Adjustable loudspeaker system

Abstract

A loudspeaker system 100 for an entertainment venue includes a loudspeaker 116, a main loudspeaker enclosure 110 configured to enclose the loudspeaker 116, and one or more supplemental enclosure modules 112. A first supplemental enclosure module 112 is configured to be detachably coupled to the main loudspeaker enclosure 110 and is configured to define a first portion of a sound cavity 117 for the loudspeaker system 100, and a second supplemental enclosure module 112 is configured to be detachably coupled to the first supplemental enclosure module 112 and is configured to define a second portion of the sound cavity 117 for the loudspeaker system 100.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications This application claims priority and benefit to U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 63 / 566,992, filed March 19, 2024, entitled “ADJUSTABLE SPEAKER SYSTEM”, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Background Technology

[0002] This disclosure generally relates to loudspeaker systems. Many entertainment venues use loudspeakers to provide audio to attendees. For example, within an entertainment venue, embedded loudspeakers can play various audio tracks (e.g., sound effects and / or songs) throughout a performance and / or ride. These audio tracks can work in conjunction with other elements of the performance and / or ride to help engage the audience. Loudspeakers can be fixed within the structure defining the entertainment venue or can otherwise be used as a largely permanent feature within the venue (e.g., to provide audio to multiple attendees over a period of time, such as several years). In other areas of the entertainment venue, loudspeakers can be attached to non-stationary objects (e.g., robots, animated characters) to provide audio accompanying the movement and visual effects of the non-stationary object. It is now recognized that when loudspeakers are fixed in a specific location within the entertainment venue and / or attached to non-stationary objects, modifications to the loudspeakers can be costly and time-consuming.

[0003] This section aims to introduce the reader to various aspects of the technology that may be related to the various aspects of the present technology described and / or claimed below. This discussion is believed to help provide the reader with background information to better understand the various aspects of this disclosure. Therefore, it should be understood that these statements are to be read in this light and not as an admission of prior art. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The following outlines certain embodiments that are proportionate to the scope of the original claimed subject matter. These embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter, but are merely intended to provide a brief overview of the possible forms of the subject matter. In practice, the subject matter may encompass a variety of forms that may be similar to or different from the embodiments set forth below.

[0005] In one embodiment, a loudspeaker system for an entertainment venue includes a loudspeaker having a main loudspeaker housing configured to at least partially enclose the loudspeaker. The loudspeaker system also includes one or more supplementary housing modules, wherein a first supplementary housing module of the one or more supplementary housing modules is configured to be detachably coupled to the main loudspeaker housing. The first supplementary housing module is also configured to define a first portion of a sound cavity for the loudspeaker system. Furthermore, the loudspeaker system includes a second supplementary housing module of the one or more supplementary housing modules, the second supplementary housing module being configured to be detachably coupled to the first supplementary housing module and also configured to define a second portion of a sound cavity for the loudspeaker system.

[0006] In one embodiment, a speaker housing includes a main speaker housing configured to nest around a speaker. The speaker housing also includes a first supplementary housing module configured to be detachably coupled to the main speaker housing. The first supplementary housing module is further configured to define a portion of a sound cavity for the speaker housing having an axis. Furthermore, the speaker housing includes a second supplementary housing module configured to be detachably coupled to the first supplementary housing module. The second supplementary housing module is further configured to define a second portion of the sound cavity of the speaker housing.

[0007] In one embodiment, a method of modifying a loudspeaker system includes: inserting a loudspeaker into a main loudspeaker housing, the main loudspeaker housing being configured to at least partially enclose the loudspeaker, wherein the main loudspeaker housing includes a first plurality of recesses and a plurality of locking channels. The method further includes: removably coupling one or more supplementary housing modules to the main loudspeaker housing until a desired sound is achieved. The removable coupling step includes: inserting a plurality of protrusions of a first supplementary housing module of the one or more supplementary housing modules into the plurality of recesses of the main loudspeaker housing; and rotating the plurality of protrusions of the first supplementary housing into the plurality of locking channels. Attached Figure Description

[0008] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of this disclosure will become better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein similar reference numerals denote similar parts throughout the drawings, wherein: Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a variable-size loudspeaker system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 2 This is a perspective view of a variable-size loudspeaker according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 3 This is a perspective view of the main speaker housing according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 4 This is a perspective view of a supplementary housing module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and Figure 5 This is a perspective view of a supplementary housing module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0009] One or more specific embodiments of this disclosure will be described below. To provide a concise description of these embodiments, not all features of an actual implementation may be described in the specification. It should be appreciated that, as in any engineering or design project, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developer's specific goals, such as complying with system-related and business-related constraints, which may vary from one implementation to another. Furthermore, it should be appreciated that such development work can be complex and time-consuming, but will remain a routine task of design, manufacture, and production for those skilled in the art who benefit from this disclosure.

[0010] When describing the elements of various embodiments of this disclosure, the articles “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to mean the presence of one or more elements. The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that additional elements may exist besides those listed. Furthermore, it should be understood that references to “an embodiment” or “an embodiment” in this disclosure are not intended to be construed as excluding the existence of other embodiments also in conjunction with the described features.

[0011] The systems and methods disclosed herein generally relate to a variable-size loudspeaker system (e.g., loudspeaker system, audio system, amplifier, soundbar, subwoofer, satellite loudspeaker) formed from housing modules (e.g., housing parts, housing portions, housing components), wherein different modules can be used to adjust the dimensions of the housing and corresponding cavity (also referred to as sound chamber) of the variable-size loudspeaker system. The housing module may include a main loudspeaker housing, one or more supplementary housing modules, a backplate, etc. The main loudspeaker housing may be defined as a base portion having an inner radial wall that defines a sound chamber housing the loudspeaker. The loudspeaker may substantially seal one end of the sound chamber of the main loudspeaker housing, and the other end of the sound chamber may form an access port that allows for expansion of the housing and a corresponding expansion of the sound chamber defined by the housing. This facilitates easy adjustment of the performance characteristics of the loudspeaker system and improves the associated efficiency of system maintenance, installation, etc. For example, the loudspeaker system can be adjusted (e.g., increasing the size (e.g., volume) of the sound chamber) without ordering new parts or extending maintenance time for replacement.

[0012] Reference Figures 1 to 5The housing modules 110, 112, and 114 (e.g., main speaker housing 110, supplementary housing module 112, and backplate 114) may include receptacles 206, 326, and 412 (e.g., female connection portions) and / or extensions 215, 306, and 400 (e.g., male connection portions) to facilitate the connection of housing modules 110, 112, and 114. The main speaker housing 110 may be detachably connected to supplementary housing module 112 via extensions 215 and 306 or receptacles 206 and 326, and supplementary housing module 112 may be detachably connected to another supplementary housing module 112, etc., until the desired acoustic cavity 117 size (e.g., volume) and / or sound is achieved. The backplate 114 may then be detachably connected to the outermost supplementary housing module 112 or the main speaker housing 110 to seal the opening of housing 113 opposite to the speaker 116. In some embodiments, the housing 113 may remain open at the back, and the back panel 114 may be omitted (e.g., to achieve desired acoustic characteristics). Different housing 113 and acoustic cavity 117 dimensions are expected to achieve certain audio characteristics and / or accommodate other physical requirements or limitations of the variable-size speaker system 100. For example, it will be appreciated that by adding or subtracting housing module 112 and / or back panel 114 and thereby changing the dimensions (e.g., volume) of acoustic parameters (e.g., volume, timbre, pitch) from the speaker 116 can be altered (e.g., amplified, attenuated, increased, decreased).

[0013] In embodiments where the main speaker housing 110 includes a receptacle 206, the receptacle 206 may be operable to receive an extension 306 of the supplementary housing module 112 or an extension 400 of the back panel 114, the extension 306 or extension 400 being rotatable within the receptacle 206 to secure the main speaker housing 110 to the supplementary housing module 112 or the back panel 114. In embodiments where the main speaker housing 110 includes an extension 215, the extension 215 may include a cylindrical shape formed around and partially defining an access port. That is, the extension 215 may at least partially define a portion of a sound cavity 117 (e.g., the resonant chamber of a variable-size speaker system 100). Similarly, the supplementary housing module 112 and the back panel 114 may include corresponding receptacles 326, 412 and / or extensions 306, 400, which may cooperate to allow for adjustable dimensions of the variable-size speaker system 100. In one embodiment, the supplementary housing module 112 may include an extension 306 on one side and a receptacle 326 on the other side. However, some embodiments also include a supplementary housing module 112 having extensions 306 on both sides or receptacles 326 on both sides.

[0014] More specifically, regarding embodiments of the main speaker housing 110 including the housing 206, the inner radial wall 214 defining the housing 206 may include a recess 202 (e.g., a hole, a channel) comprising a cavity geometry operable to receive, in a receiving orientation, protrusions 300, 404 (e.g., fasteners, connectors) of extensions 306, 400 of the supplementary housing module 112 or back plate 144. The supplementary housing module 112 or back plate 114 may be detachably coupled to the main speaker housing 110 in a fixed (e.g., friction fit and interlocking) manner by inserting the extensions 306, 400 into the housing 206 and further axially rotating the protrusions 300, 404. Similarly, the main speaker housing 110 may include an extension 215 having a protrusion 217 interlocking with a recess 336 in the housing 326 of the supplementary housing module 112 or back plate 114. Adding the supplementary housing module 112 to the variable-size speaker system 100 increases the size (e.g., volume, length) of the sound cavity 117 of the variable-size speaker system 100. Similarly, removing the supplementary housing module 112 from the variable-size speaker system 100 has the opposite effect. Increasing or decreasing the size of the sound cavity 117 of the variable-size speaker system 100 increases or decreases the volume and / or another audio parameter (e.g., pitch, tone quality) of the speaker 116.

[0015] The supplementary housing module 112 and / or backplate 114 according to this embodiment may further include recesses 336, 414 within corresponding receptacles 326, 412. Recesses 336, 414 may include cavity geometries operable to receive protrusions 300, 217 attached to extensions 306, 215 of the individual supplementary housing module 112 or main speaker housing 110 for interlocking engagement. For example, the second supplementary housing module 112 can be coupled to the first supplementary housing module 112 by inserting an extension 306 (e.g., of the second supplementary housing module 112) into a receptacle 326 and rotating the protrusion 300 (e.g., of the second supplementary housing module) of the extension 306 into the recess 336 of the receptacle 326. Adding a second supplementary housing module 112 to the first supplementary housing module 112 can further increase the size (e.g., volume, length) of the sound cavity 117 of the variable-size loudspeaker system 100. Increasing (or decreasing) the size of the sound cavity 117 can increase (or decrease) the sound parameters (e.g., volume, tone, pitch) of the variable-size loudspeaker system 100. Any number of housing modules 110, 112, 114 can be added to obtain the desired sound from the variable-size loudspeaker system 100.

[0016] Housing modules (e.g., main speaker housing 110, supplementary housing module 112, and / or backplate 114) may include magnets 200, 316, 406, which are fixed in and / or on their respective bodies at locations configured to facilitate magnetic engagement of housing modules 110, 112, 114 in a mating configuration. For example, the main speaker housing 110 may have one or more magnets 200 disposed on a face and / or surface of the main speaker housing 110, which is configured to engage (e.g., magnetically engage) with the supplementary housing module 112 or backplate 114. Similarly, the supplementary housing module 112 and / or backplate 114 may have one or more magnets 316, 406 disposed on a first face 312, a rear wall face 408 (e.g., an extended side), a second face 314 (e.g., a receiving side), or both and / or on the supplementary housing module 112 and / or backplate 114. Magnets 200, 316, and 406 can be arranged to attract each other. That is, the magnetic poles of magnet 200 of the main speaker housing 110 can be opposite to the magnetic poles of the magnets of the supplementary housing module 112 (or back plate 114). When the main speaker housing 110 and the supplementary housing module 112 (or back plate 114) approach each other (e.g., abut, contact), the magnets 200, 316, and 406 of the main speaker housing 110 and the supplementary housing module 112 (or back plate 114) can be magnetically connected. In this way, magnets 200, 316, and 406 can prevent housing modules 110, 112, and 114 from accidentally detaching from the variable-size speaker system 100 due to, for example, vibration. In one embodiment, in the connection configuration, magnets 200, 316, 406 may be adjacent (e.g., directly adjacent) to housing modules 110, 112, 114 and / or another corresponding magnet among magnets 200, 316, 406. In another embodiment, in the connection configuration, magnets 200, 316, 406 may not be directly adjacent to housing modules 110, 112, 114 and / or another corresponding magnet among magnets 200, 316, 406. That is, magnets 200, 316, 406 may be embedded within the respective housing modules 110, 112, 114 and are configured to magnetically interact or engage with another corresponding magnet among magnets 200, 316, 406 without being adjacent (e.g., directly adjacent). Magnets 200, 316, 406 may cooperate with other connection mechanisms (e.g., rotational interlocks) for secure connection. For example, the interlocking engagement of extensions 215, 306, 400 and receptacles 206, 326, 412 can be partially maintained by the connected magnets 200, 316, 406, which prevent rotational disengagement. Furthermore, it should be noted that the arrangement of magnets 200, 316, 406 (e.g., alignment of the magnetic poles) facilitates the proper alignment of any of the various housing modules 110, 112, 114.For example, magnets 200, 316, 406 can be arranged such that the two supplementary housing modules 112 can be detachably connected together in a manner that allows them to be properly aligned with each other.

[0017] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a variable-size loudspeaker system 100 is depicted, including a loudspeaker shield 120, a main loudspeaker housing 110, a loudspeaker 116, a plurality of supplementary housing modules 112, and a backplate 114. The variable-size loudspeaker system 100 (e.g., an audio amplifier system, a loudspeaker system) can be assembled by linking housing modules 110, 112, and 114 (e.g., housing members, housing portions, acoustic chamber portions) together to adjust the size of a sound cavity 117. The variable-size loudspeaker system 100 may include a loudspeaker shield 120, which includes an opening 122 to allow sound waves emanating from the front portion 115 of the loudspeaker 116 to exit the variable-size loudspeaker system 100. The loudspeaker shield 120 may also include a magnet 121 configured to engage with a magnet 200 of the main loudspeaker housing 110, which allows easy access to the loudspeaker 116, which is at least partially nested within the interior 207 of the main loudspeaker housing 110.

[0018] The main speaker housing 110 may also include a receiving portion 210 defining a housing 206, the housing 206 being configured to receive extensions 306, 400 from the supplementary housing module 112 or the backplate 114. Furthermore, as... Figure 3 As shown, the housing 206 may include or define an inner radial wall 214 that defines a recess 202 and one or more locking channels 204 (e.g., cavities) extending transversely to an axis 119 extending through the variable-size loudspeaker system 100. The recess 202 and locking channels 204 may include cavity geometries configured to receive protrusions 300, 404 extending radially from outer radial walls 334, 402 of the supplementary housing module 112 or backplate 114. For example, the recess 202 may receive a protrusion 300 from the supplementary housing module 112, and the protrusion 300 may be further screwed into the locking channel 204 as the supplementary housing module 112 moves radially when the protrusion 300 is inserted into the recess 202, enabling an engagement configuration between the main loudspeaker housing 110 and the supplementary housing module 112. The main speaker housing 110 may also include a magnet 200 disposed in or on the housing surface 216, the magnet 200 being configured to be magnetically coupled to similarly positioned magnets 316, 406 on the surfaces of the supplementary housing module 112 or the back panel 114 (e.g., the first surface 312, the rear wall surface 408).

[0019] Additionally, the supplementary housing module 112 may include a base portion 310, which is similar to the receiving portion 210 of the main speaker housing 110. The base portion 310 may define a receiving portion 326 configured to receive extensions 306, 400 from another supplementary housing module 112 or backplate 114. In an embodiment, the main speaker housing 110 includes an extension 215 and a radially extending protrusion 217 configured to engage with the receiving portions 326, 412 of the supplementary housing module 112 or backplate 114. Figure 4 As shown, the receiving 326 of the supplementary housing module 112 may include or define an inner radial wall 338, which defines a recess 336 and a locking channel 340 (e.g., a cavity) extending transversely to an axis 119 extending through the variable-size speaker system 100. The recess 336 and the locking channel 340 may include cavity geometries configured to receive protrusions 300, 404 extending radially from outer radial walls 334, 402 of the second supplementary housing module 112 or the backplate 114. For example, the recess 336 may receive a protrusion 300 from the second supplementary housing module 112 (e.g., a receiving orientation), and when the second supplementary housing module 112 moves radially as the protrusion 300 is inserted into the recess 336, the protrusion 300 further screws into the locking channel 340, enabling an engagement configuration (e.g., an engagement orientation) between the first and second supplementary housing modules 112.

[0020] The supplementary housing module 112 may also include a magnet 316 disposed in or on the first surface 312 and / or the second surface 314, the magnet 316 being configured to be magnetically coupled to magnets 200, 406 similarly positioned on the surface of the main speaker housing 110 or the back panel 114 (e.g., the receiving surface 216, the rear wall surface 408).

[0021] Turn now Figure 2 The illustration depicts a perspective view of a variable-size loudspeaker system 100 having a main loudspeaker housing 110 and a plurality of supplementary housing modules 112. As shown, the variable-size loudspeaker system 100 may include a plurality of supplementary housing modules 112, wherein each supplementary housing module 112 added to the variable-size loudspeaker system 100 increases the sound cavity 117 ( Figure 1 As shown in the figure, the sound cavity 117 extends within the entire housing 113 defined by the variable-size speaker system 100. It will be appreciated that increasing the volume of the sound cavity 117 by adding supplementary housing modules 112 can alter the acoustic output of the variable-size speaker system 100 (e.g., increase bass response, tone, volume, sound quality).

[0022] The supplementary housing module 112 that defines the sound cavity 117 can prevent sound from entering from the rear 128 of the speaker 116. Figure 1 The sound waves emitted from the rear portion 128 of the speaker 116 (as shown in the diagram) interfere with the sound waves emitted from the front portion 115 of the speaker 116 (e.g., destructive interference). For example, sound waves originating from or emanating from the rear portion 128 of the speaker 116 may be out of phase (e.g., asynchronous, discordant, mismatched) with sound waves originating from the front portion 115 of the speaker 116, which can lead to a decrease in the quality and / or sound level of the sound waves emitted from the front portion 115 of the speaker 116. Therefore, without a sound cavity 117 defined by the housing module 112 to prevent such interference, the speaker 116 may produce undesirable sound characteristics.

[0023] The interior of the housing modules 110, 112, 114 of the variable-size loudspeaker system 100 may include absorbent material (e.g., glass wool, wool, synthetic fibers) to help reduce interference (e.g., destructive interference) between sound waves originating from the rear 128 of the loudspeaker 116 and sound waves originating from the front 115 of the loudspeaker 116. For example, each supplementary housing module 112 and the main loudspeaker housing 110 of the variable-size loudspeaker system 100 may include absorbent material attached (e.g., via fasteners, friction fit, adhesive bonding) to the inner radial walls 332, 410 of the extensions of the housing modules 112, 114. In this way, when supplementary housing modules 112 and / or backplates 114, including the inner radial walls 332, 410 of the extensions, defining a portion of the sound cavity 117, are added to the main loudspeaker housing 110, the sound cavity 117 can be customized for desired sound characteristics, such as... Figure 1 and Figure 2 The diagram is shown in the general outline. Additionally, a backplate 114 with insulating material can be added to the inward-facing side to seal the end of the housing 113. For example, in one embodiment, the housing 113 and the corresponding cavity, completely insulated (e.g., covered) with absorbent material, can be assembled with housing modules 110, 112, 114.

[0024] In an embodiment, the inner radial walls 332, 410 of the extension portion may be textured to increase the surface area of ​​the sound cavity 117. For example, the inner radial walls 332, 410 of the extension portion may include recesses and / or protrusions (e.g., protrusions of a three-dimensional shape) that increase the surface area of ​​the inner radial walls 332, 410 of the extension portion, and thus increase the surface area of ​​the sound cavity 117. In this way, sound parameters (e.g., volume, timbre, pitch) can be further altered. Textures, contours, obstacles, etc., may be added via deformation of attachments (e.g., shapes configured to attach to the inner radial walls 332, 410 of the extension portion) or boundaries (e.g., the inner radial walls 332, 410 of the extension portion).

[0025] In an embodiment, the acoustic cavity 117 of the variable-size loudspeaker system 100 can be used to change the rear portion 128 originating from the loudspeaker 116. Figure 1 and Figure 3 The sound waves (as shown in the diagram) are constructively interfered with the sound waves originating from the front portion 115 of the speaker 116. For example, one or more supplementary housing modules 112 may include a bass return 311 (e.g., a reflector port, open box, or aperture) that fluidly connects the sound cavity 117 to the outside of the variable-size speaker system 100. In other embodiments, the main speaker housing 110 may also include a bass return 311 that is combined with or replaces the bass return 311 of one or more supplementary housing modules 112. In one embodiment, the bass return 311 may face the same direction as the front portion 115 of the speaker 116, wherein sound waves originating from the rear portion 128 of the speaker 116 and exiting the bass return 311 are substantially in the same direction as the sound waves originating from the front portion 115 of the speaker 116. In this way, sound waves originating from the rear 128 of the speaker 116 and exiting through the bass recirculator 311 can constructively interfere with sound waves originating from the front 115 of the speaker 116, thereby changing the acoustic characteristics of the variable-size speaker system 100.

[0026] The main speaker housing 110 may also include a connector 134 configured to detachably attach the variable-size speaker system 100 to a desired location. For example, the variable-size speaker system 100 may be detachably attached via connector 134 to components of an entertainment venue (e.g., on a wall, floor, or ceiling), animated characters (e.g., robotic figures or animals), theme park rides (e.g., vehicles), or any other suitable location. Connector 134 may include at least one attachment protrusion 130 configured to facilitate attachment. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, there are two attachment protrusions 130, each configured to receive a fastener (e.g., a cable, pin, bolt, nail, screw) in a receiving seat 132 (e.g., a hole). Furthermore, in the illustrated embodiment, the two attachment protrusions 130 are spaced apart to define a gap 136 configured to receive a separate fastening protrusion (not shown) of a feature (not shown). Therefore, individual fastening protrusions can be inserted into slots 136, and fasteners can pass through the individual fastening protrusions and the receptacles 132 of the two attachment protrusions 130 of the connector 134 to secure the variable-size speaker system 100 to this feature. In embodiments, different numbers of attachment protrusions 130 may be included, and additional slots 136 may be formed to receive additional individual fastener protrusions. Receptacles 132 may be configured to receive fasteners of any kind (e.g., screws) to detachably engage (e.g., fasten) the individual fastener protrusions between the attachment protrusions 130. In this way, the variable-size speaker system 100 can be detachably engaged to a fastened position. Furthermore, the connector 134, together with the individual fastening protrusions and fasteners, may be configured to allow the variable-size speaker system 100 to rotate relative to a pivot along a fastener axis (e.g., an axis defined by a centerline through the length of the fastener). The connector 134 is not limited to a location on the main speaker housing 110, and can be on any suitable and / or desired housing module (e.g., supplementary housing module 112, back panel 114).

[0027] The variable-size loudspeaker system 100 may further include a backplate 114 configured to be detachably coupled to a supplementary housing module 112 (e.g., the last added housing module, the outermost housing module) and / or the main loudspeaker housing 110. The backplate 114 may be configured to enclose (e.g., seal) the acoustic cavity 117 defined by the housing modules 110, 112, 114. In this way, sound waves generated within the variable-size loudspeaker system 100 (e.g., within the acoustic cavity 117) can be prevented from leaking out of the variable-size loudspeaker system 100, thereby altering (e.g., increasing, decreasing) the parameters of the sound produced by the loudspeaker 116 (e.g., volume, amplitude, frequency, timbre, pitch). The backplate 114 may be detachably coupled to the outermost of the main loudspeaker housing 110 and / or the supplementary housing module 112 by any suitable means (e.g., mechanically, magnetically). For example, the backplate 114 may include a magnet 406, similar to a magnet disposed on and / or in the main speaker housing 110 and / or supplementary housing module 112. The magnet 406 of the backplate 114 may be a magnet 200, 316 and / or a metallic attraction (e.g., magnetic attraction) disposed on and / or in the supplementary housing module 112 or the main speaker housing 110. Furthermore, the backplate 114 may include an extension 400 (…). Figure 1 (As shown in the diagram), the extension 400 is configured to be inserted into either the main speaker housing 110 or the supplementary housing module 112. The extension 400 of the back panel 114 may be similar to the extension 306 of the supplementary housing module 112 as described below (e.g., Figure 5 The shape and design (as shown in the diagram). That is, the extension 400 of the back panel 114 may be a circular shape defining the outer radial wall 402. The outer radial wall 402 may have a protrusion 404 extending radially therefrom, the protrusion 404 being configured to insert into the recesses 202, 336 of the supplementary housing module 112 and / or the main speaker housing 110 (as shown in the diagram). Figure 5 (As shown in the diagram). In this way, the addition of the backplate 114 can enclose the acoustic cavity 117 of the variable-size speaker system 100 at the end. Like the other housing modules 110, 112, 114, the backplate 114 can be made of any suitable material, including lossy wall materials, metals, polymers, plastics, or composite materials.

[0028] Figure 3This is a perspective view of the main speaker housing 110 of a variable-size loudspeaker system 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The main speaker housing 110 may be configured to enclose (e.g., cover, encapsulate) at least a portion of a loudspeaker 116. For example, the main speaker housing 110 may include a front end 201, a rear end 205, and sidewalls 203. The interior 207 of the main speaker housing 110 and the exterior of the loudspeaker 116 may be cooperatively shaped to facilitate nesting engagement of the loudspeaker 116 within the main speaker housing 110. For example, the interior 207 of the main speaker housing may have a cylindrical shape, similar in size and shape to the body of the loudspeaker 116. In this way, the loudspeaker 116 can be inserted into and secured thereto within the main speaker housing 110. While a friction fit may be sufficient, in embodiments, the main speaker housing 110 and the loudspeaker 116 may additionally or alternatively be secured by other fastening features (e.g., receptacles and fasteners) to maintain the positioning of the loudspeaker 116 within the main speaker housing 110.

[0029] The speaker guard 120 can be detachably attached to a face (e.g., front end 201) of the main speaker housing 110 to protect the speaker 116 from damage (e.g., drop damage, fragment damage). Furthermore, the speaker guard 120 may include openings 122 (e.g., slits, holes) configured to allow sound waves originating from the front portion 115 of the speaker 116 to pass through the speaker guard 120 while still maintaining protection for the speaker 116. The speaker guard 120 may include any number and shape of openings 122 desired to provide protection for the speaker 116 while allowing sound waves to pass through. Additionally, the speaker guard 120 can be attached (e.g., attached) to the main speaker housing 110 via any suitable attachment mechanism. For example, and in an embodiment, the speaker guard 120 may be magnetically attached to the main speaker housing 110 via a magnet 121 (e.g., ...). Figure 1 (As shown in the diagram). In this way, the speaker guard 120 can be replaced without tools and in a faster manner. In an embodiment using a magnet 121 as a means of attaching the speaker guard 120 to the main speaker housing 110, the speaker 116 can be easily removed through the front of the main speaker housing 110 without tools and in a faster manner. Similarly, the speaker guard 120 can be attached to the main speaker housing 110 via a threaded connection, which allows for attachment or removal without tools, and such attachment can be supplemented by the magnet 121, similar to the connections described above with respect to housing modules 110, 112, and 114.

[0030] The main speaker housing 110 may include a receiving portion 210 defining a nacelle 206 (e.g., the back of the main speaker housing 110), the nacelle 206 being configured to receive extensions 306, 400 from the supplementary housing module 112 or the backplate 114 (e.g., Figure 1 (As shown in the illustration). In the illustrated embodiment, the receiver 206 is circular in shape and includes a diameter larger (e.g., wider) than the diameter of the extensions 306, 400 (e.g., the extensions 306, 400 to be inserted). In this way, the extensions 306, 400 can be inserted into the receiver 206. Furthermore, the receiver portion 210 of the main speaker housing 110 may define a recess 202 (e.g., a hole) extending through a receiver surface 216 of the receiver portion 210. The recess 202 is configured to receive protrusions 300, 404 from the supplementary housing module 112 or the backplate 114 in a receiving orientation, such as... Figure 1 As shown in the illustration, the recess 202 can have any shape suitable for receiving protrusions 300, 404 from the supplementary housing module 112 or the back plate 114. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the receiving portion 210 defines a recess 202 having a dovetail shape (e.g., sidewalls that taper inward toward each other). In practice, the shape and / or size of the recess 202 can be such that it facilitates the attachment (e.g., coupling, connection) of the supplementary housing module 112 or the back plate 114 to the main speaker housing 110 by inserting the protrusions 300, 404 into the recess 202. For example, the dovetail-shaped recess 202 may include a dimension (e.g., width) substantially larger than the dimension (e.g., width) of the protrusion 300. In this way, the protrusions 300, 404 can be inserted into the recess 202 more easily, thereby speeding up the modification process of the variable-size speaker system 100.

[0031] In the illustrated embodiment, the main speaker housing 110 includes four recesses 202; however, it should be noted that any number of recesses 202 (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8) can be used according to this disclosure. Furthermore, the recesses 202 can be located at various positions (e.g., orientations) around the circumference of the housing 206 surrounding the housing portion 210. It will be appreciated that the orientation of the recesses 202 can vary, and this disclosure covers all possible locations / or orientations of the recesses 202 on and / or within the housing portion 210. For example, the recesses 202 can be oriented offset around the housing 206 relative to the desired connection configuration of the supplementary housing module 112 and the main speaker housing 110 or the backplate 114. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the recess 202 may be oriented slightly counterclockwise relative to the corresponding corners 222, 224, 226, 228 of the main speaker housing 110, and the corresponding plurality of protrusions 300 of the coupled supplementary housing module 112 may be aligned with the corresponding corners of the supplementary housing module 112. In this way, when the plurality of protrusions 300 of the supplementary housing module 112 are inserted into the plurality of recesses 202 of the main speaker housing 110, the supplementary housing module 112 will be slightly offset relative to the main speaker housing 110 (e.g., staggered, not flush with the sides). However, when the supplementary housing module 112 is rotated clockwise relative to the main speaker housing 110 (which drives the plurality of protrusions 300 into the locking channels 204 (e.g., slots or grooves) of the recesses 202 (and into a fixed engagement)), the housing modules 112, 114 may be aligned (e.g., aligned, flush with) the main speaker housing 110.

[0032] In the illustrated embodiment, the receiving portion 210 has an inner radial wall 214 defining a receiving portion 206. The inner radial wall 214 includes a locking channel 204 (e.g., a cavity), wherein the locking channel 204 is an extension of the recess 202 in a direction (e.g., clockwise or counterclockwise) along the inner radial wall 214 and transverse to the axis 119 extending through the variable-size loudspeaker system 100. The main loudspeaker housing 110, including a plurality of recesses 202, can receive an extension 306 of a supplementary housing module 112, the extension 306 including a plurality of protrusions 300 extending radially from the extension 306, and the protrusions 300 can be further inserted (e.g., screwed into) the locking channel 204 of the recess 202 in an engaging orientation when the supplementary housing module 112 is axially rotated as the protrusions 300 are inserted into the recesses 202. In this manner, the supplementary housing module 112 can be "locked" (e.g., coupled) to the main speaker housing 110 in an engagement orientation, thereby preventing the supplementary housing module 112 from being directly axially withdrawn from the main speaker housing 110. For example, the main speaker housing 110, including the inner radial wall 214 of the receiving portion 210, may include a locking channel 204 extending clockwise in the recess 202. When the supplementary housing module 112 is rotated clockwise axially as the protrusion 300 is inserted into the recess 202, the protrusion 300 can be further inserted (e.g., slid in, screwed in) into the locking channel 204 extending clockwise from the recess 202 in an engagement orientation. The locking channel 204 may narrow as it extends, resulting in a tighter frictional fit as the protrusion 300 engages more fully with the locking channel 204. Thus, a secure engagement can be achieved. Furthermore, as discussed above, supplementary magnets (e.g., magnets 200, 316) can be operated to prevent a change away from this engagement.

[0033] In the illustrated embodiment, the locking channel 204 does not extend through the receiving surface 216 of the receiving portion 210. The protrusion 300 can enter the recess 202 of the receiving portion 210, and then the protrusion 300 can be axially rotated into the locking channel 204 (e.g., during screwing), wherein the protrusion 300 is then prevented by the receiving surface 216 of the receiving portion 210 from translating in a longitudinal direction (e.g., a horizontal direction) away from the main speaker housing 110. In this way, the protrusion 300 in the locking channel 204 can engage (e.g., attach) the main speaker housing 110 to the supplementary housing module 112 of the backplate 114 in an engagement configuration.

[0034] The receiving portion 210 of the main speaker housing 110 may include a magnet 200 to enable connection between and / or the supplementary housing module 112 of the supplementary backplate 114. While the magnet 200 may be positioned in various locations according to embodiments of this disclosure, in Figure 3In the illustrated embodiment, magnet 200 is disposed in and / or on the receiving surface 216 of the receiving portion 210. Magnet 200 can be configured to magnetically connect the receiving portion 210 of the main speaker housing 110 to the supplementary housing module 112 and / or the backplate 114 in a coupling configuration. For example, the main speaker housing 110 may have magnet 200 disposed in the receiving surface 216 of the receiving portion 210 (e.g., magnets disposed at each corner). Similarly, as... Figure 5 As illustrated, the supplementary housing module 112 may have a magnet 316 and / or a magnetically attractive metal, which is disposed on a first surface 312 (e.g., an extended side) of the base portion 310 and configured to align with the magnet 200 of the main speaker housing 110. In this way, when the main speaker housing 110 (e.g., ...) Figure 3 (as shown in the diagram) becomes closer to the supplementary housing module 112 (e.g.) Figure 4 and Figure 5 When (as illustrated in the figure), the corresponding magnets 200, 316 (and / or metals) of the main speaker housing 110 and the supplementary housing module 112 can be magnetically attracted to form a magnetic connection. Therefore, the supplementary housing module 112 and the main speaker housing 110 can be connected (e.g., magnetically connected) and / or disconnected (e.g., magnetically disconnected) without the need for tools.

[0035] The magnet 200 can be disposed at any desired and / or suitable location on the main speaker housing 110 for coupling the main speaker housing 110 to the supplementary housing module 112 or the back panel 114. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the magnet 200 is disposed in the receiving surface 216 in each of the four corners 222, 224, 226, 228 of the main speaker housing 110. Furthermore, as... Figure 5 As shown, the supplementary housing module 112 may similarly have magnets 316 disposed at four corners 318, 320, 322, 324 in the first surface 312 of the base portion 310 of the supplementary housing module 112. In this way, when the illustrated main speaker housing 110 and the supplementary housing module 112 are joined together, the magnets 200, 316 can provide engagement at multiple locations, resulting in increased hold of the supplementary housing module 112 on the main speaker housing 110. It should be noted that the magnet 200 may be paired with a magnetic metal, rather than aligned with a magnet for attraction. For example, a metal attracted by the magnet 316 may be used instead of the magnet 200.

[0036] The main speaker housing 110 may include both a recess 202 and a magnet 200. The recess 202 is configured to receive a protrusion 300 extending radially from an extension 306 of the supplementary housing module 112 (or backplate 114). The magnet 200 is disposed in and / or on the main speaker housing 110 (e.g., in or on the receiving surface 216). For example, the receiving portion 210 of the main speaker housing 110 may receive an extension 306 of the supplementary housing module 112 with the radially extending protrusion 300. When the protrusion 300 is locked into the locking channel 204, the magnet 200 of the main speaker housing 110 and the magnet 316 of the supplementary housing module 112 may also be aligned in a manner similar to that described above, and thus a magnetic connection may be generated in addition to the mechanical connection from the insertion of the protrusion 300 into the recess 202. This creates a supplementary magnetic engagement that supports the protrusion 300 locking into the locking channel 204 and helps prevent the protrusion 300 from accidentally rotating out of the locking channel 204.

[0037] Figure 4 and Figure 5 This is a perspective view of the supplementary housing module 112 of the variable-size loudspeaker system 100. Figure 4 This is a perspective view of the supplementary housing module 112 with the housing 326 facing upwards. Figure 5 This is a perspective view of the supplementary housing module 112, with its extension 306 facing upwards. The supplementary housing module 112 may include any length, width, and / or height to achieve the desired acoustic cavity 117 size and / or variable-size speaker system 100 size. The housing 326 of the supplementary housing module 112 may be similar in shape and size to the housing 206 of the main speaker housing 110, the supplementary housing module 112, and / or the backplate 114. This allows for rapid coupling between any two housing modules 110, 112, 114. Furthermore, the modularity provided by similarly shaped components allows a desired number (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, etc.) of supplementary housing modules 112 (and / or backplates 114) to be coupled together and attached to the main speaker housing 110, such that two dimensions (e.g., width and height) of the corresponding housing 113 remain constant, while a third dimension (e.g., length) varies.

[0038] like Figure 4 and Figure 5As illustrated, the supplementary housing module 112 may include a base portion 310 (e.g., a receiving portion) and an extension portion 306. The base portion 310 may define a receiving 326 similar to the receiving 206 of the main speaker housing 110, the receiving 326 being configured to receive the extension portions 306, 400 from the second housing module (e.g., the second supplementary housing module 112, the backplate 114). The extension portion 306 may extend outward from the base portion 310 and may include an extension portion wall 328 having a thickness 330. For example, the thickness 330 may be the difference between the radius of a first circle defined by the inner radial wall 332 of the extension portion 306 and the radius of a second circle defined by the outer radial wall 334 of the extension portion 306. It should be noted that the interior of the extension portion 306 may define a portion of a sound cavity 117 and may be substantially integral with the receiving 326.

[0039] While this embodiment is not limited to such geometry, the extension 306 and the receiver 326 of the supplementary housing module 112 may be complementary cylindrical shapes. The diameter of the receiver 326 may be substantially equal to the diameter defined by the outer radial wall 334 of the extension 306 (e.g., the extension 306 of the second housing module). Furthermore, the supplementary housing module 112 may include a radial step 208 located between the receiver 326 and the extension 306, wherein the radial step 208 narrows (e.g., contracts) the circumference of the receiver 326 to the inner circumference of the extension 306. The width of the radial step 208 may be substantially the same as the thickness 330 of the extension wall 328. In this way, when the extension 306 of the second supplementary housing module 112 is inserted into the receiver 326 of the first supplementary housing module 112, the inner radial wall 332 of the extension 306 of the first supplementary housing module 112 may be aligned with the inner radial wall 332 of the extension 306 of the second supplementary housing module 112. Therefore, the acoustic cavity 117 defined by each extension 306 of the corresponding supplementary housing module 112 can be continuous throughout the variable-size loudspeaker system 100.

[0040] As described above, the base portion 310 of the supplementary housing module 112 may function similarly to the receiving portion 210 of the main speaker housing 110 and / or other supplementary housing modules 112. For example, the base portion 310 (e.g., the receiving end of the supplementary housing module 112) may define a receiving portion 326 configured to receive extensions 306, 400 from the second supplementary housing module 112 (or backplate 114). The receiving portion 326 may be circular in shape and include a radius larger (e.g., wider) than the radius of the extensions 306, 400 of the second supplementary housing module 112 or backplate 114. In this way, the extensions 306, 400 can be inserted into the receiving portion 326. Furthermore, the base portion 310 of the supplementary housing module 112 may define a recess 336 (e.g., a hole) extending through a second surface 314 (e.g., a receiving side, a receiving surface) of the base portion 310. The recess 336 is configured to receive protrusions 300, 404 from the second supplementary housing module 112 or the back plate 114 in a receiving orientation. The recess 336 may have any shape suitable for receiving the protrusions 300, 404 from the second supplementary housing module 112 or the back plate 114. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the base portion 310 defines a recess 336 having a dovetail shape (e.g., sidewalls that taper inward toward each other). The recess 336 may receive protrusions 300, 404 of any shape that can fit within the dovetail (e.g., an inverted dovetail, a rectangle). In practice, the shape and / or size of the recess 336 can be adapted to facilitate the attachment (e.g., coupling, connection) of the second supplementary housing module 112 or the backplate 114 to the first supplementary housing module 112 by inserting the protrusions 300, 404 into the recess 336. For example, a dovetail-shaped recess 336 may include a dimension (e.g., width) substantially larger than the dimensions (e.g., width) of the protrusions 300, 404. In this way, the protrusions 300, 404 can be inserted into the recess 336 more easily (e.g., with less precision required during insertion), thereby accelerating the modification process of the variable-size speaker system 100 (e.g., adding or subtracting supplementary housing modules 112).

[0041] Furthermore, similar to the recess 202 of the main speaker housing 110, the supplementary housing module 112 may include four recesses 336; however, it should be noted that any number (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8) of recesses 336 may be used. The number of recesses 336 may be based on or depend on the number of protrusions 300, 404 of the second supplementary housing module 112 or the backplate 114. Additionally, the recesses 336 may be located at various positions (e.g., orientations) around the circumference of the opening of the reception 326. It will be appreciated that the orientation of the recesses 336 may vary, and this disclosure covers all possible locations / or orientations of the recesses 336 on and / or within the base portion 310. For example, the recesses 336 may be oriented in an offset manner relative to the desired connection configuration of the first and second supplementary housing modules 112. For example, each recess 336 in the illustrated embodiment may be oriented slightly counterclockwise relative to the corners 318, 320, 322, 324 of the first supplementary housing module 112 (e.g., the corners closest to the corresponding recess 336). In this way, when the plurality of protrusions 300 of the second supplementary housing module 112 are inserted into the plurality of recesses 336 of the first supplementary housing module 112, the second supplementary housing module 112 will be slightly offset relative to the first supplementary housing module 112 (e.g., staggered, sides not flush). However, when the second supplementary housing module 112 is rotated clockwise in the axial direction, the second supplementary housing module 112 may be aligned with the first supplementary housing module 112 (e.g., reset, flush, aligned).

[0042] The base portion 310 of the supplementary housing module 112 may further have an inner radial wall 338 that defines a reception 326 in an arrangement similar to that described above for the main speaker housing 110. The inner radial wall 338 may further include a locking channel 340 (e.g., a cavity) that extends from a recess 336 in a direction along the inner radial wall 338 (e.g., clockwise or counterclockwise) and transversely to the axis 119 extending through the variable-size speaker system 100. A first supplementary housing module 112, including multiple recesses 336, may receive a second supplementary housing module 112 or a backplate 114 including multiple protrusions 300, 404 extending radially from extensions 306, 400. When the second supplementary housing module 112 or the backplate 114 (relative to the first supplementary housing module 112) is axially rotated, the protrusions 300, 404 may be further moved (e.g., screwed into) into locking channels 340 adjacent to the recesses 336. In this way, the second supplementary housing module 112 or the backplate 114 can be "locked" (e.g., coupled) to the first supplementary housing module 112 in an engagement orientation, thereby preventing the second supplementary housing module 112 or the backplate 114 from being directly axially pulled out of the first supplementary housing module 112. In the illustrated embodiment and as an example, the first supplementary housing module 112 includes an inner radial wall 338 of a base portion 310, which includes a locking channel 340 extending clockwise relative to the recess 336. When the second supplementary housing module 112 is rotated clockwise axially as the protrusion 300 is inserted into the recess 336 (e.g., in a receiving orientation), the protrusion 300 further inserts (e.g., screws in) into the locking channel 340 extending clockwise from the recess 336 of the first supplementary housing module 112 (e.g., in an engaging orientation). In this way, the first supplementary housing module 112 can be engaged and disengaged from the second supplementary housing module 112 without the use of tools. For example, a technician can engage and disengage the first and second supplementary housing modules 112 using only his hands (e.g., using grasping and turning movements) without the use of tools (e.g., pliers, screwdrivers, power tools, hammers, etc.).

[0043] The base portion 310 of the supplementary housing module 112 may further include a magnet 316 disposed in and / or on a first surface 312 and / or a second surface 314 of the base portion 310 in an arrangement similar to that described with respect to the main speaker housing 110. For example, the magnet 316 may be configured to magnetically connect the base portion 310 of the first supplementary housing module 112 to the base portion 310 or the backplate 114 of the second supplementary housing module 112 in a coupling configuration. For example, the first supplementary housing module 112 may have a magnet 316 disposed in or on a second surface 314 (e.g., a receiving side, a receiving side) of the base portion 310. The second supplementary housing module 112 may similarly have a magnet 316 and / or a magnetically attractive metal, which is disposed in or on the first surface 312 (e.g., the extended side, the insertion side) of the base portion 310 of the second supplementary housing module 112 and configured to align with the magnet 316 of the first supplementary housing module 112 to create a magnetic connection. In this way, when the first supplementary housing module 112 (e.g., the second surface 314 of the first supplementary housing module 112) approaches the second supplementary housing module 112 (e.g., the first surface 312 of the second supplementary housing module 112), the corresponding magnets 316 and / or metals of the first and second supplementary housing modules 112 can be magnetically attracted to form a magnetic connection, thereby forming a connection configuration between the supplementary housing modules 112. Therefore, the second supplementary housing module 112 can be coupled (e.g., magnetically coupled) and / or disengaged (e.g., magnetically disengaged) to the variable-size loudspeaker system 100 without the need for tools (e.g., attachment mechanisms requiring tools). In this way, the sound cavity 117 of the variable-size loudspeaker system 100 can be changed efficiently (e.g., time-efficiently) without requiring space (e.g., space around the variable-size loudspeaker system) to use tools (e.g., hand tools, power tools). In this way, when the variable-size loudspeaker system 100 is placed in a restricted access location, a technician can alter the sound of the variable-size loudspeaker system 100 (via changing the sound cavity 117).

[0044] Furthermore, the magnet 316 can be disposed at any desired and / or suitable location on the supplementary housing module 112 for coupling the supplementary housing module 112 to another supplementary housing module 112, the main speaker housing 110, and / or the backplate 114. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the magnet 316 is disposed in the second surface 314 (e.g., the receiving surface) at the four corners 318, 320, 322, 324. Additionally, as... Figure 5As shown, the second supplementary housing module 112 may similarly have magnets 316 disposed at four corners 318, 320, 322, 324 in the first surface 312 (e.g., the extended side). In this way, when the illustrated first supplementary housing module 112 and the second supplementary housing module 112 are coupled together in a coupling configuration, the magnets 316 can provide coupling at all corners, which can result in increased retention of the first supplementary housing module 112 on the second supplementary housing module 112. In an embodiment, the magnets 316 for detachably coupling the first supplementary housing module 112 to the second supplementary housing module 112 may be the same magnets 316 (e.g., the same continuous magnets) used for detachably coupling the second supplementary housing module 112 to the third supplementary housing module 112 or the backplate 114. For example, magnet 316 may extend substantially through the base portion 310 of supplementary housing module 112, such that a portion of magnet 316 is at least partially exposed on either side of the base portion 310 of supplementary housing module 112 (e.g., on the first surface 312 and the second surface 314). This continuous extension of magnet 316 through supplementary housing module 112 facilitates proper arrangement of magnetic poles, thereby facilitating the series connection of housing modules 110, 112, and 114.

[0045] The supplementary housing module 112 may include both a recess 336 and a magnet 316. The recess 336 is configured to receive a protrusion 300 from the second supplementary housing module 112 (or back plate 114). The magnet 316 is disposed in and / or on the second supplementary housing module 112 (e.g., in or on the first surface 312). For example, a receptacle 326 of the first supplementary housing module 112 may receive an extension 306 of the second supplementary housing module 112 having a radially extending protrusion 300. When the protrusion 300 is locked into the locking channel 340, the magnets 316 of the first supplementary housing module 112 and the second supplementary housing module 112 can also be aligned in a manner similar to that described above (e.g., the protrusion 300 is inserted into the recess 336 and then moved radially into the locking channel 340), and thus a magnetic connection is generated in addition to the mechanical connection from the insertion of the protrusion 300 into the recess 336, further locking the protrusion 300 into the locking channel 340. This creates a supplementary magnetic engagement that supports the locking of the protrusion 300 into the locking channel 340.

[0046] As mentioned herein, the systems and methods disclosed herein generally relate to a variable-size loudspeaker system 100 (e.g., an audio amplifier system, a loudspeaker system) assembled by linking housing modules 110, 112, 114 (e.g., housing members, housing portions, acoustic chamber portions) together to adjust the size of the acoustic cavity 117 of the variable-size loudspeaker system 100. Different types of insulation, materials, component geometries, etc., can be used to adjust the audio characteristics of the acoustic cavity 117. Supplementary housing modules 112 may include a base portion 310 defining a housing 326 and an extension portion 306 extending from the base portion 310. The extension portion 306 may be cylindrical in shape and may at least partially define a portion of the acoustic cavity 117 (e.g., a resonant chamber) of the variable-size loudspeaker system 100. The main loudspeaker housing 110 may be connected in series to any desired number of supplementary housing modules 112 to increase the size (e.g., volume) of the acoustic cavity 117. It will be appreciated that by adding or subtracting supplementary housing modules 112 and thereby changing the size (e.g., volume) of the sound cavity 117, the sound parameters (e.g., volume, pitch, tone quality) emitted from the loudspeaker 116 can be altered (e.g., increased or decreased). The ability to modify the variable-size loudspeaker system 100 in this way produces efficiencies in assembly, maintenance, and installation that are not available in conventional loudspeaker systems.

[0047] The main speaker housing 110, supplementary housing module 112, and backplate 114 may each include magnets 200, 316, and 406. For example, supplementary housing module 112 may have a magnet 316 extending through the base portion 310 near corners 318, 320, 322, and 324. Magnet 316 may be exposed on a first surface 312 (e.g., the extension portion surface) and / or a second surface 314 (e.g., the receiving portion surface). Magnet 316 may operate with other magnets (e.g., magnets 200 and 406) or magnetic metals to secure the various housing modules 110, 112, and 114 without additional securing mechanisms. However, magnets 316 and 406 may also be used with mechanical locking mechanisms (such as those described above). For example, the first supplementary housing module 112 may include a housing 326 and a magnet 316 disposed in a second surface 314 (e.g., the housing surface) of the base portion 310. The second supplementary housing module 112 may include an extension 306 and a magnet 316 disposed in a first surface 312 (e.g., the extension surface) of the base portion 310. When the protrusion 300 of the second supplementary housing module 112 is inserted and further locked into the recess 336 and locking channel 340 of the first supplementary housing module 112, the magnets 316 disposed in the two surfaces 312, 314 of the first and second supplementary housing modules 112 are magnetically coupled. For the variable-size loudspeaker system 100, the use of magnets 200, 316, 406 in this manner further improves operational efficiency, such as making maintenance easier by limiting the need for tools.

[0048] While only certain features of this disclosure have been illustrated and described herein, many modifications and alterations will occur to those skilled in the art. Therefore, it is to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and alterations that fall within the true spirit of this disclosure.

[0049] The techniques presented and claimed herein are referenced and applied to material objects and specific examples that can arguably improve the practical nature of the art, and are therefore not abstract, abstract, or purely theoretical. Furthermore, if any claim appended to this specification contains one or more elements designated as “device for (performing)...(function)” or “step for (performing)...(function)”, such elements are intended to be interpreted according to 35 USC 112(f). However, for any claim containing elements designated in any other manner, such elements are not intended to be interpreted according to 35 USC 112(f).

Claims

1. A loudspeaker system for entertainment venues, comprising: speaker; The main speaker housing is configured to at least partially enclose the speaker; as well as One or more supplementary housing modules, wherein a first supplementary housing module of the one or more supplementary housing modules is configured to be detachably coupled to the main speaker housing and configured to define a first portion of a sound cavity for the speaker system, and wherein a second supplementary housing module of the one or more supplementary housing modules is configured to be detachably coupled to the first supplementary housing module and configured to define a second portion of the sound cavity for the speaker system.

2. The loudspeaker system according to claim 1, wherein, The first supplementary housing module includes: A first extension portion, comprising a first plurality of protrusions extending radially from the first extension portion; and The first receiving portion includes a first plurality of recesses configured to receive a second plurality of protrusions.

3. The loudspeaker system according to claim 2, wherein, The main speaker housing includes a second plurality of recesses configured to receive the first plurality of protrusions from the first supplementary housing module.

4. The loudspeaker system according to claim 2, wherein, The second supplementary housing module includes: The second extension portion includes a second plurality of protrusions extending radially from the second extension portion; and The second receiving portion includes a second plurality of recesses configured to receive a third plurality of protrusions.

5. The loudspeaker system according to claim 4, wherein, The main speaker housing, the first supplementary housing module, or both include a plurality of magnets configured to establish a magnetic connection between the first supplementary housing module and the main speaker housing.

6. The loudspeaker system according to claim 5, wherein: The first plurality of recesses include a cavity geometry that allows the first plurality of protrusions to rotate axially into an engagement orientation when they are within the first plurality of recesses; The main speaker housing, the first supplementary housing module, or both include multiple magnets; and The plurality of magnets are configured to establish a magnetic bond between the first supplementary housing module and the main speaker housing in the engagement orientation.

7. The loudspeaker system according to claim 2, wherein, The first plurality of recesses are configured to axially receive the first plurality of protrusions in a receiving orientation.

8. The loudspeaker system according to claim 7, wherein, The first plurality of recesses include a cavity geometry that allows the first plurality of protrusions to rotate axially into an engagement orientation when within the first plurality of recesses.

9. The loudspeaker system according to claim 8, wherein, The engagement orientation prevents the first plurality of protrusions from being directly axially pulled out from the first plurality of recesses.

10. The loudspeaker system according to claim 2, wherein, The first supplementary housing module includes a first plurality of locking channels that extend transversely to the axis of the speaker system and are configured to receive the second plurality of protrusions after the second plurality of protrusions are inserted into the first plurality of recesses.

11. A speaker housing, comprising: The main speaker housing is configured to be nested around the speaker. A first supplementary housing module, configured to be detachably coupled to the main speaker housing, wherein the first supplementary housing module is configured to define a portion of a sound cavity having an axis for the speaker housing; and A second supplementary housing module is configured to be detachably coupled to the first supplementary housing module, wherein the second supplementary housing module is configured to define a second portion of the sound cavity of the speaker housing.

12. The speaker housing according to claim 11, wherein, The second supplementary housing module is configured to define a second portion of the sound cavity of the speaker housing, such that the sound cavity extends away from the speaker along the axis.

13. The speaker housing according to claim 11, comprising: The first plurality of magnets are connected to the main speaker housing or are integral with the main speaker housing; as well as A second plurality of magnets are attached to or integrated with the first supplementary housing module, wherein the first plurality of magnets and the second plurality of magnets are configured to be aligned and magnetically engaged in the connection configuration of the main speaker housing and the first supplementary housing module.

14. The speaker housing according to claim 13, wherein, Each of the second plurality of magnets extends through the first supplementary housing module, such that: The first end of each magnet is configured to magnetically engage with the main speaker housing in the connection configuration of the main speaker housing and the first supplementary housing module; and The second end of each magnet is configured to magnetically engage the second supplementary housing module in the connection configuration of the first supplementary housing module and the second supplementary housing module.

15. The speaker housing according to claim 11, wherein, The first supplementary housing module includes: A first extension portion, comprising a first plurality of protrusions extending radially from the first extension portion; and The first receiving portion includes a first plurality of recesses configured to receive a second plurality of protrusions.

16. The speaker housing according to claim 15, wherein, The main speaker housing includes a second plurality of recesses configured to receive the first plurality of protrusions from the first supplementary housing module.

17. The speaker housing according to claim 15, wherein, The second supplementary housing module includes: The second extension portion includes a second plurality of protrusions extending radially from the second extension portion; and The second receiving portion includes a second plurality of recesses configured to receive a third plurality of protrusions.

18. The speaker housing according to claim 15, wherein: The first plurality of recesses are configured to axially receive the first plurality of protrusions in a receiving orientation; The first plurality of recesses include a cavity geometry that allows the first plurality of protrusions to rotate axially into an engagement orientation when within the first plurality of recesses; and The engagement orientation prevents the first plurality of protrusions from being directly axially pulled out from the first plurality of recesses.

19. The speaker housing according to claim 18, wherein, The main speaker housing, the first supplementary housing module, or both include a plurality of magnets configured to establish a magnetic connection between the first supplementary housing module and the main speaker housing.

20. A method for modifying a loudspeaker system, the method comprising: The speaker is inserted into the main speaker housing, the main speaker housing being configured to at least partially enclose the speaker, the main speaker housing including a first plurality of recesses and a plurality of locking channels; as well as Detachably attach one or more supplementary housing modules to the main speaker housing until the desired sound is achieved, including the following steps: The plurality of protrusions of the first supplementary housing module in one or more supplementary housing modules are inserted into the plurality of recesses of the main speaker housing; as well as Rotate the plurality of protrusions of the first supplementary housing module into the plurality of locking channels.

Images