Textile component for a loudspeaker, textile component including embedded tension yarns, and associated apparatus and method

Abstract

This document describes textile components for loudspeakers, including textile components with embedded tension yarns, and associated devices and methods. The textile component includes a textile body (106) with embedded tension yarns (302, 304). The textile component (102) can be a fully shaped textile sample. The tension yarns are embedded in the textile body at intervals, but are capable of sliding within the textile body or being pulled through the textile body. In addition, the tension yarns have ends (306, 308, 402, 404) that are accessible near the edge of the textile body for various reasons. First, they are pulled when the textile component is on the acoustic device (104) to tension the yarns so that they restrict the movement of the textile component and break up vibration patterns. Second, their ends can be directly tied to, formed into loops to hook onto, or wrapped around features (208) on the acoustic device to removably fasten the textile component to the acoustic device.

Description

[0001] Cross - reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims the priority of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 011,754, filed on April 17, 2020, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Background Art

[0003] Textile coverings for loudspeakers provide protection against blunt object intrusion for loudspeaker driver components, provide a decorative surface that blends into home aesthetics, and provide an opportunity for brand expression. However, these textiles often interact with the sound waves generated by the loudspeaker driver. This can lead to sound distortion, thereby reducing the listening experience, or introduce unpredictable effects in an algorithm that is designed to separate the loudspeaker signal from the microphone signal for the purpose of voice commands. Textiles with sufficient visual opacity (to hide engineering features from the user) are often also less acoustically transparent and are more likely to introduce distortion. Appropriate restraint of the textile movement can satisfactorily address the trade - off between the necessary visual opacity and low distortion. If the textile is considered as a drumhead, appropriate restraint can be understood as stiffening the drumhead to increase the resonance frequency and reduce the movement of the textile.

[0004] One way to increase the restraint is by adding an adhesive between the textile and a plastic part (e.g., a "grille") that supports the textile on the loudspeaker driver component, either over the entire grille or in selected areas. However, this can have several drawbacks. First, the adhesive process may increase the component cost and may require a high degree of complexity on the part of the manufacturer of the production design. Second, re - processing or recycling of parts subsequently manufactured or assembled using the adhesive process may be difficult. Third, the adhesive can cause the textile to fade or be visible through the textile, which may lead to an increase in the scrap rate or damage the ornamentation. Finally, the adhesives commonly used to increase the restraint between the textile and the plastic component are usually thermoplastic, which has a risk of debonding in the final assembly and thus compromising the reliability if exposed to changes in ambient temperature.

[0005] Another way to increase the restraint is to stretch the textile part during the assembly process to increase its stiffness. This stretching is typically done in combination with the application of an adhesive. However, as mentioned above, the adhesive can be difficult to re - process. Therefore, it may not be possible to address the problem of insufficient stretching when testing the acoustic performance of the device after assembly. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This document describes textile components for speakers, including textile components with embedded tension yarns, and associated devices and methods. The textile component includes a textile body with embedded tension yarns. In some aspects, the textile component can be a fully shaped textile sample. The tension yarns are embedded in the textile body at intervals, but can slide within the textile body or be pulled through the textile body. Additionally, for various reasons, the tension yarns have accessible ends near the edges of the textile body. First, pulling them when the textile component is on the acoustic device tensions the tension yarns, such that they restrict the movement of the textile component and break the vibration patterns. Second, their ends can be directly tied to, formed into loops to hook onto, or wrapped around features of the acoustic device, such as the housing or other structural parts. This removably fastens the textile component to the acoustic device, thereby allowing the textile component to be removed from the acoustic device.

[0007] In some aspects, a textile component is disclosed. The textile component includes a speaker grille, a textile body, and a plurality of tension yarns. The speaker grille has a plurality of anchors. The plurality of tension yarns are connected to the textile body. One or more of the plurality of tension yarns are reciprocally disposed across the textile body at a predetermined interval to form a plurality of loop ends that extend beyond opposite edges of the textile body. The loop ends are accessible to removably connect to the anchors on the speaker grille to fasten the textile body to the speaker grille, and the textile body can be removed from the speaker grille. One or more of the tension yarns are also configured to move in a slidable manner relative to at least a portion of the textile body to be able to adjust the tension of one or more of the tension yarns.

[0008] In some aspects, a speaker is disclosed. The speaker includes a speaker driver, a speaker grille, and a textile component. The speaker grille has a plurality of anchors. The textile component is removably fastened to the speaker grille. Additionally, the textile component includes a textile body and a plurality of tension yarns embedded within the textile body. One or more of the plurality of tension yarns are reciprocally embedded across the textile body. One or more of the tension yarns have loop ends that extend beyond the edge of the textile body between successive embeddings and are removably connected to the anchors on the speaker grille to fasten the textile component to the speaker grille, and the textile component can be removed from the speaker grille. Additionally, one or more of the tension yarns are configured to move in a slidable manner relative to at least a portion of the textile body to be able to adjust the tension applied to one or more of the tension yarns.

[0009] The present invention content is provided to introduce a simplified concept regarding textile components for speakers, including textile components with embedded tension yarns, as well as associated devices and methods, which will be further described in the following detailed description. This aspect is not intended to identify the essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to determine the scope of the claimed subject matter. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] With reference to the following drawings, details of one or more aspects of a textile component for a speaker, including a textile component with embedded tension yarns, as well as associated devices and methods, are described in this document. In all the drawings, the same reference numerals are used to refer to the same features and components:

[0011] Figure 1 An example embodiment of a textile component mounted on an acoustic device is illustrated.

[0012] Figure 2 Illustrated is a rear view of an exemplary embodiment of a textile component removably fastened to Figure 1 the speaker grille of an acoustic device.

[0013] Figure 3 A textile component having a textile body, a plurality of vertically embedded tension yarns, and a single horizontally embedded tension yarn is illustrated.

[0014] Figure 4 A textile component having a textile body, a plurality of horizontally embedded tension yarns, and a single vertically embedded tension yarn is illustrated.

[0015] Figure 5 A textile component having a textile body, a single vertically embedded tension yarn, and a single horizontally embedded tension yarn is illustrated.

[0016] Figure 6-1 And Figure 6-2 respectively illustrate a front view and a rear view of an example textile sample having embedded tension yarns.

[0017] Figure 7 An example embodiment of a textile component having partially woven horizontally embedded tension yarns is illustrated.

[0018] Figure 8 An alternative embodiment of a textile component having vertically embedded tension yarns is illustrated. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] OVERVIEW

[0020] This document describes textile components for loudspeakers, including textile components with embedded tension yarns, and associated devices and methods. Specifically, a textile body is produced which is configured to cover the loudspeaker of an acoustic device (and potentially other areas of the acoustic device) and provide a desired decoration. The textile component also includes tension yarns embedded in the textile body at intervals. The tension yarns can be fabric yarns, filaments, cords, narrow bands, or similar "one-dimensional" components connected to the textile body.

[0021] The tension yarns can be connected to the textile body by a variety of different processes, including, for example, sewing or threading through the textile body, weaving through the textile body, stitching with an embroidery machine, threading through a tube formed by additional fabric sewn or adhered to the textile body, or embedding by a knitting machine. At least some of the tension yarns slide freely relative to the textile body, enabling the tension yarns to slide within the textile body or be pulled through the textile body. The tension yarns can have one or more freely sliding portions and one or more non-sliding other portions (e.g., fixed to the textile body), or the tension yarns can slide freely relative to the textile body along their entire length.

[0022] The tension yarns have ends that are accessible to adjust the tension yarns and removably connect (e.g., hook to, loop to, wind around, tie to) features on the acoustic device, such as protrusions, hooks, projections, knobs, etc. Alternatively, the ends of the tension yarns can be fixed to features on the acoustic device, such as by gluing, welding, or otherwise adhering to the features. These features can be provided on components of the acoustic device, such as the housing, speaker grille, or other suitable hardware parts of the acoustic device. In some aspects, one or more tension yarns can be reciprocally disposed across the textile body at a predetermined interval and thus in front of the surface of the speaker driver component to form a plurality of loop ends extending beyond the opposite edges of the textile body. The ends of the tension yarns can be separated from the features on the acoustic device to easily remove the textile component from the acoustic device. Connecting the ends of the tension yarns to the features on the acoustic device removably fastens the textile component to the acoustic device. In an alternative embodiment, the ends of the tension yarns at one edge of the textile body can be connected (e.g., tied, looped, hooked, etc.) to the ends of the tension yarns at the opposite edge of the textile body such that the tension yarns are connected to themselves and wrap around the acoustic device or a component of the acoustic device.

[0023] Tension can be applied to the tensioned yarn. During the process of assembling a textile component onto, for example, a speaker grille, pulling the tensioned yarn increases the tension of the tensioned yarn across the surface of the speaker grille. The increased tension of the tensioned yarn reduces the movement of the textile component, such as by suppressing the vibration of the textile body caused by the sound pressure passing through the textile component. Suppressing the vibration response of the textile body to the sound pressure reduces the acoustic distortion typically generated by the sound pressure of the vibrating textile body. Additionally, although the tensioned yarn constrains the textile body based on the tension applied to the tensioned yarn (e.g., the stiffness of the tensioned yarn under tension resists vibration), the textile body is not under the same tension as the tensioned yarn because the tensioned yarn slides freely relative to the textile body without applying the same tension to the textile body or at least a portion of the textile body. Thus, applying tension to the tensioned yarn may cause some tension to also be applied to the textile body, but to a lesser extent due to the friction between the tensioned yarn and the textile body. Therefore, the tension applied to the tensioned yarn is significantly greater than the tension applied to the textile body.

[0024] The tensioned yarn is embedded in the textile part in one or more non - parallel directions. In some aspects, the tensioned yarn is embedded in two substantially orthogonal directions (e.g., vertical and horizontal). The tensioned yarn can be visible at the front of the textile part, visible at the rear of the textile part, hidden between two layers of the textile part and not visible, or have a combination of hidden and visible portions at the front or rear or both the front and rear of the textile part.

[0025] These are just a few examples of how the described techniques and devices can be used to implement textile components for speakers, including textile components with embedded tensioned yarns, and associated devices and methods. Other examples and embodiments are described throughout this document. The document now turns to example devices.

[0026] Example Devices

[0027] Figure 1 An example embodiment 100 of a textile component 102 mounted to an acoustic device 104 is illustrated. The acoustic device 104 can be any suitable acoustic device configured to generate an audio output and / or receive an audio input. The acoustic device 104 can include one or more speaker driver components for generating an audio output and / or one or more audio sensors for receiving an audio input. Some example acoustic devices include "smart" speakers 104 - 1, speakers 104 - 2, and speakers 104 - 3. The textile component 102 includes a textile body 106 that covers the surface of the acoustic device 104.

[0028] The textile body 106 further includes a tensioning yarn 108 embedded in the textile body 106. The tensioning yarn 108 can be hidden within the textile body 106 or at least partially visible on the front and / or back of the textile body 106. The tensioning yarn 108 can be embedded in the textile body 106 via a knitting process, a weaving process, or a sewing process. The textile body 106 maintains the embedded position of the tensioning yarn 108 based on how the tensioning yarn 108 is embedded in the textile body 106 or how the textile body is constructed.

[0029] Using the tensioning yarn 108, the textile assembly 102 can be mounted to the acoustic device 104 without using an adhesive. Additionally, as described in more detail below, the tensioning yarn 108 can be tensioned to a specific tension. This can reduce acoustic distortion that is caused by the vibration of the textile body 106 when exposed to sound pressure (e.g., audio output from the acoustic device 104 or audio input received by the audio sensor of the acoustic device 104). The tensioning yarn 108 can reduce sound distortion associated with the vibration of the textile body 106 even if the textile assembly 102 is not directly in front of the speaker driver component or the audio sensor.

[0030] Figure 2 A rear view 200 of an exemplary embodiment of the textile assembly 102 is illustrated, where the textile assembly 102 is removably fastened to Figure 1 the speaker grille of an acoustic device. In the illustrated example, the textile assembly 102 is mounted to the speaker grille 202 of the acoustic device 104. The speaker grille 202 can include a hard grille, which can include a rigid material 204 (e.g., plastic, metal) having a plurality of holes or cutouts located in a central region of the speaker grille 202 to allow audio output or audio input (e.g., voice commands) to pass through. Alternatively, the speaker grille 202 can be open, such as a frame with an open central region. Any suitable speaker grille 202 can be used. For example, although the illustrated example shows the speaker grille 202 having a substantially rectangular shape without rounded corners and edges, the speaker grille 202 can have any suitable shape, including circular, square, rectangular, trapezoidal, spherical, oval, etc.

[0031] The textile assembly 102 acts as a fabric covering for the speaker grille 202, which can be aesthetically integrated into the user's home and also provides a permeable indication of the location of the speaker driver component (e.g., speaker) or the audio sensor (e.g., microphone). Additionally, the textile assembly 102 helps protect the speaker driver component of the acoustic device.

[0032] Figure 2The figure shows a tensioned yarn 108 embedded within a textile body 106. The tensioned yarn 108 includes ends 206 that extend beyond the edge of the textile body and are accessible for removably connecting to features 208 on a speaker grille 202 or other areas of the acoustic device 104. For example, the textile assembly 102 can be mounted or fastened to the front of the speaker grille 202 using the tensioned yarn 108 to hook, loop, tie, or otherwise connect to the features 208 on the speaker grille 202. The features 208 on the speaker grille 202 can include any suitable features that permit removably connecting to the tensioned yarn 108, such as protrusions, hooks, knobs, notches (e.g., curved slots having cantilevered edges), etc. For illustrative purposes, Figure 2 the feature 208 is shown as a protrusion around which the tensioned yarn 108 can loop. The feature 208 is illustrated as being disposed on the inner surface of the speaker grille 202. However, the feature 208 can be disposed on the outer surface of the speaker grille or other areas of the acoustic device 104. Although the embodiments described herein use a speaker grille 202, the textile assembly 102 can be assembled to any suitable component of the acoustic device 104 or an area on the housing of the acoustic device 104.

[0033] As described in more detail below, the tensioned yarns 108 can slide through the textile body 106 along their lengths such that the tensioned yarns 108 can be pulled through the surface of the speaker grille 202 and removably connected to the features 208 on the speaker grille. In some aspects, the tensioned yarns 108 include a first set of tensioned yarns configured to move slidably in a first direction and a second set of tensioned yarns configured to move slidably in a second direction different from the first direction.

[0034] Figures 3 to 5 Respectively illustrated are Figure 1 various example embodiments 300, 400, 500 of the textile assembly 102. In Figure 3 this one, the textile assembly 102 is shown having a textile body 106, a plurality of vertically embedded tensioned yarns 302, and a single horizontally embedded tensioned yarn 304. Figure 4 Illustrated is a textile assembly 102 having a textile body 106, a plurality of horizontally embedded tensioned yarns 304, and a single vertically embedded tensioned yarn 302. Figure 5 Shown is a textile assembly 102 having a textile body 106, a single vertically embedded tensioned yarn 302, and a single horizontally embedded tensioned yarn 304.

[0035] Another embodiment may include a plurality of vertically embedded tension yarns 302 and a plurality of horizontally embedded tension yarns 304. Alternatively, the textile component 102 may include one or more tension yarns embedded in a single direction. Although the described embodiments use horizontal and vertical directions for the tension yarns, any suitable direction through the speaker grille 202 may be used. Additionally, the tension yarns may be embedded in different directions that are not orthogonal to each other. As Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 illustrated, the embedded tension yarns may be substantially orthogonal to each other, such as arranged within an orthogonal range of approximately 15 degrees.

[0036] In Figure 3 , the horizontally embedded tension yarns 304 are reciprocally disposed (in the horizontal direction) across the textile body 106 to form loop ends 306 configured to surround features on the acoustic device 104, such as features 208 on the speaker grille 202. The loop ends 306 may extend beyond the edge of the textile body 106 between consecutive embeddings of the horizontally embedded tension yarns 304. Additionally, the vertically embedded tension yarns 302 include open ends 308 configured to be tied to or around features on the acoustic device 104, such as features 208 on the speaker grille 202. The loop ends 306 and the open ends 308 are Figure 2 examples of end portions 206 in

[0037] In Figure 4 , the vertically embedded tension yarns 302 are reciprocally disposed (in the vertical direction) across the textile body 106 to form loop ends 402 configured to surround features on the acoustic device 104. The loop ends 402 may extend beyond the edge of the textile body 106 between consecutive embeddings of the vertically embedded tension yarns 302. Additionally, the horizontally embedded tension yarns 304 include open ends 404 configured to be tied to or around features on the acoustic device 104. The loop ends 402 and the open ends 404 are Figure 2 examples of end portions 206 in

[0038] In Figure 5 , the vertically embedded tension yarns 302 are reciprocally disposed across the textile body 106 in the vertical direction to form loop ends 402, and the horizontally embedded tension yarns 304 are reciprocally disposed across the textile body 106 in the horizontal direction to form loop ends 306. Alternatively, an embodiment may include a plurality of vertically embedded tension yarns 302 and a plurality of horizontally embedded tension yarns 304, the plurality of vertically embedded tension yarns 302 being independently disposed in the vertical direction and having open ends 308, and the plurality of horizontally embedded tension yarns 304 being independently disposed in the horizontal direction and having open ends 404.

[0039] At least some of the embedded tension yarns are substantially parallel to each other and spaced apart by a distance 310. Any suitable distance can be used for the distance 310 between the embedded tension yarns. In one example, the distance 310 is in the range of about 1.5 centimeters (cm) to about 3 cm, such as about 2 cm. Spacing the tension yarns 108 in this way, in combination with the tension on the tension yarns 108, can mitigate the effects of sound distortion by breaking vibration modes and restricting the movement of the textile body 106, without applying the same tension to the textile body 106. In the example, by pulling on the tension yarns 108 to increase the tension on the tension yarns 108, the textile body is not stretched or tensioned. Instead, when the tension yarns 108 are tensioned, they restrict the movement of the textile body 106 to breaking vibration modes based on their own tension. In another example, due to friction, pulling on the tension yarns 108 can provide some tension to the textile body, but to an extent less than the tension applied to the tension yarns 108.

[0040] In some aspects, the illustrated embodiments 300, 400, 500 of the textile assembly 102 and other embodiments described herein may be capable of being woven on a knitting machine assembly, such as a V-bed knitting machine.

[0041] To manufacture the textile assembly 102 using a knitting machine such that the tension yarns 108 remain free to slide within the textile body 106, the knitting machine can be programmed to introduce vertical feeders and keep them in the middle of the fabric during the knitting process. Additionally, the knitting machine can shape the edges of the textile assembly to match the shape of the speaker grille. For example, the knitting machine can shape the edges of the textile assembly to match the profile of the speaker grille, including rounded corners in the XY plane, XZ plane, and / or YZ plane. A warp knitting machine provides a greater range of specifications and a higher knitting speed than a weft knitting machine. However, a warp knitting machine may require some edge and yarn cutting after knitting. A flatbed weft knitting machine can provide a "fully shaped" sample, which is a sample with finished edges that comes off the knitting machine and does not require additional edge cutting.

[0042] In one embodiment, the tension yarns are embedded by the knitting machine that forms the textile sample. If the knitting machine is restricted to embedding yarns at a specific angle or to a small number of yarns (e.g., because many feeders are occupied by colored yarns to create a colored pattern on the textile body), then after knitting, additional yarns can be manually threaded or sewn into the textile body.

[0043] In some aspects, the fine yarns are captured within the textile structure, such as a double-sided knitted structure, without additional volume that visually distorts the surface of the textile body. However, to accommodate thicker yarns, reduce friction between the embedded tension yarns and the textile body for intentional visual effects, or to guide the manual addition of additional inserts, the double-sided knitting can be altered to local areas knitted separately on the reciprocating bed of the knitting machine to create channels. Alternatively, the vertically embedded tension yarns can be captured behind an unusual floating stitch line. However, using a floating stitch line increases the likelihood of hooking the embedded tension yarns and may limit the design freedom of the textile body surface. To create a similar effect for horizontal yarns, the yarns can be knitted every few wales with long floats in between. However, using this technique may result in the tension yarns being visible on the front of the textile assembly.

[0044] Horizontal tension yarns can be embedded between the successive courses of the double-sided knitting. Using a multicolored jacquard pattern can create visual interference to hide the embedded tension yarns. As described above, the horizontal tension yarns can be a single yarn carried by one feeder that creates loops on the textile edge between successive horizontal insertions. The vertically tension yarns can be knitted into the first course to capture them, and then when the courses are knitted, the feeder for each vertically tension yarn remains in a fixed position, releasing the yarn. The ends of the vertically tension yarns remain free and approach above the last knitted course (or the edge of the finished textile assembly). These ends (e.g., loop ends 306, 402 and open ends 308, 404) can be used to anchor the textile assembly and limit its movement under sound pressure.

[0045] Note that "horizontal" and "vertical" can be interchanged with respect to the final textile assembly. This may be due to the horizontal insertions being frequently introduced between every normal knitted course, while the vertical insertions are limited by the number of feeders available on the knitting machine. If the textile body is wider than its height and thus requires a large number of tension yarns to be embedded along the y-axis of the textile assembly, the textile assembly can be created with "horizontal" (course direction) insertions in the knitted sample (e.g., textile body 106). When making the sample on a warp knitting machine, the limit on the number of vertical insertions can be relaxed. However, a large number of vertical insertions on a warp knitting machine may also limit the possibilities of textile design.

[0046] The orientation (e.g., horizontal or vertical) of the yarn insert relative to the knitting direction of the textile body 106 may not be applicable after assembly into the acoustic device 104. If higher friction is acceptable, or if channels are formed after knitting and the tensioned yarns are threaded through the channels, inserts at any acute angle relative to the sample knitting direction can be formed. Some audio systems may not require inserts in two different directions or in all areas of the textile body 106.

[0047] Figure 6-1 and Figure 6-2 respectively illustrate a front view 600 and a back view 650 of an exemplary textile sample with embedded tensioned yarns. In some aspects, the tensioned yarn 108 can be visible on one side (front 602 or back 604) of the textile body 106 rather than being trapped between the front 602 and the back 604 of the textile body 106. As Figure 6-2 illustrated, the vertically embedded tensioned yarn 302 and the horizontally embedded tensioned yarn 304 are visible on the back 604 such that the vertically embedded tensioned yarn 302 and the horizontally embedded tensioned yarn 304 are not hidden within the textile body 106. Alternatively, the vertically embedded tensioned yarn 302 and / or the horizontally embedded tensioned yarn 304 are visible on the front 602. The vertically embedded tensioned yarn 302 and the horizontally embedded tensioned yarn 304 can be knitted using a single stitch, which allows the vertically embedded tensioned yarn 302 and the horizontally embedded tensioned yarn 304 to be pulled and moved in a slidable manner to adjust the position and tension.

[0048] Figure 6-1 shows a portion of a horizontally embedded insert (e.g., the horizontally embedded tensioned yarn 304) visible on the front 602 of the textile assembly 102. In Figure 6-2 it, the horizontally embedded tensioned yarn 304 is generally visible on the back 604 of the textile body 106. Additionally, the vertically embedded insert (e.g., the vertically embedded tensioned yarn 302) is fully visible on the back 604 and hidden from view on the front 602.

[0049] Figure 7Illustrated is an example embodiment 700 of a textile component having partially woven horizontally embedded tension yarns. Instead of allowing tension yarns, such as horizontally embedded tension yarn 304, to freely slide along their axes within the textile body 106, which allows for a maximum range of tension adjustment, tension adjustment may only be desired at or near the edges of the sample. To create a textile component with tension adjustment at the edges rather than the middle of the textile body 106, the horizontal embedment (e.g., horizontally embedded tension yarn 304) can be woven in a central interval (e.g., interval 702) of one or more yarn diameters. Alternatively, specific portions of the slidably movable horizontal embedment can be altered by adding multiple stitches and increasing friction by weaving the horizontal embedment at multiple locations such as weaving section 704. Weaving one or more portions of the tension yarns (e.g., Figure 3 the horizontally embedded tension yarn 304, vertically embedded tension yarn 302 in Figure 3 causes those portions to be less adjustable. In some instances, when a user pulls on the end of a tension yarn, pulling the tension yarn causes the region of the textile body 106 corresponding to the woven portion to stretch, which can result in tension in those regions of the textile body 106. For example, pulling on the loop end 306 of the horizontally embedded tension yarn 304 can cause tension in portion 702 of the textile body 106 corresponding to the woven section 704. Alternatively or additionally,

[0050] Figure 8 Illustrated is an alternative embodiment 800 of a textile component having vertically embedded tension yarns. In the illustrated example, the vertically embedded tension yarn 302 is embedded in a zigzag path 802 to increase friction in the central portion (e.g., central portion 804) of the textile body 106. The increased friction of the vertically embedded tension yarn 302 in the zigzag path 802 reduces the adjustability (e.g., slidability) of the vertically embedded tension yarn 302 in the central portion 804 or any other corresponding portion of the textile body 106. By introducing such a zigzag path 802 for the vertical embedment and not weaving the vertically embedded tension yarn 302 into the textile body 106, friction is increased, but the vertically embedded tension yarn 302 remains free to slide within the textile body 106. Due to the friction, applying tension to the vertically embedded tension yarn 302 can also apply tension to the textile body 106, but to an extent less than the tension applied to the vertically embedded tension yarn 302. Alternatively or additionally, Figure 7 the horizontally embedded tension yarn 304 in can be similarly embedded in a zigzag path to increase friction in the horizontal direction while maintaining the freedom of the horizontally embedded tension yarn 304 to slide within the textile body 106.

[0051] Some examples are provided below:

[0052] Example 1: A textile component, comprising: a speaker grille having a plurality of anchors; a textile body; and a plurality of tensioning yarns, the plurality of tensioning yarns: being connected to the textile body, one or more of the plurality of tensioning yarns: being reciprocally disposed across the textile body at a predetermined interval to form a plurality of loop ends extending beyond the opposite edges of the textile body, the loop ends being accessible to removably connect to the anchors on the speaker grille to fasten the textile body to the speaker grille, and the textile body being removable from the speaker grille; and being configured to move slidably relative to at least a portion of the textile body to be able to adjust the tension of one or more of the tensioning yarns.

[0053] Example 2: The textile component of Example 1, wherein one or more of the yarns comprise a plurality of tensioning yarns, the plurality of tensioning yarns comprising: a first set of tensioning yarns configured to move slidably in a first direction; and a second set of tensioning yarns configured to move slidably in a second direction substantially orthogonal to the first direction.

[0054] Example 3: The textile component of Example 1, wherein one or more of the tensioning yarns are hidden between two layers of the textile body.

[0055] Example 4: The textile component of Example 1, wherein one or more of the tensioning yarns are configured to move slidably relative to the textile body along their entire length.

[0056] Example 5: The textile component of Example 1, wherein one or more of the tensioning yarns comprise a first portion configured to move slidably relative to the textile body and a second portion fixed to the textile body.

[0057] Example 6: The textile component of Example 1, wherein the textile component is removably fastened to the speaker grille based on the loop ends of the plurality of tensioning yarns being removably connected to the anchors on the speaker grille.

[0058] Example 7: The textile component of Example 1, wherein the tension of one or more of the tensioning yarns is adjustable without applying the same tension to the textile body.

[0059] Example 8: The textile component of Example 1, wherein the plurality of tensioning yarns comprise at least one of filaments, fabric yarns, cords or narrow bands.

[0060] Example 9: A textile assembly as in Example 1, wherein a plurality of tension yarns are connected to the textile body in the following ways: sewing through the textile body; threading a needle through the textile body; being captured on the textile body by sewing with an embroidery machine; threading a needle through a tube formed by an additional fabric stitched or adhered to the textile body; or being embedded within the textile body by a knitting machine.

[0061] Example 10: A textile assembly as in Example 1, wherein the plurality of tension yarns include a set of tension yarns that are substantially parallel to each other and are spaced apart from each other by a distance within the range of about 1 centimeter to about 3 centimeters.

[0062] Example 11: A textile assembly as in Example 1, wherein one or more tension yarns are embedded between the continuous thread diameters of a double-knit.

[0063] Example 12: A textile assembly as in Example 1, wherein the plurality of tension yarns are configured to suppress vibrations of the textile body based on the tension of one or more of the tension yarns when the plurality of tension yarns are removably connected to anchors on a speaker grille, the vibrations being caused by sound pressure generated by a speaker driver component of an acoustic device to which the speaker grille is mounted or by an audio input passing through the textile assembly for reception by an audio sensor of the acoustic device.

[0064] Example 13: A device comprising: a speaker driver; a speaker grille having a plurality of anchors; and a textile assembly removably fastened to the speaker grille, the textile assembly comprising: a textile body; and a plurality of tension yarns: embedded within the textile body, one or more of the plurality of tension yarns: reciprocally embedded across the textile body; having loop ends that extend beyond the edge of the textile body between consecutive embedments and are removably connected to the anchors on the speaker grille to fasten the textile assembly to the speaker grille and enable removal of the textile assembly from the speaker grille; and configured to move in a slidable manner relative to at least a portion of the textile body to be able to adjust the tension applied to one or more of the tension yarns.

[0065] Example 14: The device as in Example 13, wherein one or more of the tension yarns include a first set of tension yarns configured to move in a slidable manner in a first direction and a second set of tension yarns configured to move in a slidable manner in a second direction that is substantially orthogonal to the first direction.

[0066] Example 15: The device as in Example 13, wherein one or more of the tension yarns include a first portion configured to move in a slidable manner relative to the textile body and a second portion fixed to the textile body.

[0067] Example 16: The apparatus of Example 13, wherein one or more tension yarns are configured to move slidably relative to the textile body along their entire length.

[0068] Example 17: The apparatus of Example 13, wherein a plurality of tension yarns are hidden between two woven layers of the textile body.

[0069] Example 18: The apparatus of Example 13, wherein the tension of one or more tension yarns is adjustable without applying the same tension to at least a portion of the textile body.

[0070] Example 19: The apparatus of Example 13, wherein a plurality of tension yarns include at least two tension yarns that are substantially orthogonal to each other.

[0071] Example 20: The apparatus of Example 13, wherein a plurality of tension yarns are embedded between double-woven continuous yarn diameters.

[0072] Example 21: The apparatus of Example 13, wherein a plurality of tension yarns are embedded based on a knitting process, a weaving process, or a sewing process.

[0073] Example 22: The apparatus of Example 13, wherein a plurality of tension yarns are configured to constrain the textile body against the sound pressure generated by the speaker driver component or against the vibration response to the audio input passing through the textile component for reception by the audio sensor of the speaker, based on the tension of one or more tension yarns removably attached to an anchor of the speaker grille.

[0074] Conclusion

[0075] Although aspects of a textile component for a speaker, including a textile component having embedded tension yarns, and associated apparatus and methods have been described in feature- and / or method-specific language, the subject matter of the appended claims need not be limited to the specific features or methods described. Rather, the specific features and methods are disclosed as example embodiments of a textile component for a speaker, including a textile component having embedded tension yarns, and associated apparatus and methods, and other equivalent features and methods are intended to be within the scope of the appended claims. Additionally, various different aspects have been described, and it should be understood that each described aspect can be implemented independently or in combination with one or more other described aspects.

Claims

1. A textile component, comprising: A textile body; And A plurality of tensioning yarns, the plurality of tensioning yarns: Connected to the textile body, one or more of the plurality of tensioning yarns: Are reciprocally disposed across the textile body at a predetermined interval to form a plurality of loop ends extending beyond opposite edges of the textile body, the loop ends being able to be brought close to a plurality of anchors on a speaker grille to removably connect the textile body to the speaker grille and being able to remove the textile body from the speaker grille; And Are configured to move slidably relative to at least a portion of the textile body such that the tension of the one or more tensioning yarns can be adjusted.

2. The textile component according to claim 1, wherein The one or more tensioning yarns include a plurality of tensioning yarns, the plurality of tensioning yarns including: A first set of tensioning yarns configured to move slidably in a first direction; and A second set of tensioning yarns configured to move slidably in a second direction substantially orthogonal to the first direction.

3. The textile component according to claim 1, wherein The one or more tensioning yarns are hidden between two layers of the textile body.

4. The textile component according to claim 1, wherein, The one or more tensioning yarns are configured to move slidably relative to the textile body along their entire length.

5. The textile assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The one or more tensioning yarns include a first portion configured to move slidably relative to the textile body and a second portion fixed to the textile body.

6. The textile component according to claim 1, wherein The tension of the one or more tensioning yarns can be adjusted without applying the same tension to the textile body.

7. The textile assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The plurality of tensioning yarns are connected to the textile body based on one of the following: Sewn through the textile body; Threaded through the textile body; Captured on the textile body by being sewn by an embroidery machine; Threaded through a tube formed by an additional fabric sewn or bonded to the textile body; and Embedded within the textile body by a knitting machine.

8. The textile component according to claim 1, wherein The plurality of tensioning yarns include sets of tensioning yarns that are substantially parallel to each other and spaced apart by a distance within a range of about 1 centimeter to about 3 centimeters.

9. The textile component according to claim 1, wherein, The one or more tensioning yarns are embedded between the continuous yarn diameters of a double weave.

10. The textile component according to claim 1, wherein, The plurality of tensioning yarns are configured to: Based on the tension of the one or more tensioning yarns when the plurality of tensioning yarns are removably connected to the anchors on the speaker grille, suppress vibrations of the textile body caused by sound pressure generated by a speaker driver of an acoustic device to which the speaker grille is mounted or by an audio input passing through the textile component for reception by an audio sensor of the acoustic device.

11. A speaker, comprising: A speaker driver; A speaker grille having a plurality of anchors; And The textile component according to any one of the preceding claims.

12. The loudspeaker according to claim 11, wherein, The plurality of tensioning yarns are embedded within the textile body, and the loop ends extend beyond opposite edges of the textile body between successive embeddings of the one or more tensioning yarns.

13. The loudspeaker according to claim 11, wherein, Based on the loop ends of the plurality of tensioned yarns being removably connected to the anchors on the speaker grille, the textile assembly is removably fastened to the speaker grille.

14. The loudspeaker according to claim 11, wherein, The plurality of tensioned yarns are hidden between two woven layers of the textile body.

15. The loudspeaker according to claim 11, wherein, The plurality of tensioned yarns are configured to: based on the tension of one or more of the tensioned yarns removably connected to the anchors on the speaker grille, constrain the vibration response of the textile body to the sound pressure generated by the speaker driver or to the audio input passing through the textile assembly for reception by the audio sensor of the speaker.

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