Patent Description:
Automotive audio systems typically include several loudspeakers positioned in various locations within the interior of a vehicle, such as the passenger compartment or the trunk. Typical loudspeaker positions may include door panels or interior trim panels. Low-frequency loudspeakers, also known as woofers or subwoofers, are often located in the trunk, the rear panel shelf, under the rear seats, the chassis or in other frame elements of a vehicle.

In an externally coupled subwoofer (ECS), the loudspeaker housing may be omitted because the front and the back side of the loudspeaker are isolated from each other by a vehicle panel or frame element. In acoustical terms, an ECS configuration is referred to as an "infinite baffle", allowing optimized low frequency extension and maximized bandwidth, while simultaneously eliminating the requirement for a large sealed or vented-box subwoofer enclosure. This approach provides a very compact and weight efficient arrangement for audio inside the vehicle without sacrificing acoustical performance.

Typical ECS configurations include a metal or plastic frame which supports the loudspeaker, and a rear enclosure or acoustic coupler which connects to the frame and vents audio waves from the rear of the loudspeaker to the outside of the vehicle. Current implementations involve rigid plastic conduits for interfacing with an exterior vehicle body panel, where the rigid conduits are either molded as part of the acoustic coupler or assembled to the coupler by methods such as welding.

Document <CIT> discloses an audio system for a vehicle having a bass-range speaker mounted in a vehicle cavity. The speaker has a front side for producing an acoustic output in a passenger compartment of the vehicle. The vehicle cavity encloses a back side of the speaker. A duct having a first end is in fluid communication with the vehicle cavity and a second end is in fluid communication with the atmosphere outside the vehicle.

Document <CIT> discloses a product that may be used in a vehicle and may include a subwoofer speaker driver mounted in an enclosure which is attached to the vehicle's body. A volume of space may define an acoustic chamber in a closure of the vehicle. A duct may be provided between the enclosure and the acoustic chamber. The size of the enclosure may be minimized by using available space in the closure to serve as part of the bass chamber volume for the subwoofer.

In one or more embodiments, a loudspeaker assembly for a vehicle includes a loudspeaker having a first side and an opposed second side, wherein the loudspeaker, when arranged in the vehicle, is configured to generate an acoustical signal having a front wave emitted by the first side and directed into an interior of the vehicle and a rear wave emitted by the second side and directed toward an exterior of the vehicle. The loudspeaker assembly further includes a coupler disposed on the second side of the loudspeaker, the coupler including an inlet portion for receiving the loudspeaker and an outlet portion. A flexible port is removably connectable to the coupler, the flexible port including an inlet end arranged to be connected to the outlet portion of the coupler, an outlet end arranged to be connected to an opening in an exterior body panel, and an elongated body extending between the inlet end and the outlet end, the flexible port configured to transmit the rear wave to the exterior of the vehicle. One of the outlet portion of the coupler and the inlet end of the flexible port includes a plurality of spaced detents and the other includes a plurality of spaced apertures for receiving the plurality of spaced detents for removably attaching the flexible port to the coupler.

In one or more embodiments, the flexible port is compressible and expandible, and may have a corrugated configuration. The outlet portion of the coupler and the inlet end of the flexible port may each have a circular cross-section, and the outlet portion of the coupler and the loudspeaker may be arranged along a common axis. The outlet end of the flexible port may include a flange spaced from a flexible tab, wherein the exterior body panel is received between the flange and the flexible tab to secure the flexible port to the exterior body panel. In one or more embodiments, the loudspeaker assembly may include a gasket arranged to be disposed between the outlet end of the flexible port and the exterior body panel, and may include a screen member arranged to be received on the outlet end of the flexible port.

In one or more embodiments, an externally coupled loudspeaker assembly for a vehicle includes a subwoofer mounted in an opening in an interior body panel and having a first side disposed toward an interior of the vehicle and an opposed second side, wherein subwoofer is configured to generate an acoustical signal having a front wave directed into the interior of the vehicle and a rear wave directed toward an exterior of the vehicle. A coupler is disposed on the second side of the subwoofer, the coupler including an inlet portion for receiving the subwoofer and an outlet portion, wherein the outlet portion of the coupler and the subwoofer are arranged along a common axis. A flexible port is removably connectable to the coupler, the flexible port including an inlet end arranged to be connected to the outlet portion of the coupler, an outlet end arranged to be connected to an opening in an exterior body panel, and an elongated body extending between the inlet end and the outlet end, wherein the flexible port is compressible and expandible and is configured to transmit the rear wave to the exterior of the vehicle.

In one or more embodiments, a method of installing a loudspeaker assembly in a vehicle includes providing a loudspeaker assembly, the loudspeaker assembly including a loudspeaker having a first side and a second side wherein the loudspeaker, when arranged in the vehicle, is configured to generate an acoustical signal having a front wave emitted by the first side and directed into an interior of the vehicle and a rear wave emitted by the second side and directed toward an exterior of the vehicle, a coupler having an inlet portion and an outlet portion, and a flexible port having an inlet end, an outlet end, and an elongated body extending therebetween, wherein one of the outlet portion of the coupler and the inlet end of the flexible port includes a plurality of spaced detents and the other includes a plurality of spaced apertures for receiving the plurality of spaced detents. The method further includes coupling the loudspeaker to the inlet portion of the coupler, removably connecting the inlet end of the flexible port to the outlet portion of the coupler via the detents and the apertures, and removably connecting the outlet end of the flexible port to an opening in an exterior body panel to transmit the rear wave to the exterior of the vehicle.

In one or more embodiments, the inlet end of the flexible port may be connected along a first axis and the outlet end of the flexible port may be connected along a second axis offset from the first axis. The flexible port may have a corrugated configuration which is compressible and expandible during installation. The method may further include mounting the loudspeaker in an opening in an interior body panel of the vehicle, disposing a screen member on the outlet end of the flexible port, and disposing a gasket between the outlet end of the flexible port and the exterior body panel.

Referring first to <FIG>, a schematic illustration of a vehicle <NUM> with a loudspeaker <NUM> mounted therein is shown. In this illustration, the loudspeaker <NUM> is arranged in a baffle <NUM>, such as a vehicle body panel, which forms a barrier between the vehicle interior <NUM> and the vehicle exterior <NUM>. The baffle <NUM> may include an opening or cavity in which the loudspeaker <NUM> is arranged. In one or more embodiments, the loudspeaker <NUM> may be a subwoofer or a woofer and may be part of an automotive audio system. It is understood that an automotive audio system may comprise several loudspeakers, although only one loudspeaker <NUM> is exemplarily illustrated herein.

Loudspeakers, such as subwoofers or woofers, that provide low-frequency sound require a large enclosure volume. In general, subwoofers generally emit sound between <NUM> and <NUM>, while traditional woofers generally emit sound between <NUM> and <NUM>. If the loudspeaker <NUM> is positioned in the frame or chassis of the vehicle <NUM> between the vehicle interior <NUM> and the vehicle exterior <NUM>, an otherwise necessary loudspeaker housing may be omitted.

<FIG> illustrates an exemplary mounting position of a loudspeaker assembly <NUM> in a vehicle <NUM>, such as in the trunk adjacent a rear quarter panel. While mounting of the loudspeaker assembly <NUM> is shown and described herein with respect to an automobile, it is understood that implementation of the loudspeaker assembly <NUM> in other types of vehicles is also fully contemplated.

The loudspeaker assembly <NUM> includes a loudspeaker <NUM> mounted in the vehicle <NUM>, the loudspeaker <NUM> having a first side <NUM> facing the vehicle interior <NUM> and an opposed second side <NUM>. The loudspeaker <NUM> is configured to generate an acoustical signal having a front wave <NUM> (<FIG>) directed into the interior <NUM> of the vehicle <NUM> and a rear wave <NUM> (<FIG>) directed away from the interior <NUM> of the vehicle <NUM> and toward the exterior <NUM> of the vehicle <NUM>. The loudspeaker <NUM> includes a diaphragm or cone <NUM> for generating the front wave <NUM> and rear wave <NUM>, wherein the cone <NUM> which may be formed of paper, paper composites/laminates, plastic such as polypropylene or mineral/fiber-filled polypropylene, or other suitable materials. An interior speaker grill <NUM> may cover the cone <NUM> at the first side <NUM> of the loudspeaker <NUM> and may be visible from the vehicle interior <NUM>. The loudspeaker <NUM> may be mounted in a baffle, such as within an opening <NUM> in an interior body panel <NUM>.

With continuing reference to <FIG> and also to <FIG>, the loudspeaker assembly <NUM> disclosed herein further includes a coupler <NUM> disposed on the second side <NUM> of the loudspeaker <NUM> and a flexible port <NUM> arranged to be attached to the coupler <NUM> and to extend toward the vehicle exterior <NUM>. The coupler <NUM> and the flexible port <NUM> are in fluid communication with the vehicle exterior <NUM> and are arranged to transmit the rear wave <NUM> to the vehicle exterior <NUM> and external environment. The coupler <NUM> includes an inlet portion <NUM> disposed adjacent the second side <NUM> of the loudspeaker <NUM> and an outlet portion <NUM> arranged to be connected to the flexible port <NUM>. The coupler <NUM> can be constructed from any suitable material, such as a plastic or metallic material.

<FIG> shows a cross-sectional view of a loudspeaker assembly <NUM> with a loudspeaker <NUM> attached to the inlet portion <NUM> of the coupler <NUM>, wherein the inlet portion <NUM> may be fastened to the loudspeaker <NUM> or integrally formed therewith, for example. The inlet portion <NUM> may have a generally oval or circular configuration to correspond with a configuration of the loudspeaker <NUM>, but other shapes are also contemplated. In one or more embodiments, the outlet portion <NUM> of the coupler <NUM> may have a circular cross-section. The coupler <NUM> may include one or more mounting arms <NUM> extending therefrom for fastening the coupler <NUM> to the interior body panel <NUM> or a frame element of the vehicle <NUM>.

Referring again to <FIG>, the flexible port <NUM> has an elongated body <NUM> with an inlet end <NUM> arranged to be attached to the coupler outlet portion <NUM> and an outlet end <NUM> arranged to be attached to an opening <NUM> in an exterior body panel <NUM> of the vehicle <NUM> that is in fluid communication with the atmosphere. The opening <NUM> in the exterior body panel <NUM> may be provided in the rear quarter panel or wheel well of the vehicle <NUM>, for example, or another suitable location. In an alternative embodiment, the opening <NUM> may be concealed or not easily visible from outside the vehicle <NUM>, instead hidden under a body trim panel or other sheet metal while still in fluid communication with the ambient environment.

In one or more embodiments, the inlet end <NUM> and the outlet end <NUM> of the flexible port <NUM> may each have a smaller diameter than the elongated body <NUM>. The flexible port <NUM> may have a generally circular cross-section as shown but is not limited to this configuration, and the cross-sectional area of the flexible port <NUM> may be constant or variable along its length. A cross-sectional area of the inlet end <NUM> may be larger than a cross-sectional area of the coupler outlet portion <NUM>, so that the coupler outlet portion <NUM> may be at least partially received in the inlet end <NUM> as described below, but is not limited to this arrangement.

The flexible port <NUM> is constructed to be bendable, expandable, and compressible. In one or more embodiments, the flexible port <NUM>, specifically the elongated body <NUM>, may have a corrugated configuration and may include a single material layer or a plurality of layers. The flexible port <NUM> may be constructed from any suitable material such as, but not limited to, EPDM (ethylene propylene), neoprene, nitrile, silicone, or fluorocarbon. Optionally, one or more support brackets (not shown) could be provided within the internal space <NUM> between the interior body panel <NUM> and the exterior body panel <NUM> to support the flexible port <NUM> along its length, if desired.

The flexible port <NUM> may be easily and securely connected to the coupler <NUM>, such as via press fit or slip on engagement. As best shown in <FIG>, the coupler outlet portion <NUM> may include a plurality of spaced detents <NUM> on an outer surface thereof. Correspondingly, the inlet end <NUM> of the flexible port <NUM> may include a plurality of spaced apertures <NUM> for receiving the detents <NUM> when the inlet end <NUM> is attached to and received on the coupler outlet portion <NUM>. Of course, the inlet end <NUM> could alternatively include detents, such as on an inner surface thereof, and the coupler outlet portion <NUM> could include apertures for coupling the flexible port <NUM> to the coupler <NUM>. In other embodiments, the inlet end <NUM> could be attached to the coupler outlet portion <NUM> via adhesives, fasteners, welding, or other means, or the flexible port <NUM> could be formed as a single piece with the coupler <NUM>.

When the second side <NUM> of the loudspeaker <NUM> is in fluid communication with the atmosphere on the exterior <NUM> of the vehicle <NUM> via the flexible port <NUM>, the loudspeaker <NUM> is considered to have an infinite baffle. Undesirable resonances in the loudspeaker <NUM> may be reduced because sound waves emitted from the second side <NUM> of the loudspeaker <NUM> are prevented from entering the vehicle interior <NUM> and thus do not interfere with sound waves emitted from the first side <NUM> of the loudspeaker <NUM>. Additionally, another benefit of the open environment, or infinite baffle, is that strain in the cone <NUM> is reduced because the second side <NUM> of the loudspeaker <NUM> vents to the outside atmosphere. As a result, the loudspeaker <NUM> may produce a higher sound pressure level (SPL) at low frequency ranges in the vehicle interior <NUM>.

The dimensions of the coupler <NUM> and the flexible port <NUM> may be selected to be proportional to the size and parameters of the loudspeaker <NUM>. In one or more embodiments, it is desirable for the volume of the coupler <NUM> and the flexible port <NUM> to be minimized, the cross-sectional area of the coupler <NUM> and the flexible port <NUM> to be maximized, and the length of the coupler <NUM> and the flexible port <NUM> (from the second side <NUM> of the loudspeaker <NUM> to the exterior body panel <NUM>) to be minimized. These parameters may be selected to reinforce the idealized infinite baffle condition, which would be a coupler <NUM> and flexible port <NUM> of zero volume, zero length and the same cross-sectional area as the cone <NUM> of the loudspeaker <NUM>. In one or more embodiments, the volume and the length of the flexible port <NUM> may be manipulated to adjust and control the tuning frequency of the loudspeaker assembly <NUM>.

While particular configurations of the coupler <NUM> and the flexible port <NUM> are shown and described herein, it is understood that the coupler <NUM> and the flexible port <NUM> are not limited to these configurations, and that other geometries, lengths, and areas of these components are contemplated and may be selected to optimize transmission of the acoustical signal to the interior <NUM> of a specific vehicle <NUM>.

In current ECS implementations, especially when the coupler and port components are rigid and integrally molded together, an axis of the coupler outlet portion <NUM> often must be offset from an axis of the loudspeaker <NUM> and its motor <NUM> (<FIG>) in order for the rigid coupler and port to be capable of spanning the distance and trajectory between the opening <NUM> in the interior body panel <NUM> and the opening <NUM> in the exterior body panel <NUM>, as well as any obstructions in the internal space <NUM> between the interior and exterior body panels <NUM>, <NUM>. In addition, the outlet portion axis may be located at different locations and angles with respect to the loudspeaker or motor axis for different programs based on vehicle level packaging. Without axis alignment, an imbalance of the forces acting on the cone <NUM> can occur due to unequal air pressure during operation of the loudspeaker <NUM>, which can cause the cone <NUM> to tilt and rock instead of moving perpendicular to the motor axis, in turn causing rubbing of the voice coil against the stationary parts of the motor <NUM> and generating extraneous noise.

For optimum acoustic performance, it is preferable for the outlet portion <NUM> and the loudspeaker <NUM> and its motor <NUM> to be aligned along a common axis <NUM> such that the flexible port <NUM> will also be aligned along the common axis <NUM>, as is depicted in <FIG> for the coupler <NUM> and flexible port <NUM> disclosed herein. The flexible port <NUM> can accommodate any offset, angle, or obstacles between the coupler <NUM> and the opening <NUM> in the exterior body panel <NUM>, such that the coupler outlet portion <NUM> can always be aligned with the motor <NUM> along the common axis <NUM>, regardless of speaker type. Accordingly, all couplers <NUM> may have a standard location of the outlet portion <NUM> (and connection of the flexible port <NUM>) which are coaxial with the motor <NUM>.

Depending upon the mounting location within the vehicle <NUM>, it may be desirable to have the opening <NUM> in the interior body panel <NUM> positioned in a location that is not vertically and/or horizontally aligned with a location of the opening <NUM> in the exterior body panel <NUM>. With reference to <FIG>, the flexible port <NUM> disclosed herein allows an offset or angle between the interior body panel opening <NUM> and the exterior body panel opening <NUM>. As shown, the inlet end <NUM> of the flexible port <NUM> may be arranged along a first axis <NUM> (e.g., the common axis <NUM>) and the outlet end <NUM> of the flexible port <NUM> may be arranged along a second axis <NUM>, wherein the second axis <NUM> is offset from the first axis <NUM>.

The flexible port <NUM> disclosed herein can be configured to have a standard size and shape of the elongated body <NUM>, the inlet end <NUM>, and the outlet end <NUM>. Furthermore, the flexible port <NUM> can be utilized for different distances between the interior body panel <NUM> and the exterior body panel <NUM> as well as different offsets between the first axis <NUM> and the second axis <NUM> of the of the openings <NUM>, <NUM>, and thus is compatible with multiple vehicle programs. As such, a standard part can be created instead of having to customize a different flexible port <NUM> for each different speaker and/or vehicle.

The modularity of the flexible port <NUM> also allows the placement of the interior body panel opening <NUM> and the exterior body panel opening <NUM> to be optimized. The customer (OEM) will have requirements for the desired placement of the openings <NUM>, <NUM>, where the placement for each opening <NUM>, <NUM> may not align along the same axis as described above. Since the flexible port <NUM> disclosed herein can accommodate the offset placement of the openings <NUM>, <NUM>, the customer is provided with more freedom to place the openings <NUM>, <NUM> with both function and aesthetics in mind.

In current ECS coupler and port configurations where these parts are injection molded as a unitary structure, undercut port shapes such as the examples illustrated in <FIG> would not be possible, as these shapes would cause a die lock condition or require assistance to remove the part from the mold. The flexible port <NUM> disclosed herein advantageously can form complex curved configurations, and thus is more versatile than previous rigid molded parts.

In order to ensure that water from the outside environment does not enter the vehicle interior <NUM>, it is desired that the interface between the outlet end <NUM> of the flexible port <NUM> and the exterior body panel <NUM> be water tight. As shown in <FIG>, the outlet end <NUM> may include a flange <NUM> spaced from a flexible tab <NUM>. In one or more embodiments, the outlet end <NUM> may be mounted to the exterior body panel <NUM> by inserting the outlet end <NUM> through the exterior body panel opening <NUM> from the internal space <NUM> between the interior and exterior body panels <NUM>, <NUM>, such that the flexible tab <NUM> moves past the exterior body panel <NUM> and captures the exterior body panel <NUM> between the tab <NUM> and the flange <NUM>. An annular gasket <NUM> may be coupled to an underside of the flange <NUM>, may be coupled to an inner surface <NUM> of the exterior body panel <NUM>, or otherwise inserted between the flange <NUM> and the inner surface <NUM> of the exterior body panel <NUM>. The gasket <NUM> may be constructed, for example, from a PVC foam material or other suitable material which can provide a water tight seal with the exterior body panel <NUM> as well as be capable of compression.

In prior ECS systems with rigid parts, dimensional variations in the vehicle due to tolerance stack up of the components could not be easily accommodated and might result in nonuniform gasket compression, potential water leak concerns due to a deficiency of the seal provided by the gasket, and/or potential no-build conditions. The flexible port <NUM> disclosed herein will forgive such component dimensional variations, providing a uniform and standard compression of the gasket <NUM> regardless of vehicle tolerances.

The flexible port <NUM> allows for easier assembly of components of the loudspeaker assembly <NUM> as compared with current ECS systems in which components are integrally formed or welded together. Because the flexible port <NUM> is a separate component from the coupler <NUM> and can bend, twist, expand and compress, installation is greatly facilitated. In one or more embodiments, the outlet end <NUM> of the flexible port <NUM> may first be mounted to the exterior body panel <NUM>, and subsequently the inlet end <NUM> of the flexible port <NUM> may be mounted to the coupler <NUM>, such as by extending the inlet end <NUM> through the opening <NUM> in the interior body panel <NUM>, after which the loudspeaker <NUM> (and coupler <NUM>) can be mounted to the interior body panel <NUM>. This sequence has the advantage of eliminating the need to install components in the confined internal space <NUM> between the interior body panel <NUM> and the exterior body panel <NUM>, and is made possible by the flexible nature of the port <NUM>. For example, during the installation process, the flexible port <NUM> can be stretched or expanded to attach the port <NUM> between the coupler <NUM> and the exterior body panel <NUM>, and when installation is complete the flexible port <NUM> can compress or return to a resting length.

The outlet end <NUM> of the flexible port <NUM> may be arranged to receive a screen member <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. The screen member <NUM> may be generally circular and includes a mesh material <NUM> (metal or another suitable material) surrounded by an outer rim <NUM>. The screen member <NUM> is sized to be received on the outlet end <NUM> of the flexible port <NUM>, where the outlet end <NUM> includes a plurality of spaced detents <NUM> on an outer surface thereof. Correspondingly, the outer rim <NUM> of the screen member <NUM> may include a plurality of spaced apertures <NUM> for receiving the detents <NUM> when the screen member <NUM> is attached to the outlet end <NUM>. Of course, the screen member <NUM> could alternatively include detents <NUM>, such as on an inner surface thereof, and the outlet end <NUM> of the flexible port <NUM> could include apertures <NUM> for coupling the screen member <NUM> to the outlet end <NUM>, or the screen member <NUM> and the outlet end <NUM> could be coupled by other means. Advantageously, the screen member <NUM> can be assembled to the outlet end <NUM> of the flexible port <NUM> without requiring insert molding or heat staking.

The screen member <NUM> may function as an exterior grill, and/or a noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) (acoustic resistive) material, and/or a weather shielding material, as well as for preventing animals (e.g., rodents) from nesting inside the flexible port <NUM> or coupler <NUM>. In an NVH capacity, the screen member <NUM> may provide noise isolation from the outside atmosphere while allowing fluid communication between the loudspeaker <NUM> and the outside environment, reducing unwanted resonance and minimizing or preventing outside noise from entering the vehicle <NUM>. In a weather shielding capacity, the screen member <NUM> can also protect the second side <NUM> of the loudspeaker <NUM> from being exposed to environmental weathering, which can present a problem during extreme conditions such as water, snow, ice, heat, or particulates (mud, dirt, rocks). Separate NVH and/or weather shielding materials integrated with or separate from the screen member <NUM> are also contemplated. With use of a standard-sized flexible port <NUM> disclosed herein for different loudspeakers <NUM> and vehicles <NUM> as described above, both the screen member <NUM> and the gasket <NUM> may also be standardized for all loudspeaker assemblies <NUM>.

While exemplary embodiments are described above, it is not intended that these embodiments describe all possible forms of the invention. Rather, the words used in the specification are words of description rather than limitation, and it is understood that various changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claim 1:
A loudspeaker assembly (<NUM>) for a vehicle (<NUM>), comprising:
a loudspeaker (<NUM>) having a first side (<NUM>) and an opposed second side (<NUM>), wherein the loudspeaker (<NUM>), when arranged in the vehicle (<NUM>), is configured to generate an acoustical signal having a front wave (<NUM>) emitted by the first side (<NUM>) and directed into an interior (<NUM>) of the vehicle (<NUM>) and a rear wave (<NUM>) emitted by the second side (<NUM>) and directed toward an exterior (<NUM>) of the vehicle (<NUM>);
a coupler (<NUM>) disposed on the second side (<NUM>) of the loudspeaker (<NUM>), the coupler (<NUM>) including an inlet portion (<NUM>) for receiving the loudspeaker (<NUM>) and an outlet portion (<NUM>); and
a flexible port (<NUM>) removably connectable to the coupler (<NUM>), the flexible port (<NUM>) including an inlet end (<NUM>) arranged to be connected to the outlet portion (<NUM>) of the coupler (<NUM>), an outlet end (<NUM>) arranged to be connected to an opening (<NUM>) in an exterior body panel (<NUM>), and an elongated body (<NUM>) extending between the inlet end (<NUM>) and the outlet end (<NUM>), the flexible port (<NUM>) configured to transmit the rear wave (<NUM>) to the exterior (<NUM>) of the vehicle (<NUM>),
wherein one of the outlet portion (<NUM>) of the coupler (<NUM>) and the inlet end (<NUM>) of the flexible port (<NUM>) includes a plurality of spaced detents (<NUM>) and the other includes a plurality of spaced apertures (<NUM>) for receiving the plurality of spaced detents (<NUM>) for removably attaching the flexible port (<NUM>) to the coupler (<NUM>).