Portable media reproduction system

• US 20060280045A1
• Filed: 09/07/2005
• Published: 12/14/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 05/31/2005
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Altec Lansing LLC (Infinity Group Holding Co. LLC)
• Original Assignee: Altec Lansing Technologies (Infinity Group Holding Co. LLC)
• Inventors: Messerle, Rick, Langberg, Eric Aaron, Schul, Eran, Ritsher, Kenneth
• Application Number:
  US11/244,928
• Publication Number:
  US 20060280045A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 369/30.10
• CPC Class Codes: H04R 1/2834 for loudspeaker transducers
• CPC Class Codes: H04R 2205/021 Aspects relating to docking-station type assemblies to obtain an acoustical effect, e.g. the type of connection to external loudspeakers or housings, frequency improvement
• CPC Class Codes: H04R 5/02 Spatial or constructional arrangements of loudspeakers

Abstract

A portable media reproduction system into which a portable media player can be inserted. The portable media reproduction system includes a docking component wherein the size of the docking component can be adjusted to fit a given portable media player. The portable media reproduction system also includes a video output connector, a subwoofer, and a passive radiator.

Claims

1. A portable media reproduction system comprising:

a housing having a first surface and a second surface;

at least one speaker for audio reproduction; and

an adjustable docking component operably connected to the first surface of the housing for receiving a portable media player, wherein at least the depth of the docking component is adjustable to accommodate the portable media player.

2. The portable media reproduction system of claim 1, wherein the adjustable docking component width is also adjustable.

3. The portable media reproduction system of claim 1, wherein the adjustable docking component height is also adjustable.

4. The portable media reproduction system of claim 2, wherein the adjustable docking component height is also adjustable.

5. The portable media reproduction system of claim 1, wherein the adjustable docking component is operably connected to the housing using a soft open technique.

6. The portable media reproduction system of claim 1, wherein the adjustable docking component comprises a shoe, operably connected to a base by a lever, wherein the lever adjusts the depth of the shoe.

7. The portable media reproduction system of claim 6, wherein sliding of the lever causes the shoe depth to adjust.

8. The portable media reproduction system of claim 6, wherein rotation of the lever causes the shoe depth to adjust.

9. The portable media reproduction system of claim 6, wherein the lever comprises an inner surface and an outer surface, the inner surface having a plurality of raised notches extending therefrom, further comprising at least one stationary post connected to the shoe, wherein the at least one stationary post is positioned to contact at least one of the raised notches.

10. The portable media reproduction system of claim 9, further comprising a retainer, wherein the retainer has a plurality of notches, wherein the shoe further comprises a plurality of retainer clips, the retainer clips mating with the plurality of notches in the retainer.

11. The portable media reproduction system of claim 10, further comprising a spring, operably inserted between the plurality of retainer clips and the retainer.

12. The portable media reproduction system of claim 9, wherein the raised notches are each at a different height.

13. The portable media reproduction system of claim 12, further comprising a plurality of stationary posts, wherein each of the stationary posts is of a length chosen such that a surface of the shoe will remain substantially coplanar with a portable media device when the portable media device is inserted into the adjustable docking component.

14. The portable media reproduction system of claim 1, wherein the adjustable docking component comprises a shoe movably connected to a base, and wherein a lever adjusts the depth of the shoe.

15. The portable media reproduction system of claim 14, wherein the shoe is movably connected to the base by an apparatus comprising a substantially inclined ramp disposed circularly within the adjustable docking component and a matching component contacting the ramp, and wherein the lever adjusts the depth of the shoe by changing the orientation of the ramp and the matching component.

16. The portable media reproduction system of claim 15, further comprising a securing structure for holding the lever in a plurality of positions.

17. The portable media reproduction system of claim 16, wherein the securing structure comprises scalloping on a surface of the inclined ramp.

18. The portable media reproduction system of claim 17, further comprising a spring means for urging engagement of the ramp and matching component.

19. The portable media reproduction system of claim 1, further comprising:

a connector within the adjustable docking component, the connector being adapted to electronically engage a portable media player when the portable media player is received in the docking component;

an amplifier adapted to provide amplification for an audio signal produced by a portable media player when such portable media player is electronically engaged with the connector; and

a power source for powering the amplifier.

20. The portable media reproduction system of claim 19, wherein the power source comprises at least one battery.

21. The portable media reproduction system of claim 20, wherein the at least one batter is rechargeable.

22. The portable audio reproduction system of claim 19, wherein the at least one power source is a DC power source.

23. The portable audio reproduction system of claim 19, wherein the at least one power source is an AC power source.

24. The portable audio reproduction system of claim 19, further comprising a remote, the remote adapted to control at least one function of a portable media player when such portable media player is electronically engaged with the connector.

25. A portable media reproduction system comprising:

a housing having a first side and a second side;

a docking component on the first side for receiving a portable media player, the docking component having an open position for receiving a portable media player, and a closed position for retaining the portable media player;

at least one speaker for audio reproduction; and

,

at least one video output connector.

26. The portable media reproduction system of claim 25, wherein the at least one video output connector is an S-Video connector.

27. The portable media reproduction system of claim 25, wherein the at least one video output connector is a composite video connector.

28. A portable media reproduction system comprising:

an enclosure having a cavity;

a docking component for receiving a portable media player, the docking component operatively engaged with the enclosure;

a plurality of active speaker components mounted on the enclosure, wherein at least two of the plurality of active speaker components are arranged substantially coplanar with each other;

at least one of the plurality of active speaker components mounted to the enclosure, the at least one of the plurality of active speaker components being arranged such that, in use, it compresses and decompresses air within the enclosure cavity;

at least one passive speaker component mounted to the enclosure, the at least one passive speaker component being adapted to move in response to air pressure; and

wherein, the enclosure cavity is protected by at least the subwoofer and passive radiator, and comprises a substantially sealed environment that resists moisture and foreign objects from entering into the cavity.

29. A portable media reproduction system comprising:

a generally cylindrical housing having a first end and a second end, the generally cylindrical housing also having with a compartment therein defined by a movable support structure;

the movable support structure having an open and a closed position, and being adapted to house and electronically engage a portable media player in the closed position;

at least one active speaker component mounted to the first end;

at least one active speaker component oriented at an angle of between 70 and 110 degrees with respect to the first end;

an amplifier enclosed within the generally cylindrical housing, the amplifier providing amplification for an audio signal produced by a portable media player electronically engaged with the movable support structure, and sending an amplified audio signal to the at least one active speaker component mounted to the first end and the at least one active speaker component oriented at an angle of between 70 and 110 degrees with respect to the first end;

30. A portable media reproduction system according to claim 29, further comprising a second active speaker component oriented at an angle of between 70 and 110 degrees with respect to the first end.

31. A portable media reproduction system according to claim 29, further comprising at least one passive speaker component mounted to the second end.