Speaker cover grille installation

• US 4,974,698 A
• Filed: 12/26/1989
• Issued: 12/04/1990
• Est. Priority Date: 10/11/1989
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Oakwood Metal Fabricating Company
• Original Assignee: Oakwood Metal Fabricating Company
• Inventors: Smith, Donald S.
• Primary Examiner(s): Fuller, Benjamin R.
• Application Number:
  US07/453,207
• Time in Patent Office: 343 Days
• Field of Search: 181/148, 181/150, 181/175, 181/199, 181/171, 181/172, 381/193
• US Class Current: 181/150
• CPC Class Codes: H04R 1/023 Screens for loudspeakers

Abstract

A frameless pierced metal speaker grille is directly attached to a panel in which a speaker opening is formed by a series of tabs integrally formed in the speaker grille at spaced locations about the perimeter of the grille. Each tab includes a rear facing planar section extending inwardly from a turned edge perimeter of the cover grille and abutted against the panel structure, a v shaped engagement section extending rearwardly from the planar section and having legs adapted to squeeze fit the panel edge adjacent the speaker opening, and an entry section extending rearwardly from the v section and inclined inwardly to cam the tab inwardly at assembly of the grille. The tab shape enables secure spring fitting to the panel structure while being formed of the relatively mild material of the grille material which is pierced as by being perforated to form the open area cover grille.

Claims

1. A speaker cover grille installation for covering an opening in a panel structure with a cover grille of a greater size than said opening, in which a speaker assembly is mounted behind said opening, said cover grille installation comprising:

a cover grille comprised of a formed sheet of pierced sheet metal completely covered with a pattern of openings to create an open area allowing transmission of sound therethrough, said cover grille having a central generally planar portion and an integral formed turned edge extending about a perimeter of said generally planar portion;

said cover grille having at least one gripper tab integrally formed from said formed turned edge of pierced metal, said gripper tab extending from said formed edge in a direction generally normal to said central generally planar portion, and having a gripper portion extending out beyond said opening with said cover grille in an aligned position with said opening, said tab also including an entry portion integral with said gripper portion located and adapted to be pushed inwardly by an edge of said panel structure adjacent said opening to allow said gripper portion to move through said opening, whereby said gripper tab is adapted to grip the edge of said panel structure adjacent said opening upon pushing said cover grille against said panel structure when aligned with said opening.

2. The speaker cover grille installation according to claim 1 wherein said gripper tab includes a first planar section extending inwardly from a perimeter of said turned edge to be generally parallel to said planar central portion and a V section extending from said planar section to form said gripper portion, said V section including a first leg extending inwardly and rearwardly from said planar section, and a second leg extending outwardly past said opening and rearwardly therefrom to form a V, said planar section extending inwardly to position said V section at the edge of said panel structure adjacent said opening with said cover grille aligned thereover;

said gripper tab entry portion extending rearwardly and inwardly from said second leg of said V section from a point outside said opening to a point within said opening, whereby said gripper tab is cammed outwardly when said cover grille is pushed against said panel structures by the edge of said panel structure adjacent said opening engaging said entry portion.

3. The speaker, cover grille installation according to claim 2 wherein said V section is spread to grip said panel structure edge when said speaker cover grille is installed.

4. The speaker cover grille installation according to claim 1 wherein said speaker cover grille is formed of mild steel sheet material.

5. The speaker cover grille installation according to claim 2 wherein said speaker cover grille is polygonal in shape and said gripper tab is formed on one side thereof and extends for a substantial proportion of the length of said side.

6. The speaker cover grille installation according to claim 1, wherein said at least one gripper tap extends from a limited portion of said turned edge, and said cover grille, further including a locating tab integrally formed and extending from another portion of said turned edge opposite said at least one gripper tab, said locating tab engaging said panel structure adjacent said opening to align said speaker cover grille gripper tab.

7. The speaker cover grille installation according to claim 6 further including additional gripper tabs on sides adjacent said locating tab and said at least one gripper tab.

8. A speaker cover grille comprising:

a sheet of pierced mild steel formed with a pattern of openings creating an open area to allow transmission of sound therethrough, said pattern substantially covering a full extent of said cover grille, said cover grille having a generally planar central portion and an inwardly turned edge about a perimeter thereof;

at least one gripper tab integrally formed to extend from said inwardly turned edge;

said at least one gripper tab including a first planar section extending inwardly from said edge generally parallel to said central portion, a V section having a first leg extending rearwardly and away from said central portion and a second leg extending rearwardly and also away from said central portion, and an entry portion integrally connected to said second leg and extending rearwardly from said second leg and toward said central portion.

9. A speaker cover grille installation according to claim 8 further including a locating tab formed integrally from said sheet of pierced mild steel and extending from said turned edge opposite said at least one gripper tab.