Microphone Isolation Mount

Abstract

The present invention relates generally to microphone mounts, and more particularly to isolation mounts for microphones having an address axis. The isolation mount may include a base configured for mounting to an object, a mounting assembly adapted to securely receive a microphone, and a suspension element extending between the base and the mounting assembly. The suspension element may include a first end fixed to the base, a second end fixed to the mounting assembly, and a rolling spring extending therebetween, the rolling spring arranged to form an arc with an opening substantially aligned with the address axis of the microphone. Advantageously, the isolation mount may be configured to lower resonant frequencies, provide high compliance in at least one direction, and provide greater energy absorption.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of microphone mounts, and more particularly to microphone isolation mounts for reducing and / or preventing the detection of vibrations. [Background technology]

[0002] Because sound travels through the air as a series of pressure waves, a common form of microphone used in several industries and technologies includes a diaphragm to detect these pressure waves. Changes in pressure cause the diaphragm to deflect, and this deflection is converted by the microphone into a signal. This signal can then be transmitted to, for example, a speaker, where it can be converted back into sound.

[0003] However, many external factors other than sound can induce movement or deflection of the microphone's diaphragm, and because the microphone cannot distinguish between factors that cause the diaphragm to deflect, all diaphragm deflections are captured as signals representing sound, even deflections caused by factors other than sound.

[0004] Additionally, other external factors that can induce movement of the microphone's diaphragm can be caused by the microphone being bumped, bashed, shocked, or otherwise struck, and when an impact force is applied to the object supporting the microphone. Importantly, low-level vibrations can also result in deflection of the microphone's diaphragm. These and other external factors are referred to herein as "non-acoustic vibrations."

[0005] All of these non-acoustic vibrations that are picked up by the diaphragm and misinterpreted as sound are typically transmitted to the microphone body from the object to which the microphone is attached, which may include a microphone stand, a microphone boom, or a ceiling mount, such as those commonly used in some recording studios.

[0006] One conventional method of preventing a microphone from misinterpreting these non-acoustic vibrations as sound is to mount the microphone on an isolation mount, which may include a mounting bracket suspended from one or more suspension spring elements, along with a method (integral or otherwise) of damping the displacement of the spring elements.

[0007] This is mechanically described as a mass-spring-damper system, where the microphone and / or the object to which it is attached acts as the mass, the suspension element acts as a spring to absorb non-acoustic vibrations, and there are one or more damping elements that release or dissipate the absorbed kinetic energy of said non-acoustic vibrations (usually as heat). Some isolation mounts are designed so that their suspension elements have inherent or integral damping due to the physical properties and / or geometry of the material, while other mounts use separate damping elements that are mechanically coupled to the suspension elements.

[0008] When designing an isolation mount for a microphone, it is desirable to design a mount with a low resonant frequency. The resonant frequency of the isolation mount's suspension elements can indicate the low-frequency limit for vibration that the suspension elements can successfully absorb. Therefore, in general, you want to design an isolation mount with as low a resonant frequency as possible.

[0009] An example of a conventional isolation mount is shown in FIG. 1. As shown, the conventional mount includes one or more elastic cords as suspension springs. When properly deployed, such a system can help partially absorb impact forces from multiple directions. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, this prior art system relies on the elastic contraction of the support cords to allow displacement along any axis and, therefore, absorb displacement forces.

[0010] However, such prior art systems often suffer from several drawbacks. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, the suspension element must provide structural support for the mounted microphone and also function as a mass-spring-damper system to provide isolation. To provide "all-around" isolation, the cord must provide both flexure and support for the microphone equally in all directions. Therefore, it is impossible to prevent displacement forces from being transmitted across the axis, which can cause the microphone to wobble. In other words, the isolation mount of FIG. 1 must be relatively stiff to stably hold the microphone. This requires high tension, which often increases the mount's resonant frequency and, consequently, the minimum effective frequency at which the mount can operate. Such mounts also suffer from low integral damping of the elastic material, which makes the mount prone to vibrating for extended periods in response to impact forces, such as when a user strikes or bumps the microphone or mount.

[0011] Another example of a conventional isolation mount is disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2009 / 0016558 and is shown in FIG. 2. As shown, a conventional isolation mount can include improved support for the microphone without sacrificing the isolation characteristics of the mount. The mount can be configured to provide preferential or directional isolation. By providing isolation only along a particular axis (usually the axis that deflects the microphone's diaphragm), the mount can ensure support along other axes and thereby maintain stability. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, the mount shown in FIG. 2 provides isolation primarily along one axis (the microphone's long axis).

[0012] Yet another example of a conventional isolation mount is shown in Figure 3. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the isolation mount embodiment shown in Figure 3 provides shock isolation in multiple axes by utilizing multiple suspension elements, each with a separate preferred axis.

[0013] Prior art isolation mounts shown in both Figures 1B and 1C may rely on a rocking motion to isolate a mounted microphone from unwanted external forces (including low-level vibration and shock forces) that may be transmitted to the microphone from the object to which it is mounted. The recurved arms flex back and forth (and in the case of Figure 1C, because the arms are offset, also flex side to side) to absorb at least some of the kinetic energy of the unwanted external forces, thereby minimizing vibrations that the microphone's diaphragm detects as sound. A visual depiction of the rocking motion of the isolation mount of Figure 1B is shown in Figure 2.

[0014] This type of isolation mount, sold under the trade name "Lyre" mount, suffers from the problem of difficulty in ensuring that displacement is evenly distributed over the length of the recurve arm. Furthermore, the "rocking" motion can result in the longitudinal motion of the isolation mount relative to the microphone being converted into lateral or vertical motion. This can reduce the effectiveness of such isolation mounts by allowing undesirable translation of forces across the axis and reducing stability. Furthermore, the large size and profile of the recurve arm of conventional mounts can be undesirable.

[0015] Therefore, there is a need for an isolation mount that overcomes one or more of the shortcomings of the prior art. In particular, there is a need for an isolation mount that is configured to lower resonant frequencies, that is configured to provide a high level of compliance (and therefore isolation) in at least one direction without sacrificing the mount's ability to support a microphone, and that is configured to provide greater energy absorption than conventional directional isolation mounts. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0016] In one aspect, an isolation mount for a microphone having an address axis can include a base configured to mount to an object, a mounting assembly adapted to securely receive the microphone therein, and a suspension element extending between the base and the mounting assembly, the suspension element including a first end attached to the base, a second end attached to the mounting assembly, and a rolling spring extending therebetween, the rolling spring arranged to form an arc with an opening substantially aligned with the address axis of the microphone.

[0017] The suspension element may further include first and second rolling springs, the rolling spring bodies arranged such that the arcuate openings of the respective rolling springs are substantially aligned with the address axis of the microphone in opposite directions. The first rolling spring may be positioned substantially above the second rolling spring. Alternatively, the first rolling spring may be substantially coplanar with the second rolling spring.

[0018] Additionally, the rolling spring may be configured such that the arc formed thereon is substantially coplanar with the address axis.

[0019] Additionally, the first and second rolling spring bodies may be configured such that the arcs formed thereon are individually coplanar with the address axis. Alternatively, the first and second rolling spring bodies may be configured such that a first moment induced in the first rolling spring can be substantially canceled by a second opposing moment induced in the second rolling spring.

[0020] In another aspect, the first and second isolation mounts can be attached to the microphone at multiple points along the address axis and positioned to support the microphone. The first and second isolation mounts can share a common base. Further, the first and second isolation mounts can share a common mounting assembly.

[0021] In yet another embodiment, the microphone has two perpendicular address axes that form an address surface, and the suspension elements can be multiple suspension elements, each extending between the base and the mounting assembly, arranged so that the arcuate openings in the respective rolling spring bodies can be aligned with the address surface in multiple directions. The multiple suspension elements can be arranged radially around the mounting assembly. Alternatively, the multiple suspension elements can be arranged in a nested configuration, whereby a series of chains are formed by the multiple suspension elements between the base and the mounting assembly.

[0022] It is further contemplated that the suspension element may be a ribbon having a width oriented substantially perpendicular to the address axis.

[0023] Embodiments are illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numbers indicate similar elements and in which: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0024] [Figure 1] 1 shows a prior art microphone impact mount. [Figure 2] 1 shows a prior art microphone impact mount. [Figure 3] 1 shows a prior art microphone impact mount. [Figure 4] 1C illustrates the rocking motion of the prior art microphone mount shown in FIG. 1B. [Figure 5] 1 illustrates a set of axes for defining vector components; [Figure 6] 1 illustrates an exemplary isolation mount for supporting an axial address microphone. [Figure 7] 1 illustrates another exemplary isolation mount for supporting an axial address microphone. [Figure 8] 10 illustrates yet another exemplary isolation mount for supporting a microphone. [Figure 9A]1 illustrates an exemplary suspension element of an isolation mount. [Figure 9B] 9B illustrates the example suspension element of FIG. 9A in a first position. [Figure 9C] 9B illustrates the example suspension element of FIG. 9A in a second position. [Figure 10A] 1 illustrates an exemplary isolation mount including multiple suspension elements arranged radially around a mounting assembly. [Figure 10B] 10B illustrates an exemplary movement of the suspension element of FIG. 10A. [Figure 11] 1 illustrates an exemplary isolation mount including opposing suspension elements. [Figure 12] 1 illustrates another exemplary isolation mount including opposing suspension elements. [Figure 13] 1 illustrates yet another exemplary isolation mount including opposing suspension elements. [Figure 14] 1 illustrates a front view of an exemplary isolation mount. [Figure 15A] 1 illustrates an exemplary isolation mount with overlapping rolling springs. [Figure 15B] 1 shows an exemplary isolation mount having rolling springs positioned such that the mean of the plane can be coplanar with the address axis of the microphone. [Figure 16] 1 illustrates an exemplary system including two isolation mounts. [Figure 17] 1 illustrates an exemplary system including two isolation mounts that may share a common mounting assembly. [Figure 18] 1 illustrates an exemplary system including two isolation mounts that may share a common base. [Figure 19] 1 illustrates an exemplary system including two isolation mounts with suspension elements having opposing rolling springs. [Figure 20] 1 illustrates an exemplary system including two isolation mounts having suspension elements with opposing rolling springs arranged to form arcs that open in substantially opposite directions. [Figure 21] 1 illustrates an exemplary isolation mount including a suspension element having a long ribbon structure. [Figure 22] 1 illustrates an exemplary isolation mount having separate suspension elements, each of which includes a long ribbon structure. [Figure 23] 1 illustrates an exemplary isolation mount having a mounting assembly with a toggle and a suspension element with a long ribbon configuration. [Figure 24] 1 illustrates an exemplary isolation mount including suspension elements that may share a common base. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0025] For purposes of this application, the term "kinetic energy" refers to energy from any vibratory or kinetic source (other than airborne sound) that is transmitted to cause movement of a microphone's diaphragm relative to its backplate or structure and that may be erroneously recorded or identified as sound.

[0026] For purposes of this application, the term "non-acoustic vibration" refers to external forces other than sound that can induce vibrations, shifting, or other forms of movement in a microphone diaphragm, resulting in false detection of sound due to the movement of the microphone diaphragm. For example, non-acoustic vibrations can include impact forces such as a microphone or microphone base being bumped, struck, or impacted, or other sources of vibration such as machinery, footsteps, or the like. Furthermore, as used herein, the term should be understood to apply not only to non-acoustic vibrations applied directly to a microphone, microphone mount, or object to which the microphone is attached, but also to non-acoustic vibrations that may be transmitted to one of the above.

[0027] For purposes of this application, the terms "address axis" and "address plane" refer to the direction in which a microphone may be designed to pick up sound. A microphone with an address axis is typically directional and configured to preferentially detect sound only from a particular direction that extends substantially along the address axis or at an acute angle (less than 45°) to the address axis. A microphone with an address plane, on the other hand, may be configured or mounted to detect sound from directions within any angle on the address plane. This may be through the use of multiple diaphragms, a microphone that can rotate, or other means known in the art that allow a microphone to be addressable from multiple directions.

[0028] For purposes of this application, the term "vector component" refers to a portion of a vector that extends along an axis. As a non-limiting example, and with particular reference to Figure 5, vector "a" extends along the XY plane at an angle "θ". As shown, the vector components may be an X component "a(x)" and a Y component "a(y)".

[0029] Turning now to the drawings, where like numerals represent like components, FIG. 6 shows an exemplary isolation mount 100 configured to mount a microphone to an object, such as, for example, a camera (not shown). Isolation mount 100 may further facilitate inhibiting, reducing, preventing, and / or at least ameliorating the transfer of kinetic energy from the object to the mounted microphone. As shown, isolation mount 100 may include a base assembly 102, a mount assembly 104, and one or more suspension elements 106.

[0030] As shown, the base assembly 102 may be U-shaped. Other shapes for the base assembly 102 are contemplated, including, for example, circular, rectangular, and the like. Additionally, the base assembly 102 may include a lower section 108 and an upper section 110. As shown, the lower section 108 may be configured to be removably attached to an object via fasteners 109. For example, the lower section 108 may be removably attached to a camera via fasteners such as screws, nuts, bolts, and the like. Other methods of attaching the base assembly 102 to an object are also contemplated, such as the use of clips and / or magnets.

[0031] The mounting assembly 104 may define an opening 105 configured to securely receive the microphone. More specifically, the mounting assembly 104 may include a C-clip or clamping element 112 configured to encompass and / or grip a portion of the microphone. More specifically, as shown, a microphone positioned according to an address axis 114 may be attached to the isolation mount 100 via the clamping element 112 of the mounting assembly 104.

[0032] Additionally, clamping element 112 may be adjustable to a number of variable positions, for example, to facilitate receiving microphones of various diameters, such that isolation mount 100 of FIG. 6 is universally usable with different brands and types of microphones.

[0033] 6, the isolation mount 100 can include one or more suspension elements 106. The height of the suspension elements 106 can be between about 15 millimeters and about 30 millimeters, and preferably between about 20 millimeters and about 25 millimeters. In one embodiment, the suspension elements 106 can have an approximate height of about 23 millimeters.

[0034] The width of the suspension element 106 can be between about 10 millimeters and about 20 millimeters, preferably between about 12 millimeters and about 17 millimeters. In one embodiment, the suspension element 106 can have an approximate width of about 15 millimeters.

[0035] The depth of the suspension element 106 can be between about 5 millimeters and about 15 millimeters, preferably between about 8 millimeters and about 12 millimeters. In one embodiment, the suspension element 106 can have an approximate depth of about 10 millimeters. The thickness of the suspension element 106 can be between about half a millimeter and about 1 millimeter. In one embodiment, the suspension element 106 can have an approximate thickness of about eight-tenths of a millimeter.

[0036] The suspension element 108 may be configured to extend between an upper section 110 of the base assembly 102 and a clamping element 112 of the mounting assembly 104. More specifically, as shown, the suspension element 106 may include a first end 115 and a second end 116. The first end 115 may be secured to the upper section 110 of the base 102. The second end 116 may be secured to the clamping element 112 of the mounting assembly.

[0037] The suspension element 106 may further include a rolling spring 118 between the first end 115 and the second end 116. The rolling spring 118 may be shaped to form an arc with an opening substantially aligned with the microphone's address axis 114, as depicted by arrow 120. More specifically, the arc formed by the rolling spring 118 may range from about 40 degrees to about 70 degrees, and preferably about 60 degrees. It is not necessary for the first end 115 and the second end 116 to be disposed perpendicular to the address axis 114, although such a configuration is contemplated.

[0038] The structure of the isolation mount 100 can be configured to mechanically function as a mass-spring-damper system. For example, the mass can be an attached microphone, and the rolling spring 118 of the suspension element 106 can function as the spring. The materials and structure of the suspension element 106 can facilitate inherent damping of non-acoustic vibrations (also known as integral damping). Alternatively, or in addition, the isolation mount 100 can further include a separate damping element (not shown) in mechanical communication with the suspension element 106.

[0039] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the suspension elements can be used with isolation mounts of different shapes and sizes to accommodate a variety of different microphone and base assembly connections.

[0040] For example, Figure 7 shows an exemplary isolation mount 200 that may be configured to support a directional on-camera microphone 208. The isolation mount 200 may include a base assembly 202, a mounting assembly 204 that defines an opening, and one or more suspension elements 206 that may be similar to the suspension element 106 of Figure 6. As shown, the suspension element 206 may include a rolling spring 210 that may be shaped to form an arc with an opening substantially aligned with an address axis 212 of the microphone 208.

[0041] 8 shows an exemplary isolation mount 300 that may be configured to support a cylindrical miniature microphone 308 that may accommodate, for example, a USB-C device. The isolation mount 300 may include a rectangular base assembly 302 configured to couple to a block 303, a mounting assembly 304 that defines an opening, and one or more suspension elements 306 that may be similar to the suspension element 106 of FIG. 6. As shown, the suspension element 306 may include a rolling spring 310 and may be shaped to form an arc with an opening substantially aligned with an address axis 312 of the microphone 308.

[0042] Additional details regarding the suspension elements and rolling springs are provided below. Reference is made to the suspension elements 106 and rolling springs 118 of Figure 6, but it should be understood that the same and / or similar features may be applicable and may be utilized by other embodiments described herein.

[0043] Exemplary Functions of Suspension Elements An example function of the suspension element 106 may include acting as a spring that experiences "rolling deflection." More specifically, as shown in Figures 9A-C, the first end 115 and / or the second end 116 of the suspension element 106 may move in a direction perpendicular to arrow 120. Additionally, the first end 115 and / or the second end 116 may be configured to move in a direction substantially parallel to arrow 120.

[0044] 9B and 9C, the suspension element 106 having the rolling spring 118 may be segmented into six segments 122a-f (it should be understood that the segmentation is for purposes of illustration and explanation only, and that the embodiment does not require segmentation to function). For example, the illustrated arrows extending to the first end 115 and from the second end 116, respectively, indicate the direction of relative movement of the ends 115, 116.

[0045] Figure 9B shows the suspension element 106 when the first and second ends 115, 116 are in a first position 124. Figure 9C shows the first and second ends 115, 116 of the suspension element 106 in a second position 126. More specifically, as shown in Figure 9C, the first and second ends 115, 116 may be configured to move substantially parallel to each other and to arrow 120 (which may be substantially parallel to the microphone's address axis 114).

[0046] 9B and 9C shows that deflection of rolling spring 118 can result in the arc shape "rolling" along the length of the body, as indicated by segments 122a-f moving position around an arc. Without departing from the spirit and scope thereof, it should be understood that this "rolling" motion can allow rolling spring 118 to absorb energy, like a spring, which can then be dissipated through damping. As a result, non-acoustic vibrations extending along address axis 114 of a mounted microphone can be absorbed and dissipated by isolation mount 100, for example, to prevent and / or suppress the microphone from falsely detecting the vibrations as sound.

[0047] Additionally, the rolling spring 118 may be a type of spring that inherently has low internal tension. As a result of the low tension, the rolling spring 118 may have a naturally low fundamental vibration frequency, which means that it may be induced to experience movement (and thus "rolling deflection") by lower frequency non-acoustic vibrations. In other words, the rolling spring 118 may help form the "spring" of a mass-spring-damper system to, for example, improve isolation of an attached microphone from low frequency vibrations.

[0048] Vector components of vibration It is expected that non-acoustic vibrations transmitted through an object to isolation mount 100 will not always be aligned with the address axis 114 of the attached microphone. Nevertheless, referring to Figure 5, the vector components of non-acoustic vibrations are parallel to address axis 114 and may therefore be erroneously detected as sound.

[0049] The rolling spring 118 may be configured to absorb vector components of the non-acoustic vibrations that are parallel to the address axis 114 of the attached microphone. Furthermore, the remaining vector components of the non-acoustic vibrations may be essentially perpendicular to the address axis 114. As a result, the microphone may not be able to easily detect the remaining vector components of the non-acoustic vibrations.

[0050] multi-axis isolation It is further contemplated that an isolation mount as shown and described herein may facilitate isolating a microphone from non-acoustic vibrations in multiple directions or from multiple vector components of non-acoustic vibrations. For example, a side-address microphone is typically designed to pick up sound from multiple coplanar directions and may benefit from isolation from non-acoustic vibrations. It is noted that the microphone's ability to detect sound from multiple directions does not affect the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

[0051] 10A-10B show an exemplary isolation mount 400 that can be used with a side-address microphone (not shown). As shown, isolation mount 400 can include a peripheral circular base assembly 402, a mounting assembly 404 that defines an opening 405, and one or more suspension elements 406, which can be similar to suspension element 106 of FIG. 6. Rather than having an address axis 114 as shown in FIG. 6, a side-address microphone can have an address surface 408, as shown in FIG. 10A.

[0052] More specifically, the mounting assembly 404 of the isolation mount 400 may include an inner section 410 and an outer section 412. As shown, the suspension elements 406 may extend radially between the outer section 412 and the base assembly 402. Each suspension element 406 may include a rolling spring 414, which may be aligned with the address surface 408 but may open in different directions. The positioning of the suspension elements 406 facilitates absorbing non-acoustic vibrations along their respective opening directions (represented by the arrangement of arrows 416 in FIG. 10B ). In other words, by providing an array of suspension elements 406, non-acoustic vibrations from multiple directions lying substantially along the address surface 408 can be absorbed and dissipated.

[0053] Although not shown, it is contemplated that multi-axis isolation may be provided by a combination of two or more aspects disclosed above. For example, an isolation mount may include a base assembly configured to attach to an object, a mounting assembly, a connector, and two suspension elements. The rolling spring of the first suspension element may form an arc that opens in a first direction, and the rolling spring of the second suspension element may form an arc that opens in a second, substantially perpendicular direction. Each of the first and second suspension elements may be configured to absorb non-acoustic vibrations traveling in either the first or second direction (or along a plane formed by the first and second directions).

[0054] Additionally, the multi-axis isolation mount can include a second connector and a third suspension element between the base assembly and the mounting assembly. The third suspension element can include a rolling spring that forms an arcuate opening in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first and second suspension elements. As a result of the three substantially perpendicularly positioned suspension elements, the multi-axis isolation mount can promote three-dimensional isolation of the mounted microphone.

[0055] Improved sensitivity for low amplitude isolation 11-13 illustrate an exemplary isolation mount having improved sensitivity due to low amplitude isolation. As shown in FIG. 11, the exemplary isolation mount 500 can include a base assembly 502, a mounting assembly 504 defining an opening 505, and two suspension elements 506, 508 positioned on either side of the mounting assembly 504. Each suspension element 506, 508 can be similar to the suspension element 106 of FIG. 6, described in detail above.

[0056] More specifically, each suspension element 506, 508 may include a rolling spring 510, 512. As shown, the rolling springs 510, 512 may be arranged to form arcs that open in substantially opposite directions, as indicated by opposing arrows 514, 516. As shown in FIG. 11 , the opposing rolling spring bodies 510, 512 may be arranged to vertically overlap one another.

[0057] 12 illustrates another exemplary isolation mount 600. As shown, the isolation mount 600 includes a base assembly 602, a mounting assembly 604 that defines an opening for receiving a microphone 608, and a suspension element 606. Each suspension element 606 may include opposing rolling springs 610, 612. The opposing rolling springs 610, 612 may be substantially coplanar and arranged to form arcs that open in substantially opposite directions, as indicated by opposing arrows 614, 616.

[0058] FIG. 13 illustrates yet another exemplary isolation mount 700. As shown, the isolation mount 700 includes a base assembly 702, a mounting assembly 704 defining an opening 705 for receiving a microphone 708, and a suspension element 706. The suspension element 706 may include opposing rolling springs 710, 712. As shown, the isolation mount 700 may be coplanar with an address axis 714, but is not necessarily coaxial. Nevertheless, the isolation mount 700 may be configured to function as detailed above. In particular, the isolation mount may be configured to lower the resonant frequency, provide a high level of compliance (and therefore isolation) in at least one direction, and provide greater energy absorption without sacrificing the mount's ability to support the microphone. Other variations and configurations may exist, and those skilled in the art will understand that such variations are within the scope of the present invention. Those skilled in the art will further understand that this embodiment may be used in combination with other embodiments disclosed herein.

[0059] With reference to Figures 11-13, the rolling springs can be configured to more readily respond to and deflect non-acoustic vibrations extending from a particular direction along the address axis and / or address surface, as described in detail above. As a result, the rolling springs can absorb and dissipate non-acoustic vibrations from various directions along the address axis and / or address surface, but can be more sensitive to certain directions. Thus, by providing at least one pair of rolling spring openings in opposing directions, sensitivity in directions along the address axis and / or address surface can be improved. As a result, the isolation mount can provide improved usability when applied to highly sensitive microphones. Furthermore, the isolation mounts shown and described herein can provide improved stability to the mounted microphone, particularly when the opposing pair of rolling springs are longitudinally spaced from each other.

[0060] 14 shows a front view of an exemplary isolation mount 800. As shown, isolation mount 800 can include a base assembly 802, a mounting assembly 804 that defines an opening 805, and suspension elements 806. Each suspension element 806 can include a rolling spring 808 having a first end 810 and a second end 812.

[0061] Additionally, the suspension element 806 may be substantially coplanar with the microphone's address axis 814. In other words, the plane of the rolling spring 808, depicted by dashed line 816, may be aligned with the address axis 814. This is in contrast to the isolation mount 200 of FIG. 7, which shows the suspension element 206 not coplanar with the address axis 212.

[0062] The isolation mount 800 of FIG. 14 can further improve microphone isolation from non-acoustic vibrations, providing improved usability for, for example, highly sensitive microphones. Referring to FIG. 7 , which illustrates a situation in which the plane of the rolling spring 210 is not aligned with the address axis 212, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the rolling deflection of the rolling spring 210 can induce a moment around the first or second end of the rolling spring 210 or within the rolling spring 204. This offset can inhibit the complete absorption and subsequent dissipation (or damping) of non-acoustic vibrations by the suspension element 206. As a result, the isolation mount 200 can provide substantial isolation for a large number of microphones, because the rolling deflection of the suspension element 206 provides substantial absorption and dissipation of non-acoustic vibrations, and the diaphragm of such microphones may not be sensitive enough to pick up the significantly reduced amplitude of the non-acoustic vibrations. However, more sensitive microphones, such as microphones designed or configured to pick up subtle sounds with very low amplitude, may require improved isolation, such as using isolation mount 800 of FIG. 14.

[0063] 14 , the absence of induced moments about first end 810 and / or second end 812 or within rolling spring 808 may allow for a greater degree of absorption and subsequent dissipation (or damping) of non-acoustic vibrations by suspension element 806. As a result, isolation mount 800 may facilitate providing improved isolation from non-acoustic vibrations. Those skilled in the art will understand that elements of each example isolation mount disclosed herein may be used interchangeably.

[0064] 15A-15B illustrate exemplary isolation mounts 900, 1000. As shown in FIG. 15A, the isolation mount 900 can include two overlapping rolling springs 902, 904. The rolling springs 902, 904 can be individually positioned so that they are coplanar with the address axis 906 of the attached microphone. FIG. 15B illustrates an isolation mount 1000 including two rolling springs 1002, 1004, which can be positioned so that the average of the planes 1008, 1010 of each rolling spring 1002, 1004 can be coplanar with the address axis 1006. As a result, induced moments about the first and / or second ends of the rolling springs 1002, 1004 can be configured to cancel each other.

[0065] It is further contemplated that isolation mounts such as those described herein may include suspension elements disposed on either side of the microphone. As such, the suspension elements on either side of the microphone need not be coplanar with each other. Rather, they may be configured to be coplanar with the address axis of the microphone.

[0066] Providing longitudinal support 16-20 illustrate exemplary systems including two isolation mounts that may be configured to facilitate providing longitudinal support to a microphone, for example. Fig. 16 illustrates a system 1100 that includes a first isolation mount 1102 separate from a second isolation mount 1104 to provide long-term support and stability to a microphone 1106 that may be too large or unwieldy to be supported by a single isolation mount. As shown in system 1200 of Fig. 17, the first and second isolation mounts 1202, 1204 may share a common base 1206 and / or a common mounting assembly 1208.

[0067] 18 shows an example system 1300 including two isolation mounts 1302, 1304 having a first mounting assembly 1306 separate from a second mounting assembly 1308. Each isolation mount 1302, 1304 may include a suspension element 1312 having a rolling spring 1314. As shown, the mounting assemblies 1306, 1308 may share a common base 1310. Additionally, the first isolation mount 1302 may be positioned in an opposing orientation relative to the rolling spring 1314 of the second isolation mount 1308.

[0068] 19-20 illustrate exemplary systems 1400, 1500 that combine one or more of the features shown and described herein. For example, FIG. 19 illustrates a system 1400 that includes two isolation mounts 1402, 1404, each having a suspension element 1406 with opposing rolling springs 1408, 1410. FIG. 20 illustrates a system 1500 that includes two isolation mounts 1502, 1504, each having a suspension element 1510 with at least two rolling springs 1506, 1508 arranged to form arcs that open in substantially opposite directions.

[0069] Ribbon construction for increased compliance It is further contemplated that isolation mounts such as those shown and described herein may include suspension elements that may be formed from flattened suspension ribbons, with the ribbon width oriented substantially perpendicular to the address axis. Such isolation mounts may facilitate increasing the compliance of the suspension element in a direction parallel to the address axis, which may provide a reduction in the resonant frequency of the suspension element. This may result in improved isolation of the microphone received by the isolation mount from non-acoustic vibrations. It is further contemplated that by forming the suspension element in a ribbon shape, the strength of the suspension element and its ability to stably support a mounted microphone may be maintained or even improved.

[0070] It is further contemplated that ribbon-type suspension elements can be configured to absorb non-acoustic vibrations (or vector components thereof) substantially parallel to the address axis through rolling deflection. For example, the first and second ends of the suspension element can move parallel to one another without significantly changing their perpendicular separation. This rolling motion may not significantly change the radius of the arc. Rather, the suspension element may roll while curling and uncurling in equal proportions due to the translation of the first and second ends. As a result, ribbon-type suspension elements such as those shown in FIGS. 21-23 can provide an isolation mount with a high degree of mobility or freedom along the address axis. This may enable preferential, sensitive, and substantial suppression of non-acoustic vibrations along the address axis by the microphone diaphragm.

[0071] Furthermore, non-acoustic vibrations (or their vector components) perpendicular to the address axis and perpendicular to the surface of the ribbon are believed to be absorbed by contraction / expansion deflection of the suspension element. This may allow the first and second ends of the suspension element to move toward (or away from) each other, which may result in the suspension element closing or opening, respectively. As a result, the radius of the arc formed by the rolling spring may change as the suspension element flexes open or closed. Furthermore, because the suspension element becomes more resilient to such forces, the isolation mount has less freedom of movement in these directions. Therefore, the suspension element may have lower compliance in these directions and be less able to isolate the mounted microphone from non-acoustic vibrations along this axis. In at least one embodiment, such a configuration is believed to provide high compliance along the address axis (the axis most desirable for high compliance) without sacrificing the structural stability of the isolation mount.

[0072] It is further contemplated that non-acoustic vibrations (or vector components thereof) in a direction perpendicular to both of the directions disclosed above are absorbed by torsion of the suspension element, causing the suspension element to twist along its length. The suspension element may be configured to have the highest repulsion force and high resistance to torsion against movement along this axis, such that the isolation mount has the least degree of freedom of movement in this direction. As a result, the isolation mount may have minimal, reduced, or even negligible ability to absorb and subsequently dissipate non-acoustic vibrations in these directions. This configuration is contemplated because, in at least one embodiment, this particular direction may be aligned with the vertical axis, and therefore the isolation mount requires high strength and stiffness to support the weight of the microphone.

[0073] Long ribbon structure In addition to the advantages detailed above for ribbon-type suspension elements, Figures 21-24 illustrate isolation mounts including long ribbon suspension elements that may be configured to couple with the mount assembly and base assembly, which may have a reduced surface area, for example, to further minimize unwanted resonance. Additionally, the long ribbon structure may facilitate cable clearing through the microphone via the side exit socket.

[0074] Long ribbon suspension elements may be made from a stiffer injection-molded resin (e.g., plastic) to balance (support and isolate) a wide range of microphones, for example. The resin stiffness may vary. For example, the flexural modulus may range from about 200 MPa to about 1500 MPa, preferably from about 550 MPa to about 1150 MPa. While other resin stiffnesses are contemplated, long ribbon structures using stiffer resins may eliminate the need for additional damping elements. In other words, the viscous properties of the resin in long ribbon suspension elements can be configured to absorb energy and convert that energy into heat.

[0075] The height of the long ribbon suspension elements may range from about 30 millimeters to about 60 millimeters, preferably between about 40 millimeters and about 50 millimeters. In one embodiment, the long ribbon suspension elements may have an approximate height of about 45 millimeters.

[0076] The width of the long ribbon suspension elements may range between about 5 millimeters and about 20 millimeters, preferably between about 8 millimeters and about 12 millimeters. In one embodiment, the long ribbon suspension elements may have an approximate width of about 10 millimeters.

[0077] The thickness of the long ribbon suspension elements can range between about one-quarter millimeter and about two millimeters, preferably between about 0.5 millimeters and about 1.5 millimeters.

[0078] The depth of the long ribbon suspension elements may range between about 5 millimeters and about 20 millimeters, preferably between about 10 millimeters and about 15 millimeters. In one embodiment, the long ribbon suspension elements may have an approximate depth of about 14 millimeters.

[0079] 21 , an exemplary isolation mount 1600 is shown. The isolation mount 1600 can be configured to support a cantilevered microphone with a windshield or windjammer. As shown, the isolation mount 1600 can include a base assembly 1602, a mounting assembly 1604 defining an opening 1605, a pair of front long ribbon-like suspension elements 1606, and a pair of rear long ribbon-like suspension elements 1608. The suspension elements 1606, 1608 can extend between the base assembly 1602 and the mounting assembly 1604.

[0080] Mounting assembly 1604 may be configured to allow a user to easily access the microphone buttons. In particular, mounting assembly 1604 may include a C-clip 1614 for receiving a microphone having a diameter ranging from about 15 millimeters to about 30 millimeters, preferably between about 22 millimeters and about 23 millimeters, for example.

[0081] The height of the isolation mount 1600 can range between about 40 millimeters and about 50 millimeters. In one embodiment, the isolation mount 1600 can have an approximate height of about 46 millimeters. The length of the isolation mount 1600 can range between about 50 millimeters and about 70 millimeters. In one embodiment, the isolation mount 1600 can have an approximate length of about 68 millimeters.

[0082] The width of the isolation mount 1600 can range from about 40 millimeters to about 70 millimeters, preferably between about 50 millimeters and about 60 millimeters. In one embodiment, the isolation mount 1600 can have an approximate width of about 58 millimeters.

[0083] As shown in FIG. 21 , the front and rear long ribbon-shaped suspension elements 1606, 1608 may be joined to provide better stability and, for example, to facilitate easier assembly. Furthermore, each pair of long ribbon-shaped suspension elements 1606, 1608 may include two rolling springs 1610, 1612 that may be angled and / or opposed to each other. It is contemplated that each pair of long ribbon-shaped suspension elements 1606, 1608 may have the same thickness. Alternatively, the long ribbon-shaped suspension elements 1606, 1608 may have different thicknesses. For example, the front suspension element 1606 may have a thickness of approximately 1 millimeter, and the rear suspension element 1608 may have a thickness of approximately 1.5 millimeters.

[0084] Additionally, the suspension elements 1606, 1608 may have variable stiffness, such as flexible, medium, and / or rigid. In one example, the front suspension element 1606 may have a lower stiffness compared to the rear suspension element 1608. When the stiffness of the front and rear suspension elements 1606, 1608 is matched to a given microphone and its center of gravity / mass, vertical and lateral excitations centered around a particular key frequency range may result in a neutral zone where movement / deflection is reduced. While deflection at the extremes of the microphone may be large, the neutral zone, where the sensitive capsule diaphragm (pickup) element is located, remains fairly stable because mechanically induced noise and / or vibration may be reduced.

[0085] 22 shows another exemplary isolation mount 1700 configured to support, for example, a cantilevered microphone. As shown, the isolation mount 1700 can include front and rear base assemblies 1702, 1704, front and rear mounting assemblies 1706, 1708, a pair of front long ribbon suspension elements 1710, and a pair of rear long ribbon suspension elements 1712. As shown, each mounting assembly 1706, 1708 can be a single, integral support defining an opening 1705 for receiving a microphone.

[0086] The height of the isolation mount 1700 can range between about 40 millimeters and about 50 millimeters. In one embodiment, the isolation mount 1700 can have an approximate height of about 46 millimeters. The width of the isolation mount 1700 can range between about 40 millimeters and about 70 millimeters, preferably between about 50 millimeters and about 60 millimeters. In one embodiment, the isolation mount 1700 can have an approximate width of about 58 millimeters.

[0087] The length of the isolation mount 1700 can be adjustable depending, for example, on where the base assemblies 1702, 1704 are coupled to the block 1703. For example, the length of the isolation mount 1700 can range between about 50 millimeters and about 70 millimeters. In one embodiment, the isolation mount 1700 can have an approximate length of about 68 millimeters.

[0088] 22, the front and rear long ribbon suspension elements 1710, 1712 may be separated for tooling purposes and to allow the user to visualize graphics and access buttons on the microphone. Additionally, each pair of long ribbon suspension elements 1710, 1712 may include two rolling springs 1714, 1716. As shown, the rolling springs 1714, 1716 may be angled and / or opposed to each other.

[0089] The suspension elements 1706, 1708 may have varying levels of stiffness, such as flexible, medium, and / or stiff. It is further contemplated that each pair of long ribbon suspension elements 1706, 1708 may have the same thickness. Alternatively, the long ribbon suspension elements 1706, 1708 may have different thicknesses. For example, the front suspension element 1706 may have a thickness of approximately 1 millimeter, and the rear suspension element 1708 may have a thickness of approximately 1 1 / 4 millimeters. Other thicknesses are also contemplated.

[0090] 23 shows another exemplary isolation mount 1800. As shown, the isolation mount 1800 can include front and rear base assemblies 1802, 1804, front and rear adjustable mounting assemblies 1806, 1808, a pair of front long ribbon-like suspension elements 1810, and a pair of rear long ribbon-like suspension elements 1812. The mounting assemblies 1806, 1808 can define an opening 1805 for receiving a microphone.

[0091] The height of the isolation mount 1800 can range between about 50 millimeters and about 60 millimeters, preferably between about 52 millimeters and about 55 millimeters. The width of the isolation mount 1800 can range between about 40 millimeters and about 70 millimeters, preferably between about 50 millimeters and about 60 millimeters. In one embodiment, the isolation mount 1800 can have an approximate width of about 58 millimeters.

[0092] 22, the length of the isolation mount 1800 can be adjustable depending, for example, on where the base assemblies 1802, 1804 are coupled to the block 1803. For example, the length of the isolation mount 1800 can range from about 40 millimeters to about 80 millimeters, preferably between about 50 millimeters and about 60 millimeters.

[0093] 23, each mounting assembly 1806, 1808 can include a toggle 1814, 1816 for adjusting the diameter of the opening 1805. The toggles 1814, 1816 can be configured in an open or closed position to facilitate supporting microphones of various diameters. For example, the toggles 1814, 1806 can be configured to adjust for microphones having diameters ranging from about 15 millimeters to about 30 millimeters, preferably between about 18 millimeters and about 23 millimeters.

[0094] Additionally, the front and rear long ribbon suspension elements 1810, 1812 of the isolation mount 1800 may be separated for tooling purposes and to allow a user to visualize graphics and access buttons on the microphone. As shown, each pair of long ribbon suspension elements 1810, 1812 may include two rolling springs 1818, 1820. The rolling springs 1818, 1820 may be angled relative to one another and / or may face one another.

[0095] The suspension elements 1806, 1808 may have varying levels of stiffness, such as flexible, medium, and / or stiff. It is further contemplated that each pair of long ribbon suspension elements 1806, 1808 may have the same thickness. Alternatively, the long ribbon suspension elements 1806, 1808 may have different thicknesses. For example, the front suspension element 1806 may have a thickness of approximately 1 millimeter, and the rear suspension element 1808 may have a thickness of approximately 1.5 millimeters. Other thicknesses are also contemplated.

[0096] 24 illustrates yet another exemplary isolation mount 1900 configured to support, for example, a cantilevered or shotgun microphone 1914. As shown, the isolation mount 1900 may include a base assembly 1902 for coupling with a block 1903, a mounting assembly 1904 defining an opening 1905, a pair of front long ribbon-like suspension elements 1906, and a pair of rear long ribbon-like suspension elements 1908. The suspension elements 1906, 1908 may be configured to couple with the mounting assembly 1904.

[0097] The height of the isolation mount 1900 can range from about 30 millimeters to about 50 millimeters, preferably between about 40 millimeters and about 45 millimeters. The length of the isolation mount 1900 can range from about 30 millimeters to about 60 millimeters, preferably between about 35 millimeters and about 55 millimeters. The width of the isolation mount 1900 can range from about 40 millimeters to about 60 millimeters, preferably between about 45 millimeters and about 55 millimeters. In one embodiment, the isolation mount 1900 can have an approximate width of about 50 millimeters.

[0098] As shown in FIG. 24 , the front and rear long ribbon suspension elements 1906, 1908 can be coupled to provide improved stability and support for the microphone 1914. Additionally, each pair of long ribbon suspension elements 1906, 1908 can include two rolling springs 1910, 1912 that can be angled and / or opposed to each other. It is contemplated that each pair of long ribbon suspension elements 1906, 1908 can have the same thickness. Alternatively, the long ribbon suspension elements 1906, 1908 can have different thicknesses. For example, the front suspension element 1906 can have a thickness of approximately 1 millimeter, and the rear suspension element 1908 can have a thickness of approximately 8 / 10 of a millimeter.

[0099] When used in the context of "substantially parallel" or "substantially perpendicular," the term substantially should be considered to allow for angular deviations from the described alignment, so long as the practice of the invention is still possible without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0100] While the present invention has been described above with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the present invention is not limited to these embodiments and may be embodied in many other forms, variations, and modifications other than those specifically described. The present invention includes all such variations and modifications. The present invention also includes all steps, features, components, and / or apparatus referred to or shown in this specification, individually or collectively, and any and all combinations of steps or features, or any two or more thereof.

[0101] In this specification, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the word "comprising" is not intended to have an exclusive meaning such as "consisting only of," but rather has a non-exclusive meaning such as "including at least." The same applies to other forms of the word, such as "comprise," with corresponding grammatical changes.

[0102] Other definitions of selected terms used herein can be found in the Detailed Description of the Invention and apply throughout. Unless defined otherwise, all other scientific and technical terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs.

[0103] Further modifications and alternative embodiments of various aspects of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of this description. Accordingly, this description is to be construed as illustrative only, and is for the purpose of teaching those skilled in the art the general manner of carrying out the invention. It should be understood that the forms of the invention shown and described herein are to be taken as exemplary embodiments. Components may be substituted for those shown and described herein, parts and processes may be reversed, and certain features of the invention may be utilized independently, all of which will become apparent to those skilled in the art after having the benefit of this description of the invention. Changes may be made in the elements described herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, as set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. 1. An isolation mount for a microphone having an address axis, comprising: With the base, a mounting assembly adapted to receive the microphone; a suspension element extending between the base and the mounting assembly, the suspension element having a first end attached to the base and a second end attached to the mounting assembly; a rolling spring extending between the first end and the second end of the suspension element; the rolling spring is arranged to form an arc having an opening substantially aligned with the address axis of the microphone; Isolated mount.

2. The suspension element: Further comprising a first rolling spring and a second rolling spring; the first and second rolling springs are positioned such that their respective arcuate openings are substantially aligned with the address axis of the microphone in opposite directions; The isolation mount of claim 1 .

3. The isolation mount of claim 2 , wherein the first rolling spring is positioned substantially above the second rolling spring.

4. The isolation mount of claim 2 , wherein the first rolling spring is substantially coplanar with the second rolling spring.

5. The isolation mount of claim 1 , wherein the rolling spring is configured such that the formed arc is substantially coplanar with the address axis.

6. 3. The isolation mount of claim 2, wherein the first and second rolling springs are configured such that their respective formed arcs are individually coplanar with the address axis.

7. 3. The isolation mount of claim 2, wherein the first and second rolling springs are configured such that a first moment induced in the first rolling spring is substantially canceled by a second, opposing moment induced in the second rolling spring.

8. 2. The isolation mount of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of suspension members, each suspension member having a rolling spring, each suspension member extending between the base and the mounting assembly and positioned such that the arcuate opening of a respective rolling spring is aligned with the address surface in multiple directions.

9. The isolation mount of claim 8 , wherein the plurality of suspension elements are radially arranged around the mounting assembly.

10. The isolation mount of claim 8 , wherein the plurality of suspension elements are arranged in a nested configuration, whereby a series of chains are formed by the plurality of suspension elements between the base and the mounting assembly.

11. The isolation mount of claim 1 , wherein the suspension element is a ribbon having a width oriented substantially perpendicular to the address axis.

12. The isolation mount of claim 1 , wherein the mounting assembly includes a toggle for adjusting a diameter of an opening configured to receive the microphone.

13. The isolation mount of claim 2 , wherein the first rolling spring is angled relative to the second rolling spring.

14. The isolation mount of claim 2 , wherein the first rolling spring and the second rolling spring are positioned on opposite sides of the mounting assembly.

15. 10. The isolation mount of claim 1, wherein the suspension element has a height between about 40 millimeters and about 50 millimeters.

16. 3. The isolation mount of claim 2, wherein each rolling spring has a thickness between about eight-tenths of a millimeter and about 1.5 millimeters.

17. 1. A system including two or more isolation mounts for microphones having an address axis, each isolation mount comprising: With the base, a mounting assembly configured to receive the microphone; a suspension element extending between the base and the mounting assembly, the suspension element having a first end fixed to the base and a second end fixed to the mounting assembly; a rolling spring extending between the first end and the second end of the suspension element; The system wherein the rolling spring is arranged to form an arc having an opening substantially aligned with the address axis of the microphone.

18. The isolation mount of claim 12 , wherein the first isolation mount and the second isolation mount are configured to support a microphone at multiple points along the address axis.

19. The isolation mount of claim 12 , wherein the first and second isolation mounts share a common base.

20. The isolation mount of claim 8 , wherein the first and second isolation mounts share a common mounting assembly.

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