MONITOR

Field of the invention

The present invention relates to the field of audio monitors, e.g. for use on stage at live performances.

Background of the invention

Musicians and other stage performers often use audio monitors in order to be able to hear themselves. Often such audio monitors are positioned on the stage floor and designed so that the main propagation direction of the sound is directed upwards, towards the performer. As audio monitors may be used very differently by different performers, and due to different ways of performing, e.g. sitting, standing, etc., different requirements e.g. because of stage decoration and design, etc., and very different scales at different shows, the audio monitors may preferably facilitate different vertical sound angles, i.e. the angle between the floor and the main propagation direction for sound.

A very simple way of obtaining different sound directions has been to simply place an object, e.g. a block of wood or the monitor's cover, under the front bottom of the monitor. By changing the thickness of the object or sliding it further in under the monitor, it has been possible to adjust the angle. Problems with this solution are e.g. that the monitor is often unstably positioned, that an object has to be provided, and often of a different thickness than immediately available, and that the possible angles are not well-defined, thus typically causing the monitor to slide down and change direction during a performance.

To solve this, some monitors have been provided which facilitate two foundation surfaces, i.e. two sides on either of which they may be supported. The monitor

cabinets are designed in such a way that each foundation surface causes a different sound direction, e.g. a vertical angle of 30 degrees relative to the floor when positioned on the first possible support surface, and an angle of 60 degrees when positioned on the second possible support surface. A problem with these monitors is, however, that the monitors have to be lifted, tilted and turned around in order to position them with the different angle. If they are only tilted, the sound direction will be changed from, e.g., a direction towards the performer to a direction towards the audience away from the performer. Besides the immediate bother of changing the sound angle of these monitors, an additional, inherent inconvenience applies, as all the cabling to and from the monitor gets messed up when the monitor has to be lifted, tilted and turned, especially when the cabling is fastened to the stage floor by means of tape. Thus, the desired sound direction has to be determined when first positioning the monitor on the stage, and afterwards it is not easily changed during a show. Several performers, however, like to change their posture during a show, e.g. by changing between sitting and standing postures, moreover, different performers using different postures or of different heights may have to use the same monitor during a show, and it constitutes a problem that the sound direction of the monitor is not easily changed during a performance.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an audio monitor facilitating choosing between at least two sound directions, and wherein the change from one direction to another may be conveniently carried out, even during a show.

Summary of the invention

The present invention relates to a monitor 20, 30, 40, 50 comprising at least two geometrical foundation planes 24, 25, 34, 35, 36, 44, 45, 46, 64, 65, 66 which are mutually inclined by an angle 67, 68 different from 90 degrees.

The present invention further relates to a monitor 20, 30, 40, 50 comprising at least three geometrical foundation planes 24, 25, 34, 35, 36, 44, 45, 46, 64, 65, 66 which are mutually inclined by angles 67, 68 different from 90 degrees.

The present invention further relates to a monitor 20, 30, 40, 50 comprising at least two geometrical foundation planes 24, 25, 34, 35, 36, 44, 45, 46, 64, 65, 66, wherein each of at least two of said at least two geometrical foundation planes is inclined in relation to the main propagation direction 26, 28, 370, 371, 372, 373 for sound established by said monitor at an angle 201, 202, 302, 303 within the range from 0 degrees to 90 degrees when all angles are measured in the same angular direction.

The present invention further relates to a monitor 20, 30, 40, 50 comprising at least three geometrical foundation planes 24, 25, 34, 35, 36, 44, 45, 46, 64, 65, 66, wherein each of at least three of said at least three geometrical foundation planes is inclined in relation to the main propagation direction 26, 28, 370, 371, 372, 373 for sound established by said monitor at an angle 201, 202, 302, 303 within the range from 0 degrees to 90 degrees when all angles are measured in the same angular direction.

According to the present invention, an advantageous monitor is provided which allows changing the direction of the monitor, i.e. the main propagation direction of sound established by the monitor, by only tilting the monitor a relatively few degrees and without any requirements of lifting the monitor, rotating or flipping it, rearranging the cables, etc. As monitors are often quite heavy and are often thoroughly tied to the stage or floor by means of cables which are probably even fastened by tape, and as a change of the direction of the monitor in many situations is desired during a show, the conventional method of lifting, tilting and rotating the monitor is extremely inconvenient. The monitor of the present invention, however, facilitates changing the direction with exceptionally little difficulty and in fractions of a second without even the need to bend over the monitor. Hence, the performer may adjust the monitor according to his desires anytime he wants, i.e. fulfilling his own needs, while maintaining contact with the audience, avoiding loosing the thread,

and saving time. Thus, the monitor of the present invention improves the user's freedom during sessions where monitors are needed.

According to the present invention, monitor is broadly understood as an active loudspeaker comprising both an amplifier and a loudspeaker unit. Monitors may typically be defined as a standalone speaker which may often, e.g., be used by a performing artist. Any kinds of monitors are within the scope of the present invention, and the monitor may, e.g., further comprise audio processing means, audio inputs and outputs, data processing, analog or digital amplifiers, etc.

According to the present invention, the phrase geometrical foundation plane is used for reference to a plane on which the monitor can be supported if positioned with that plane against a substantially flat surface. In the simplest instance, the geometrical foundation plane is constituted by a bottom, i.e. a surface, of the cabinet of the monitor. In alternative instances, the cabinet may comprise feet or other support arrangements that are not planes themselves and which cause the surface of the cabinet to not being used directly for support. In such instances, the geometrical foundation plane is defined by the support arrangements, e.g. the feet, and is visual as such. A geometrical foundation plane according to the present invention is thus a virtual plane on which it is possible to position the monitor if tilted accordingly and placed on a substantially flat surface, e.g. a stage floor, with no or only little inclination. Hence, for each geometrical foundation plane the monitor provides a substantially stable, predefined position and corresponding sound direction.

The main propagation direction for sound established by the monitor is according to the present invention understood as the direction in which the monitor is designed to emit the main part of the sound power. This is also referred to as simply the direction of the monitor. With the present invention, a monitor may provide at least two main propagation directions, i.e. one for each possible position or geometrical foundation plane.

When said geometrical foundation planes are mutually inclined by an angle 67, 68 greater than 90 degrees, an advantageous embodiment of the present invention is obtained.

When said geometrical foundation planes are mutually inclined by an angle 67, 68 greater than 100 degrees, an advantageous embodiment of the present invention is obtained.

When said geometrical foundation planes are mutually inclined by an angle 67, 68 greater than 120 degrees, preferably greater than 140 degrees, and even more preferably greater than 160 degrees, an advantageous embodiment of the present invention is obtained.

According to the present invention, greater angles between the geometrical foundation surfaces are desired as it makes the steps in which the monitor is tilted smaller. In other words, great angles, e.g. 130 or 160 degrees, between the geometrical foundation surfaces causes the monitor to tilt only a small angle, e.g. 50 or 30 degrees at a time.

When the vertical angle of the main direction of sound propagating from said monitor is adjustable within a range of less than 90 degrees, an advantageous embodiment of the present invention is obtained.

According to the present invention, the angle in which the monitor's direction may be adjusted is less than 90 degrees. If the angle is greater than 90 degrees, some of the provided directions are away from the user. This is the problem with the two- angle prior art monitors. The present invention provides a monitor that may be adjusted between multiple angles within 90 degrees, i.e. all towards the user.

When at least one of said geometrical foundation planes is at least partly established by one or more support bars 58, 59, an advantageous embodiment of the present invention is obtained.

According to the present invention, support bars may be any kind of linear or oblong objects used for supporting the monitor. The support bars may be made of any material.

When at least one of said geometrical foundation planes is at least partly established by one or more support feet 57, an advantageous embodiment of the present invention is obtained.

According to the present invention, support feet are any means for establishing support points, by at least three of which a geometrical foundation plane is defined. The support feet may be made of any material.

When at least one of said geometrical foundation planes is at least partly established by at least one surface part 24, 25, 34, 35, 36, 44, 45, 46 of said monitor, an advantageous embodiment of the present invention is obtained.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, one or more of the geometrical foundation planes is simply the bottom or other surface of the cabinet of the monitor.

When at least one of said geometrical foundation planes is at least partly established by at least one edge part 59 of said monitor, an advantageous embodiment of the present invention is obtained.

When at least two of said geometrical foundation planes are neighbouring, an advantageous embodiment of the present invention is obtained.

When the foundation planes are neighbouring, the monitor may be tilted between two supported positions without any intermediate, possibly unstable positions.

When said monitor is tiltable, an advantageous embodiment of the present invention is obtained.

According to the present invention, a tiltable monitor is a monitor that may be tilted between positions intended therefore without excessive trouble. Preferably, the design of the monitor facilitates easy tilting without rendering the supported positions unstable and/or tilting may be performed by a small amount of pressure of a foot or a hand.

When said monitor is tiltable between at least two different predefined angles with respect to a surface 27, 38 on which the monitor is positioned, an advantageous embodiment of the present invention is obtained.

When said monitor is tiltable between at least three different predefined angles with respect to a surface 27, 38 on which the monitor is positioned, an advantageous embodiment of the present invention is obtained.

When said monitor may be tilted without lifting said monitor, an advantageous embodiment of the present invention is obtained.

As monitors are often heavy, not having to lift it to adjust the direction is a major improvement.

When the angles between said geometrical foundation planes are greater than 90 degrees, an advantageous embodiment of the present invention is obtained.

When the edges between said geometrical foundation planes are rounded, an advantageous embodiment of the present invention is obtained.

When said monitor is an audio monitor, an advantageous embodiment of the present invention is obtained.

When said monitor comprises a handling grip 27, an advantageous embodiment of the present invention is obtained.

When said handling grip is formed by a bass reflex opening of said monitor, an advantageous embodiment of the present invention is obtained.

When said monitor comprises at least one loudspeaker 22, 32, 42, 52, an advantageous embodiment of the present invention is obtained.

The present invention further relates to a system comprising a surface 27, 38 and a monitor 20, 30, 40, 50 having at least two different neighbouring geometrical foundation planes 24, 25, 34, 35, 36, 44, 45, 46, 64, 65, 66 by means of either of which said monitor may be positioned on said surface in a predefined, stable position.

When the position of said monitor may be changed from one of said predefined, stable positions to another by tilting said monitor, an advantageous embodiment of the present invention is obtained.

When said monitor is a monitor according to any of the above, an advantageous embodiment of the present invention is obtained.

When the main propagation direction 26, 28, 370, 371, 372, 373 for sound established by said monitor relative to said surface may be adjusted in steps of less than 90 degrees, preferably less than 60 degrees and even more preferably less than 30 degrees, an advantageous embodiment of the present invention is obtained.

When said main propagation direction for sound established by said monitor is changed less than 90 degrees, preferably less than 60 degrees, and even more preferably less than 30 degrees when changing between said predefined, stable positions, an advantageous embodiment of the present invention is obtained.

When said position of said monitor may be changed without said monitor loosing contact with said surface, an advantageous embodiment of the present invention is obtained.

The present invention further relates to a method of changing the direction 26, 28, 370, 371, 372, 373 of a monitor 20, 30, 40, 50 whereby said direction is changed in predefined steps of less than 90 degrees.

When said monitor comprises a monitor according to any of the above, an advantageous embodiment of the present invention is obtained.

When said monitor is a monitor of a system according to any of the above, an advantageous embodiment of the present invention is obtained.

When said direction is changed by means of a foot of a user, an advantageous embodiment of the present invention is obtained.

When said direction is changed by means of a hand of a user, an advantageous embodiment of the present invention is obtained.

When said direction is changed by tilting said monitor, an advantageous embodiment of the present invention is obtained.

The present invention further relates to a method of changing the direction of a monitor of a system according to any of the above, whereby said monitor is tilted by a foot of a user.

The present invention further relates to a method of changing the direction of a monitor of a system according to any of the above, whereby said monitor is tilted by a hand of a user.

The drawings

In the following, the invention will be described with reference to the drawings where

fig. IA - 1C illustrate prior art, fig. 2 A - 2C illustrate an embodiment of the present invention, fig. 3 A - 3E illustrate a further, preferred embodiment of the present invention, fig. 4 illustrates a further embodiment of the present invention, and fig. 5 A - 5D illustrate further embodiments of the present invention.

Detailed description

Figures IA - 1C illustrate a prior art audio monitor facilitating choosing between two different sound directions, and where the change between the different sound directions is inconvenient and cumbersome and likely to mess up the cabling, decorations, etc. Figure IA illustrates an audio monitor 10 as seen from the side, comprising a cabinet 11, a speaker unit 12, a panel with plugs and knobs 13, a first support surface 14 and a second support surface 15. In figure IA, the monitor 10 is supported by the first support surface 14 on a plane surface 17, e.g. a stage floor. The design of the cabinet causes the monitor to emit sound in a first main propagation direction 16. Figure IB illustrates the monitor 10 being supported by the second support surface 15 on the plane surface 17. The monitor positioned as in figure IA may be placed in the position of figure IB simply by tilting it 90 degrees clockwise. Thereby, the monitor emits sound in a second main propagation direction 18. The horizontal component of the second direction 18 is, however, directly opposite the horizontal component of the first direction 16, in other words, if the direction 16 is towards the performer, the direction 18 will in typical stage setups be towards the audience. In order to use the monitor's second main propagation direction, the monitor further has to be turned 180 degrees around a vertical axis. This is cumbersome and, furthermore, the cabling probably connected to the plug panel 13 is messed up.

Figure 1C illustrates how the cabinet design that provides the option of two different sound directions of the monitor of figures IA and IB may be described using geometrical terms and by considering only the main propagation direction 16 of sound established by the monitor and the two provided support surfaces 14, 15. The vertical angle 101 between the sound's main propagation direction 16 and the first support surface 14 is an acute angle, i.e. less than 90 degrees. In the example of figure 1C, it is approximately 33 degrees. The vertical angle 102 between the sound's main propagation direction 16 and the second support surface 15 is, however, when measured in the same angular direction as the first angle 101, an obtuse angle, i.e.

greater than 90 degrees. In the example of figure 1C, it is approximately 123 degrees. If measured in the different angular direction, i.e. clockwise, the angle to the first surface 14 is obtuse and the angle to the second surface 15 is acute. As the floor on which the monitor is positioned is not included in the above geometrical description, there is no difference between the first possible sound direction 16 and the second possible sound direction 18, as those directions are relative to the floor, the room, the performer, or other external objects. Hence, in a prior art monitor as illustrated in figures IA - 1C, the angles between the sound direction and one of the support surfaces will always be less than 90 degrees, whereas the angle between the sound direction and the other support surface will always be greater than 90 degrees.

Figures 2A - 2C illustrate an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2A illustrates an audio monitor 20 as seen from the side comprising a cabinet 21, a speaker unit 22, a panel with plugs and knobs 23, a first support surface 24 and a second support surface 25. In figure 2 A, the monitor 20 is supported by the first support surface 24 on a plane surface 27, e.g. a stage floor. The design of the cabinet causes the monitor to emit sound in a first main propagation direction 26. Figure 2B illustrates the monitor 20 being supported by the second support surface 25 on the plane surface 27. The monitor positioned as in figure 2A may be placed in the position of figure 2B simply by tilting it a few degrees clockwise. Thereby the monitor emits sound in a second main propagation direction 28. The horizontal component of the second direction 28 is equal to the horizontal component of the first direction 26, in other words, no further repositioning has to be made in order to utilize the new sound direction. The plugs and knobs' panel 23 is never relocated more than, e.g., 10 or 20 centimetres, and never rotated, and thus the cabling is not affected by changes of sound direction. Moreover the change of sound direction does not require the monitor to be lifted and turned. Instead the few degrees tilt necessary may be provided quickly and conveniently by, e.g., foot pressure on the top or the bottom of the front side of the monitor. Thereby the user of the monitor, e.g. a music performer, may change the sound direction all by himself, as often as desired, even in the middle of a show.

By describing the monitor of the embodiment of figure 2A and 2B by the same geometrical framework as used above regarding the prior art monitor of figures IA - IC, the advantageous improvement provided by the present invention may be straightforwardly defined. Figure 2C illustrates how the cabinet design that provides the option of two different sound directions of the monitor of the present invention of figures 2A and 2B may be described using geometrical terms and by considering only the main propagation direction 26 of sound established by the monitor and the two provided support surfaces 24, 25. The vertical angle 201 between the sound's main propagation direction 26 and the first support surface 24 is an acute angle, i.e. less than 90 degrees. In the example of figure 2C, it is approximately 33 degrees. The vertical angle 202 between the sound's main propagation direction 26 and the second support surface 25 is, when measured in the same angular direction as the first angle 201, an acute angle, i.e. less than 90 degrees, too. In the example of figure 2C, it is approximately 57 degrees. If measured in the different angular direction, i.e. clockwise, both the angle to the first surface 24 and the angle to the second surface 25 are obtuse. As the floor on which the monitor is positioned is not included in the above geometrical description, there is no difference between the first possible sound direction 26 and the second possible sound direction 28 as those directions are relative to the floor, the room, the performer, or other external objects. Hence, in an audio monitor according to an embodiment of the present invention as illustrated by figures 2A - 2C, the angles between the sound direction and each of the support surfaces are always less than 90 degrees when measured according to one angular direction and greater than 90 degrees when measured according to the opposite angular direction. In other words, all the angles are always either acute or obtuse, never a mix, unless a further support surface, on which the monitor cannot be placed without lifting, tilting and turning, is provided.

Figures 3A - 3E illustrate a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 A illustrates an audio monitor 30 as seen from the side comprising a cabinet 31, a speaker unit 32, a panel with plugs and knobs 33, a first support surface 34, a second support surface 35 and a third support surface 36. In figure 3A, the monitor 30 is supported by the first support surface 34 on a plane surface 38, e.g. a stage floor. The

design of the cabinet causes the monitor to emit sound in a first main propagation direction 370. Figure 3B illustrates how the monitor 30 may be easily and conveniently tilted because the support surfaces 34 and 35 are substantially adjacent. During tilting, the sound direction 371 is changed. Figure 3 C illustrates the monitor 30 being supported by the second support surface 35 on the plane surface 38. The monitor positioned as in figure 3 A may be placed in the position of figure 3C simply by tilting it a few degrees clockwise, as illustrated in figure 3B. Thereby, the monitor emits sound in a second main propagation direction 372. The horizontal component of the second direction 372 is equal to the horizontal component of the first direction 370 and the intermediate directions 371, in other words, no further repositioning has to be made in order to utilize the new sound direction. Figure 3D illustrates the monitor 30 being supported by the third support surface 36 on the plane surface 38. The monitor positioned as in figure 3C may be placed in the position of figure 3D simply by further tilting it a few degrees clockwise. Placed on the third support surface 36, the monitor emits sound in a third main propagation direction 373. The horizontal component of the third direction 373 is equal to the horizontal component of the first and second directions 370, 372 and the intermediate directions 371, in other words, no further repositioning has to be made in order to utilize the new sound direction. It can be seen from the embodiments of figure 3A - 3D that the sound direction of the monitor may be easily and conveniently adjusted between several stable and well-defined directions without iurther trouble than a few degrees tilting. The plugs and knobs' panel 33 is never relocated more than, e.g., 10 or 20 centimetres and never rotated, and thus the cabling is not affected by changes of sound direction. Moreover, the change of sound direction does not require the monitor to be lifted and turned. Instead, the few degrees tilt necessary may be provided quickly and conveniently by, e.g., foot pressure on the top or the bottom of the front side of the monitor. Thereby, the user of the monitor, e.g. a music performer, may change the sound direction all by himself, as often as desired, even in the middle of a show.

By describing the monitor of the embodiment of figure 3A and 3B by the same geometrical framework as used above regarding the prior art monitor of figures IA -

1C and the embodiments of figures 2 A - 2C, the advantageous improvement provided by the present invention may be straightforwardly defined. Figure 3 E illustrates how the cabinet design that provides the option of two different sound directions of the monitor of the present invention of figures 3A - 3D may be described using geometrical terms and by considering only the main propagation direction 370 of sound established by the monitor and the three provided support surfaces 34, 35, 36. The vertical angle between the sound's main propagation direction 370 and the first support surface 34 is not shown with an arc as the other angles, as the angle is very small, but it can easily be understood from the drawing that it is an acute angle, i.e. less than 90 degrees. In the example of figure 3E, it is approximately 2 degrees. The vertical angle 302 between the sound's main propagation direction 370 and the second support surface 35 is, when measured in the same angular direction as the first angle, an acute angle, i.e. less than 90 degrees, too. In the example of figure 3E, it is approximately 38 degrees. The vertical angle 303 between the sound's main propagation direction 370 and the third support surface 36 is, when measured in the same angular direction as the first and second angles, an acute angle, i.e. less than 90 degrees, too. In the example of figure 3E, it is approximately 68 degrees. If measured in the different angular direction, i.e. clockwise, all the angles to the support surfaces 34, 35, 36 are obtuse. As the floor on which the monitor is positioned is not included in the above geometrical description, there is no difference between the first possible sound direction 370 and the further possible sound directions 371, 372, 373 as those directions are relative to the floor, the room, the performer, or other external objects. Hence, in an audio monitor according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention as illustrated in figures 3 A - 3E, the angles between the sound direction and each of the support surfaces are always less than 90 degrees when measured according to one angular direction and greater than 90 degrees when measured according to the opposite angular direction. In other words, all the angles are always either acute or obtuse, never a mix, unless a further support surface, on which the monitor cannot be placed without lifting, tilting and turning, is provided.

Figure 4 comprises a more detailed illustration of a preferred embodiment of the present invention. It comprises an audio monitor 40 comprising a cabinet 41, a loudspeaker unit 42, a first support surface 44, a second support surface 45, a third support surface 46 and handling grip 47. The handling grip 47 provides a convenient grip for handling the monitor during transport, installation, rearrangements, etc., but it may further be used for easily and conveniently engaging and tilting the monitor in a controlled fashion when a different sound direction is desired, e.g. during a show. The handling grip may be designed so that there is enough space for the toes of a user and/or the front end of a shoe or a boot, thereby facilitating tilting the monitor controllably by means of a foot. In a preferred embodiment, the handling grip 47 also forms a bass-reflex opening of the monitor cabinet, thereby simplifying the design and facilitating better sound.

Figures 5A to 5C illustrate different support means for use with the monitor. It is noted that any suitable support means are within the scope of the present invention and figure 5A to 5C merely comprise simple examples thereof. Often the support means may be an integrated part of the monitor's design and thus moulded with the cabinet as one integrated part.

Figure 5A comprises a monitor 50 seen from below. It comprises a loudspeaker 52 and a cabinet 51 with three support surfaces 54, 55, 56. On the support surfaces are provided support feet 57 in order to avoid having the monitor standing directly on the cabinet surface. The support feet may comprise any material and design, but are preferably made of strong, substantially hard rubber.

Figure 5B comprises a monitor 50 like the monitor of figure 5A, but instead of support feet, it is mounted with support bars 58. The support bars may be any oblong objects suitable for supporting the monitor and may be of any material and design.

Figure 5C comprises a monitor 50 like the monitor of figure 5A and 5B. It comprises a mix of support feet 57 and edge-mounted support bars 59. By providing an edge-

mounted support bar, a single pivot point between two stable positions of the monitor is provided, thereby facilitating smooth tilting.

Figure 6 illustrates the concept of geometrical foundation planes. When the monitor is supported by feet, bars or other objects not being the actual surfaces of the monitor, those surfaces are not the effective or actual support surfaces of the monitor. Instead, the actual possible support planes are the virtual geometrical foundation planes 64, 65, 66 defined by the feet, bars or other support means. When the cabinet surface itself is used for support, the geometrical foundation planes are equal to the support surfaces. The angles 67, 68 between the geometrical foundation planes should be less than 180 degrees, and it should preferably be large, i.e. greater than 90 degrees, preferably greater than 120 degrees, even more preferably greater than 140 degrees, and even more preferably greater than 160 degrees.

A monitor within the scope of the present invention may further comprise means for forming part of a microphone stand as disclosed in PCT/DK2005/000645, hereby incorporated by reference.