GB2561805A

GB2561805A - Dual-purpose loudspeaker enclosure

Info

Publication number: GB2561805A
Application number: GB1700058.9A
Authority: GB
Inventors: James Robert Arthey Spencer
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2017-01-03
Filing date: 2017-01-03
Publication date: 2018-10-31
Also published as: GB201700058D0

Abstract

A combination loudspeaker and pepper mill consisting of an enclosure 1 comprising a seasoning receptacle 16, a grinding mechanism 17, an outlet 19, and a loudspeaker 2. The enclosure 1 may be a two part construction with a base 5 and an upper portion 4, where the receptacle is located in the base and is refilled by detaching the base from the upper portion. The grinding mechanism is rotated by either an electric motor 21 or manually. There may be a power source, which may power both the speaker and the motor and there is preferably a docking station which is used to charge the power source which may be rechargeable batteries 7. A power source in the base is connected by an electrical connector 25 to the speaker in the upper portion so that electrical connection is maintained during relative rotation between the two parts. Alternatively the batteries may be located in the upper portion and the upper portion can be recharged in the docking station. The upper portion may have an inner and outer portion, the batteries disposed in the outer portion, such that the outer portion can be removed and the inner portion can be rotated.

Description

(,2,UK Patent Application , ,GB ,,,,2561805 „₃₎A (43) Date of A Publication_31.10.2018

(21) Application No:	1700058.9	(51) INT CL:
H04R1/02 (2006.01)	A47J 42/00 (2006.01)
(22) Date of Filing:	03.01.2017	(56) Documents Cited:
(71) Applicant(s): Spencer James Robert Arthey 10-07 Robertson Edge, 18 Tong Watt Road, 238010, Singapore	GB 2453731 A WO 2017/006084 A1 US 6212282 B1 US 3734417 A1 US 20160007115 A1 US 20070288678 A1	GB 2393671 A1 US 8150460 B1 US 5022591 A US 3578253 A US 20080210792 A1
(72) Inventor(s): Spencer James Robert Arthey (74) Agent and/or Address for Service: Spencer James Robert Arthey The Old Dairy, Park Lane, Britford, Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP5 4EA, United Kingdom	(58) Field of Search: INT CLA47J, H04R Other: EPODOC, WPI

Title of the Invention: Dual-purpose loudspeaker enclosure Abstract Title: Combination loudspeaker and pepper grinder (57) A combination loudspeaker and pepper mill consisting of an enclosure 1 comprising a seasoning receptacle 16, a grinding mechanism 17, an outlet 19, and a loudspeaker 2. The enclosure 1 may be a two part construction with a base 5 and an upper portion 4, where the receptacle is located in the base and is refilled by detaching the base from the upper portion. The grinding mechanism is rotated by either an electric motor 21 or manually. There may be a power source, which may power both the speaker and the motor and there is preferably a docking station which is used to charge the power source which may be rechargeable batteries 7. A power source in the base is connected by an electrical connector 25 to the speaker in the upper portion so that electrical connection is maintained during relative rotation between the two parts. Alternatively the batteries may be located in the upper portion and the upper portion can be recharged in the docking station. The upper portion may have an inner and outer portion, the batteries disposed in the outer portion, such that the outer portion can be removed and the inner portion can be rotated.

Figure 1

1/1

Figure 1

Application No. GB1700058.9

RTM

Date :8 June 2017

Intellectual

Property

Office

The following terms are registered trade marks and should be read as such wherever they occur in this document:

Bluetooth (Page 13)

Wi-Fi (Page 13)

Intellectual Property Office is an operating name of the Patent Office www.gov.uk/ipo

Dual-Purpose Loudspeaker Enclosure

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a loudspeaker enclosure. More particularly, but not exclusively, the present invention relates to a loudspeaker enclosure which is a dual-purpose loudspeaker enclosure comprising a mechanism for grinding seasoning material.

Background of the Invention

The increased availability of longer-life and cheaper battery technology, and the use of improved loudspeaker technologies which have a low energy consumption and high quality sound reproduction performance has led to the development of small, cordless loudspeaker enclosures for convenient use anywhere in the home, in restaurants or outdoors. These cordless loudspeaker enclosures are attractive for use on kitchen worktops and on dining tables due to their lack of obstructing wires and their ability to be placed anywhere around the other objects during cooking or dining. However, even when using such loudspeaker enclosures, kitchen worktops and dining tables still tend to be rather cluttered.

A large selection of items is usually required in a kitchen or dining environment, including, for example, multiple plates, bowls, napkins, various glasses, cutlery, lighting, a music or radio player and seasoning dispensers. With so many objects and only limited table or worktop surface area, the environment is often cluttered. This is not only aesthetically unappealing, but it may also give rise to an increased risk of spillages or breakages.

The present invention seeks to mitigate the abovementioned problem.

Summary of the Invention

In a first aspect, the present invention provides a loudspeaker enclosure comprising a loudspeaker for converting electrical signals into corresponding audible sounds, such as music and spoken words, in the environment around the loudspeaker enclosure, wherein the loudspeaker enclosure is a dual-purpose loudspeaker enclosure. The loudspeaker enclosure further comprises a receptacle for holding a seasoning material to be ground, a grinding mechanism for grinding the seasoning material, and an outlet for dispensing ground seasoning material from the grinding mechanism. The loudspeaker enclosure is arranged such that upon actuation of the grinding mechanism, the ground material may be dispensed from the outlet.

The present invention recognises that by providing a dual-purpose loudspeaker enclosure (i.e. that incorporates a seasoning grinder), two important kitchen and dining items can be combined into a single article. This removes the need for two separate articles on a worktop or table, thereby saving space and reducing clutter .

The receptacle, grinding mechanism and outlet are preferably integrated into the loudspeaker enclosure.

The loudspeaker enclosure may have a longitudinal axis. The longitudinal axis may be vertical when the loudspeaker enclosure is upright on a flat surface. The longitudinal axis of the receptacle may be co-axial with the longitudinal axis of the loudspeaker enclosure. The longitudinal axis of the grinding mechanism may be coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the loudspeaker enclosure. The outlet may be concentric with the longitudinal axis of the loudspeaker enclosure. The loudspeaker enclosure may be axially symmetric around the longitudinal axis.

The loudspeaker enclosure may comprise a base portion for supporting the loudspeaker enclosure on a flat surface. The loudspeaker enclosure may comprise an upper portion located above the base portion. The base portion may allow the loudspeaker enclosure to stand upright on a flat surface when in use, such as a on a table .

The upper portion and base portion may be integral to one another. Alternatively, the upper portion and base portion may be separate from (yet preferably connected to) one another.

The upper portion may be rotatable relative to the base portion.

The outlet may be located in the underside of the base portion. Locating the outlet in the underside of the base portion allows ground seasoning material to be dispended from the outlet whilst keeping the loudspeaker enclosure in a generally upright orientation. Thus, there may be no need for the user to manipulate the loudspeaker enclosure from its conventional orientation in order to dispense the seasoning material.

The receptacle may be located in the base portion. Placing the receptacle in the base portion tends to provide a particularly stable loudspeaker enclosure. Furthermore, in embodiments in which the outlet is located in the underside of the base portion, the presence of the receptacle in the base portion also minimises the complexity required in the construction of the loudspeaker enclosure to allow ground seasoning material to travel from the receptacle to the outlet.

The receptacle may be arranged such that it is accessible for refilling with seasoning material. The receptacle may be arranged such that it is accessible for refilling with seasoning material by detachment of the upper portion from base portion. This arrangement has been found to make refilling the receptacle easy. For example, it may remove the need to re-orientate the loudspeaker enclosure, or handle the whole of the loudspeaker enclosure, whilst refilling the receptacle.

In some embodiments the receptacle may be removable from the base portion. In some of these embodiments it may be removable through the underside of the base portion. In some embodiments it may be secured into the base portion using a helical screw tightening motion, or using a 'bayonet' fastening system.

In some embodiments of the invention, the grinding mechanism may be manually operable. Manual operation has the advantage that no additional power source is required, and that the grinding mechanism may be operated at any place or time, even when no power source is available .

The grinding mechanism may be manually operable by rotation of the base portion relative to the upper portion. This method of operation is advantageous because it tends to be simple to perform and allows the user to easily determine the volume of ground seasoning material to be dispensed.

The grinding mechanism may comprise a drive shaft arranged to drive rotation of a grinding wheel for grinding the seasoning material. The drive shaft may extend from the base portion into the upper portion, such that rotation of the upper portion relative to the lower portion rotates the drive shaft.

The receptacle may contain a seasoning material to be ground. For example, the receptacle may contain salt or pepper.

The loudspeaker is suitable for creating audible sounds such as music or spoken word in the environment around the loudspeaker enclosure. The loudspeaker is preferably arranged to provide substantially uniform audio reproduction around the loudspeaker enclosure. The loudspeaker enclosure may comprise a perforated cover surrounding the loudspeaker, or loudspeakers for providing uniform audio reproduction in the environment around the loudspeaker enclosure.

The loudspeaker enclosure may comprise a power source for powering the loudspeaker. In some embodiments, the loudspeaker may be associated with the upper portion, but the power source may be located in the base portion. In such embodiments, the loudspeaker enclosure may further comprise an electrical connector between the upper portion and the base portion for connecting the power source with the loudspeaker during relative rotation between the base portion and upper portions.

This arrangement tends to facilitate a relatively stable loudspeaker enclosure because the weight of the power source is in the base portion, yet it enables the loudspeaker to be located at a higher level, in the upper portion, for direct, high quality sound reproduction in the environment around the loudspeaker enclosure.

The electrical connector may ensure that the loudspeaker is not disconnected during operation of the grinding mechanism by rotation of the base portion relative to the upper portion.

In some embodiments, the loudspeaker enclosure may comprise a grinding mechanism which is electrically operable. An electrically operable grinding mechanism has the advantage of requiring little to no exertion by the user, making grinding easier. Preferably, the loudspeaker enclosure comprises a motor to drive the electrically operable grinding mechanism.

The electrically operable grinding mechanism may be actuated by actuation of a switch. This provides a means of grinding which is both easy to understand and requires no physical exertion by the user. The switch may be actuated by relative linear displacement between the upper and lower portions of the loudspeaker enclosure. This may enable the user to operate the grinding mechanism simply by pushing downwards or pulling upwards on the upper portion of the loudspeaker enclosure (whilst holding the base portion), which has been found to be a simple and intuitive means of operation. Alternatively the actuation switch may be located on the top of the loudspeaker enclosure.

The motor may be powered by a power source. The power source may be a common power source arranged to supply power to both the motor and the loudspeaker. This tends to minimise the weight and size of the loudspeaker enclosure, compared to having separate power sources for each of the loudspeaker and the motor.

In some embodiments, the loudspeaker enclosure itself may not necessarily comprise a power source. For example, the base portion may be arranged to be received in a docking station, the docking station being arranged to provide an electrical connection for powering the loudspeaker when the base is received in the docking station. This may facilitate a relatively light-weight loudspeaker enclosure making it easier to lift when wishing to grind seasoning material.

In some embodiments, the power source may be one or more rechargeable batteries. The docking station may be arranged such that when the base portion is received in a docking station, the docking station recharges the batteries. This allows convenient recharging of the loudspeaker enclosure without the need to remove batteries, and reduces the size and weight of the loudspeaker enclosure when in use on the table by allowing the docking station to be stored and used elsewhere .

In some embodiments, the power source may be one or more rechargeable batteries. The upper portion may be arranged to be received in a docking station, such that when the upper portion is received in the docking station the batteries are recharged. Again, this allows convenient recharging of the loudspeaker enclosure without the need to remove the batteries, and reduces the size and weight of the loudspeaker enclosure when in use on the table by allowing the docking station to be stored and used elsewhere.

In some embodiments, the rechargeable batteries may be located in the upper portion and the upper portion may be removable from the base portion. The upper portion may thus be removed from the base portion and received in a docking station independently from the base portion, such that when the upper portion is received in the docking station the batteries are recharged. This allows the

- 8 upper portion alone to be transferred to the docking station for recharging, which is lighter and more convenient to transport, and saves space in the area of the docking station when charging the batteries, which is especially useful if charging multiple units on a multiple docking station at once.

In some embodiments, an electrical terminal, or jack, to receive a power cable may be located in the base portion. In other embodiments an electrical terminal, or jack, to receive a power cable may be located in the upper portion. In either one of these embodiments, the connection of the power cable may recharge the internal power source, or power the unit directly.

In some embodiments of the invention, more than one loudspeaker may be arranged in the loudspeaker enclosure. This may increase the total power output of the unit, or improve the sound quality by allowing the use of separate loudspeakers which deliver high quality sound in a narrow frequency range.

In some such embodiments, a specialist low frequency loudspeaker (for example, a woofer, or sub-woofer) operating in the 20Hz to 500Hz range may be used. This is advantageous since the low frequency sound produced may be higher quality than if a general purpose (full range) loudspeaker is used.

In some such embodiments, a specialist high frequency loudspeaker (for example, a tweeter) operating in the 2000Hz to 20,000Hz range may be used. This is advantageous since the high frequency sound produced may be higher quality than if a general purpose (full range) loudspeaker is used.

In some embodiments, the one or more loudspeakers may have a total RMS output power greater than 0.2 Watts.

Loudspeakers having such a high RMS output power are advantageous since they provide high volume levels around a dining or kitchen area, and minimise the number of individual loudspeaker enclosures needed to effectively reach all areas of a room.

In some embodiments of the invention, the on/off state of the one or more loudspeakers is controlled by a dedicated user operable switch. This allows the user control over when to use the loudspeaker function of the loudspeaker enclosure, and also to use the loudspeaker function independently from the seasoning grinding function.

In some embodiments, the volume of sounds emitted from the one or more loudspeakers may be controlled by the user. This allows various volumes to be chosen between by the user, to tailor the music or spoken word volume to the mood or atmosphere desired, or to the amount of ambient sound in the environment.

Some embodiments of the invention may further comprise a holding unit, which is arranged to receive a seasoning dispenser. This would allow another seasoning dispenser, such as a salt shaker, to be kept in proximity to a pepper grinding loudspeaker enclosure of the invention, which is convenient for a diner who will often wish to use more than one seasoning together.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a loudspeaker enclosure comprising a fitting for a loudspeaker, wherein the loudspeaker enclosure is a dual-purpose loudspeaker enclosure. The loudspeaker enclosure further comprises a receptacle for holding a seasoning material to be ground, a grinding mechanism for grinding the seasoning material, and an outlet for dispensing ground seasoning material from the grinding mechanism. The loudspeaker enclosure is arranged such that upon actuation of the grinding mechanism, the ground material may be dispensed from the outlet. Such a loudspeaker enclosure may be provided independently from the loudspeaker with which it is to be used, allowing a user to use their preferred loudspeaker, or use existing loudspeakers in their possession which are complementary to the loudspeaker fitting.

It will of course be appreciated that features described in relation to one aspect of the present invention may be incorporated into other aspects of the invention. For example, the first aspect of the invention may incorporate any of the features described with reference to the second or third aspects of the invention and vice versa.

Description of the Drawings

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying schematic drawing, Figure 1, showing a cross-section of a loudspeaker enclosure according to a first embodiment of the invention, wherein the upper portion is removable from the base portion, and wherein a motor for driving the grinding mechanism is located in the upper portion.

Detailed Description

A loudspeaker enclosure 1 in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention is shown in Figure 1. In a similar manner to a conventional loudspeaker enclosure, the loudspeaker enclosure 1 of the first embodiment comprises a loudspeaker 2 for converting electrical signals into corresponding audible sounds in the environment around the loudspeaker enclosure. The loudspeaker 2 is situated below a perforated disc shaped cover 3 and provides 360 degree sound emission. The loudspeaker 2 is in the form of a dynamic loudspeaker and is mounted within the upper portion 4 of the loudspeaker enclosure 1. It is mounted in an upward facing arrangement. In other embodiments (not shown) one or more loudspeakers could be downward facing, on an angle or substantially radially facing outward from the central axis of the loudspeaker enclosure. In some embodiments (also not shown) the perforated cover may radially surround the loudspeaker, or be below the loudspeaker, or there may be a plurality of perforated covers in multiple orientations around the loudspeaker.

In the first embodiment of the invention, the loudspeaker enclosure 1 has a cylindrical base 5 which provides a stable footing to enable the loudspeaker enclosure to be placed on a flat surface 6 such as a dining table or a kitchen worktop. The base contains a battery 7 and electrical connections (not shown) connecting the battery 7 with the loudspeaker 2 and various electronic elements (described shortly).

In some embodiments (not shown) the base portion may be acoustically isolated or damped, from the surface on which it is placed by one or more flexible mounts. The mounts prevent vibrations from the loudspeaker enclosure being transferred to the surface, which can negatively affect sound reproduction performance. In some embodiments (not shown), a gap may be evident between the base portion and the surface so that audible sounds may be emitted from the base of the loudspeaker enclosure to the surrounding environment, further improving acoustic performance. In other embodiments (not shown) one or more holes may be incorporated into the loudspeaker enclosure structure with a section of tubing affixed to the holes, in a 'bass-reflex' arrangement. This 'bass-relfex' arrangement is advantageous since it further improves the performance of the loudspeaker enclosure by porting sound from the rear side of the loudspeaker to the environment around the loudspeaker enclosure.

In the first embodiment of the invention, the loudspeaker enclosure 1 comprises a means by which it may communicate with a remote device (not shown) such as a remote control, a smartphone or a tablet computer. This is advantageous since it enables a simpler loudspeaker enclosure design where a comprehensive control interface may be located on the remote device and not on the loudspeaker enclosure itself.

The loudspeaker enclosure 1 and the remote device (not shown) may communicate using a wired connection, for example, through a 3.5mm jack 8 or a micro-USB connector 9 located in the base portion 5, although in other embodiments (not shown) these may be located in the upper portion. In the first embodiment, the loudspeaker enclosure further comprise a radio receiver and transmitter module 10 so that it may wirelessly communicate with the remote device. The wireless communication technology standard used may be Bluetooth, or it may be Wi-Fi which may use the IEEE 802.11 protocol. Additionally the radio module 10 is arranged to receive conventional radio broadcasts, for example on AM, LW and EM frequencies, so that the loudspeaker enclosure may play commercial radio channels. The loudspeaker enclosure 1 additionally comprises an infra-red receiver and transmitter module 11 such that the loudspeaker enclosure may communicate with the remote device using infra-red signals.

Since the loudspeaker enclosure 1 may be connected to a remote device such as a smartphone or tablet computer, the remote devices may be used to control the music or radio output of the unit 1. The remote device may operate specific software design for the loudspeaker enclosure 1, which may be in the form of an 'app'.

This embodiment is advantageous since only one control unit may be required to control multiple loudspeaker enclosures in multiple locations. For example, the audio output from the loudspeaker enclosure 1 may be synchronised with one or more other loudspeaker enclosures (not shown) such that they operate in unison or in sequence when instructed. For example, in a restaurant environment, multiple loudspeaker enclosures on different dining tables may play the same music which may be controlled at the same volume level.

The first embodiment of the invention further comprises a microphone 12 in the base portion 5 such that the loudspeaker enclosure unit may feature 'hands-free' phone functionality when paired with a phone. In some embodiments a full-duplex system may be utilised. The microphone 12 may also be used in conjunction with voice recognition software to enable the user to control the features of the loudspeaker enclosure and the audio output of the loudspeaker 2 using their voice in a noncontact manner.

In other embodiments (not shown) the microphone may be located in the upper portion, for example, directed towards the top face of the upper portion to capture clearer audio signals from the environment.

The first embodiment of the invention further comprises a mass storage device 13 such that digital audio files maybe stored within the unit 1. This is advantageous since the user may wish to play audio files directly from the loudspeaker enclosure 1, and may find it inconvenient to connect an external storage device.

The mass storage device 13 is a removable type, for example, an SD card, but in other embodiments it may be a non-removable type such as a hard disk. The mass storage device is located in the base portion 5, but in other embodiments (not shown) it may be preferable to arrange it within the upper portion for ease of use, and/or design packaging.

Additionally, the first embodiment of the invention comprises volume control buttons 14 in the base portion 5 such that the user may easily adjust the output levels from the loudspeaker. In other embodiments (not shown), it may be preferable to arrange the volume control buttons in the upper portion, for example, on the top surface where they can be easily seen and accessed.

In other embodiments of the invention (not shown), the loudspeaker enclosure may further comprise an LCD or similar visual display to show the status of one or more of the features. For example, the display may show the battery charge level of the power source and/or the audio track playing through the loudspeaker. This may be arranged in the upper portion for ease of use, or on the lower portion for the same reason. The display may be a 'touch screen' display, for example using capacitive touch technology.

The first embodiment of the invention further comprises a port 15 through which a mobile phone or other electronic device can be connected so that the device's battery may be charged. This arrangement is advantageous since diners whose electronic devices are low on charge are able to recharge them whilst dining. Such a port may, for example, be a USB port, as in this case and is located in the base portion 5, for stability of the unit when in use. It may also be located in the upper portion for ease of manufacture, in further embodiments (not shown).

The above-mentioned features, in general, are known in some existing loudspeaker enclosures. Loudspeaker enclosures having such features are becoming increasingly popular in dining and kitchen environments. This tends to be due to their lack of obstructing wires and their ability to be placed anywhere around the other objects on the table or on kitchen worktops. Nevertheless, it has been found that, even when using such loudspeaker enclosures, dining tables and kitchen worktops still tend to be rather cluttered. This is not only aesthetically unappealing, but it may also give rise to an increased risk of spillages or breakages.

In an attempt to address this problem, the loudspeaker enclosure 1 of the first embodiment of the invention comprises an integral pepper grinder (i.e. it is a dual-purpose loudspeaker enclosure). The present invention recognises that by integrating two important table items into a single article, table space can be saved, resulting in a less cluttered table-top.

The integral pepper grinder will now be described in more detail with reference to Figure 1. The centre of the base portion 5 houses a receptacle 16 for holding unground pepper corns, and a grinding mechanism 17 at the lower end of the receptacle for grinding those pepper corns. The underside of the base portion 18 also comprises a circular outlet 19 through which ground pepper from the grinding mechanism can be dispensed. The receptacle 16, grinding mechanism 17 and outlet 19 are all concentric with the longitudinal axis 20 of the loudspeaker enclosure.

In the first embodiment of the invention, the loudspeaker enclosure comprises an electrically operable grinding mechanism and the upper portion 4 is rotationally fixed, relative to the base portion 5. The loudspeaker enclosure 1 comprises a motor 21 arranged to drive the drive shaft 22, and hence rotate the grinding wheel 23, to effect grinding of the pepper. The motor 21 is operable by actuation of a push switch 24 on the side of the loudspeaker enclosure 1, and is powered from the same battery 7 that powers the loudspeaker 2.

In the first embodiment, the loudspeaker 2 is associated with the upper portion 4, but the battery 7 (i.e. the power source) is located in the base portion 5. Thus, the loudspeaker enclosure 1 further comprises an electrical connector 25 between the upper portion and the base portion for connecting the power source 7 with the loudspeaker 2. In the first embodiment, the loudspeaker enclosure 1 also comprises a conventional switch 26, by means of which the user may turn the loudspeaker 2 on and off .

In the first embodiment of the invention, the power source 7 for the loudspeaker 2 and the electrically operable grinding mechanism is a single rechargeable battery which is charged by means of a micro USB socket 27, however in other embodiments (not shown), any other suitable power cable and corresponding socket could be used.

In the first embodiment, a single driver PCB module 28 is used to control all the electronic functions of the loudspeaker enclosure 1, for example, driving the loudspeaker 2, driving the grinder motor 21, controlling the rechargeable battery charging function, the microphone 12, the radio receiver/transmitter module 10 and the infra-red receiver/transmitter module 11. This driver PCB module 28 contains a programmable integrated circuit. This arrangement has the advantage of simplifying the hardware and software design. In further embodiments, multiple PCBs may be preferable due to layout and manufacturing considerations.

In the first embodiment, the upper portion 4 and the lower portion 5 can be detached from one another to enable the receptacle 16 to be re-filled. Thus, the loudspeaker enclosure can be reused for its dual (pepper) grinding purpose numerous times.

In a second embodiment of the invention (not shown), the grinding mechanism is manually operable. The mechanism comprises a drive shaft coupled to a grinding wheel. The drive shaft is fixed to the upper portion of the loudspeaker enclosure, which is itself rotatable relative to the base portion. Thus, upon rotation of the upper portion, the drive shaft rotates the grinding wheel to dispense ground pepper. In this embodiment the loudspeaker is located in the upper portion and the power source is located in the base portion providing a relatively stable design since the mass of the power source is in the base portion. In a variant of this arrangement (not shown), the upper portion and base portion are not separately rotatable relative to one another, but are integral to one another, and the grinding mechanism is operated by another means.

A third embodiment of the invention (not shown) is substantially identical to the second embodiment except that the batteries are located in the upper portion of the loudspeaker enclosure. This can be advantageous as it removes the need for an electrical connection between the upper and lower portions altogether.

In a fourth embodiment (not shown), the batteries are rechargeable and are located, along with the loudspeaker, in the upper portion of the loudspeaker enclosure, specifically in an outer element of the upper portion. The upper portion is removable from the base portion, such that when the upper portion is removed, an inner element of the upper portion remains in connection with the grinding mechanism's drive shaft, thus covering the receptacle and providing an operable pepper grinder, without the presence of the remainder of the upper portion containing the loudspeaker and power source. Such an arrangement is advantageous since an operable pepper grinder can remain on a dining table while the batteries contained in the outer element of the upper portion are recharged or replaced in a separate location. Preferably, the two upper portion elements are assembled together in an axial direction for ease of assembly and disassembly and utilise a coupling designed to prevent relative rotational movement (for example a D-shape or cruciform coupling) between the two, such that when the outer element is rotated, the inner element also rotates and operates the grinding mechanism.

In an additional embodiment (not shown) the loudspeaker and power source are removable from the outer element of the upper portion (e.g. for recharging), and the outer element of the upper portion can then be reassembled onto the lower element without the power source and loudspeaker, again temporarily providing a useable pepper grinder without a loudspeaker.

In the first to fourth embodiments of the invention, the one or more loudspeakers is located in the upper portion. However, in other embodiments, the loudspeaker is instead associated with the base portion. This can be advantageous as it removes the need for an electrical connection between the upper and lower portions altogether. The pepper grinding mechanism is still manually operable, and accordingly the loudspeaker enclosures each have an upper portion that is rotatable (relative to the base portion) to rotate the drive shaft (and hence to rotate the grinding wheel and dispense pepper).

It will be appreciated that the upper portion and base portion may be provided in a variety of designs, shapes, colours and materials with many of these embodiments .

In some further embodiments, the loudspeaker enclosure comprises an electrically operable grinding mechanism. In these embodiments the upper portion is rotationally fixed, relative to the base portion. The loudspeaker enclosure comprises a motor arranged to drive the drive shaft, and hence rotate the grinding wheel, to effect grinding of the pepper. The motor is operable by actuation of a push switch on the top of the loudspeaker enclosure, and is powered from the same batteries that power the loudspeaker. In these embodiments, the upper and lower portions can be detached from one another to enable the receptacle to be re-filled with pepper corns. Thus, the loudspeaker enclosure can be re-used, for its dual (pepper-grinding) purpose, numerous times. The base portion comprises a pressure switch that can be activated by linear displacement of the upper portion towards, or away from, the base portion. Thus, the grinding mechanism can be activated by pressing the upper portion into the base portion, or in other embodiments, pulling the upper portion away from the base portion.

In a further embodiment of the invention (not shown) that is broadly similar the refill of the receptacle is effected through the opening in the base portion. The loudspeaker enclosure may be turned upside down to enable a retaining nut and grinding wheel to be withdrawn, such that pepper corns can be poured in. In another embodiment, the receptacle may be accessed via the refill cap if desired. These features of this embodiment may be attractive because they avoid the need to disassemble and reassemble the upper portion and base portion when refilling the receptacle.

In some embodiments (not shown), the loudspeaker is removable, for example for servicing. In one such embodiment, the power source for the loudspeaker is located in the base portion. In another variant of this embodiment the power source is integral to the loudspeaker and the power source and the loudspeaker together are removable from the loudspeaker enclosure for servicing or recharging. In another variant (not shown), the loudspeaker enclosure may not necessarily comprise a power source for the loudspeaker, and the loudspeaker may, for example, be a separate removable 'stand-alone' loudspeaker enclosure.

In some embodiments, the power source for the loudspeaker is a docking station, and the base portion of the loudspeaker enclosure is arranged to be received in the docking station. The docking station is arranged to provide an electrical connection for powering the loudspeaker when the base is received in the docking station. The docking station is supplied by a mains electrical supply, but may in other embodiments contain a rechargeable or disposable battery. A docking station removes the need for a power source in the loudspeaker enclosure itself, making the loudspeaker enclosure lighter .

In some other embodiments (not shown), the docking station powers the loudspeaker only when the loudspeaker enclosure is placed in the docking station, such that the loudspeaker is turned off when the base is removed from the docking station for use as a grinder. Alternatively, the docking station may act to charge a rechargeable battery in the loudspeaker enclosure, for powering the loudspeaker, such that when the loudspeaker enclosure is removed from the docking station for use as a grinder, the loudspeaker remains on. In some embodiments (not shown), the rechargeable batteries are located in the base portion of the loudspeaker enclosure, and the base portion of the loudspeaker enclosure is received by the docking station. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the rechargeable batteries are located in the upper portion, and the upper portion is arranged to be received by the docking station. In such an embodiment, the upper portion may also be removable from the base portion, and thus may be received by the docking station independently from the base portion. In addition to a rechargeable battery being used for powering the loudspeaker, the docking station may also charge a rechargeable battery used for powering an electrically operable grinding mechanism.

In some other embodiments (not shown), the power source for the loudspeaker and/or the electrically operable grinding mechanism is one or more batteries which are independently removable from the loudspeaker enclosure, for example for recharging, replacement or servicing.

In some other embodiments, the loudspeaker enclosure further comprises a holding unit, arranged to receive a seasoning dispenser. This allows an additional seasoning dispenser, such as a salt shaker, to be kept in proximity to the pepper grinder, such that both seasonings can easily be retrieved and used together.

In some embodiments of the invention (not shown), the seasoning dispenser may be retained in the holding unit by magnetic force. This is a relatively cheap and simple means of securing the seasoning dispenser to ensure it does not become dislodged too readily, spilling the seasoning. In some embodiments both the holding unit and the seasoning dispenser may contain permanent magnets. In other embodiments the holding unit may contain a permanent magnet and the seasoning dispenser may contain a ferromagnetic material. In further embodiments, the seasoning dispenser may contain a permanent magnet and the holding unit may contain a ferromagnetic material.

In some embodiments, the holding unit for receiving the seasoning dispenser may be located in the upper portion of the loudspeaker enclosure. In other embodiments, the holding unit for receiving the seasoning dispenser may be located in the base portion of the loudspeaker enclosure.

In some embodiments of the invention (not shown) the loudspeaker enclosure may further comprise a receptacle for holding a pre-granulated seasoning material and an outlet through which the pre-granulated seasoning material may be dispensed. Thus it has a pre-granulated seasoning material dispenser within the structure of the loudspeaker enclosure, which further reduces clutter since a separate pre-granulated seasoning material dispenser, such as a salt shaker, is not required on the table .

In this instance, a pre-granulated seasoning material is defined as a food seasoning material that requires no further size reduction before being dispensed on to food; for example, pre-granulated salt granules often used in a salt shaker.

In some embodiments (not shown), the receptacle for holding the pre-granulated seasoning material may be located in the upper portion. In other embodiments, the receptacle for holding the pre-granulated seasoning material may be located in the base portion. In some embodiments, the pre-granulated seasoning material dispenser may be refilled through an opening on the underside of the loudspeaker enclosure. In some embodiments, the outlet through which the pre-granulated seasoning material may be dispensed may be on the underside of the loudspeaker enclosure.

Whilst the present invention has been described and illustrated with reference to particular embodiments, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the invention lends itself to many different variations not specifically illustrated herein.

Where in the foregoing description, integers or elements are mentioned which have known, obvious or foreseeable equivalents, then such equivalents are herein incorporated as if individually set forth. Reference should be made to the claims for determining the true scope of the present invention, which should be construed so as to encompass any such equivalents. It will also be appreciated by the reader that integers or features of the invention that are described as preferable, advantageous, convenient or the like are optional and do not limit the scope of the independent claims. Moreover, it is to be understood that such optional integers or features, whilst of possible benefit in some embodiments of the invention, may not be desirable, and may therefore be absent, in other embodiments.

Claims

1. A loudspeaker enclosure for standing on a surface, the loudspeaker enclosure comprising one or more loudspeakers for converting electrical signals into corresponding audible sounds in the environment around the loudspeaker enclosure when the loudspeaker enclosure is standing on the surface, and wherein the loudspeaker enclosure is a dual-purpose loudspeaker enclosure and further comprises a receptacle for holding a seasoning material to be ground;

a grinding mechanism for grinding the seasoning material; and an outlet for dispensing ground seasoning material from the grinding mechanism, the loudspeaker enclosure being arranged such that upon actuation of the grinding mechanism, the ground material may be dispensed from the outlet.

2. A loudspeaker enclosure according to claim 1, wherein the loudspeaker enclosure comprises a base portion for supporting the loudspeaker enclosure on the surface, and an upper portion located above the base portion.

3. A loudspeaker enclosure according to claim 2, wherein the outlet is located in the underside of the base portion.

4. A loudspeaker enclosure according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the receptacle is located in the base portion.

5. A loudspeaker enclosure according to claim 4, wherein the receptacle is arranged such that it is accessible for refilling with seasoning material, by detachment of the upper portion from base portion.

6. A loudspeaker enclosure according to any preceding claim, wherein the grinding mechanism is manually operable .

7. A loudspeaker enclosure according to claim 6 when dependent on claim 2, wherein the grinding mechanism is manually operable by rotation of the base portion relative to the upper portion.

8. A loudspeaker enclosure according to claim 7, wherein the grinding mechanism comprises a drive shaft arranged to drive rotation of a grinding wheel for grinding the seasoning material, and wherein the drive shaft extends from the base portion into the upper portion, such that rotation of the upper portion relative to the lower portion rotates the drive shaft.

9. A loudspeaker enclosure according to any preceding claim, wherein the loudspeaker enclosure comprises a power source for powering the loudspeaker.

10. A loudspeaker enclosure according to claim 9 when dependent on claim 7, wherein the loudspeaker is associated with the upper portion, but the power source is located in the base portion, and wherein the loudspeaker enclosure further comprises an electrical connector between the upper portion and the base portion for connecting the power source with the loudspeaker during relative rotation between the base portion and upper portions.

11. A loudspeaker enclosure according to any of claims 1 to 5, or claim 9, wherein the grinding mechanism is electrically operable.

12. A loudspeaker enclosure according to claim 11, wherein the loudspeaker enclosure comprises a motor arranged to drive the grinding mechanism.

13. A loudspeaker enclosure according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the grinding mechanism is actuated by actuation of a switch.

14. A loudspeaker enclosure according to claim 13, when indirectly dependent on claim 2, wherein the switch is actuated by relative linear displacement between the upper and lower portions of the loudspeaker enclosure.

15. A loudspeaker enclosure according to any of claim 11 to 14, wherein the motor is powered by a power source.

16. A loudspeaker enclosure according to claim 15, wherein the power source is a common power source arranged to supply power to both the motor and the loudspeaker .

17. A loudspeaker enclosure according to any of claims 2 to 8, or claims 11 to 16, wherein the base portion is arranged to be received in a docking station, the docking station being arranged to provide an electrical connection for powering the loudspeaker when the base is received in the docking station.

18. A loudspeaker enclosure according to any of claims 9 to 16, when indirectly dependent on claim 2, wherein the power source is one or more rechargeable batteries and wherein the base portion is arranged to be received in a docking station, such that when the base portion is received in the docking station the batteries are recharged.

19. A loudspeaker enclosure according to any of claims 9 to 16, when indirectly dependent on claim 2, wherein the power source is one or more rechargeable batteries and wherein the upper portion is arranged to be received in a docking station, such that when the upper portion is received in the docking station the batteries are recharged.

20. A loudspeaker enclosure according to claim 19, wherein the rechargeable batteries are located in the upper portion and the upper portion is removable from the base portion such that the upper portion may be removed and received in a docking station independently from the base portion, and such that when the upper portion is received in the docking station the batteries are recharged.

21. A loudspeaker enclosure according to any of claims 9 to 16, when indirectly dependent on claim 2, wherein:

the upper portion comprises an inner element and an outer portion removable from the inner element;

the power source for powering the loudspeaker is one or more batteries; and the one or more batteries are located in the outer portion of the upper portion, such that when the outer portion is removed, the inner element remains in connection with the grinding mechanism allowing the grinding mechanism to be operated by way of the inner portion.

22. A loudspeaker enclosure according to any of claims 1 to 16, wherein the loudspeaker comprises an integral power source, the loudspeaker and integral power source being removable for re-charging.

23. A loudspeaker enclosure according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the loudspeaker enclosure comprises more than one loudspeaker.

24. A loudspeaker enclosure according to claim 23, wherein the loudspeaker enclosure comprises at least one specialist low frequency producing loudspeaker creating sound in the range of 20Hz to 500Hz.

25. A loudspeaker enclosure according to claim 23, wherein the loudspeaker enclosure comprises at least one specialist high frequency producing loudspeaker creating sound in the range of 2000Hz to 20,000Hz.

26. A loudspeaker enclosure according to any one of the preceding claims, where the loudspeaker enclosure further comprising a mass storage device such that digital audio files maybe stored within the unit.

27. A loudspeaker enclosure according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the loudspeaker enclosure further comprises a radio receiver for receiving signals from external devices.

28. A loudspeaker enclosure according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the loudspeaker enclosure further comprises a radio transmitter for transmitting signals to external devices.

29. A loudspeaker enclosure according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the on/off state of the loudspeaker is controlled by a dedicated user operable switch.

30. A loudspeaker enclosure according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the loudspeaker enclosure further comprises volume control buttons so that the volume of the loudspeaker may be controlled by the user.

31. A loudspeaker enclosure according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the loudspeaker enclosure further comprising a microphone for converting audio signals into electrical signals.

32. A loudspeaker enclosure according to any one of claims 1 to 31, wherein the loudspeaker enclosure has a longitudinal axis and the longitudinal axis of the grinding mechanism is co-axial with the longitudinal axis of the loudspeaker enclosure.

33. A loudspeaker enclosure for standing on a surface, the loudspeaker enclosure comprising a fitting for a loudspeaker, the loudspeaker enclosure being arranged such that when the loudspeaker is fitted to the fitting and the loudspeaker enclosure is standing on the surface, the loudspeaker emits audible sounds to the environment around the loudspeaker enclosure; and wherein the loudspeaker enclosure is a dual-purpose loudspeaker enclosure and further comprises a receptacle for holding a seasoning material to be ground;

34. A loudspeaker enclosure substantially as herein described with reference to Figure 1, the accompanying drawing.

35. A method of creating audible sounds in the environment and grinding a seasoning material substantially as herein described with reference to Figure 1, the accompanying drawing.

Intellectual

Property

Office

Application No: GB1700058.9 Examiner: Mr Robert Alexander