Method and apparatus for a portable public address system

• US 6,947,566 B2
• Filed: 10/02/2001
• Issued: 09/20/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 10/02/2001
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Raymond L. Mears
• Original Assignee: Raymond L. Mears
• Inventors: Mears, Raymond L.
• Primary Examiner(s): Pendleton, Brian T.
• Application Number:
  US09/970,378
• Publication Number:
  US 20030063754A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,449 Days
• Field of Search: 381/75, 381/82, 181/177
• US Class Current: 381/75
• CPC Class Codes: H04R 27/00 Public address systems circuits for preventing acoustic reaction H04R3/02; circuits for distributing signals to loudspeakers H04R3/12; monitoring or testing arrangements for public address systems H04R29/007; amplifiers H03F
• CPC Class Codes: H04R 27/04 Electric megaphones

Abstract

An improved light weight, portable public address system configured with high fidelity omni-directional and high wattage directional speakers for both indoor and outdoor use with a wide variety of sound inputs assembled in a self-contained, compact housing. Optional systems provide for the remote deployment of up to two speakers and the use of a remote wireless microphone. Improved options include a unique compact configuration that allows for modular construction of all components for plug and play operation and rapid field replacement; a weatherproof housing for operation in inclement weather, and a tape player to provide prerecorded programming.

Claims

1. A self-contained portable public address system comprising:

a) a hollow, tubular “

T”

-shaped polymeric housing having a main body portion and a perpendicular branch portion, said main body portion having first and second apertures located opposite said branch portion;

b) a first tubular plug member having at least one elastomeric isolation member removably inserted into an end of said branch portion;

c) a second tubular plug member having a two-way omni-directional speaker secured therein, removably inserted into one end of said main body portion;

d) a third tubular plug member having an external handle and internal spool members, removably inserted into an end of said main body portion opposite said two way omni-directional speaker;

e) a first modular, electrical control panel inserted into said first aperture in said main body portion and removably secured thereto;

f) a second modular, electrical control panel inserted into said second aperture in said main body portion and removably secured thereto;

g) a battery power supply removably attached internally to said first tubular plug member; and

h) a quick coupling means for electrically interconnecting said power supply with said first and second modular electrical control panels and said speaker.

2. The self-contained, portable public address system according to claim 1 wherein said system further comprises a handle attached to said main body portion.

3. The self-contained, portable public address system according to claim 1 wherein said system further comprises a pivotal microphone holder attached externally to said main body portion.

4. The self-contained, portable public address system according to claim 1 wherein said system further comprises a tubular plug member having at least one directional horn-type speaker pivotally mounted thereto, removably inserted into an end of said main body portion opposite said two-way omni-directional speaker.

5. The self-contained portable public address system according to claim 1 wherein said first modular, electrical control panel is a 12 volt D.C. amplifier having alternative DC power supplies, primary and auxiliary sound inputs, volume controls, speaker outputs and onboard electronic siren, and an external recording apparatus powered by said DC power supplies.

6. The self-contained portable public address system according to claim 5 further comprising a microphone removably connected to said first modular, electrical control panel.

7. The self-contained portable public address system according to claim 5 further comprising a means for playing recordings connected to said auxiliary sound input.

8. The self-contained portable public address system according to claim 5 further comprising means for receiving RF signals from a wireless remote microphone.

9. The self-contained portable public address system according to claim 1 further comprising an AC to DC power adapter for powering said 12 DC amplifier from an AC power source.

10. The self-contained portable public address system according to claim 1 further comprising an adapter means for recharging said battery power supply.

11. The self-contained portable public address system according to claim 5 wherein said 12-volt amplifier comprises speaker outputs of between 15 and 30 watts.

12. A self-contained portable public address system comprising:

a) an elongated, hollow tubular case;

b) a first tubular plug member having at least one elastomeric isolation member attached externally thereto, removably inserted into an end of said tubular case;

c) a battery power supply removably attached internally to said first tubular plug member;

d) a second tubular plug member having an external handle and internal spool members, removably inserted into an end of said tubular case opposite said first tubular plug member;

e) a modular, electrical control panel located within said elongated hollow tubular case located midway between said first and second tubular plug members and removably secure therein;

f) a means for electrically connecting said battery power supply to said electrical control panel; and

g) a sealing means attached to each of said first and second tubular plug members and said electrical control panel for making said portable public address system weatherproof.

13. The self-contained portable public address system according to claim 12 which further comprises at least one tubular plug member adaptable to an end of said elongated hollow case opposite said first tubular plug member comprising at least one externally mounted horn type speaker, said speaker being electrically connectable to said electrical control panel.

14. The self-contained portable public address system according to claim 12 wherein said electrical control panel further comprises a receiving means for receiving RF signals from a remote wireless microphone.

15. The self-contained portable public address system according to claim 14 wherein said electrical control panel further comprises a means for powering an external recording apparatus.

16. The self-contained portable public address system according to claim 12 wherein said electrical control panel is a 12 volt DC amplifier having alterative DC power supplies, primary and auxiliary sound inputs, volume controls, speaker outputs and onboard electronic siren, and an external recording apparatus powered by said DC power supplies.

17. The self-contained portable public address system according to claim 16 wherein said electrical control panel further comprises an aperture for insertion and storage of said remote wireless microphone.

18. The self-contained portable public address system according to claim 12 further comprising an AC to DC power converter for powering said control panel from an A.C. power source.

19. The self-contained portable public address system according to claim 12 further comprising a means for recharging said battery power supply from said AC power source.

20. The self-contained portable public address system according to claim 12 wherein all components attachable to said elongated hollow tubular case are modular and interchangeable with optional components.

21. The self-contained portable public address system according to claim 16 wherein said amplifier comprises speaker outputs of between 15 and 30 watts.

22. A self-contained portable public address system comprising:

a) an elongated hollow tubular case;

b) a first tubular plug member having at least one elastomeric isolation member attached externally thereto, removably inserted into an end of said tubular case;

c) a battery power supply removably attached internally to said first tubular plug member;

d) a second tubular plug member adaptable to an end of said elongated hollow case opposite said first tubular plug member comprising at least one externally mounted horn type speaker said speaker being electrically connectable to said electrical control panel,

e) a modular, electrical control panel located within said elongated hollow tubular case located midway between said first and second tubular plug members and removably secure therein;

f) a means for electrically connecting said battery power supply to said electrical control panel; and

g) a sealing means attached to each of said first and second tubular plug members and said electrical control panel for making said portable public address system weatherproof.

23. The self-contained portable public address system according to claim 22 wherein said second tubular plug member is detachable for remote deployment.