Audio systems and panels for open-air vehicles

Abstract

This application discloses an audio system and panel for an open-air vehicle. The all-terrain vehicle or multi-purpose vehicle includes an audio system having at least one speaker. The at least one speaker can be positioned in the front portion of the operator's area and can be supported by a body panel. More specifically, the body panel can be configured to receive at least a portion of the speaker and at least a portion of the upper frame assembly. In this way, the speaker can be positioned to direct sound to the occupant, is generally concealed from the frontal view of the vehicle, and can be positioned above at least a portion of the door within available space on the vehicle.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the Chinese national phase patent application with application number 202080054031.9, which was filed on July 20, 2020, with international application number PCT / US2020 / 042787 and international application date of July 20, 2020, entitled "A Multi-purpose Vehicle".

[0002] Cross-reference to related applications

[0003] This application relates to U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 522,957, filed July 26, 2019, entitled “AUDIOSYSTEM FOR A UTILITY VEHICLE”; U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 244,462, filed January 10, 2019, entitled “VEHICLE” (Attorney’s File No. PLR-15-28382.02P-US); and U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 62 / 840,654, filed April 30, 2019, entitled “VEHICLE” (Attorney’s File No. PLR-15-28561.01P-US), the full disclosures of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0004] The present invention generally relates to an audio system for vehicles, and more specifically to the positioning and installation of speakers and audio components in all-terrain vehicles and multi-purpose vehicles. Background Technology

[0005] For example, some vehicles, such as multi-purpose vehicles, all-terrain vehicles, and tractors, include infotainment options for passengers. These options allow passengers to listen to music, use Bluetooth to connect to cellular devices, conduct in-vehicle communication, and view and select vehicle operating status. To enable these options, such vehicles include an audio system with at least one speaker.

[0006] However, finding available space for speakers within the vehicle cabin can be challenging. Therefore, it is known that speakers can be positioned near various body panels or other surfaces that may negatively impact occupants or divert sound away from them. For example, speakers may be positioned in the vehicle's doors or kickstands, preventing them from focusing or directing sound towards the occupants' ears / heads. Furthermore, aesthetically, it may be desirable to allow the audio system's speakers and / or other components to blend seamlessly with the vehicle's various body panels or frame members. Therefore, there is a need for an audio system for all-terrain or multi-purpose vehicles that provides suitable sound quality to occupants and utilizes available space within the vehicle. Summary of the Invention

[0007] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the multi-purpose vehicle includes: a frame assembly having an upper frame assembly and a lower frame assembly coupled to each other at a coupling location; a body assembly supported by the frame assembly and including an instrument panel assembly; and an open-air operator area generally located below the upper portion of the upper frame assembly and rearward of the coupling location. The multi-purpose vehicle also includes an audio system configured to project sound into the operator area. The audio system includes at least one speaker positioned above the instrument panel assembly.

[0008] In one example, the upper frame assembly includes a longitudinally extending member having a front portion, the lower end of which is connected to the lower frame assembly at a coupling location, and the at least one speaker is positioned near the coupling location. In a variation, the at least one speaker is positioned rear of the coupling location.

[0009] In another example, the body assembly includes a cover configured to receive a portion of the upper frame assembly and the at least one speaker. In a variant, the cover is positioned at the coupling location. In another variant, the cover conceals the coupling location. In yet another variant, the cover includes a first opening through which this portion of the upper frame assembly extends, and the cover includes a second opening configured to support the at least one speaker. In a further variant, the second opening is positioned below the first opening.

[0010] In yet another example, the at least one speaker is positioned along the length of the upper frame assembly. In a variant, the at least one speaker is positioned at the connection location.

[0011] In another embodiment of this disclosure, the multi-purpose vehicle includes: a frame assembly having an upper frame assembly and a lower frame assembly coupled to each other at a coupling location; a body assembly including at least one hood and a door and supported by the frame assembly; and an operator area generally located below the upper portion of the upper frame assembly and rearward of the coupling location. The multi-purpose vehicle also includes an audio system configured to project sound into the operator area. The audio system includes at least one speaker positioned above a portion of the door.

[0012] In its example, the at least one speaker is positioned above a portion of the engine hood.

[0013] In another example, the at least one speaker is positioned above at least a portion of the upper surface of the door.

[0014] In yet another example, the multi-purpose vehicle further includes a seat positioned within the operator's area, and the at least one speaker faces rearward and directs sound to the headrest of the seat.

[0015] In yet another example, the at least one speaker is positioned outside the operator's forward field of vision.

[0016] In a further example, the audio system is generally arranged within the envelope of the upper frame.

[0017] In a further example, the upper frame includes at least one generally upright frame member having a width, and the audio system further includes a width approximately equal to the width of the generally upright frame member.

[0018] In a further example, the body assembly includes a plurality of individual body panels. In a variation thereof, at least one of the plurality of individual body panels extends to cover an open portion of the operator area. In a further variation thereof, the at least one of the plurality of individual body panels defines a door.

[0019] In another example, the operator area is an open-air operator area.

[0020] In a further embodiment of this disclosure, the multi-purpose vehicle includes a frame assembly having a lower frame assembly and an upper frame assembly. The upper frame assembly is coupled to the lower frame assembly at a first connection location. The multi-purpose vehicle also includes a body assembly supported by the frame assembly and including a plurality of body panels. Additionally, the multi-purpose vehicle includes an operator area defined by the upper frame assembly and the lower frame assembly, the operator area including a seat configured to support at least one operator of the multi-purpose vehicle. The multi-purpose vehicle also includes an audio system configured to project sound into the operator area. At least one of the plurality of body panels is configured to support a portion of the audio system and a portion of the frame assembly. The at least one of the plurality of body panels is further configured to conceal the first connection location.

[0021] In one example, the first connection location is positioned approximately in front of the operator area and above the bottom of the seat that is at least supported within the operator area.

[0022] In another example, at least one of the plurality of body panels includes a cover portion configured to conceal the first connection location, a first opening configured to receive a portion of the upper frame assembly, and a second opening configured to receive a speaker of the audio system. In a variant, this portion of the upper frame assembly is positioned above the speaker. In another variant, the body assembly further includes a dashboard assembly, and the speaker faces rearward and is positioned above the dashboard assembly.

[0023] In a further example, the first connection location is defined by a portion of the lower frame assembly and the lower end of a longitudinally extending member of the upper frame assembly, and the longitudinally extending member is configured to extend upward from the lower frame assembly and over a portion of the seat.

[0024] In yet another example, the operator area is an open-air operator area. Attached Figure Description

[0025] The above and other features of the invention, as well as the ways in which they are implemented, will become clearer and the invention itself will be better understood by referring to the following description of embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0026] Figure 1 This is a left front perspective view of the multi-purpose vehicle described in this disclosure;

[0027] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The right rear perspective view of the vehicle;

[0028] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 The left-side view of the vehicle;

[0029] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 The right-side view of the vehicle;

[0030] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 A top-down view of the vehicle;

[0031] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 A front view of the vehicle;

[0032] Figure 7 yes Figure 1 Rear view of the vehicle;

[0033] Figure 8 yes Figure 1 A diagrammatic view of the vehicle's audio system;

[0034] Figure 9 yes Figure 1 A left front perspective view of the operator area of ​​the vehicle, which includes... Figure 8 The audio system has at least one speaker positioned approximately behind the operator.

[0035] Figure 10 yes Figure 9 Left rear perspective view of the operator area, which is configured to support... Figure 8 Additional components for the audio system;

[0036] Figure 11 It is configured to support Figure 10 Left rear perspective view of the speaker panel or enclosure of the audio system's speaker;

[0037] Figure 12 yes Figure 11 Exploded view of the enclosure and speaker;

[0038] Figure 13 yes Figure 11 A cross-sectional view of the enclosure and the speaker; and

[0039] Figure 14 This is a right rear perspective view of the casing after the speaker has been removed.

[0040] Throughout these views, corresponding reference numerals indicate the corresponding parts. Unless otherwise stated, the figures are to scale. Detailed Implementation

[0041] The embodiments disclosed below are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed in the following detailed description. Rather, these embodiments were chosen and described to enable those skilled in the art to utilize their teachings. While this disclosure is primarily directed toward multi-purpose vehicles, it should be understood that the features disclosed herein can be applied to any vehicle having one or more ground contact members and a continuously variable transmission (CVT), including but not limited to all-terrain vehicles, motorcycles, snowmobiles, scooters, tricycles, and golf carts.

[0042] Reference Figures 1 to 7 This illustration shows an illustrative embodiment of a multi-purpose vehicle 2. Vehicle 2 is configured for off-road operation. Vehicle 2 includes a plurality of ground contact members 4, illustratively defined as front wheels 6 and rear wheels 8. In one embodiment, one or more of the ground contact members 4 may be replaced by tracks, such as Prospector II tracks available from Polaris Industries, Inc., 2100 Highway 55 in Medina, MN 55340; or by non-pneumatic tires, such as those shown in U.S. Patent Nos. 8,176,957 and 8,104,524, the entire disclosure of which is expressly incorporated herein by reference.

[0043] Vehicle 2 further includes a frame assembly 10 supported by ground contact member 4, the frame assembly extending along the longitudinal axis L of vehicle 2. Figure 1 Additionally, in one embodiment, the frame assembly 10 may include a lower frame assembly 12 and an upper frame assembly 14 extending vertically above the lower frame assembly 12; however, alternative embodiments of the vehicle 2 may exclude the upper frame assembly 14. At least the lower frame assembly 12 supports the rear cargo area 16 and the body 18, which includes a plurality of body panels.

[0044] In one embodiment, the upper frame assembly 14 includes multiple frame members that are detachably or permanently coupled together. As used herein, the term "coupled," "couples," or any variation thereof defines a permanent connection (e.g., welding) or a temporary or removable connection (e.g., bolts, nuts, screws, etc.). Figures 1 to 7As shown, the upper frame assembly 14 includes a longitudinally extending member 60 configured to extend from the front of the adjacent operator area 20 of the vehicle 2 to the rear of the adjacent rear cargo area 16 of the vehicle 2. The longitudinally extending member 60 includes a front portion 60a positioned generally in front of the seat 22 in the operator area 20, a middle portion 60b positioned generally above the seat 22, and a rear portion 60c positioned generally behind the seat 22. Additionally, the upper frame assembly 14 includes at least one transverse member, and schematically includes a front transverse member 62 and a rear transverse member 64, each transverse member being coupled to the longitudinally extending member 60.

[0045] Still referencing Figures 1 to 7 The body 18 includes various body panels supported along the longitudinal axis L of the vehicle 2. More specifically, the body 18 includes a hood assembly 70, a front side panel or fender 72, a rear side panel or fender 74, a door 76, and an instrument panel assembly 78. (As in...) Figure 9 and Figure 10 As best shown, the dashboard assembly 78 may include an upper dashboard portion 80 and a lower dashboard portion 82. The upper and lower dashboard portions 80 and 82 may be removably or permanently coupled to each other and are configured to support various components of the vehicle 2, such as instruments or displays 84, multiple inputs 86, a steering wheel 28, etc. Various operator inputs or controls are further described in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 244,462, filed January 10, 2019, entitled “Vehicle” (Attorney General’s File No. PLR-15-28382.02P-US), and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62 / 840,654, filed April 30, 2019, entitled “Vehicle” (Attorney General’s File No. PLR-15-28561.01P-US), the full disclosures of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference.

[0046] Vehicle 2 also includes an open-air operator area 20, which illustratively includes seats 22 for one or more passengers. Thus, the operator area 20 is exposed to ambient air and may not be completely enclosed. Alternatively, vehicle 2 may include cab components (not shown), such as a roof, windshield, rear windshield, doors, or any combination thereof, to surround the operator area 20. An upper frame assembly 14 may be generally positioned around the operator area 20 such that the seats 22 are at least partially surrounded by the upper frame assembly 14. Illustratively, the seats 22 include an operator seat and passenger seats; however, the seats 22 may also include rear seats for additional passengers, or may only include a single seat for the operator. The seats 22 may include a headrest 25 (… Figure 1 ) the seat back 24 and seat bottom 26.

[0047] Still refer to Figures 1 to 7 Vehicle 2 includes a rear suspension assembly 30 and a front suspension assembly 32, both of which are supported by the underframe assembly 12. Additional details of the rear suspension assembly and the front suspension assemblies 30 and 32 are disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 226,797, filed December 20, 2018, entitled “REAR SUSPENSION ASSEMBLY FOR A VEHICLE” (Attorney’s File No. PLR-15-28340.05P), the full disclosure of which is expressly incorporated herein by reference.

[0048] Referring to the figures, vehicle 2 further includes a powertrain assembly 34 supported by a lower frame assembly 12 and comprising at least a prime mover (illustratively an engine 36), a gear train (which may be configured as a shiftable transmission, not explicitly shown), and a continuously variable transmission (“CVT”) 38. Engine 36 is located rear of operator area 20. Although the prime mover is disclosed as engine 36, it can be any type of device configured to power vehicle 2, such as an electric motor, a fuel-based engine, a hybrid engine, a power generator, etc. In one embodiment, CVT 38 is also at least partially located rear of operator area 20. CVT 38 can be positioned approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L of vehicle 2. Figure 1 The CVT 38 is positioned laterally outward or to the side of the engine 36 in a direction generally parallel to the longitudinal axis L. However, the CVT 38 may also extend in a generally perpendicular direction relative to the longitudinal axis L, or may be configured in any orientation relative to the longitudinal axis L, the engine 36, and the gear train. For example, in one embodiment, the CVT 38 may be positioned longitudinally forward of the engine 36 and configured to extend laterally in a direction generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L.

[0049] Reference Figures 8 to 14 Vehicle 2 further includes an audio system or component 40 configured to project sound into or within the operator area 20. In various embodiments, the audio system 40 is configured to project music, phone calls, or other commands from a cellular phone (e.g., via Bluetooth connection), communication between connected vehicles, commands or operating status of vehicle 2 (e.g., via connection to display 84), etc., into the operator area 20, and at least onto the operator. Figure 8As shown, the audio system 40 includes at least one speaker, and illustratively includes a first rear speaker 42, a second rear speaker 46, a front speaker group including a front tweeter 50 and a front mid-bass speaker 52, and a woofer or subwoofer 53. The audio system 40 is configured to receive input from a source unit 41 (e.g., music commands, Bluetooth commands, cellular commands, wired commands via USB, etc.) to output sound. The source unit 41 communicates with or is integrated with a display 84, allowing an operator or passenger to selectively input commands to initiate sound output. Once the audio system 40 is enabled, at least one signal is transmitted to output sound through any or all of the speakers 42, 46, 50, 52 and / or (multiple) subwoofers 53. It is understood that various embodiments of the audio system 40 may not include all of the speakers 42, 46, 50, 52 and / or subwoofers 53.Additional details regarding the audio system 40, display 84, source unit 41, and / or Bluetooth commands, vehicle-to-vehicle communication, cellular commands, and integration can be found in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 234,1692, filed December 27, 2018, entitled “Recreational Vehicle Interactive Telemetry, Mapping, and Trip Planning” (Attorney General’s File No. PLR-15-25635.04P-02-US); and in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 234,1692, filed September 12, 2016, entitled “Vehicle to Vehicle Communication Device and Methods from Recreational Vehicle”. U.S. Patent Serial No. 10,154,377, entitled "Display Systems and Methods for Arecreational Vehicles" (Attorney's File No. PLR-09-27870.01P-US); U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 161,720, filed May 23, 2016, entitled "Display Systems and Methods for Arecreational Vehicles" (Attorney's File No. PLR-12-27457.01P-US); and U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 161,720, filed July 24, 2018, entitled "Recreational Vehicle Group Management System". U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 043,514, entitled “Systems and methods for connecting accessories to recreational vehicles” (Attorney’s File No. PLR-15-27455.02P-02-US); and U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 62 / 783,601, filed December 21, 2018, entitled “Systems and methods for connecting accessories to recreational vehicles” (Attorney’s File No. PLR-15-26865.01P-US), the full disclosures of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference.

[0050] Reference Figure 9The first and second rear speakers 42, 46 are generally positioned behind the operator area 20 and behind the head of the operator and / or passenger. In one embodiment, at least the second rear speaker 46 is defined as a coaxial speaker. The first rear speaker 42 is supported by a portion of the upper frame assembly 14 and may specifically be supported on the longitudinally extending member 60. Illustratively, the first rear speaker 42 is removably coupled to the rear portion 60c of the longitudinally extending member 60 by a clamp or coupling 44. The clamp 44 may hingedly surround a portion of the rear portion 60c of the longitudinally extending member 60 to allow the first rear speaker 42 to be easily attached to and removed from the vehicle 2. When attached to the longitudinally extending member 60, the first rear speaker 42 may be positioned above the front portion of the rear cargo area 16 and adjacent to the second rear speaker 46 and the headrest 25.

[0051] Still referencing Figure 9 The second rear speaker 46 is illustratively positioned below a portion of the first rear speaker 42 and is supported by the lower frame assembly 12, the upper frame assembly 14, and / or the rear cargo area 16. In one embodiment, the second rear speaker 46 is integrated into a body panel or other portion of the rear cargo area 16. In one embodiment, the second rear speaker 46 includes a mounting plate 48 removably coupled to a bracket or mount 49 on the frame assembly 10.

[0052] like Figure 9 As shown, the first and second rear speakers 42 and 46 can be positioned on the right and left sides of vehicle 2, respectively, and are directed towards the operator area 20. It is quite evident that the first and second rear speakers 42 and 46 are approximately positioned around the headrest 25 of seat 22. Figure 1 The speakers 42 and 46 are positioned near and / or above the operator and above at least a portion of the door 76. In this way, the speakers 42 and 46 face the operator and are configured to direct sound toward the operator's and / or passenger's head to improve the sound quality heard by the operator and / or passenger. Furthermore, the sound projection from the speakers 42 and 46 is not obstructed or redirected by any panel or other component of the vehicle 2, thus again allowing enhanced sound quality to be heard within the operator area 20. Because the vehicle 2 can be an open-air vehicle with an open operator area 20, the first and second rear speakers 42 and 46 are positioned to direct sound toward the operator's head without obstructing the sound.

[0053] Now for reference Figures 10 to 14The audio system 40 further includes a front speaker assembly comprising a front tweeter 50, a front mid-bass speaker 52, and a subwoofer 53. The subwoofer 53 may be positioned on the lower dashboard portion 82, and more specifically, near a storage compartment (e.g., a glove box) 83. Illustratively, the subwoofer 53 is positioned below the glove box 83. The subwoofer 53 faces rearward to direct sound towards the operator.

[0054] The front speakers 50 and 52 are roughly positioned at seat 22. Figure 1 The speaker 52 is positioned in front of and supported on or near the dashboard assembly 78. More specifically, the speaker 52 is positioned within the lower dashboard portion 82 and faces the seat 22 in a rearward direction. The speaker 52 is spaced apart from the door 76 such that any sound emitted from the speaker 52 is not obstructed or redirected by the panel on the door 76. In one embodiment, the speaker 52 along the left side of the vehicle 2 is positioned approximately on the steering wheel 28 ( Figure 1 The speaker 52 is positioned near a portion of the dashboard assembly 78, and roughly along the right side of the vehicle 2, near the glove compartment 83. In this way, the speaker 52 is positioned away from the door 76 and above the floor of the vehicle 2 to better direct sound to the operator and passengers. Furthermore, at least a portion of the speaker 52 is positioned above the seat bottom 26. Figure 5 At the vertical height of ).

[0055] The front tweeter 50 is also positioned above the floor, away from the door 76 and vehicle 2. Furthermore, the front tweeter 50 is positioned at least above the bottom of the seat 26. Figure 5 At the vertical height of the speaker 50. In this way, like speaker 52, the front tweeter 50 also directs the sound rearward into the operator area 20, so that the sound is not redirected by the body panels or other components of the vehicle 2. Therefore, the front tweeter 50 and speaker 52 enhance the sound quality experienced by the operator and / or front passenger.

[0056] Still referencing Figures 10 to 14 The front tweeter 50 is positioned above a portion of the dashboard assembly 78, and specifically above the upper portion of the upper dashboard section 80. Additionally, the front tweeter 50 is positioned near the front portion 60a of the longitudinally extending member 60 of the upper frame assembly 14. Illustratively, the tweeter 50 is positioned behind the connection point 87 between the front portion 60a and the lower frame assembly 12, and also above at least a portion of the steering wheel 28. Furthermore, the tweeter 50 is also positioned above a large portion of the seat 22, and more specifically above the seat bottom 26, and generally aligned with the headrest 25 of the seat back 24.

[0057] Alternatively, such as Figure 9As shown, the tweeter 50 can also be positioned along the length of the longitudinally extending member 60, or it can be positioned along or within the upper surface of the instrument panel assembly 78. If the tweeter 50 is positioned along the length of the longitudinally extending member 60 and / or on the upper surface of the instrument panel assembly 78, the tweeter 50 still faces rearward (e.g., Figure 10 (As shown) oriented towards the operator's area 20 to direct sound toward the operator's head / ears. It is quite obvious that... Figure 9 The tweeters 50 shown are positioned at various locations on or above the upper surface of the dashboard assembly of the off-road vehicle and direct sound toward the operator's head to enhance sound quality within the open operator area 20.

[0058] The cover 88 of the body 18 is connected to the upper dashboard portion 80 and sealed with a seal 90. The cover 88 is configured to conceal the connection between the upper frame assembly 14 and the lower frame assembly 12 at the lower end of the front portion 60a. Figure 9 (Seen as connection or coupling position 87). More specifically, the upper frame assembly 14 is configured to be coupled (e.g., via welding or bolts) to the lower frame assembly 12 at least at the lower ends of the longitudinally extending member 60 in the front portion 60a and the rear portion 60c. This connection position or joint between the front portion 60a and the lower frame assembly 12 is at least... Figure 9 As shown in Figure 87, a visible joint that affects the aesthetics of vehicle 2 may occur at the lower ends of parts 60a and 60c.

[0059] The connection point 87 between the upper frame assembly 14 and the lower frame assembly 12 also provides available space on the vehicle 2 at the front portion 60a for additional speakers (e.g., tweeters 50) for the audio system 40. This location also allows the tweeters 50 to face rearward and direct sound into the operator area 20 without being redirected by other panels or surfaces of the vehicle 2. In this way, the tweeters 50, positioned near the lower end of the front portion 60a, are spaced from the lower, more enclosed areas of the operator area 20 (e.g., the lower part of the footwell or door 76), which could negatively affect the direction and quality of the tweeter 50's sound output.

[0060] Still referencing Figures 9 to 14The cover 88 may be included as a rubber cover or enclosure. In some embodiments, the cover 88 may be made of the same material and color as the hood assembly 70 or the front side panel 72, so that the cover 88 aesthetically matches the rest of the body 18. Alternatively, if the design of the vehicle 2 specifies that the cover 88 should be a different color and / or material from the rest of the body 18 (e.g., the same material and / or color as the longitudinally extending member 60), such an option may be used because the cover 88 can be separable from the hood assembly 70, the front side panel 72, and the dashboard assembly 78.

[0061] Understandably, the cover 88 is a single component of the body 18, configured to support a portion of the upper frame assembly 14 (e.g., the front portion 60a of the longitudinally extending member 60), support a portion of the audio system 40 (e.g., the front tweeter 50), seal against the hood assembly 70, front side panel 72, and / or dashboard assembly 78 to prevent fluids, dirt, and debris from entering the vehicle 2 at that location, and conceal the joint or connection (i.e., connection location 87) between the front portion 60a of the longitudinally extending member 60 and the lower frame assembly 12. (As shown in...) Figures 11 to 14 As best shown, the enclosure 88 includes a first opening 92 configured to be received in a portion of the front portion 60a. The first opening 92 is positioned above the lower surface of the enclosure 88, which allows the body of the enclosure 88 to be concealed in the connection or joint between the front portion 60a and the underframe assembly, such that the front portion 60a extends through the opening 92 when engaged with the underframe assembly 12.

[0062] The casing 88 also includes a second opening 94 ( Figure 14 The second opening 94 is configured to receive the front tweeter 50. In one embodiment, the second opening 94 is positioned below the first opening 92, such that the front portion 60a extends above the tweeter 50. This vertical alignment of the openings 92, 94 also gives the housing 88 a compact configuration. When the tweeter 50 is received within the opening 94 and supported on the housing 88, the speaker body 96 is concealed within the housing 88, such that only the speaker grille 98 is visible within the operator area 20. Additionally, electrical components 100 of the tweeter 50 (e.g., wiring harnesses) extend through the opening 94 and are also concealed by the housing 88. In this way, the housing 88 allows the tweeter 50 to be positioned to improve sound quality within the operator area 20 and also conceals the connectors on the front portion 60a and the underframe assembly 12 at approximately the same location as the tweeter 50.

[0063] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 10Because vehicle 2 can be an open-air vehicle, audio system 40 is configured to project sound directly towards the operator. To achieve this, various speakers and components of audio system 40 are positioned to optimally direct sound towards the operator's head / ears. More specifically, such as Figure 3 and Figure 10 As shown, if the operator area 20 is divided into three sound zones (where area 1 is labeled Z1, area 2 is labeled Z2 and located below area 1, and area 3 is labeled Z3 and located below area 2), it is obvious that the headrest 25, and therefore the operator's and passenger's heads, are located in area 1. Area 2 may include the operator's shoulders and is located below the headrest 25. Area 3 may include the middle portion of the operator or legs and is located along the middle portion of the seat back 24. The audio system 40 disclosed herein is configured to direct sound within area 1 such that sound is directed to the operator's head / ear. However, additional speakers or components of the audio system 40 may also direct sound within area 2. It is obvious that area 3 is away from the operator's head, and therefore the audio system 40 is not configured to direct sound therein. For example, rear speakers 42, 46 and front tweeter 50 may be configured and positioned to direct sound within area 1 where the operator's head is located, thereby allowing multiple speakers to project sound directly to the operator. Furthermore, the mid-bass speaker 52 can be configured to project sound within zone 2 to enhance the sound within the operator zone 20, because the speaker 52 also projects sound directly towards the operator, rather than being positioned where the sound might be obstructed or redirected by other surfaces. As shown and disclosed herein, zones 1 and 2 are positioned above the floor and vertically above at least half of the door, and therefore the audio system 40 is configured to direct sound towards the operator's head, at least within zone 1.

[0064] While the invention has been described with exemplary design, further modifications can be made to the invention within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. Therefore, this application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or modifications made to the invention using the general principles of the invention. Furthermore, this application is intended to cover any deviations from this disclosure that fall within the scope of known or customary practice in the field to which this invention pertains.

Claims

1. An audio system for an open-air vehicle, comprising: A first loudspeaker, positioned to direct sound toward the operator's compartment; as well as The vehicle has a panel with an audio enclosure that receives the upper frame assembly outside the vehicle's upper frame assembly, and the panel supports the first speaker within the audio enclosure located adjacent to a portion of the upper frame assembly of the vehicle. A portion of the panel is configured to surround the outer periphery of a portion of the frame member of the upper frame assembly to conceal the connection point of the upper frame assembly, and the first speaker is positioned in another portion of the panel behind the connection point; and The first speaker is positioned to point towards the operator.

2. The audio system of claim 1, wherein a portion of the first speaker is positioned inwardly from the upper frame assembly.

3. The audio system of claim 2, wherein the portion of the upper frame assembly is received inside the panel.

4. The audio system of claim 1, wherein the panel includes a first portion and a second portion, the first portion being configured to be coupled to the upper frame assembly, and the second portion including an opening configured to receive the first speaker, wherein the first portion and the second portion are integrally formed.

5. The audio system of claim 1, further comprising a second speaker, wherein the first speaker directs sound to a first region, and the second speaker is configured to project sound to a second region, and The first region is different from the second region.

6. An audio system for an open-air vehicle, the vehicle including an upper frame assembly configured to surround an open-air operator area, the upper frame assembly including a pair of longitudinally extending frame members, a first lateral member extending laterally between the pair of longitudinally extending frame members, and a second lateral member extending laterally between the pair of longitudinally extending frame members, the audio system comprising: A first speaker, positioned to direct sound toward a first area of ​​the open-air operator area, is operatively coupled to the upper frame assembly. A second loudspeaker, positioned to direct sound toward a second area of ​​the outdoor operator area; as well as A panel configured to receive the upper frame assembly outside the upper frame assembly of the vehicle, and configured to surround the outer periphery of a portion of the frame member of the upper frame assembly to conceal the connection point of the upper frame assembly, and operable to support at least one of the first speaker and the second speaker behind the connection point within an audio enclosure located adjacent to a portion of the upper frame assembly of the vehicle. The first speaker is configured to be positioned in front of one of the first and second transverse members, and the second speaker is configured to be positioned behind the other of the first and second transverse members; and The first region and the second region are offset from each other.

7. The audio system of claim 6 further includes a third speaker positioned behind the outdoor operator area.

8. The audio system of claim 7, wherein the third speaker is configured to project sound toward an area behind the outdoor operator area.

9. The audio system of claim 6, wherein the first speaker is positioned in front of the outdoor operator area.

10. The audio system of claim 6, wherein the second region is vertically located below the first region.

11. A panel for an open-air vehicle, the vehicle having an upper frame assembly covering an operator area, the upper frame assembly including an outward-facing surface and an inward-facing surface, the outward-facing surface facing away from the operator area and the inward-facing surface facing the operator area, the panel including an audio enclosure, the panel comprising: A first opening, configured to receive a speaker, the speaker being positioned to direct audio toward the operator's area; as well as The receiving portion is configured to receive the outer periphery of a portion of the frame member of the upper frame assembly, and the receiving portion is further configured to conceal the connection point of the upper frame assembly from a location outside the operator's area; and The audio enclosure is positioned above the vehicle door, and the speaker is positioned behind the connection point.

12. The panel of claim 11, wherein the receiving portion has a generally circular shape.

13. The panel of claim 11, wherein a portion of the speaker is positioned closer to the operator area than the inward-facing surface of the upper frame assembly.

14. The panel of claim 11, wherein the receiving portion receives a generally longitudinally extending member of the upper frame assembly.

15. The panel of claim 11, wherein a first portion of the panel extends outward from an outward-facing surface of the upper frame assembly, and a second portion of the panel extends inward from an inward-facing surface of the upper frame assembly.

16. The panel of claim 11, wherein the audio enclosure is positioned above the dashboard assembly.

Images