Audio or audio-visual component support device to improve sound and picture quality

Abstract

A support platform for audio equipment (e.g. loudspeakers), having a deformable central mattress 99 contacting and being compressed by the bottom of the equipment, while the feet of the equipment contact a rigid solid surface. The mattress may be resiliently deformable, formed of multiple layers such as steel compression springs 7, memory foam, semi-solid damping materials, stainless steel, tungsten or lead sheet. The mattress may include rubber top layer 5 having multiple resilient studs and a flexible bag 23 (figure 5). The bed may be supported in a tray 11. The bed may be cruciform or ovaloid. The feet may be supported via multiple rigid hight adjustable support pads 100. Height of the pads may be adjusted via threaded screws 3. The bottom of the feet may include a resilient bushing 4.

Description

Background Various devices exist to isolate audio-visual components from sources of vibrations, and / or absorb vibrations from the external environment*, or those generated within, or which have entered, HiFi components. * Acoustic sound waves, external vibrations and vibrations in the equipment shelf that the component rests on are the main sources. These devices are designed to reduce the negative effects these vibrations can have on the sound quality produced in the connected audio or audio / Zvisual system. These devices are either solid and / or semisolid, and are primarily designed to either decouple (isolate) components from their supporting surfaces or to dampen (absorb and dissipate) vibrations in the supporting surfaces and component itself. Many of these devices perform both of these functions to varying degrees. The goals for optimising the performance of such a product are therefore to 1. Keep the unit as still as possible 2. Minimise entry of vibrations into the component 3. Absorb vibrations that have entered and / or are generated by the component itself. Most existing devices primarily only address 1 or 2 of these. Solid devices usually only address point 1. Those with a semisolid (absorbent) layer usually only address 2. and 3. There are also various homemade ‘DIY solutions’ which address 2. and 3. but introduce significant instability (they don’t address point 1.). In the process of absorbing vibrations in this way, they are likely to add their own resonances. It might seem that addressing all 3 points properly is not possible simultaneously, and certainly a quick survey of products in this area could lead one to believe that that was indeed the case. There are, however, a very small number of devices which do target all 3 within their design. The two I am aware of are Entreq ‘Vibbeater’ and Tungsten Grooves. The Entreq product is placed on the upper surface of a component to passively turn vibrations into mechanical movement of its bag of solid particles, and thus turn this movement into heat via friction. The addition of mass to the component also aids in stabilising it against movement via mass loading. The Tungsten Grooves products are mostly solid, cylindrical pucks of tungsten with an enclosed chamber of tungsten particles, which are placed under components, making solid to solid contact with the component’s underside. They work by mechanical vibrations passing into the pucks and exciting the tungsten particle inside the enclosed chamber and turning this energy into heat via friction. The high mass of these tungsten pucks also adds significant stability via mass loading. So, both of these products use a combination of particulate friction to dissipate vibrations, and mass loading to stabilise them. The present invention targets all 3 of the above goals, but by a unique approach. It uses a combination of elastic and solid materials to both keep the component stationary, minimise entry of vibrations into the component and absorb some of those that do enter and / or are generated from within the component. It does this by ensuring solid placement of the component feet on a solid surface, while a compressible ‘mattress’ section makes contact with a significant part of the underside of the component. This mattress exerts upward pressure on the component, but less than would be needed to lift it off the feet. This combination of solid placement and upward pressure from a flexible and vibration absorbent layer allows a unique way of simultaneously addressing all 3 goals of this technology, while also adding a novel form of vibration absorbency. This functions by several mechanisms. Vibrations can pass through the solidly placed feet of the component and into the component, but this process is minimised by the upward pressure exerted by the mattress on the component. The component is effectively partially suspended but remains static. Also, the contact between the mattress and the component underside is in a dynamic such that any vibrations entering the component from the feet can be very quickly absorbed and dissipated into the mattress (turned into heat via friction). It’s this combination of flexible, mechanically absorbent contact and solid contact which is novel. I believe previous attempts to address this issue have missed this possibility, I presume because absorption has been seen as synonymous with dynamic movement. But static objects vibrate and it is these vibrations which the mattress can absorb due to being in contact with the vibrating component. Therefore, most solutions are either focussed on isolation and stability or a dynamic floating technology which is free to move and absorb. Contact with a static flexible layer can still absorb vibrations, and probably in a more effective way. Plus, in this case, it creates a unique dynamic. Prior Art WO 2021 141 909 (SCHMUTZ et al) discloses a system for damping vibrations comprising: a housing comprised of a lower housing and an upper housing; a base pad attached to a bottom side of the lower housing; an elastomeric material in connection with a top side of the lower housing; an absorptive material in connection with the elastomeric material, the elastomeric material supporting the absorptive material; the upper housing surrounding the absorptive material; and a top pad attached to a top side of the absorptive material, the top pad for engaging a piece of equipment that is sensitive to vibrations, the absorptive material deformable under an applied weight of the piece of equipment that is sensitive to vibrations. EP 2 501 982 (MORRISON et al) discloses a stand for supporting an article a spaced distance above a support surface and for damping vibration therebetween. The stand includes a support frame having resilient bushings engaged therewith. Each bushing defines a bore into which a first end of one of a plurality of rods is received. The rods extend downwardly from the bushings and abut the support surface. The bores are configured to permit the rods to move more in one horizontal direction than in another. US 5 197 707 (KOHAN) discloses an isolation platform for use with an entertainment system component comprising, in combination: means for supporting said entertainment system component, said supporting means having a continuous solid surface; granular means for dissipating mechanical vibrations, said granular dissipating means in direct contact with and supporting said supporting means for isolating said system component from mechanical vibrations; and means for containing said granular dissipating means, said isolation platform isolating said system component from mechanical vibrations to prevent degradation of performance of said system component. Statement of Invention This invention simultaneously allows both static placement of components and direct contact with a compressible and vibration absorbent layer. This enables minimisation of component movement and simultaneous absorption of vibrations via the adjacent compressed mattress. Advantages The device can comprise of a solid horizontal layer onto which a compressible layer has been attached. This is designed such that the feet of the component fully compress this compressible layer so that the component is resting on the solid layer. This can be achieved by recessed springs which are partially compressed until the component feet make solid contact with the solid layer. The majority of the rest of the springs in this mattress layer then makes contact with the underside of the component. This achieves solid placement and resilient contact for absorption of vibrations. Because components vary in weight, to ensure adequate mattress compression and stable planting of component feet, solid spacers may be used in between component feet and the solid layer. In another embodiment of this device, 3 or 4 solid (height-adjustable) feet are placed under the component feet, while a separate, compressible central mattress makes contact with the component underside. Because components vary in weight, to ensure adequate mattress compression, these feet can be height adjustable. The feet can also contain internal damping to passively absorb as many vibrations as possible. Because components vary in size and in the number and placement and size of their feet, the dimensions of a separate mattress layer can vary. The product could be designed to be used with specific components in mind, or be of a general average size covering a majority of components. In the former embodiment, such size requirements of the product are not necessary, but potentially solid spacers may be needed to endure adequate placement and mattress compression. The mattress section in the first embodiment above can be made of any solid layer(s), such as wood and / or aluminium, into which are embedded metal springs of various sizes. These springs can be coated in vibration absorbent materials and be in contact with memory foam or other vibration absorbent materials. The idea is that the component mass through its feet compress the few springs they make contact with into the hole in which they are recessed into the solid layer, thus the component feet rest on this solid layer. Because the component underside is higher than the level of the feet, they compress the spring layer a smaller amount and thus remain in contact with the springs rather than the upper surface of the device. The compressed springs under the feet may still absorb and reduce vibration transmission, but it is the springs in contact with the underside of the component which will give the greatest vibration absorbency. In the latter embodiment of the device above, the height adjustable feet can be made of stainless steel or aluminium or any other solid non-magnetic material. Where possible, the inside of these feet can contain a compressible spring and / or vibration damping materials. These will only have secondary damping functionality. The primary method here is via the central mattress, which can consist of an aluminium tray, which contains one or several layers of damping materials. This is commonly comprised of metal springs and memory foam, plus suspended weighted flat sheets. These allow an efficient route for vibrations to leave the component and be absorbed by the mattress. The composition of the mattress both vertically and horizontally can vary indefinitely to maximise its performance. It is envisaged that this latter embodiment is the optimum solution, but size constraints make it less versatile in application due to component physical variation and higher manufacturing costs. Thus 2 products are initially envisaged to provide 1) a versatile cost-effective solution and 2) a more expensive higher end solution. Description Brief Description of Figures The invention will now be described by way of example and reference to the accompanying drawings in which; Figure 1 shows an isometric view of a first embodiment of the device according to the present invention; Figure 2 shows a reverse isometric view of the embodiment of the device shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 shows an exploded isometric view of the embodiment of the device shown in Figure 1; Figure 4 shows a reverse exploded isometric view of the embodiment of the device shown in Figure 1; Figure 5 shows an exploded isometric view of a second embodiment of the device according to the present invention; And Figure 6 shows a front view of the second embodiment of the device as shown in Figure 5, opened to see internal parts. Detailed Description of Figures With reference to the figures there is shown embodiments of a music / video equipment support device 299,199 generally comprising a bed 99 and a plurality of support pads 100 or 200, wherein the bed comprises a resiliently deformable surface for receipt of a central section of the equipment, and the support pads provide a plurality of rigid bases for the perimeter of the musical equipment. In particular reference to the embodiment pictured in Figure 1, the embodiment comprises separate parts, namely a cruciform bed 99, and four separate pads 100. The pads 100 are arranged in use, as shown in the Figures, at the corners of the bed, and are adapted to contact the underside of the musical equipment component at its corners. In order to form an effective contact with the musical equipment, and so as to complement the contact made with the bed and the central section of the musical equipment, the pads in particular are enabled to adjust in height. Such adjustment in height is achieved by a threaded mechanism, whereby the pads comprise columnar parts, comprised of two cylindrical parts 2,4 that screw together on a threaded member 3 so as to adjust the height of the top surface 1 of the top part 2 from the basal surface of the bottom part 4. The top part 2 includes a knurled outer side surface, and the bottom part 4 includes a resiliently deformable basal surface. The bed comprises a tray 11 with a tray part 12 having a resiliently deformable base layer 13, wherein the tray part 12 comprises a stainless steel or aluminium part. The bed section 10 comprises a bipartite outer surface 5,9, and a bipartite body 6,8, each providing an upper portion and a lower portion. The outer surface 5 of the upper portion 6 is provided by a resiliently deformable material such as rubber or silicone, and comprises a raised and lowered contact surface, with a plurality of small domed contact studs. [This is to allow cooling if the component generates significant heat.] The upper portion and lower portion are either side of a spring layer 7, formed of a plurality of interlinked compression springs in stainless steel or steel. With reference to the embodiment 299 shown in Figure 5, the embodiment comprises a substantially rectangular or oblong footprint for the bed 399, and four separate pads 200. The bed 399 comprises a stainless-steel tray 21 and a displaceable bed section 20, wherein the bed section is trapped in a resilient inelastic bag 23, which bag in the pictured embodiment has a temporary closure, or overlapped flap closure. It may be envisaged that such a temporary closure may comprise a zipper or hook and loop such as Velcro (RTM) or buttons or press studs. In further embodiments the bed section may be sealed. The bag includes one main outer surface 22 which is provided with a raised and lowered surface provided by a plurality of resiliently deformable studs. The bed section internally comprises a plurality of layers, which layers comprise a top layer 26, a bottom layer 26, support plates 25 for the top and bottom layers, and a spring layer 24 formed by a plurality of individual springs 24 inset in and extending between the support plates 25. The support plates are rigid, and the top layer and bottom layer are resiliently deformable material such as closed cellular structure foam. The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of protection as defined by the claims. Detailed Description A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the Figures in which: According to the present invention there is provided an audio-visual equipment support device comprising a bed and a plurality of support pads, wherein the bed comprises a resiliently deformable surface for receipt of a central section of the equipment, and the support pads provide a plurality of rigid bases for the perimeter of the musical equipment. In this way the corners of the music equipment or component are supported by the rigid pads, and the centre of the component is supported in use by the bed. This in turn ensures that vibration of the component casing is minimised by a rigid placement at the corners and vibration within the casing is absorbed by the resilient centre. In some embodiments of the device the pads comprise separate parts, such that the parts may be effectively deployed in relation to any particular component. In some embodiments of the device the pads comprise a height adjustment mechanism, so as to allow the pads to be brought to a correct level in relation to the bed. In some embodiments of the device the device comprises a threaded adjustment mechanism, so as to enable incremental adjustments. In some embodiments of the device the bed comprises multiple layers, which may provide rigid and deformable or resilient layers so as to account for a plurality of vibration profiles. In some embodiments of the device the layers comprise spring steel, for example envisaged to maintain the bed effectively pushed against the component. In some embodiments of the device the layers comprise rubber, for example so as to accommodate minimal surface variations. In some embodiments of the device the device comprises a rubber top layer which comprises a plurality of resilient studs, for example which serve to minimise surface contact and avoid overheating of thermally sensitive components such as power amps. In some embodiments of the device the bed comprises a basal tray and separate or separable bed section, contact with which tray may further distribute forces. In some embodiments of the device a heavy sheet of steel is deployed in between resiliently deformable layers, such that vibrations are transferred into this to help dissipate vibrational energy. In some such embodiments of the device the bed section is provided in a flexible bag. In some embodiments of the device the bed provides a larger contact surface for the musical equipment than the pads, wherein the pads may be envisaged to solely support the corners of the component In some embodiments of the device the bed is cruciform, or ovaloid, so as to extend around the pads in use.

Claims

1. A music or audio-visual equipment support device where the component feet are placed on a rigid / solid surface, and the underside of the component makes contact with, and partially compresses, a deformable central mattress section.

2. A music or audio-visual equipment support device according to claim 1 comprising a bed and a plurality of rigid support pads, wherein the bed comprises a resiliently deformable surface for receipt of a central section of the equipment, and the support pads provide a plurality of rigid bases for the placement of the equipment feet near the perimeter of the musical equipment3. A music or audio-visual equipment support device according to claim 2 wherein the pads comprise separate parts.

4. A music or audio-visual equipment support device according to claim 2 wherein the pads comprise a height adjustment mechanism.

5. A music or audio-visual equipment support device according to claims 2,3 and 4 where the pads comprise of a centrally positioned metal spring which is under tension and whose level of compression varies with the threaded height adjustment mechanism.

6. A music or audio-visual equipment support device according to claims 2,3,4 and 5 where the pads contain internal screws which can add stability to the pad when set at any level of height adjustment, by making solid contact between upper and lower parts of the pad.

7. A music or audio-visual equipment support device according to any of the preceding claims wherein the bed comprises multiple layers.

8. A music or audio-visual equipment support device according to any of the preceding claims wherein the bed comprises multiple layers and whose composition varied both horizontally and laterally.

9. A music or audio-visual equipment support device according to any of the preceding claims wherein some of the layers in the bed comprise of steel compression springs.

10. A music or audio-visual equipment support device according to any of the preceding claims wherein some of the layers in the bed comprise of memory foam.

11. A music or audio-visual equipment support device according to any of the preceding claims wherein some of the layers in the bed comprise of semi-solid damping materials.

12. A music or audio-visual equipment support device according to any of the preceding claims wherein some of the layers comprise stainless steel sheet.

13. A music or audio-visual equipment support device according to any of the preceding claims wherein some of the layers comprise tungsten sheet.

14. A music or audio-visual equipment support device according to any of the preceding claims wherein some of the layers comprise lead sheet.

15. A music or audio-visual equipment support device according to any of the preceding claims whereby the central resiliently deformable section is covered in a rubber top layer which comprises a plurality of resilient studs.

16. A music or audio-visual equipment support device according to any of the preceding claim wherein the bed comprises a basal tray and separate or separable bed section.

17. A music or audio-visual equipment support device according to any of the preceding claims wherein the underside of the support pads and central bed / mattress tray are covered by a layer of cork.

18. A music or audio-visual equipment support device according to any of the preceding claims from 2 to 17 wherein the bed section is provided in a flexible bag.

19. A music or audio-visual equipment support device according to any preceding claim from 2 to 18 wherein the bed provides a larger contact surface for the musical equipment than the pads.

20. A music or audio-visual equipment support device according to any of the preceding claim from 2 to 19 wherein the bed is cruciform.

21. A music or audio-visual equipment support device according to any of preceding claims 2 to 19 wherein the bed is ovaloid.

22. A music or audio-visual equipment support device according to claim 1 wherein the component feet compress recessed compressible material before resting on the rigid / solid surface.

23. A music or audio-visual equipment support device according to claim 1 and 22 wherein the component underside makes contact with a plurality of flexible or solid materials.

24. A music or audio-visual equipment support device according to claim 1,22 and 23 wherein the flexible material devices compress various layers (according to claims 7 -14) which are contained within a rigid box.Application No: GB2400782.5Examiner: Ian ChoiClaims searched: 1-24Date of search: 6 May 2025Patents Act 1977: Search Report under Section 17Documents considered to be relevant:Category Relevant to claims Identity of document and passage or figure of particular relevance X 1-3, 7, 9-11, 15, 16, 19, 22-24 US 4493471 A (MCINNIS) See figures and column 2 line 25 to column 4 line 42, especially figure 2b. A - KR 102042660 Bl (NAMYANG NOVITECH CO LTD) See especially figures and description. A,E - CN 221221239 U (YAN XIANG) See especially figures and description. A - EP 1791388 Al (UEJIMA KAZUO) See especially figures and description. A - US 2003 / 0029670 Al (SMITH et al.) See especially figures and description. A - CN 104469571 A (CHENGDU SIMATE SCIENCE &TECHNOLOGY CO LTD) See especially figures and description. A - WO 98 / 13550 Al (KACZMAREK ANDRZEJ) See especially figures and description. A - CN 217721426 U (J 1J1A SHANGHAI SOUND EQUIPMENT CO LTD) See especially figures and description.Categories:X Document indicating lack of novelty or inventive step A Document indicating technological background and / or state of the art. Y Document indicating lack of inventive step if P Document published on or after the declared priority date but combined with one or more other documents of same category. before the filing date of this invention. & Member of the same patent family E Patent document published on or after, but with priority date earlier than, the filing date of this application.Field of Search:Search of GB, EP, WO &US patent documents classified in the following areas of the UKCX :Worldwide search of patent documents classified in the following areas of the IPC____________F16F; G10K; H04R______________________________________________The following online and other databases have been used in the preparation of this search report SEARCH-PATENTInternational Classification:Subclass Subgroup Valid From F16F 0001 / 373 01 / 01 / 2006 F16F 0001 / 376 01 / 01 / 2006 F16F 0003 / 12 01 / 01 / 2006 F16F 0009 / 30 01 / 01 / 2006 F16F 0015 / 04 01 / 01 / 2006 F16F 0015 / 08 01 / 01 / 2006 H04R 0001 / 02 01 / 01 / 2006

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