetrator  2412  is forced into the very end of the inserted wire at some varying position down the Wire Guide Taper  2430  depending on the diameter of the wire and its insulation. Simultaneous with these actions, the Wire Guide Latches  2434  encounters and engages a Wire Guide Latch Ratchet  2436  of the Wire Guide  2404 , thereby securing the Wire Guide  2404  in the Connector Base  2402 . These features secure the Wire Guide  2404  into the Connector Base  2402  regardless of how far the Wire Guide  2404  enters into the Wire Guide Receptacle  2432 . To remove the Wire Guide  2404 , the installer may press on the Latch Release Levers  2438  to release the Wire Guide Latch&#39;s  2434  hold on the Wire Guide Latch Ratchet  2436 . The Wire Guide  2404  can then be pulled free from the Connector Base  2402 . 
     In this manner, the wire connection device  2400  forces a large diameter needle  2412  (e.g., having a nominal shank diameter of about 0.030″) into the exposed end of the inserted wire. This “needle down the end” approach has great advantages over the prior art methods that choose to penetrate the wire insulation from the side. Depending on the wire insulation thickness and hardness, the “side penetrator” approach may or may not come into contact with the inserted wire, let alone yield a reliable contact with the wire. At best, the side penetrator&#39;s ability to conduct current is limited due to the limited contact between the penetrator and the wire strands. By contrast, the disclosed “needle down the end” approach offers much higher contact with the wire and, therefore, much better potential for transmitting higher currents. 
     How far the Wire Guide  2404  enters into the Wire Guide Receptacle  2432  depends on the diameter of wire in use. The smaller the wire diameter the further the Wire Guide  2404  will move into the Connector Base  2402 , hence the need for the long Needle Wire Penetrators  2412 . When the Needle Wire Penetrator  2412  penetrates the inserted wire end, the wire&#39;s insulation may expand slightly to accommodate the added diameter of the Needle Wire Penetrator  2412 . With the inserted wire held firmly in the Wire Guide Taper  2430  there would be nowhere for the material to expand. Hence, the Taper Ridges  2440  are arrayed around the diameter of the Wire Guide Taper  2430 . These features facilitate the proper positioning of the inserted wire end and allow for a small expansion of the inserted wire&#39;s diameter as the Needle Wire Penetrator  2412  moves into the inserted wire end. 
     Additionally, the wire connector device  2400  is able to inject insulating silicone grease into the cavities after the electrical connection has been made. The grease injection system includes a Grease Pill Piston Guide  2442  molded onto the top of the Connector Base  2402 , the Grease Pill Piston  2418 , and a pair of Grease Pills  2420 . The Grease Pill  2420  may be like a large flexible vitamin pill, with walls that can be ruptured as desired with relative ease. The connector  2402  may be shipped with the Grease Pills  2420  resting loosely on the Pill Tray  2446  and the Grease Pill Piston  2418  placed loosely into the Grease Pill Piston Guide  2442 . After the electrical connection has been made, the installer presses firmly down on the Grease Pill Piston  2418 . This causes the Grease Pill  2420  to come in contact with the Pill Penetrator  2444  rupturing the Grease Pill  2420 . The released grease is forced down through the Wire Guide&#39;s  2404  Grease Injection Slots  2448 , flooding the cavities with silicone grease, thereby greatly increasing the electrical connection&#39;s isolation from environmental effects. 
       FIG. 28  (comprising  FIGS. 28 a - i   ) illustrates various views of one example of the Wire Guide  2404 . 
       FIG. 29  (comprising  FIGS. 29 a - g   ) illustrates various views of one example of the Wire Retainer  2407 . 
       FIG. 30  (comprising  FIGS. 30 a - g   ) illustrates various views of one example of the Back Cover  2406 . 
       FIG. 31  (comprising  FIGS. 31 a - j   ) illustrates various views of one example of the Connector Base  2402 . 
       FIG. 32  illustrates various views of one example of the Needle Wire Penetrator  2412 . 
       FIG. 33  (comprising  FIGS. 33 a - g   ) illustrates various views of one example of the Grease Pill Piston  2418 . 
     Wall Mounted Loudspeaker Quick Install Bracket System 
     Another novel aspect provides a wall/ceiling loudspeaker mounting that uses a light-weight, easy to hold and position bracket system that subsequently allows near instantaneous mechanical and electrical installation of its related loudspeaker system. Using a small and light “base bracket” as the first mechanical interface to the wall or ceiling structure makes aligning and securing much more installer friendly. 
     An electrical interface is included on the Wall Mounting Bracket that allows the installer to make all required electrical connections as part of the initial mechanical installation. This further simplifies the installation as all work is done in the open and not behind something or while holding a heavy, awkward loudspeaker system. 
       FIGS. 34, 35, and 36  illustrate various exploded views of a wall or ceiling mounted pivoting speaker assembly  3400 . The pivoting speaker assembly  3400  may comprise a Wall Mounting Bracket  3403 , a Hinge Bracket  3402 , and a speaker cabinet  3404 . The Hinge Bracket  3402  slides onto and is latched into the pre-mounted Mounting Bracket  3403 . The Hinge Bracket  3402  facilitates the “angling” of the loudspeaker after installation via a pivoting hinge formed by a Hinge Bracket Hinging Axis  3406  and a Cabinet Hinging Axis  3408 . That is, the Hinge Bracket  3402  may include pivot supports  3407  that pass through a slit  3417  in the speaker cabinet  3404  and are pivotably coupled to a corresponding support  3409 . This allows the speaker cabinet  3404  to be directed or pivoted in different directions. 
     Note that once the Mounting Bracket  3403  has been affixed to a supporting substrate or surface, the pivoting speaker assembly  3400  is a designed so that no additional electrical connections are needed to carry a sound signal to an audio speaker or transducer mounted in the speaker cabinet  3404 . When the Mounting Bracket  3403  is attached to the supporting surface, the installer may also attach audio and/or electrical wires (via an access opening  3411 ) to the wire connector device  2400 . The wire connector device  2400  may be electrically coupled to electrical contacts (Mounting Bracket Contacts  3410 ). The Mounting Bracket Contacts  3410  are mounted within a contact housing  3421 . When the Hinge Bracket  3402  is attached to the Mounting Bracket  3403 , Hinge Bracket Contacts  3412  come into contact with the Hinge Bracket Contacts  3410 , thereby providing audio signals and/or power from the Mounting Bracket  3403  to the Hinge Bracket  3402  without the need for physical wires between the two. Note that the From the Hinge Bracket Contacts  3412  may be coupled to the speaker or audio transducer in the cabinet  3404 . Consequently, the Hinge Bracket  3402  and/or speaker cabinet  3404  can be detached from the Mounting Bracket  3403  without the need to disconnect wires. 
     The Hinge Bracket  3402  carries a pair of electrical contacts (Mounting Bracket Contacts)  3410  that match with a corresponding pair of electrical contacts on the Wall Mounting Frame  3403 . These contacts  3410  and  3412  may be gold plated (for corrosion resistance) and may be curved and fabricated from a material that enables them to function in a spring mode, such that, as they slide across one another, they are compressed together facilitating both a cleaning action and making and maintaining good electrical contact. The electrical path is thus connected through these mating contacts  3410  and  3412  after the Hinge Bracket  3402  is slid onto the Wall Mounting Bracket  3403 . 
     The Hinge Bracket  3402  is mounted to and retained by the Wall Mounting Bracket  3403  by sliding the Hinge Bracket&#39;s Slider Latches  3414  onto/under the Wall Mounting Bracket&#39;s Slider Latches Receptacles  3416 . 
     To facilitate theft resistance, the bracket system incorporates a large Primary Latch  3418  that snaps into place over the Primary Latch Receptacle  3420  just as the loudspeaker assembly is slid fully into place. In order to remove the loudspeaker assembly from the Wall Mounting Bracket  3403 , a “De-Latching” Bar  3422  is pried by the installer via Prying Slots  3424  molded into the De-Latcher  3422 , along its longitudinal axis. The Prying Slots  3424  are accessed via a slot screwdriver and are pried sufficiently to lift the Primary Latch  3418  via a Lifting Ramp  3426  molded into the De-Latcher  3422 . 
       FIG. 37  (comprising  FIGS. 37 a - h   ) illustrates various views of a Mounting Bracket  3403  according to one example. 
       FIG. 38  illustrates a close-up view of the electrical contacts housed in the Mounting Bracket  3403 . 
       FIG. 39  (comprising  FIGS. 39 a - l   ) illustrates various views of a Hinge Bracket  3402  according to one example. 
     While certain exemplary embodiments have been described and shown in the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that such embodiments are merely illustrative of and not restrictive on the broad invention, and that this invention not be limited to the specific constructions and arrangements shown and described, since various other modifications are possible. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various adaptations and modifications of the just described embodiments can be configured without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Therefore, it is to be understood that, within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced other than as specifically described herein.