GB2451894A - Two-part dock for an MP3 device, including a base unit housing low frequency bass speaker - Google Patents

Abstract

The dock consists of a base unit 14 and a separable portable unit 12. The portable unit comprises: a docking station (28) for an external audio source such as a portable MP3 digital music player (e.g. Apple iPod (RTM)); loudspeaker(s) (38, 40, 42); electronic interface(s); and the necessary audio circuitry. The base unit comprises further loudspeaker(s) (68), and electronic interface(s) (44) mate-able with those of the portable unit (36). Typically, the loudspeaker(s) of the base unit will have a lower frequency response than those of the portable unit, and will possibly include a bass reflex air vent (70). The invention provides for a range of loudspeakers to provide a high quality audio output, but which can be converted to a portable apparatus by detaching the base unit, and accepting the sound quality available from the loudspeaker(s) therein.

Description

Audio Reproduction Apparatus

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to audio reproduction apparatus.

BACKGROUND ART

Music is, today, predominantly delivered to consumers via download of digital files to a portable music player. These are equipped with a digital storage media, a digital to analogue converter, and (typically) an analogue audio output jack such as the ubiquitous 3.5mm jack socket. A pair of portable headphones can be connected to this output, enabling the owner to listen to the downloaded music wherever they happen to be.

Such devices do not generally include provision for accessing the Internet directly, and therefore they are provided with a dock connector to enable them to be connected to a personal computer via a suitable cable or docking station.

That computer then accesses the appropriate online source, downloads the digital music, and stores the file in a defined folder on the computer's local storage. The digital storage media of the portable music player is then synchronised with the defined folder, thus transferring the digital files to the portable music player.

Portable music players of this type are often referred to as "MP3 players", after the.mp3 file type that they commonly use. Other file types may however be used in an MP3 player, such as.mp4, .wav, .wma, .ogg etc. The most well-known MP3 player is of course the AppleTM iPodTM although this invention is in principle applicable to other MP3 players.

There are times when the owner of the MP3 player wishes the music to remain private, for example when travelling. At other times, the owner may with the music to be played out loud so that others can hear it, for example at a social occasion. To enable the latter, some models of audio apparatus include an auxiliary 3.5mm line in socket, allowing a link cable to pass the analogue audio data to the audio apparatus for amplification and supply to loudspeakers. This is an inelegant solution, however. The MP3 player must be controlled directly in order to select tracks etc, and the volume of the audible music will be influenced by both the volume setting of the MP3 player and that of the audio apparatus.

A better solution is by way of an audio apparatus having a dock connector specifically adapted to receive the MP3 player. This can gain access to the music stored on the player, can pass control signals (such as "next track" or the lIke) to the player and can receive the music at a standard volume level which can then be adjusted in the audio apparatus. As a result, the MP3 player is docked and is thereafter controlled via the audio apparatus. This is a considerably more elegant solution, especially when the audio apparatus includes other audio sources such as a radio or CD player, since control of all the audio output is via a single set of controls.

Examples of such external audio apparatus include the HousepartyTm range of external speakers marketed by the present applicant and the iHome range of speakers marketed by Apple Inc.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

External audio apparatus of this type does however suffer from the inevitable compromise that is faced by conventional audio systems, i.e. that a high quality output usually requires speakers that are substantial in terms of both volume and weight. This contradicts the compactness and light weight that is called for in an audio system that is intended to be portable.

Accordingly, the present invention provides audio reproduction apparatus comprising a base unit and a separable portable unit, the portable unit comprising at least one input connector for an external audio source, at least one loudspeaker, at least one electronic interface, and audio circuitry capable of receiving an audio signal via the input connector and presenting audio signals to the at least one loudspeaker and to the at least one interconnector, the base unit comprising at least one further loudspeaker and at least one electronic interface that is mateable with the electronic interface of the portable unit, and being adapted to present an audio signal received via the input connector and the electronic interfaces to the further loudspeaker.

In this way, the invention provides an apparatus that can have the necessary range of loudspeakers that can work together to provide a high quality audio output suitable for use as the purchaser's primary audio system, but which can also be converted to a portable apparatus by taking only the portable unit and accepting the sound quality available from the loudspeaker(s) but not the further loudspeaker(s).

It is preferred that any necessary user-operable controls are provided on the portable unit, such as on an external face of the portable unit. This enables the apparatus to remain operable even in the absence of the base unit.

The base unit can have an external power input such as a low voltage input or an alternating current mains power input, and be adapted to present a power supply to the portable unit via the electronic interface. This permits the apparatus to be powered externally when the units are combined. Suitably, the portable unit contains a source of battery power such as a rechargeable battery to allow it to operate when separate.

The portable unit can comprise a stand to assist in supporting itself in an upright state when separate from the base unit. This can be fixed or It can be rotated from a retracted position to an extended position.

The at least one loudspeaker and the at least one further loudspeaker will ideally have different audio properties. Typically, the at least one further loudspeaker will have a lower frequency response than the at least one loudspeaker. Loudspeakers for low frequencies are often more substantial and thus are more suited to the base unit. In such an arrangement, the base unit can include at least one bass reflex air vent.

The portable unit and the base unit are preferably physically interconnectable, with the respective electronic interfaces of the base unit and the portable unit being mated by physically interconnecting the units. This allows the portable unit to clip onto or dock with the base unit, thereby being supported. Electronic signals can be passed via suitable conductive paths, or wirelessly.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

An embodiment of the present invention will now be described by way of example, with reference to the accompanying figures in which; Figure 1 shows a general schematic illustration of the functional elements of the audio reproduction apparatus according to the present invention; Figure 2 is a perspective view of the apparatus from the front with a dock connector open; Figure 3 is a perspective view of the apparatus from the front with a dock connector closed; Figure 4 is a view of the apparatus from one side; Figure 5 is a perspective view of the apparatus from the rear; Figure 6 is a perspective view of the portable unit alone from the front with a stand extended; Figure 7 is a perspective view of the portable unit alone from the rear with a stand extended; Figure 8 is a perspective view of the portable unit from the rear with a stand retracted; Figure 9 is a view of the portable unit from one side with a stand extended and a dock connector open; Figure 10 is a view of the portable unit from one side with a stand retracted and a dock connector closed; Figure 11 is a view of the base unit from one side; Figure 12 is a perspective view from the front of the base unit; Figure 13 is a perspective view from the rear of the base unit; Figures 14 to 16 show sequential steps in the mating of the portable unit with the base unit.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Figure 1 illustrates in a schematic form the functional elements of the apparatus according to the present invention. The three general inter-connectable units are the MP3 player 10 (for example an IPodTM), the portable unit 12, and the base unit 14, each of which will be described in turn.

The MP3 player 10 is a generally well known and well characterised item.

Of necessity, these work to published standards as to their input/output characteristics. Generally, they comprise a hard disk, flash memory, or other digital storage media 16 on which digital music or other files are stored for playback by the MP3 player. A playback engine 18 is therefore provided, which allows a digital file to be selected and converted into a sound output such as an analogue signal. This is output by the MP3 player via an output connector 20, which may be an analogue output such as a 3.5mm jack or a digital or quasi-digital connector such as an dock connector. An iPodTM is equipped with both, enabling a dock connector to be used with other attendant benefits as will be described.

Other MP3 players may employ non-standard dock connectors or no dock connector; generally all MP3 players will have an output of some sort to enable the connection of a pair of headphones or the like. This means that there will be some form of connector that can be employed by the apparatus.

The portable unit includes a central audio handling unit 22, which is arranged to play back music from a range of audio sources to the available output devices under the portable of a control panel 24. Generally, this is powered via rechargeable batteries 26, although external power is used when docked as will be described.

The range of audio sources includes the dock connector 28 for the MP3 player 10, a radio receiver 30 which may include one or more of FM, AM, Digital Audio Broadcast, or satellite reception as required, an auxiliary audio input 32 for external analogue audio signals, a USB input 34 for external digital audio signals, and channels within a base dock connector 36 to allow the portable unit 12 to connect to the base unit 14.

Audio outputs for the portable unit 22 include left and right midrange drivers 38, 40, a tweeter (high frequency) driver 42, and one or more channels within the base dock connector 36.

The base unit 14 comprises a dock connector 44, having a number of channels to which are connected a bass driver 46, a second auxiliary audio input 48, and a main power source 52 consisting of a voltage regulator 54 supplied with external power via a switch 56 and power input 58. A separate transformer/rectifier (not shown) can supply DC power to the input 58.

Thus, when an MP3 player 10 is docked with the portable unit 12, and the portable unit is in turn docked with the base unit 14, the portable unit is able to accept an audio signal from the MP3 player via the dock input 28 and supply this to the three speaker drivers 38, 40, 42 in the portable unit and the bass driver 46 in the base unit via the base dock connectors 36, 44. Power is supplied to the portable unit from the power source 52 in the base unit and can be supplied onwards to the MP3 player via the dock connector 28 and used to recharge the batteries 26 if necessary.

If the MP3 player 10 is absent or not desired, an audio signal can be taken from the radio receiver 30, the auxiliary audio input 48 or the USB Input 50 instead. This can allow an audio signal to be taken from other apparatus or from an MP3 player having an incompatible or no dock connector, although the MP3 player cannot then be charged.

Generally, the base unit will be substantial in terms of size and weight, given that it includes a bass driver 46. This means that it is unlikely to be portable. Accordingly, when the owner of the apparatus wishes to use it elsewhere or outside, the portable unit 12 is disconnected from the base unit 14 by separating the base dock connectors 36, 44, and the base unit left behind while the portable unit is taken. Once away from the base unit 14, the portable unit 12 is then powered by the batteries 26 or an auxiliary low voltage input 76.

It does not then have access to the bass driver 46, but otherwise operates in the same manner. If an external audio source is desired then the auxiliary audio input 32 or USB input 34 can be used instead of the corresponding inputs 48, 50 on the base unit 14.

As a result, the sound quality may be impaired slightly due to loss of the bass driver, but this is offset by the portability of the device.

Figures 2 to 13 show the physical configuration of the apparatus. In the state shown in figure 2, with no MP3 player present but with the portable unit 12 docked to the base unit 14, the substantial base unit 14 rests on a chosen surface and supports the portable unit 12. The two parts are designed with generally conformal lines so that, when assembled, they appear as part of single overall unit. With the portable unit 12 mating to the front surface of the base unit 14 (as shown), this means that the vertical sections of the two parts match, at least in the vicinity of their mating faces, so the greater bulk of the base unit 14 is reflected in a substantial depth to accommodate the bass driver 46.

Conversely, the portable unit is generally slimmer, accommodating a fold-out dock station 60 housing the dock connector 28 at the lower central area of its front face 62. Either side of the dock station 60 within the portable unit 12 are the left and right midrange drivers 38, 40, and the tweeter driver 42 is housed in the upper central section. A suitable grille or mesh covering is placed over the various drivers 38, 40, 42 to provide protection.

Space is also provided alongside the tweeter 42 for an infra-red receiver 24a able to receive signals from a remote portable unit. This, together with controls 24 on the upper edge of the portable unit 12 allow for the functioning of the apparatus to be controlled as desired by a user.

Figure 3 shows the apparatus with the dock station 60 retracted into its corresponding aperture in the portable unit 12. This allows the dock station 60 to be protected from physical damage during storage or transit, and protects the dock connector 28 from physical damage and contamination through dust, dirt etc. Figure 4 shows the apparatus from one side. Feet 64, 66 are visible on the underside of the base unit 14, to allow for a stable positioning of the base unit 14. The switch 56 is also visible on the rear face of the base unit 14.

Figure 5 shows the rear of the apparatus, from which the switch 56 is more clearly visible, together with the auxiliary audio input 48 and the power socket 58. A speaker grille 68 is present on the rear face, for the bass driver 46; a bass reflex aperture 70 is also visible to one side.

Figures 6 to 10 show the portable unit 12 detached from the base unit.

Figure 6 shows a fold-down stand 72 provided on the rear face, allowing the portable unit 12 to be propped in a generally upright stance. Rubberised feet 74 allow the stand 72 to remain secure on smooth surfaces. This both presents the dock station 60 generally horizontally, permitting an MP3 unit such as an iPodTM to be rested in the dock station 60 without placing excessive rotational forces on the dock connector 28, and also locates the drivers 38, 40, 42 in a generally vertical configuration, allowing them to project the audio signal as required.

Figure 7 shows the rear of the portable unit 12, with battery compartments 26, the auxiliary audio input 32, the USB input 34, the socket 76 for external power, and the base dock connector 36 to allow connection with the base unit 14. These connectors are provided on the rear of the portable unit 12, so that they are accessible when the portable unit 12 is separate but concealed when the portable unit 12 is docked with the base unit 14, thereby to provide a clean external appearance.

Two battery compartments 26 are shown, which are thus able to accommodate two battery packs or two sets of batteries. It is envisaged that the unit would ship with one battery compartment filled and one empty; users who require longer battery life could purchase an additional battery pack which could be placed in the previously empty battery compartment. Suitable circuitry would then be needed to control the recharging of multiple battery packs with different ages and different states of charge; such systems are known in the field of laptop computers, for example. Alternatively, standard dry cell types could be accommodated thereby enabling a user to fill the battery compartments as required.

Figure 8 shows the portable unit 12 with the stand 72 retracted into a suitably-shaped recess on the rear of the portable unit 12. In this configuration, the stand 72 does not interfere with mating of the portable unit 12 and the base unit 14. As an alternative, the portable unit 12 could be shaped so that it is able to stand without assistance; this would obviate the need for a rotateable stand.

Figure 9 shows the portable unit from the side, with the docking station and the stand both extended.

Figure 10 shows the portable unit 12 from one side, with the docking station 60 and the stand 72 retracted. This shows the general form of the portable unit; a wider front section 76 with a smaller rear section 78 extending from the rear portion thereof. The smaller rear section can then fit into a matching recess on the base unit 14 to allow for physical support of the portable unit 12. In its folded configuration shown in figure 10, the stand 72 is conformal with the exterior profile of the rear section 78.

Figure ii shows the base unit 14 from the side, and figure 12 shows a view from the front. A recess 80 is visible on the front surface of the base unIt 14, to accept the smaller rear section 78 of the portable unit 12. The base dock connector 44 is located at the rear of the recess 80 to co-operate with the corresponding base dock connector 36 on the portable unit 12. When the portable unit 12 is fitted to the base unit 14, the respective base dock connectors 36, 44 are brought into engagement and create the necessary electrical connections between the units.

Figure 13 shows the rear of the base unit 14, with the bass reflex port 70, speaker grIlle 68, auxiliary input socket 48, power socket 58, and switch 56.

The switch 56 can advantageously be re-located so as to protrude into the recess 80. A suitable switch element such as a microswitch will then be activated by mating of the portable unit 12 with the base unit 14, thereby removing the need for the user to switch the base unit 14 on. The microswitch could, for example, protrude into the recess 80 behind the latch 82 or 84 thereby reducing its visual impact. Such an arrangement would also ensure that the base unit 14 switches off when the portable unit 12 is removed, thereby improving safety and reducing power consumption.

As shown in figure 12, a pair of latches 82, 84 extend upwardly Into the recess 80 from the inner surface of the collar 86 that surrounds and defines the recess 80. These engage with corresponding latch recesses (not shown) on the lower edge of the portable unit 12 to hold it into position. A pair of permanent magnets 88, 90 are fixed to the rear of the recess 80; metal plates are provided within the portable unit at locations corresponding to the permanent magnets 88, 90 so that when the portable unit 12 is fitted in the recess 80, the permanent magnets 88, 90 pull the metal plates toward the base unit 14 and thereby hold the portable unit firmly in the recess 80. This provides a positive snap-in action for fitting the portable unit 12 that will serve to re-assure a user that the two parts have been mated correctly.

Figures 14 to 16 show sequential steps in the mating of the portable unit 12 with the base unit 14. The portable unit 12 is brought toward the base unit 14 (figure 14), slightly angled so that the lower edge of the portable unit 12 is closer to the base unit 14. The portable unit 12 is then lowered into the recess so that the latch recesses accept the latches 82, 84 (figure 15). In doing so, the base dock connectors will be brought together in a correct orientation and location, guided by the latches 82, 84 fitting into the latch recesses. The portable unit 12 can then be rotated back around the latches 82, 84 so that the smaller rear section 78 fits into the recess 80. When the portable unit 12 is close enough to its final position, the permanent magnets 88, 90 will catch the metal plates and pull the portable unit 12 into its final position against the base unit 14 (figure 16). Once in place, the portable unit 12 is held in a mated state by the magnets 88, 90, assisted by the configuration of the apparatus as a whole that leaves the portable unit 12 leaning backward into the recess 80 when in the mated state.

It will of course be understood that many variations may be made to the above-described embodiment without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, the various sizes and proportions shown in the accompanying figures may be varied as desired. Other functions could be provided in addition or as alternatives to those described above, for example the provision of a screen or other video output to allow the apparatus to display video files or the like. Equally, the physical configuration of the apparatus could be changed, with the portable unit 12 fitted to the base unit 14 in a different location or orientation, or via a different inter-engagement mechanism. Various alternatives to the disclosed arrangements are also available or are becoming available, such as wireless power and wireless communication systems that would removes the need for electrical contacts within the electronic interfaces.

Claims (18)

1. Audio reproduction apparatus, comprising a base unit and a separable

portable unit;

the portable unit comprising at least one input connector for an external audio source, at least one loudspeaker, at least one electronic interface, and audio circuitry capable of receiving an audio signal via the input connector and presenting audio signals to the at least one loudspeaker and to the at least one interconnector; the base unit comprising at least one further loudspeaker and at least one electronic interface that is mateable with the electronic interface of the portable unit, and being adapted to present an audio signal received via the input connector and the electronic interfaces to the further loudspeaker.

2. Audio reproduction apparatus according to claim 1 in which user-operable controls are provided on the portable unit.

3. Audio reproduction apparatus according to claim 2 in which the controls are provided on an external face of the portable unit.

4. Audio reproduction apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims in which the base unit has an external power input and is adapted to present a power supply to the portable unit via the electronic interface.

5. Audio reproduction apparatus according to claim 4 in which the external power input is a low voltage input.

6. Audio reproduction apparatus according to claim 4 in which the external power input is an alternating current mains power input.

7. Audio reproduction apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims in which the portable unit contains a source of battery power.

8. Audio reproduction apparatus according to claim 7 in which the battery is rechargeable.

9. Audio reproduction apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims in which the portable unit comprises a stand to assist in supporting the portable unit in an upright state when separate from the base unit.

10. Audio reproduction apparatus according to claim 9 in which the stand is rotateable from a retracted position to an extended position.

11. Audio reproduction apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims in which the at least one loudspeaker and the at least one further loudspeaker have different audio properties.

12. Audio reproduction apparatus according to claim 11 in which the at least one further loudspeaker has a lower frequency response than the at least one loudspeaker.

13. Audio reproduction apparatus according to claim 12 in which the base unit has at least one bass reflex air vent.

14. Audio reproduction apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims in which the portable unit and the base unit are physically interconnectabje.

15. Audio reproduction apparatus according to claim 14 in which the respective electronic interfaces of the base unit and the portable unit are mated by physically interconnecting the units.

16. Audio reproduction apparatus according to claim 15 in which each electronic interface comprises a plurality of electrical conductors exposed for electrical contact with the conductors of the other respective electronic interface.

17. Audio reproduction apparatus according to claim 15 in which each electronic interface comprises a wireless communication means.

18. Audio reproduction apparatus substantially as herein described with reference to and/or as illustrated in the accompanying figures.