Patent Document

[0001]     This application claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/836,113 filed Apr. 30, 2004, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. This application is a continuation-in-part thereof.  
         [0002]     This application includes material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office files or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0003]     The present invention relates to the field of portable media playback equipment, and in particular to portable devices for reproducing audio signals.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0004]     The past several decades have seen remarkable advances in audio and video reproduction equipment, particularly equipment that allows a variety of audio tracks to be carried or transported with a user from one location to another. Such equipment includes, e.g., equipment for digitally recording, editing, mixing, producing, storing and reproducing audio tracks. Digital files are advantageous for several reasons, including the fact that running error correction algorithms on the files can guarantee that the audio track data in the files is properly stored, which means that the audio can be faithfully reproduced even where an underlying recording medium induces errors or where errors are induced in the copy process. Another advantage of digital files is that reproduction equipment can precisely control the speed at which the audio track is played, thereby effectively guaranteeing consistent playback.  
         [0005]     In recent years, new algorithms for storing audio tracks have emerged. One of the more popular of these new audio track storage algorithms is the Motion Picture Entertainment Group level 3 algorithm, commonly referred to as the “MP 3 ” algorithm. The MP3 algorithm uses a variety of techniques, including allowing users to vary the audio track sampling rate as the audio track is recorded, varying the number of bits used to represent a given frequency range, and the like, to generate digital audio track files that are significantly smaller than those used on CD&#39;s. This means that users can carry more audio data files on a given medium than they could in the past. For example, a typical seventy-two minute audio CD holds approximately 650 MB of data. Depending on the compression methods chosen, a 650 MB CD-ROM has sufficient capacity for several hours of compressed music.  
         [0006]     As digital storage capacity continues to increase and compression algorithms continue to advance, users are able to carry more and more of the music they like with them. This has resulted in the incorporation of audio track reproduction capabilities in an ever-increasing array of audio-capable devices, including, but not limited to, digital cameras, portable digital assistants (“PDA&#39;s”), wireless telephones, and the like. Several other devices, generally referred to as portable media players (“PMP&#39;s”), have been introduced into the market that are predominately used for reproduction of compressed audio tracks. One of the most popular PMP&#39;s is the iPod, sold by Apple Computer, Inc. of Cupertino, Calif. The iPod has become popular because it has a relatively small form factor but can store many gigabytes of audio files and other information on a hard disk drive stored within the PMP. Other PMPs additionally store video information for playback on a small display integrated into the device.  
         [0007]     Most of the currently available audio devices are designed to be highly portable and to allow an individual to carry a relatively large number of audio tracks. However, because design of these devices has centered on portability, manufacturers tend to limit them so as to present the reproduced audio to a user only through monaural or stereo headphones that are plugged into the audio device. This means that, at best, these audio devices can only be used to reproduce audio tracks for a limited number of users, such as where one or more splitters are used to allow multiple users to plug headphones into the device. However, because the audio devices are typically battery powered, they are not capable of generating enough energy to power several pairs of headphones. Furthermore, increasing the number of users connected to a single device beyond one or two limits the device&#39;s portability.  
         [0008]     One method alternatively employed by some in the prior art is to allow users to attach speakers to a portable media player. This allows multiple users to experience audio tracks at the same time. Because the power output of audio devices is typically relatively low, it is frequently advantageous for the speakers to include an amplifier which is powered by an external power source. Some in the prior art have created relatively small, battery powered or alternating current (AC) powered speakers for use with portable audio reproduction equipment. These speakers tend to take a lot of physical abuse during transportation, and frequently the cables and adaptors used to connect the speakers to the audio device are not capable of withstanding such abuse.  
         [0009]     One solution offered on the market is the original inMotion™, available from Altec Lansing Technologies, Inc., of Milford, Pa., and described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/836,113 filed Apr. 30, 2004. The inMotion™ was a groundbreaking product which, for the first time, provided powered speakers integrated with a docking station for a portable media player in a relatively lightweight and compact portable package that folded to protect the speaker drivers during transport. While the inMotion™ offered great advantages in terms of robustness, weight, portability, size, and ease-of-use, room for improvement in each of these qualities remains.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0010]     The present invention is directed to a portable media reproduction system that substantially obviates one or more of the limitations of the related art. The invention is a portable media reproduction system preferably having at least two powered speakers housed in a protective case, and including a spring-loaded docking component and a spring-loaded base component which recess into the housing when not in use. The base component is preferably designed to facilitate positioning the speakers at a desired angle to enhance enjoyment of reproduced audio tracks. The audio amplifier can be powered by batteries or an AC power source, although it should be apparent to one skilled in the art that purely battery powered and purely AC powered speaker amplifiers can be substituted therefor without departing from the spirit or the scope of the invention.  
         [0011]     The portable media reproduction system of the present invention is preferably designed to be communicatively coupled with one or more portable devices. In one embodiment, the present invention preferably includes an adaptor by which the portable media reproduction system can be connected to one or more PMP&#39;s. By way of example, without intending to limit the present invention, the portable media reproduction system may include a docking cradle for attaching an iPod or other portable media player to the portable media reproduction system, thereby allowing the portable audio reproduction system to reproduce audio signals from the portable player. In an alternative embodiment, the docking cradle provided by the present invention may support multiple, interchangeable connection means, thus allowing a plurality of PMP&#39;s, satellite radio receivers, digital radio receivers, standard radio receivers, CD players, or other audio or audio/video devices to be communicatively coupled with the portable media reproduction system. The signal received by the system from the media device may be either digital or analog, and the player may be detachable from the system or permanently connected.  
         [0012]     In addition to communicatively coupling through a docking port or the like, a preferred embodiment of the present invention also allows external devices, such as, but not limited to, audio signals from a computer, secondary audio device, or the like, to be communicatively coupled to the portable media reproduction system through a standard audio connector. Electronic mixing circuitry preferably allows audio signals from the external device to be input to, and reproduced by, the portable media reproduction system in conjunction with an audio signal from an attached PMP or other device.  
         [0013]     In one embodiment, the portable media reproduction system comprises a housing having a first side and a second side; the first side having a docking component for receiving a portable media player and a latch proximate to the docking component, wherein the docking component is held in a closed position by the latch; a connector for connecting a portable media player, the connector positioned on the docking component to receive the portable media player when the docking component is in an open position; the second side having a base component that supports the portable media reproduction system in a desired, substantially upright position when the base component is in the open position, wherein the base component is held in a closed position by the latch; wherein actuating the latch releases the docking component and the base component from the closed position to the open position. The first side is at an angle of approximately 105 degrees from a supporting surface when the portable media reproduction system is in the open position. The portable media player is an iPod, other PMP, cellular phone, satellite radio receiver, digital radio receiver, standard radio receiver, CD player, digital camera, or portable digital assistant. At least one driver is positioned on the first side of the housing. The docking component communicatively couples the personal media player with a personal computer. An auxiliary input is positioned on the portable media reproduction system for reproducing sound from an auxiliary source.  
         [0014]     In another embodiment, a portable media reproduction system for reproducing sound from a portable media player through at least one speaker comprises a substantially flat front surface and rear surface; the front surface housing the at least one speaker aimed at a user; a docking component hinged to the portable media reproduction system and having a top side and a bottom side, the bottom side substantially aligned with the front surface when the docking component is in a first position; a connector on the top side for receiving the portable media player when the docking component is in a second position, the second position being approximately perpendicular to the first position; a base component hinged to the portable media reproduction system and having a top side and a bottom side, the bottom side substantially aligned with the rear surface when the base component is in the first position, and the top side being approximately perpendicular to the rear surface in the second position, wherein the bottom side abuts a surface and supports the portable media reproduction system in the second position; and a latch having a docking component flange and a base component flange, the docking component flange engaging the docking component in the first position and the base component flange engaging the base component in the first position, wherein depressing the latch releases the docking component from the docking component flange and the base component from the base component flange, allowing the docking component and the base component to rotate into the second position. The front surface is at an angle of approximately 105 degrees from a supporting surface when the portable media reproduction system is in the second position. The portable media player is an iPod, cellular phone, satellite radio receiver, digital radio receiver, standard radio receiver, CD player, digital camera, or portable digital assistant. The docking component communicatively couples the portable media player with a personal computer. The portable media reproduction system further comprises an auxiliary input for reproducing sound from an auxiliary source.  
         [0015]     In yet another embodiment, a method for utilizing a portable media device with portable media reproduction system having at least one speaker, the method comprises the steps of actuating a latch; releasing a docking component and a base component from engagement with the latch; receiving the portable media device on the docking component; and supporting the portable media reproduction system with the base component. The base component supports the portable media reproduction system at an angle of approximately 105 degrees from a bottom surface of the base component. The portable media device is an iPod, cellular phone, satellite radio receiver, digital radio receiver, audio/video player, standard radio receiver, CD player, digital camera, or portable digital assistant. The portable media device is communicatively coupled with a personal computer through the docking component. The portable media reproduction system further comprises an auxiliary input for reproducing sound from an auxiliary source.  
         [0016]     It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed. Additional features and advantages of the invention will beset forth in the description which follows, and in part will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The objectives and other advantages of the invention will be realized and attained by the structure particularly pointed out in the written description and claims hereof as well as the appended drawings. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0017]     The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the description serve to explain the principles of at least one embodiment of the invention.  
         [0018]     In the drawings:  
         [0019]      FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of a portable media reproduction system in an open position according to an embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0020]      FIG. 2  is a rear perspective view of the portable media reproduction system in the closed position according to an embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0021]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the portable media reproduction system in a closed position according to an embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0022]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the portable media reproduction system in the open position according to an embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0023]      FIGS. 5   a  and  5   b  are side views of the portable media reproduction system according to an embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0024]      FIGS. 6   a  and  6   b  are side views of the portable media reproduction system according to an embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0025]      FIGS. 7   a  and  7   b  are perspective views of the portable media reproduction system with a portable media device according to an embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0026]      FIGS. 8   a  and  8   b  are perspective views showing details of the spring-loaded docking component and spring-loaded base component, respectively. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
       [0027]     Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. For clarity, corresponding features are consistently labeled across the various views of the invention provided in the figures.  
         [0028]     FIGS.  1  to  7  illustrate various views of a portable media reproduction system  10  according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Referring to  FIG. 1 , portable media reproduction system  10  has a casing  20  having a front surface  50 , bottom surface  55 , right side  60 , left side  65 , and back surface  100  ( FIG. 3 ). In the preferred embodiment, the front surface  50  has a left speaker array  70  and a right speaker array  75 . Left and right speaker arrays  70 ,  75  each have a 25 mm full-range neodymium micro driver  30 ,  35  and a 18 mm neodymium tweeter  40 ,  45 . However, one of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate that the casing  20  can house a variety of different speaker configurations. Left and right speaker arrays  70 ,  75  are optionally covered with a perforated guard or screen to protect drivers  30 ,  35  and tweeters  40 ,  45 .  
         [0029]     A latch  80  and docking component  90  are substantially centered about the front surface  50  of casing  20 . In a closed position as shown in  FIG. 3 , only a bottom side  95  of docking component  90  is exposed. The exposed surfaces of latch  80  and bottom side  95  form a substantially planar surface with front surface  50  in the closed position.  
         [0030]     Referring to  FIG. 2 , a rear view of the portable media reproduction system  10  is shown. Similar to front surface  50 , a rear surface  100  is substantially planar. When in the closed position, rear surface  100  only exposes a bottom surface  125  of a base component  120 . Base component  120  has a pad  130  and portable media reproduction system  10  has pads  300 ,  305  for frictionally engaging a surface when base component  120  is in an open position.  
         [0031]     Latch  80  holds docking component  90  and base component  120  in the closed position by friction. By depressing the latch  80  in a direction towards docking component  90 , docking component  90  and base component  120  are released from latch  80 . A spring mechanism allows docking component  90  and base component  120  to articulate into an open position.  FIGS. 8   a  and  8   b  show details of the spring-loaded docking component  90  and spring-loaded base component  120 , respectively.  
         [0032]     Referring to  FIGS. 1, 3 ,  5   a,  and  5   b,  a user activates latch  80  in order to release docking component  90  and base component  20 . A flange  140  extending from a front surface  150  of docking component  90  is frictionally engaged with a securing flange of latch  80 . Upon actuating latch  80 , the securing flange is depressed into the casing  20  so that the securing flange and the flange  140  are no longer in contact. The docking component  90  rotates about a hinge  160  until a top surface  170  of docking component  90  is approximately perpendicular to the front surface  50  of the portable media reproduction system  10 . A stop flange (not shown) extending from docking component  90  into casing  20  prevents the movement of docking component  90  past the perpendicular position. The docking component  90  is in the “open” position when it has completed rotation to this position.  
         [0033]     Referring to  FIG. 4 , on the rear surface  100  of the portable media reproduction system  10 , base component  120  remains in a closed position when frictionally engaged with latch  80 . A base securing component  180  extends from the casing  20  a recess  185  in base component  120 . Upon actuating the latch  80 , the base securing component  180  retracts into the casing  20  and no longer engages base component  120 , allowing base component  120  to rotate into an open position. In the open position, a top surface  125  of the base component  120  is approximately perpendicular to the rear surface  100 . A support flange  190  is hinged to base component  120  and is concealed in casing  20  in the closed position. When the base component  120  rotates from casing  20  into the open position, a spring (not shown) located at the hinge of support flange  90  causes the support flange  90  to rotate into an upright position that is substantially perpendicular to both the rear surface  100  of casing  20  and top surface  125  of base component  120 . Support flange  190  has a flange  195  that extends to abut the rear surface  100  when in the open position. Flange  195  is positioned on an angle such that casing  20  abuts at an angle θ of approximately 105 degrees from a surface upon which the portable media reproduction system  10  rests. Alternatively, angle θ may be at any desired angle for delivering sound to an intended listener, but is preferably between about 90 degrees and 115 degrees. A stopping flange  200  abuts an interior side of casing  20  to prevent the support flange from rotating beyond the desired substantially perpendicular position. In such a configuration, the speakers  30 ,  35 ,  40 ,  45  are positioned at an angle that best aligns speakers  30 ,  35 ,  40 ,  45  with an anticipated user position when the portable media reproduction system  10  is used on a desk or other surface and positioned within arm&#39;s reach of the user. Although an approximately 105 degree rotation is preferred, it should be apparent to one skilled in the art that the support flange  190  and flange  195  positions are variable, and that alternative rotation angles may be substituted therefor without departing from the spirit or the scope of the invention.  
         [0034]     In the open position, a connector  210  on top surface  170  of docking component  90  is exposed and positioned to receive a personal media player (“PMP”), such as an iPod. Alternatively, the portable media reproduction system  10  can be configured to accommodate a cellular phone, satellite radio receiver, digital radio receiver, standard radio receiver, CD player, portable digital assistant, digital camera, or other portable audio or audio/video player. Referring to  FIGS. 7   a  and  7   b,  an iPod  220  is mounted on connector  210  by sliding iPod  220  in the direction  230 . The iPod  220  is dismounted in the opposite direction. When the iPod  220  is mounted on connector  210 , the rear of iPod  220  can rest against front surface  50  for added support. In the mounted position, iPod  220  is substantially centered between speakers  30 ,  35 ,  40 ,  45 , as shown in  FIGS. 7   a  and  7   b.    
         [0035]     When the base component is in the open position, a power adapter  270  and an external audio input jack  280  are exposed. Additionally, a synchronizing cable port  290  is positioned on the rear surface of the docking component for synchronizing the ipod  220  with a computer or other similar device.  
         [0036]     When media device  220  is communicatively coupled with the portable media reproduction system  10 , media device  220  may also receive power from the portable media reproduction system  10 . In one embodiment, the portable media reproduction system  10  may only supply power to media device  220  when the portable media reproduction system  10  is receiving power from an external power source, such as, but not limited to, an AC to DC converter, or to an external device capable of providing power to the portable media reproduction system  10 . In an alternative embodiment, the portable media reproduction system  10  may supply power to the media device regardless of whether the portable media reproduction system  10  is operating on power from an external power source or from internal batteries. In addition to allowing media device  220  to function, power supplied by the portable audio reproduction system  10  to media device  220  may also allow the media device to charge any rechargeable batteries stored therein.  
         [0037]     Power adapter input  270  preferably allows the portable media reproduction system  10  of the present invention to be powered from an external power source, such as, but not limited to, an AC to DC converter or external battery pack. In addition to receiving power from an external power source, the portable media reproduction system  10  can also preferably be powered by one or more batteries, which are preferably stored within the portable media reproduction system  10 . In an exemplary embodiment, rear surface  100  has two slidably removable covers  110 ,  115  for access to battery housings. Although rechargeable batteries, such as, but not limited to, lithium ion batteries, are presently preferred, it should be apparent to one skilled in the art that disposable batteries can be substituted therefor without departing from the spirit or the scope of the invention.  
         [0038]     In an embodiment in which rechargeable batteries are used, the rechargeable batteries are preferably recharged any time the portable media reproduction system  10  is connected to an external power source via power adapter. The portable media reproduction system  10  may also charge the batteries, and receive power, if a device is connected thereto via synchronizing cable port. In an embodiment in which rechargeable batteries are used, the batteries should preferably be of a capacity such that, if the portable media reproduction system  10  is disconnected from the external power source when the batteries are fully charged, the portable media reproduction system  10  can be powered and reproduce audio signals for several consecutive hours without needing to be recharged.  
         [0039]     Power from a power adapter, an externally connected device, and/or the batteries is preferably used to power a Class D or other audio amplifier housed within the portable media reproduction system, as well as other aspects of the invention. A Class D amplifier is advantageous because of the relatively high efficiencies associated with such amplifiers. Such efficiencies provide reduced power consumption over conventional amplifiers, thereby improving the system&#39;s battery life. The amplifier is preferably used to convert the audio signals from media device, preferably received via docking component and/or from an auxiliary audio source connected to the portable media reproduction system  10  through auxiliary input jack, into a signal capable of driving the speakers.  
         [0040]     Locating auxiliary input jack  280 , synchronizing cable port  290 , and power adapter  270  near each other is advantageous because it simplifies connecting the portable media reproduction system  10  to, and disconnecting the portable media reproduction system from, any attached devices. All are hidden in the closed position for protection. However, it should be apparent to one skilled in the art that the physical location of input jack  280 , synchronized cable port  290 , and power adapter  270  can be varied without departing from the spirit or the scope of the invention.  
         [0041]     As illustrated in  FIGS. 1 through 6   a,  the portable media reproduction system  10  is preferably equipped with power switch  260 , which allows a user to easily turn the system  10  on and off. A light emitting diode (“LED”)  265  is preferably capable of displaying a plurality of colors and thereby conveying information to a user. By way of example, without intending to limit the present invention, LED may be powered off, or dark, when the portable media reproduction system is turned off, may glow green when the portable media reproduction system is connected to an external power source, may glow yellow when the portable media reproduction system is being powered by batteries, and may glow red when the portable media reproduction system is being powered by batteries and the estimated remaining battery power drops below a given threshold.  
         [0042]     Although power switch can preferably be used to turn the portable media reproduction system on and off, in an alternative embodiment, the portable media reproduction system may ignore attempts to turn the portable media reproduction system on when the portable media reproduction system is closed. The portable media reproduction system may also automatically power off when closed. These features can help prevent draining the batteries when the portable media reproduction system is not in use.  
         [0043]     A user can also set the overall output level, or volume, by adjusting volume control  250 , positioned on a top surface  240 .  
         [0044]     Additional connectors, such as those supporting the Universal Serial Bus, Fire Wire, or other such standards, may also be added to the portable media reproduction system. Such connectors may allow the portable media reproduction system to replace a docking station traditionally associated with portable media devices, thus enabling the portable media device to synchronize files with a computer.  
         [0045]     The portable media reproduction system may also be equipped with one or more handles or carrying straps. This can facilitate easily transporting the portable media reproduction system.  
         [0046]     Pads  300 ,  305  provide frictional resistance on a surface when the portable media reproduction system  10  is in the open position on the surface.  
         [0047]     While the invention has been described in detail and with reference to specific embodiments thereof, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope thereof. Thus, it is intended that the present invention cover the modifications and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

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