GB2202711A - Loudspeakers - Google Patents

Abstract

A loudspeaker cabinet (1) is adapted to receive a number of loudspeaker modules through an open front face. The modules are fixed to the cabinets by means of flanges (16) which can be bolted to inwardly projecting flanges (10) along each side of the open front face of the cabinet. <IMAGE>

Description

LOUDSPEAKERS The present invention relates to loudspeakers and, more particularly, to loudspeaker cabinets for high and mid-range loudspeakers.

In assembling sound systems, it is frequently necessary to adjust the number and type of speakers used for providing the mid and high frequency range capability of the speaker array in dependence upon the particular circumstances of the auditorium in which the sound system is being used.

The loudspeaker cabinets to be described are particularly suitable for use with flying sound systems such as described in GB-A-2 150 397 and our co-pending application No.

87 (Agents reference P30360GB). In the. system described in that specification, it is necessary to modify the loudspeaker cabinets by the fitment of various connector parts in order to allow the cabinets to be flown. Since individual loudspeakers for high and mid-range may be of small size, the requirement to modify the cabinets may give rise to difficulties.

The present invention provides a loudspeaker cabinet having an open face through which a plurality of loudspeaker or other modules can be removably received.

A loudspeaker cabinet in accordance with the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawing which shows a perspective view of the cabinet together with a module adapted to be fitted into the cabinet.

The cabinet 1 is essentially an open-fronted cuboid box with rectangular side walls similar in size to a typical bass or low frequency speaker cabinet. The cabinet is provided with connector parts 2 and 4 which allow it to be used in a flying system as described in our co-pending U.K. patent application No. 87. . The cabinet may also be provided with a handle 6 on each side and a set of four castor wheels 8 on the rear face of the cabinet to allow easy transportation.

The front face of the cabinet is open and is provided with an inwardly extending flange 10 along each longitudinal edge. Each flange 10 is provided with holes 12 at a regular spacing. In the illustrated cabinet, the interior is divided by two horizontal spacers 14. However, these are optional but may be used if additional support is required for the loudspeaker modules. Each loudspeaker module 14 has a depth which is a multiple of a standard minimum depth which is equal to the spacing of the holes 12. All the modules are also of a standard width so that they fit between the side walls. Each module 14 has laterally projecting flanges 16 which overlap the flanges 10 of the cabinet when the module is slid into position inside the cabinet.The flanges 16 are provided with holes 18 at the same or a multiple of the spacing of the holes 12 so that the module can be secured to the cabinet by means of bolts passing through the co-operating holes 12 and 18. The modules may be loudspeakers or contain ancillary equipment.

The module 14 is provided with horizontally extending runners 20 which co-operate with guides 22 projecting from the sides of the cabinet. This runner and guide arrangement is optional and is not necessary for lightweight speaker modules which can be adequately supported by means of the front flanges 16. Where provided, the guides 22 inside the cabinet are provided at spaced intervals corresponding to the minimum module depth or a multiple of this so that at whatever position in the cabinet a module is located, the runner can fit with a corresponding guide.

It will be appreciated that various other methods of securing the modules into the cabinet can be adopted.

Claims (6)

1. A loudspeaker cabinet having an open face through which a plurality of loudspeaker or other modules can be removably received.

2. A cabinet according to claim 1, wherein inwardly projecting flanges are provided on each side of the open face in order to co-operate with corresponding flanges formed on each side of the modules so that the modules may be secured to the flanges at any desired longitudinal position within the cabinet.

3. A cabinet according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising guide means formed on the inside side faces of the cabinet at predetermined spacings in order to co-operate with runners formed at corresponding spacings on the modules.

4. A loudspeaker cabinet substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawing.

5. An assembly of a loudspeaker cabinet according to any one of the preceding claims, and a plurality of loudspeaker or other modules removably received therein.

6. A loudspeaker module substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawing.