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Lightweight audio system for automotive applications and method

  • US 8,988,884 B2
  • Filed: 10/08/2013
  • Issued: 03/24/2015
  • Est. Priority Date: 08/18/2006
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. An automotive radio receiver comprising:

  • a housing assembly adapted for mounting within the passenger compartment of a host vehicle, said housing assembly substantially formed of polymer based material including a box-like case having integrally formed side, top, bottom and rear wall portions and a front opening disposed generally symmetrically about an assembly axis, said housing assembly further including a front closure member cooperating with the case to enclose audio system subassemblies within a cavity defined by said housing assembly;

    a radio receiver circuit assembly disposed within said case;

    an externally accessible, plug-in communication module operative to convert said radio receiver from terrestrial to satellite radio frequency signal reception, said communication module comprising a discrete box-like enclosure configured to shield electronic components within said module affecting said conversion from said radio receiver circuit assembly and external electrical anomalies, said communication module including integrally formed, external guide surfaces, said communication module adapted for nesting engagement within said housing assembly through an opening formed in one of said wall portions;

    a system of guideways integrally formed within said case operative to effect self-alignment and engagement of said communication module and housing assembly;

    externally accessible latch means operative to retain said communication module within said housing assembly, said latch means comprising a cooperating pair of elongated squeeze-to-release lever arms integrally formed with and straddling said communication module, and extending outwardly therefrom through said opening;

    a port disposed within said case for interfacing the radio receiver with said communication module; and

    connector means carried by said communication module and extending outwardly through said wall portion opening for interconnecting said communication module with an external satellite antenna.

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