Loudspeaker construction

Claim 2

In a loudspeaker of the type comprising a frame, a diaphragm, and a spider secured to the diaphragm, the improvement comprising: a first mounting member, secured to the frame and located at a perimeter region of the spider; a second mounting member held in place with respect to the frame and located to clamp the perimeter region of the spider between the first and second mounting members in order to locate the spider and hold it in place with respect to the frame mechanically; one of the mounting members comprising a ridge and the other of the mounting members defining a mating groove positioned such that the ridge forces the perimeter region of the spider into the groove to enhance the clamping action of the mounting members.

Claim 3

The loudspeaker of claim 1 wherein the loudspeaker further comprises a magnet assembly mounted to the frame and wherein the second mounting member is included in the magnet assembly.

Claim 4

The loudspeaker of claim 2 wherein the first mounting member comprises a ring integrally formed with the frame.

Claim 5

The loudspeaker of claim 2 wherein the magnet assembly comprises a front metallic plate and an annular plastic ring, wherein the ring is insert molded on the plate, and wherein the second mounting member is included in the annular plastic ring.

Claim 6

In a loudspeaker of the type comprising a frame, a diaphragm, a surround mounted between the diaphragm and the frame, a spider mounted to the diaphragm, and a magnet assembly mounted to the frame, the improvement comprising: a first mounting member included in the magnet assembly adjacent to a first side of the spider; a second mounting member integrally formed with the frame such that the spider is securely clamped and held in place between the first and second mounting members.

Claim 7

In a loudspeaker of the type comprising a frame, a diaphragm, a surround mounted between the diaphragm and the frame, a spider mounted to the diaphragm, and a magnet assembly mounted to the frame, the improvement comprising: a first mounting member included in the magnet assembly adjacent to a first side of the spider; a second mounting member integrally formed with the frame such that the spider is securely clamped and held in place between the first and second mounting members.

Claim 8

The loudspeaker of claim 5 wherein one of the mounting members comprises a raised surface, wherein the other of the mounting members comprises a mating recessed surface positioned such that the raised surface pushes the spider against the recessed surface to enhance the clamping action of the mounting members.

Claim 9

The loudspeaker of claim 6 wherein the raised surface comprises a circular ridge and wherein the recessed surface defines a circular trough.

Claim 10

The loudspeaker of claim 5 wherein the second mounting member is ring shaped.

Claim 11

The loudspeaker of claim 5 wherein the frame comprises a first threaded surface, wherein the magnet assembly is coupled to a second threaded surface, configured to mate with the first threaded surface, and wherein the first and second threaded surfaces are threadedly engaged in order simultaneously to hold the magnet assembly in place and to clamp the spider between the first and second mounting members.

Claim 12

The loudspeaker of claim 5 wherein the first mounting member comprises a plastic ring insert molded to a portion of the magnet assembly.

Claim 13

In a loudspeaker of the type comprising a frame, magnet assembly secured to the frame, a diaphragm, and a surround secured to the diaphragm, the improvement comprising: a first clamping member secured to the frame; a second clamping member; an array of resilient locking fingers secured to one of the first and second clamping members to hold the second clamping member in place against the first clamping member with the surround clamped between the two clamping members, said locking fingers configured to move aside as the second clamping member is moved into position against the first clamping member and then to spring back to automatically lock the second clamping member in place mechanically.

Claim 14

In a loudspeaker of the type comprising a frame, magnet assembly secured to the frame, a diaphragm, and a surround secured to the diaphragm, the improvement comprising: a first clamping member secured to the frame; a second clamping member; an array of resilient locking fingers secured to one of the first and second clamping members to hold the second clamping member in place against the first clamping member with the surround clamped between the two clamping members, said locking fingers configured to move aside as the second clamping member is moved into position against the first clamping member and then to spring back to automatically lock the second clamping member in place mechanically.

Claim 15

The loudspeaker of claim 11 wherein the second clamping member is ring shaped and wherein the locking fingers are mounted on the frame adjacent to the first clamping member.

Claim 16

The loudspeaker of claim 11 wherein one of the clamping members comprises a raised surface, wherein the other of the clamping surface comprises a mating recessed surface, and wherein the raised surface forces the surround against the recessed surface to enhance the clamping action of the clamping members.

Claim 17

The loudspeaker of claim 13 wherein the raised surface comprises an annular ridge extending around the surround and wherein the recessed surface defines an annular groove.

Claim 18

In a loudspeaker of the type comprising a frame, a magnet assembly secured to the frame, a diaphragm, and a surround secured to the diaphragm, the improvement comprising: a first annular clamping member included in the frame and positioned adjacent to an outer peripheral portion of the surround; an array of resilient locking fingers secured to the frame around and outside of the first clamping member, each locking finger defining a respective striking surface and a respective holding surface; a ring shaped second clamping member mechanically locked in place by the locking fingers in order to mechanically clamp the surround between the clamping members, said second clamping member shaped to contact the striking surfaces in order to push the locking fingers aside as the second clamping member is moved toward the first clamping member, and to engage the holding surfaces after the second clamping member has been moved into place against the surround, said locking fingers acting to mechanically lock the second clamping member, and therefore the surround, in place with respect to the frame; a projecting surface included in one of the clamping members; and a recessed surface included in the other of the clamping members and positioned to mate with the projecting surface to deform and clamp the surround therebetween.

Claim 19

In a loudspeaker of the type comprising a frame, a magnet assembly secured to the frame, a diaphragm, and a surround secured to the diaphragm, the improvement comprising: a first annular clamping member included in the frame and positioned adjacent to an outer peripheral portion of the surround; an array of resilient locking fingers secured to the frame around and outside of the first clamping member, each locking finger defining a respective striking surface and a respective holding surface; a ring shaped second clamping member mechanically locked in place by the locking fingers in order to mechanically clamp the surround between the clamping members, said second clamping member shaped to contact the striking surfaces in order to push the locking fingers aside as the second clamping member is moved toward the first clamping member, and to engage the holding surfaces after the second clamping member has been moved into place against the surround, said locking fingers acting to mechanically lock the second clamping member, and therefore the surround, in place with respect to the frame; a projecting surface included in one of the clamping members; and a recessed surface included in the other of the clamping members and positioned to mate with the projecting surface to deform and clamp the surround therebetween.

Claim 20

The of claim 15 wherein the projecting surface comprises an annular ridge which extends completely around the surround, and wherein the recessed surface defines an annular groove which extends completely around the surround.

Claim 21

The loudspeaker of claim 15 wherein the loudspeaker further comprises a grille, separate from the second clamping member.

Claim 22

In a loudspeaker of the type comprising a frame, a diaphragm mounted to the frame, a spider mounted to extend between the frame and the diaphragm to support a voice coil, and at least one additional speaker, the improvement comprising: a terminal strap which comprises first and second end sections and an intermediate section; first and second barbs included in the first and second end sections respectively; means, situated on the terminal strap, for establishing electrical contact with the voice coil; means, situated on the second end section, for establishing electrical contact with the additional speaker; means for defining first and second passages in the frame, each positioned to receive a respective one of the first and second end sections and each comprising a respective wall positioned to engage the respective barb; said terminal strap positioned with the first and second end sections in the first and second passages, respectively, such that the first and second barbs engage the respective transverse walls to hold the terminal strap securely in the frame and prevent audible resonance of the end sections during operation of the loudspeaker.

Claim 23

In a loudspeaker of the type comprising a frame, a diaphragm mounted to the frame, a spider mounted to extend between the frame and the diaphragm to support a voice coil, and at least one additional speaker, the improvement comprising: a terminal strap which comprises first and second end sections and an intermediate section; first and second barbs included in the first and second end sections respectively; means, situated on the terminal strap, for establishing electrical contact with the voice coil; means, situated on the second end section, for establishing electrical contact with the additional speaker; means for defining first and second passages in the frame, each positioned to receive a respective one of the first and second end sections and each comprising a respective wall positioned to engage the respective barb; said terminal strap positioned with the first and second end sections in the first and second passages, respectively, such that the first and second barbs engage the respective transverse walls to hold the terminal strap securely in the frame and prevent audible resonance of the end sections during operation of the loudspeaker.

Claim 24

The loudspeaker of claim 18 wherein the means for establishing contact with the voice coil comprises a roughened surface included in the first end section.

Claim 25

The loudspeaker of claim 18 wherein the contact establishing means on the second end section comprises at least one fork.

Claim 26

The loudspeaker of claim 18 wherein the first and second end sections of the terminal strap are oriented parallel to one another.

Claim 27

The loudspeaker of claim 18 wherein a portion of the frame situated between the passages is shaped to ensure that the intermediate section is spaced from the frame to prevent audible resonance of the intermediate section against the frame during operation of the loudspeaker.

Claim 28

The loudspeaker of claim 18 wherein at least one of the passages is at least partially surrounded by a plurality of staggered tabs, said plurality of tabs comprising a pair of outer tabs on one side of the terminal strap and at least one central tab on the other side of the terminal strap, between the outer tabs, said central and outer tabs cooperating to engage the terminal strap tightly.

Claim 29

The loudspeaker of claim 18 further comprising spider mounting means for forcing the spider against the first end section, thereby further immobilizing the first end section against the frame.

Claim 30

The loudspeaker of claim 18 wherein the loudspeaker further comprises a surround mounted to the diaphragm, and wherein the improvement further comprises surround mounting means for forcing the surround against the second end section, thereby further immobilizing the second end section against the frame.

Claim 31

In a loudspeaker of the type comprising a frame, a diaphragm mounted to the frame, a spider having at least one conductor and is mounted to extend between the frame and the diaphragm, and at least one additional speaker, the improvement comprising: a terminal strap which comprises first and second end sections and an intermediate section; first and second barbs included in the first and second end sections respectively; a roughened surface of the first end section positioned to establish electrical contact with one of the spider conductors; a fork included in the second end section for establishing electrical contact with the additional speaker; said frame forming a pair of passages positioned to receive the first and second end sections, respectively, each of said passages situated adjacent a respective barb engaging wall; the first and second end sections of the terminal strap oriented parallel to one another, the end sections and the intermediate section each being substantially rectilinear, and said terminal strap configured such that each of the barbs engages a respective one of the barb engaging walls to securely hold the end sections in the frame; said terminal strap and frame shaped such that the intermediate section is spaced from the frame; a magnet assembly; a first set of threads formed on the frame; and a second set of threads coupled to the magnet assembly, said first and second sets of threads forming a threaded connection which holds the magnet assembly against the frame and which clamps the spider and the first end section between the frame and the magnet assembly, thereby further immobilizing the first end section.

Claim 32

In a loudspeaker of the type comprising a frame, a diaphragm mounted to the frame, a spider having at least one conductor and is mounted to extend between the frame and the diaphragm, and at least one additional speaker, the improvement comprising: a terminal strap which comprises first and second end sections and an intermediate section; first and second barbs included in the first and second end sections respectively; a roughened surface of the first end section positioned to establish electrical contact with one of the spider conductors; a fork included in the second end section for establishing electrical contact with the additional speaker; said frame forming a pair of passages positioned to receive the first and second end sections, respectively, each of said passages situated adjacent a respective barb engaging wall; the first and second end sections of the terminal strap oriented parallel to one another, the end sections and the intermediate section each being substantially rectilinear, and said terminal strap configured such that each of the barbs engages a respective one of the barb engaging walls to securely hold the end sections in the frame; said terminal strap and frame shaped such that the intermediate section is spaced from the frame; a magnet assembly; a first set of threads formed on the frame; and a second set of threads coupled to the magnet assembly, said first and second sets of threads forming a threaded connection which holds the magnet assembly against the frame and which clamps the spider and the first end section between the frame and the magnet assembly, thereby further immobilizing the first end section.

Claim 33

The loudspeaker of claim 26 wherein at least one of the passages is at least partially surrounded by a plurality of staggered tabs, said plurality of tabs comprising a pair of outer tabs on one side of the terminal strap and at least one central tab on the other side of the terminal strap, between the outer tabs, said central and outer tabs cooperating to engage the terminal strap tightly.

Claim 34

In a loudspeaker magnet assembly of the type comprising a front plate, a magnet secured to the front plate, and a rear plate secured to the magnet, the improvement comprising: a locating ring molded in place around a peripheral portion of the front plate, said locating ring precisely defining a set of radially oriented locating surfaces to precisely position the magnet assembly radially.

Claim 35

In a loudspeaker magnet assembly of the type comprising a front plate, a magnet secured to the front plate, and a rear plate secured to the magnet, the improvement comprising: a locating ring molded in place around a peripheral portion of the front plate, said locating ring precisely defining a set of radially oriented locating surfaces to precisely position the magnet assembly radially.

Claim 36

The assembly of claim 28 wherein the locating surfaces comprise a plurality of radially extending lugs.

Claim 37

The assembly of claim 28 wherein the locating ring comprises an axial face, and wherein the axial face comprises a raised surface.

Claim 38

The assembly of claim 30 wherein the raised surface comprises a circular ridge.

Claim 39

In a loudspeaker magnet assembly of the type comprising an annular front plate, an annular magnet secured to the front plate, a disc shaped rear plate secured to the magnet opposite the front plate, and a pole piece secured to the rear plate to extend through central openings defined by the front plate and the magnet, the improvement comprising: a locating ring molded in place around a peripheral portion of the front plate, said locating ring comprising an array of radially extending locating lugs and an axially extending circular ridge facing away from the magnet.

Claim 40

In a loudspeaker magnet assembly of the type comprising an annular front plate, an annular magnet secured to the front plate, a disc shaped rear plate secured to the magnet opposite the front plate, and a pole piece secured to the rear plate to extend through central openings defined by the front plate and the magnet, the improvement comprising: a locating ring molded in place around a peripheral portion of the front plate, said locating ring comprising an array of radially extending locating lugs and an axially extending circular ridge facing away from the magnet.

Claim 41

In a loudspeaker of the type having a first speaker diaphragm, a support structure disposed over the first speaker diaphragm, and a second speaker, sized to fit within the first speaker diaphragm, the improvement comprising: an array of snap locking fingers mounted on the support structure, each comprising a locking surface configured to engage the second speaker to hold the second speaker securely in place mechanically against the support structure, such that only mechanical forces support the second speaker on the support structure.

Claim 42

In a loudspeaker of the type having a first speaker diaphragm, a support structure disposed over the first speaker diaphragm, and a second speaker, sized to fit within the first speaker diaphragm, the improvement comprising: an array of snap locking fingers mounted on the support structure, each comprising a locking surface configured to engage the second speaker to hold the second speaker securely in place mechanically against the support structure, such that only mechanical forces support the second speaker on the support structure.

Claim 43

In a loudspeaker of the type comprising a first speaker diaphragm and a second speaker, sized to fit within the first speaker diaphragm, the improvement comprising: a frame which supports the first speaker diaphragm; a grille which comprises a cantilevered tongue which extends over the first speaker diaphragm and supports the second speaker; and a grille mesh rigidly secured to the grille and the tongue to extend between the grille and the tongue, said grille mesh providing structural support to the cantilevered tongue to enable the tongue to properly support the second speaker.

Claim 44

In a loudspeaker of the type comprising a first speaker diaphragm and a second speaker, sized to fit within the first speaker diaphragm, the improvement comprising: a frame which supports the first speaker diaphragm; a grille which comprises a cantilevered tongue which extends over the first speaker diaphragm and supports the second speaker; and a grille mesh rigidly secured to the grille and the tongue to extend between the grille and the tongue, said grille mesh providing structural support to the cantilevered tongue to enable the tongue to properly support the second speaker.

Claim 45

The loudspeaker of claim 34 wherein the invention further comprises an array of locking fingers secured to the tongue and effective to mechanically hold the second speaker in position on the tongue.

Claim 46

The loudspeaker of claim 34 wherein the grille and the tongue define a peripheral groove extending around the perimeter of the tongue, and wherein a perimeter portion of the mesh is positioned in the groove.