The present invention relates to the field of electronic entertainment devices and systems. The present invention relates, in particular, to an audio entertainment system, however, it is to be appreciated that the present invention may have broader application. Furthermore, the present invention relates, in particular, portable audio entertainment systems, however, the present invention may have broader application. Background of the Invention

Existing audio entertainment systems can be marketed in a modular form in which each module of the system serving a specific function. Other existing audio entertainment systems are marketed in a complete system arrangement wherein all of the necessary functions of the audio system are contained within the one unit. In modular systems, more than one module is required in order to take an audio input signal, process and amplify the signal and convert the amplified signal into sound through loud speakers. In such modular systems, there are typically separate modules for processing, amplification and loud speakers. Such an arrangement, involving several modules does not lend itself to ease of portability.

Existing audio entertainment systems can also come in a portable form. Such systems are typically integrated and contain all of the components necessary to take an audio input signal, process the signal, amplify the signal and transform the amplified signal into sound through one or more loud speakers. Such audio systems are marketed as either "mono" or "stereo" audio systems. In mono audio systems, there is typically a single integrated loud speaker. In stereo systems there is a pair of integrated loud speakers, one loud speaker playing a "left" audio signal and the other loud speaker playing the "right" audio signal. The left and right loud speakers can be integral with the remaining components of the audio systems or can be contained in separate housings to the remaining components of the audio system.

The cost to manufacture an audio system is dependent on the quality and quantity of components of the audio system. Typically the most inexpensive audio systems have the least number of components and, are therefore typically mono audio systems that include a single integrated loud speaker. Such mono systems are also typically the most light-weight of portable audio systems as they typically contain fewer components. However, the quality of sound reproduction from mono audio systems is inferior to the sound reproduction from stereo audio systems containing at least two loud speakers each independently reproducing left and right audio signals.

Existing portable audio entertainment systems are designed to be portable but are not suited to be used in a fixed audio entertainment system installation. This is because portable audio entertainment systems are optimised for being portable by including a handle and a housing that is rugged, impact resistant and streamlined. On the other hand, audio entertainment systems that are suited for use in a fixed audio entertainment system installation tend to be relatively fragile, large in size, and heavy and are, therefore, not adapted to be portable.

Accordingly, it would be advantageous to be able to provide an audio entertainment system that is, on the one hand, portable, and on the other hand, can be fixed or mounted to a structure. In this regard, it would be advantageous to be able to provide an audio entertainment system that is optimised for portability and is optimised for a fixed installation. It would also be advantageous to be able to provide an audio entertainment system that is inexpensive to manufacture and yet can be capable of reproducing a high quality sound from an input audio signal. It would be even more advantageous to be able to provide an audio system exhibiting the above mentioned characteristics that is also durable, impact resistant, water resistant and dust resistant and, therefore, particularly suitable for use in a workshop, a garage, outdoors or on a worksite.

Summary of the Invention

Accordingly, in one aspect, the present invention provides a portable entertainment system including:

a housing containing an audio device including a loudspeaker and being operable to receive an audio signal from an audio signal source and to convert the signal into audible sound;

a carry handle connected to the housing for carrying the entertainment system; and a wall connection interface for releasably connecting the entertainment system to an upstanding wall surface.

The present invention is advantageous because it provides an audio entertainment system that is, on the one hand, portable, and on the other hand, can be releasably connected or mounted to a structure such as a wall. Accordingly, in a preferred form in which the invention is a portable radio for use in a workshop, outdoors, a garage or a worksite the radio can be moved to any desired location remote from a workshop and then be returned to the workshop or garage where the radio is mounted to a wall or like upstanding structure. By being mountable to a wall the radio is stored neatly without cluttering the workshop or garage and has the appearance, accessibility and audio performance benefits in a workshop or garage environment of a fixed audio system. Accordingly, the present invention provides an audio entertainment system that is optimised for portability and is also optimised for a fixed installation. Because the invention provides an audio entertainment system that is portable it is also preferably constructed from materials and components that are durable, impact resistant, water resistant and dust resistant and, therefore, particularly suitable for use in a workshop, a garage, outdoors or on a worksite. In a preferred embodiment, the wall connection interface includes a support member and a restraining member, the support member being operable to be mounted to the wall and to support the weight of the housing, the restraining member having a first condition in which the restraining member is operable to restrain removal of the support member from the wall and a second condition in which the restraining member is operable to enable removal of the support member from the wall.

In another preferred embodiment, the wall connection interface is configured for releasably connecting the housing to an upstanding wall by engaging the housing with the wall and subsequently tilting the housing to thereby releasably lock the housing to the wall.

In yet another preferred embodiment, the wall connection interface is operable for releasably connecting the housing to a wall mounted support to thereby releasably connect the housing to the wall to which the support is mounted. The above embodiments of the invention provide various means for releasably connecting the entertainment system to a wall or like surface. In embodiments in which the housing includes a support member and a restraining member, the support member is primarily responsible for supporting the weight of the entertainment system when mounted to the wall. The restraining member is operable, in one condition, for preventing the removal of the system from the wall by preventing removal of the support member from the wall and, in another condition, enabling removal of the system from the wall by enabling removal of the support member from the wall. The above embodiment of the invention involving a tilt-lock action for connecting and locking the entertainment system to the wall is advantageous in that it provides a relatively efficient and secure mounting and locking action. Furthermore, tilt locking the entertainment system to the wall can be achieved while a user supports the weight of the system by holding the carry handle, presenting the system to the wall and tilt locking the system to the wall. The above embodiment of the invention including a wall mounted support is advantageous in that it provides a support that can be securely fixed to a wall or like structure that is specially adapted to have the entertainment system releasably mounted to it. Furthermore, the wall mounted support functions in conjunction with the wall connection interface of the entertainment system to enable a relatively secure connection of the entertainment system to the wall and yet be relatively easy to separate when a user wishes to carry the entertainment system elsewhere by the carry handle.

Preferably, the housing includes a case and a fascia, the case having a pair of opposite sides, a pair of opposite ends, a base and an opposite fascia defining a cavity, wherein the handle is connected to the case adjacent to the fascia and the wall connection interface is connected to the case adjacent to the base.

Furthermore, the above preferred form of the invention is advantageous in that it facilitates connection of the entertainment system to the wall while holding the carry handle and presenting and mounting the system to the wall. Similarly, when removing the entertainment system from the wall a user grasps the carry handle located towards the user and uses the carry handle to apply the required force to dismount the entertainment system from the wall. In an embodiment, the portable entertainment system further includes an output interface for interfacing with an external module to provide the audio signal to the external module.

Preferably, the audio signal received by the loudspeaker of the entertainment system is a mono audio signal when the output interface is not interfacing with an external module and is a left or a right channel audio signal when the output interface is interfacing with an external module.

In another preferred embodiment, the audio device includes a portable electronic device interface for receiving an audio signal from a portable electronic device.

In yet another embodiment, the entertainment system further includes a video device that includes a means for receiving a video signal for reproduction on a display device. The video device may be in the form of an audio-visual device that includes a means for receiving an audio-visual input signal, such as from a smartphone or mp3 player, and reproducing the audio visual signal with a display device such as an LCD display panel incorporated into the entertainment system module and/or in an external module.

Preferably, the audio device includes an integrated audio signal source including a memory storage device interface and processor for receiving audio signal data from a memory storage device and processing the data into an audio signal.

In another embodiment, the memory storage device interface includes at least one of a USB port, a serial port, a non-volatile memory card port, a flash memory data storage device port, a solid state drive port, an SD port, an SDHC port or a microSD port.

In yet another embodiment, the audio device includes an integrated audio signal source device including a radio receiver. In still yet another embodiment, the audio device includes a pre-amplifier for preparing the audio signal received from the audio signal source for further processing or amplification. Preferably, the portable entertainment system further includes a power amplifier for amplifying the power of the audio signal received from the audio signal source and providing the amplified audio signal to the loudspeaker.

In another preferred embodiment, the entertainment system further includes an external module, the external module includes an input interface, a further power amplifier and one or more further loudspeakers, the input interface being operable for receiving the audio signal from the output interface which is then received by the further power amplifier and the further loudspeakers. The above embodiment of the invention is particularly advantageous in enabling the entertainment system to be expanded beyond a portable audio device contained in a single housing with a single loudspeaker. Embodiments of the invention involving an external module provide the entertainment system with an additional module that includes one or more additional speakers to enhance the quality of reproduction of the audio signal by the system. Furthermore, embodiments of the invention involving the external module result in an audio system that when fixed to wall or other upstanding surface exhibits the look and functionality of a fixed entertainment system. In particular, the external module enables positioning of loudspeakers a distance apart from each other such that when the loudspeakers reproduce a stereo (i.e. left and right) audio signal the perception of quality of the reproduction is superior to that of a portable entertainment system and comparable to that of a fixed entertainment system. Furthermore, the external module can include additional loudspeakers and power amplifiers capable of reproducing sound in a variety of frequency ranges to further enhance the quality of sound reproduction.

In one form, the external module includes a module housing having a wall connection interface for releasably connecting the external module to an upstanding wall surface. The above form of the external module is advantageous in that it facilitates an external module that is capable of being mounted to an upstanding wall surface in a manner similar to the housing containing the audio device and loudspeaker of the portable entertainment system.

In a further embodiment, the input interface and the output interface include a wireless transmitter and receiver for transmitting the audio signal wirelessly between the output interface and the input interface.

The above embodiment is advantageous in that it does away with the requirement to connect wires between the housing containing the audio device and the external module. Accordingly, the housing and the external module can be positioned more flexibly relative to each other and relative to the surroundings where a connecting wire is not practicable and/or at greater distances apart from each other.

In yet another embodiment, the wall connection interface includes a pair of opposing and spaced apart flanges projecting from a wall of the housing, one of the flanges being adapted to rest upon an upper ledge of a support fixed to the wall to support the weight of the entertainment system and the other one of the flanges being adapted to snap fit with a lower ledge of the support to releasably restrain the entertainment system from removal from the support.

In another embodiment, the entertainment system further includes a power supply interface including a first connection portion associated with the audio device for releasably connecting with a second connection portion of a power tool handle and battery module for electrically coupling the power tool handle and battery module and the audio device.

The above embodiment of the invention is advantageous in that it enables the entertainment system to be powered by a handle and battery module that is designed for use with a variety of power tool modules such as a drill module, a sander module, a grinder module to name but a few. Accordingly, the entertainment system can be powered when located remotely from a mains power supply by the same handle and battery module that powers and controls a variety of power tool modules. In a preferred form, the first connection portion is incorporated in a panel that is removably attached to the housing, when the panel is removed from the housing the second connection portion of the handle and battery module are releasably connectable to first connection portion of the panel, when the panel is attached to the housing the handle and battery module are locatable within the housing.

In another preferred form, the entertainment system is connectable to a power supply and is operable for recharging the power tool handle and battery module.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a portable entertainment system including:

a housing containing an audio device including a loudspeaker and being operable to receive an audio signal from an audio signal source and to convert the signal into audible sound;

a carry handle connected to the housing for carrying the entertainment system; and a power supply interface for releasable electrical connection of the entertainment system to a hand held power tool handle and battery assembly. In a preferred embodiment, the power supply interface is movable relative to the housing to facilitate releasable connection of the handle and battery assembly thereto.

In another preferred embodiment, the power supply interface is incorporated in a panel that is releasably connectable to the housing.

The above aspect of the invention, and preferred embodiments thereof, are advantageous in that they provide an arrangement of the entertainment system module capable of being powered by a handle and battery module for a hand held power tool. Furthermore, an electrical connection, and for that matter a physical connection, between the relatively large handle and battery module, as opposed to a relatively much smaller battery module, is facilitated by the above aspect of the invention, and preferred embodiments thereof. Furthermore, an electrical connection and a physical connection is facilitated between the entertainment system module and the handle and battery module whether the handle and battery module be designed for electrical and physical connection via a tilt action, a slide action or any other action. Brief Description of the Drawings

The present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the following figures. The following figures represent embodiments of the invention in the form of an entertainment system including an entertainment system module, or first module, including a housing containing an audio device and loudspeaker and an external module, or second module, including an external module housing containing a power amplifier and one or more further loudspeakers. The external module, or second module, being operable for taking an audio signal input from an audio signal source, processing the signal, amplifying the signal and reproducing the signal through one or more loud speakers either in mono or stereo form. It is to be appreciated, however, that the present invention may be suitable for use with other forms of entertainment system, including in addition to reproduction of an audio signal, reproduction of a visual signal and other forms of entertainment.

Figure 1 illustrates a schematic view of an entertainment system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention including an entertainment system module, or first module, containing an audio signal input for receiving an audio signal for one or more audio signal sources, a means for processing the audio signal, amplifying the audio signal, and reproducing the audio signal into audible sound. The embodiment also includes an external module, or second module, for connection with the first module, for receiving the audio signal, amplifying the audio signal and reproducing the audio signal through one or more loud speakers into audible sound, wherein the first and second modules include means for interfacing with each other.

Figure 2 illustrates a schematic representation of the entertainment system of Figure 1 wherein the first and second modules include an output interface and an input interface for connection with either an electronical cable for transmitting the audio signal between the first and second modules or a wireless interface for transmitting the audio signal between the first and second modules. Figure 3 illustrates a forward perspective view of the entertainment system module, or first module, of the entertainment system of Figure 1 .

Figure 4 illustrates a rearward perspective view of the entertainment system module, or first module, of the entertainment system of Figure 1 .

Figure 5 illustrates the entertainment system module of Figures 1 to 4 being connected to a support fixed to a wall, in particular, Figure 5 illustrates the entertainment system in a first stage of being mounted in a tilt action to the wall mounted support.

Figure 6 illustrates the entertainment system and wall mounted support of Figure 5 wherein the entertainment system is finally connected to the support and, in particular, illustrates the entertainment system in a second stage of being mounted in a tilt action to the wall mounted support.

Figure 7, 8 and 9 illustrate a power supply interface of the entertainment system including a first connection portion of the housing of the entertainment system in various stages of connection with a second connection portion of a power tool handle and battery module for electrically coupling the power tool handle and battery module and the audio device.

Figures 10 and 1 1 illustrate perspective views of the housing of the entertainment system and a panel that includes the second connection portion to which the power tool handle and battery module is connectable wherein the panel is in various stages of attachment to the housing with the handle and battery module connected therewith. Figure 12 illustrates a perspective view of the housing of the entertainment system with a side of the housing removed to reveal the power tool handle and battery module inside the housing when the panel is attached to the housing with the handle and battery module connected therewith.

The present invention will now be described in more detail below with reference to the Figures. Detailed Description

Referring to Figures 1 , 3 and 4, which illustrate an embodiment of the invention, there is provided an entertainment system 10 including an entertainment system in the form of an entertainment system module 20 and, optionally, one or more external modules such as the external module 50 illustrated in Figure 1 . The system module 20 includes an audio device including a signal input, which in the embodiment illustrated is an audio signal input but which, in other embodiments, may be configured to receive signals in relation to other forms of media entertainment such as video signals or other forms of electronically expressed information. The system module 20 also includes a loud speaker set 40 that in the embodiment illustrated includes a single loud speaker 42. The system module 20 also includes an output interface 25 that, in the embodiment illustrated, receives an audio signal from the audio device 30 and is capable of interfacing with the external module 50 to provide the audio signal to the external module 50 in a manner that will be described in more detail below. Referring to Figures 3 and 4, the system module 20 includes a housing 22 containing the components of the system module 20 described herein below. The housing 22 includes a case 2 defining an internal cavity and a fascia member 3 that encloses the cavity. The case 2 includes a base wall member 21 , pair of opposite side wall members 23, 25, a pair of opposite end wall members 24, 26 that can be releasably assembled together to define the internal cavity. The base wall member 22 and the opposite end wall members 24, 26 are positioned between the side wall members 23, 25 when the case 2 is in an assembled condition as illustrated in Figures 3 and 4. The base wall member 22 and the opposite end wall members 24, 26 can be releasably connected to each other and to the side wall members 23, 25 by any means such as by screw fasteners or snap-fitting fasteners. Accordingly, the components of the case 2 may be transported and stored in a knock-down or disassembled form to thereby reduce the amount of space required for storing the case 2. The components of the entertainment system 10 including the fascia 3 and the case 2 can be assembled together into the entertainment system module 20 as illustrated in the Figures.

The case 2 and the fascia 3 are shaped to provide a generally box shaped member having a substantially hollow internal space or cavity that is adapted for receiving the components of the entertainment system module 20 there within. A carry handle member 4 in the form of an elongated bar is pivotally attached to the housing 22 of the case 2. The carry handle 4 is connected to the housing 22 adjacent to and proximally to the fascia 3 and distally from the base wall member 21 or rear of the housing 22 of the case 2. The entertainment system module 20 includes a wall connection interface for releasably connecting the housing 22 of the system module 20 to an upstanding wall or other upstanding surface. As illustrated in Figures 4 to 6, the housing 22 includes a wall connection interface in the form of a first connecting portion 80 including a support member 7 and a restraining member 8 in the form of flanges 7, 8 upstanding and projecting from the base 21 of the housing 22 of the case 2. The flanges 7, 8 are generally L-shaped or hook shaped members that are spaced apart from each other by a substantially planar facing surface 86. The first connecting portion 80 is adapted to connect to a suitably configured support 90 mounted to a wall 100 or some other upright surface such as is illustrated in Figures 5 and 6. In particular, the first connecting portion 80 is adapted to connect to a suitably configured second connecting portion 90a of the support 90. In particular, an upper one of the flanges, namely the support member 7, of the first connecting portion 80 is adapted to rest upon an upper ledge or support surface 91 of the second connecting portion 90a of the support 90 such that much of the weight of the housing 22 and the system module 20 is supported by the support member 7 upon to the upper ledge or support surface 91 of the support 90. The lower one of the flanges, namely the restraining member 8, of the first connecting portion 80 is adapted to snap fit with a lower ledge or support surface 92 of the second connecting portion 90a of the support 90 in order to restrain the support member 7 of the first connecting portion 80 of the housing 22 in connection/engagement with the support surface 91 of the second connecting portion of the support 90 and, in turn, retain the system module 20 to the support 90. When a user wishes to connect or engage the the system module 20 to the support the user holds the housing 22 and/or the carry handle 4 and presentsthe housing 22 in a titled manner as illustrated in Figure 5 and positions the support member 7 of the housing 22 in connection/engagement with the upper support surface 91 of the second connecting portion of the support 90. The user then tilts or pivots the housing 22 about the support member 7 and the upper support surface 91 so as to engage the restraining member 8 with the lower ledge or lower support surface 92. To release the system module 20 from the support 90 involves a user holding the housing 22 and/or the carry handle 4 and applying a force to remove the restraining member 8 from the lower support surface 92 of the support 90 and then tilting the housing 22 to remove the support member 7 from the upper support surface 91 of the support 90. The user may then carry the system module 20 using the carry handle member 4 to a desired location.

The components of the system module 20 include the audio device 30, a first loud speaker set 40 including the loud speaker 42, an input signal processor 24, in the form of a preamplifier, and a power amplifier 28. The audio device 30 includes a number of interfaces for interfacing with one or more types of audio input signal sources. One audio input signal interface is a portable electronic device interface 32. The electronic device interface 32 includes an interface or connector for connection to a portable electronic device (not shown) that is capable of producing an audio input signal and, is therefore, an audio input signal source. Such portable electronic devices 32 may include mp3 players, mobile and smartphones or the like. The portable electronic device interface 32 may include a closable recess or housing 33 for receiving and holding the portable electronic device in place whilst connected to the portable electronic device interface 32. Another audio input signal interface of the signal audio device 30 is a portable electronic a line-in input jack 37, wherein the line- in input jack 37 is of a type for receiving a plug from an external audio signal source device (not shown). In another embodiment of the entertainment system (not shown), the system may include a video device that includes a means for receiving a video signal for reproduction on a display device. The video device may be in the form of an audio-visual device that includes a means for receiving an audio-visual input signal, such as from a smartphone or mp3 player, and reproducing the audio visual signal with a display device such as an LCD display panel incorporated into the fascia 3 of the housing 22 of the entertainment system module 20. In another form (not shown) the audio-visual device may include a means for receiving an audio-visual signal and a means for providing the audio-visual signal, or just a visual signal to an external display device such as LCD display panel incorporated in another external module in a separate housing. The means for providing the audio-visual signal, or just the visual signal, may be in the form of a video-out interface or may be in the form of a wireless transmitter. Accordingly, in another embodiment (not shown), the entertainment system of the invention may further include an external visual display module comprising a housing containing an LCD visual display panel. The audiovisual device can include a facility for interfacing with an audio-visual signal source, such as a smartphone or mp3 player, to control the audio-visual signal source. Such control may include the selection of audio-visual data to be provided by the audio- visual signal source to the audio-visual device, such as the selection of programs stored on the smartphone or mp3 player.

Referring to Figure 1 , the audio device 30 may also include one or more types of integrated audio signal sources such as a radio tuner 34, a memory storage device interface and processer 36 for receiving audio signal data from a memory storage device (not shown) and processing the data into an audio signal. The integrated audio signal source in the form of the radio tuner 34 includes a radio receiver device, an antenna for receiving electromagnetic radio waves and a tuner for tuning the device to receive electromagnetic radio waves of a variety of frequencies. The radio tuner may be analogue tuner or a digital tuner and may be capable of receiving and tuning into analogue or digital radio wave frequencies. The radio tuner may also include a processor and a display 35 for decoding and displaying information contained in the electromagnetic radio wave signal. In another form, the radio tuner 34 may also include an Internet radio tuner capable of accessing radio station signal data over the Internet.

The integrated audio signal source including the memory storage device interface 36 includes one or more of a USB port, a serial port, a non-volatile memory card port such as a flash memory data storage device port, a solid-state drive port, an SD port, an SDHC port or a micro SD port and a processor for receiving audio signal data from one or more of the memory storage devices connected to the interface and processing the data into an audio signal.

As mentioned above, the signal audio device 30 includes a signal processor 24, which includes a preamplifier, that is electrically connected via an electrical signal connection 31 , such as electrically conductive wires, to each one of the portable electrical device interface 32, the integrated audio signal sources 34, 36 and to a line- in input jack 37, wherein the line-in input jack 37 is of a type for receiving a plug from an external audio signal source device (not shown). Accordingly, the signal processor 24 receives the audio signal from any one of the portable electronic device interface 32, the integrated audio signal sources 34, 36 and the line-in jack 37 via the electrical signal connection 31 in the form of an electrical current. The signal processor 24 processes the input signal. The signal processor 24 may include or be connected, to a user interface 5 that may include a volume control, an input signal source selector an electronic display for displaying information such as input signal source information contained in electromagnetic radio waves decoded by the radio receiver 34, information provided by the portable electronic device connected to the portable electronic device interface 32 or information contained within the memory storage device connected to the memory storage device interface 36. The signal processor 24 includes signal output 26 that, in the embodiment of the system module 20 illustrated in Figure 1 , includes a ground output 26a a right channel output 26b, a left channel output 26c and a subwoofer channel output 26d. In the present embodiment the ground output 26a and the right channel output 26b are directly electronically connected to a down mixer 29. However, the left channel output 26c may be connected to the down mixer 29 instead of the right channel output 26b.

The down mixer 29 is configured to control the audio signal from the signal processor 24 before the audio signal is subsequently provided to the power amplifier 28. The power amplifier 28 provides the audio signal to the loud speaker 42 with increased power such that the loud speaker 42 converts the audio signal into audible sound. The audio signal received by the down mixer 29 from the signal processor 24 is mixed before being provided to the power amplifier 28 and the loud speaker 42. In one circumstance, where the output interface 25 is not interfacing with the external module 50 the output interface 25 electrically connects the left channel output 26C and the subwoofer channel output 26D to the down mixer 29 where the signals from each of the right channel output 26a, the left channel output 26B and the subwoofer channel output 26D are mixed into a mono audio signal that is provided to the power amplifier 28 and the loud speaker set 40. As a result, when the output interface 25 is not interfacing with the external module 50 the loud speaker set 40, which in the embodiment includes a single loud speaker 42 but could include more than one loud speaker, reproduces a mono audio signal. The entertainment system module 20 is adapted to be portable. Accordingly, the system module 20 may include one or more of a variety of power supplies for powering components of the entertainment system module 20 including, but not limited to, the audio device 30. The module 20 may include an internal power supply such as a power supply interface or housing for receiving replaceable batteries or a replaceable rechargeable battery or may include an integrated rechargeable power supply. The integrated rechargeable power supply may include an electro chemical battery, an ultra-capacitor, a hybrid capacitor or a combination thereof. The housing 22 includes the handle 4 that is pivotally attached to the housing 22, but which could be integrally formed with the housing 22, to enable a user to carry the system module 20 to a desired location. The module 20 may also include a power cable for connection to a mains power supply outlet.

In the embodiment of the entertainment system module 20 illustrated in Figures 7 to 12, Figures 7 to 9 illustrate a power supply interface 1 10 of the entertainment system module 20 including a first connection portion 1 12 of the housing 22 of the entertainment system module 20 in various stages of connection with a second connection portion 1 14 of a power tool handle and battery module 120 for electrically coupling the power tool handle and battery module 120 and the entertainment system module 20. When electrically coupled to the entertainment system module 20 the power tool handle and battery module 120 is operable to supply power to the entertainment system module 20.

The first connection portion 1 12 of the housing 22 of the entertainment system module 20 includes a pair of spaced apart and parallel flanges 1 14a, 1 14b. The second connection portion 1 14 of the power tool handle and battery module 120 includes a pair of spaced apart and parallel flanges 1 12a, 1 12b. Connection of the first and second connection portions 1 12, 1 14 occurs by presenting the handle and battery module 120 with the second connection portion 1 14 at a tilt to the first connection portion 1 12 so that a pair of the flanges 1 14a, 1 12a interengage as illustrated in Figure 7. The handle and battery module 120 is then tilted by the user applying a force to the module 120 to force the other pair of flanges 1 14b, 1 12b into engagement. One of the flanges 1 14b associated with the second connection portion 1 14 of the handle and battery module 120 is operable to be resiliently deflected, as illustrated in Figure 8, to enable the flanges 1 14b, 1 12b to pass over each other into interengagement as illustrated in Figure 9. Upon the resulting connection of the first and second connection portions 1 12, 1 14 a pair of electrical contacts 1 16, 1 18 come into electrical engagement to enable current to flow from the handle and battery module 120 to the entertainment system module 20. The handle and battery module 120 includes a release mechanism to release the flanges 1 14b, 1 12b from interengagement with each other.

As illustrated in Figures 10 to 12 the first connection portion 1 12 is integrally formed into a panel 130 that is releasably connectable to the housing 22 of the entertainment system module 20 in the manner described below. Accordingly, the power tool handle and battery module 120 is releasably connectable, in the above described manner of connection between the the first and second connection portions 1 12, 1 14, to the panel 130. Figures 10 to 12 illustrate an embodiment of the entertainment system module 20 in which the panel 130 is releasably connectable to the housing 22 of the entertainment system module 20. As illustrated in Figure 10, the panel 130 includes a pair of opposing manually operable release members 132, 134 that resiliently biased away from each other so that when squeezed together by a user the release members 132, 134 are operable to release the panel 130 from connection with the housing 22 of the entertainment system module 20 as illustrated in Figure 1 1 . Also as illustrated in Figure 1 1 , the release members 132, 134 are each coupled to a respective locking tab 136, of which only one locking tab 136 is illustrated, that are operable to fit within a corresponding groove (not shown) in the base 26 of the housing 22. In an alternative form the panel 130 may be pivotally mounted to the housing 22 of the entertainment system module 20 or connected in some other way to the housing 22 that enables the power tool handle and battery module 120 to be releasably electrically connectable to the entertainment system module 20 and, ideally but not necessarily, to be contained within a handle and battery module receiving cavity 138 within the housing 22 of the entertainment system module 20. In the embodiment of Figures 10 to 12 the panel 130 is releasably connectable to the housing 22 of the entertainment system module 20 so that the the first and second connection portions 1 12, 1 14 of the power tool handle and battery module 120 and the panel 130 may be connected or disconnected in the manner described above. After connection together of the panel 130 and the handle and battery module 120 the panel is connectable to the entertainment system module 20 in such a manner as to provide an electrical connection between the handle and battery module 120 and the entertainment system module 20 and, ideally to enclose the handle and battery module 120.

Accordingly, in Figures 10 to 12 the panel 130 is releasably connectable to one of the ends 26 of the housing 22 of the entertainment system module 20. Figure 10 illustrates the panel 130 when connected to the end 26 of the housing 22 of the module 20 whereas Figure 1 1 illustrates the panel 130 disengaged from the end 26 of the housing 22 and with the handle and battery module 120 attached thereto. Figure 12 illustrates a perspective view of the housing 22 of the entertainment system module 20 with a side of the housing 22 removed to reveal the power tool handle and battery module 120 positioned inside the housing 22 when the panel 130 is attached to the housing 22 with the handle and battery module 120 connected therewith. An advantage of the arrangement illustrated in Figures 10 to 12 in which the panel 130 can be removed from the housing 22, and of the other arrangements envisaged above, is that enough clearance is provided to enable the handle and battery module 120 to be manoeuvred in a tilt action to releasably connect the first and second connection portions 1 12, 1 14 together. The removable panel 130, and other arrangements of the first connection portion 1 12 of the entertainment system module 20 envisaged above, ameliorate the problem of connecting a relatively large handle and battery module 120 whether in the above mentioned tilt action or in a slide action or any other action, as opposed to say a battery on its own, to an entertainment system module 20 and the housing 22 thereof.

When the handle and battery module 120 are connected to the entertainment system module 20, as illustrated in Figure 12, the handle and battery assembly 120 may supply power to run the entertainment system module 20 or may be charged when the entertainment system module 20 is connected to another power supply such as a mains power supply, a generator or an alternative power generator such as a wind or solar power generator.

Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the signal output 26 of the signal processor 24 is also connected to the output interface 25. In particular, the ground output 26A, the left channel output 26C and the subwoofer channel output 26D are each connected to the output interface 25. The output interface 25 is configured to interface with the external module 50 in a manner such that the external module 50 receives the input signal from the ground output 26A, the left channel output 26C and the subwoofer channel output 26D of the signal processor 24. Thus, when the output interface 25 is interfacing with the external module 50 the output interface 25 does not electrically connect the left channel output 26C and the subwoofer channel output 26D to the down mixer 29. Only the right channel output 26A is electrically connected to the down mixer 29 and, in turn, the power amplifier 28 and the loudspeaker set 40 when the output interface 25 is interfacing with the external module 50. As a result, when the output interface 25 is interfacing with the external module 50 the loud speaker set 40, which in the embodiment includes a single loud speaker 42 but could include more than one loud speaker, reproduces a right channel output 26A audio signal. It is to be appreciated that the loudspeaker set 40 of the entertainment system module 20 may be adapted to receive and reproduce either the left or the right channel audio signal from the left channel output 26C or the right channel output 26A respectively.

The output interface 25 may include a 3.5mm stereo TRS line-in jack capable of receiving a 3.5mm stereo TRS plug 62 connected to an electrical cable 63. The other end of the electrical cable 63 is connected to a second TRS plug such as a 3.5mm stereo TRS plug 64. The second plug 64 is adapted to interface with an input interface 52 of the external module 50.

The external module 50 includes an external housing 59 containing a second loud speaker set 56, a subwoofer speaker 58 and a power amplifier 54. The input interface 52 is also mounted within the external housing 59. In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 1 , the input interface 52 of the external module 50 is a stereo TRS line-in jack. The input interface 52 is electrically connected to the power amplifier 54 which is a two channel power amplifier. When the input interface 52 of the external module 50 interfaces with the output interface 25 of the entertainment system module 20 via the link cable 63 or any other suitable means the ground output 26A, the left channel output 26C and the subwoofer channel 26D connected to the output interface 25 of the system module 20 are connected to the input interface 52 to thereby provide the ground, left channel and subwoofer signals to the power amplifier 54 of the external module 50. The power amplifier 54 of the external module 50 amplifies the left channel 26C and the subwoofer channel 26D signals before providing the amplified signals to the second set of loud speakers 56 including a single loud speaker for converting the left channel signal output 26C into audible sound. The power amplifier 54 also provides the input signal from the subwoofer channel 26D to the subwoofer speaker 58 with increased power whereby the subwoofer speaker 58 converts the signal into relatively low frequency sound which may or may not be below the range of audible sound frequencies. The audio signal to be reproduced by the subwoofer speaker 58 includes frequencies preferably in the range of about 20 Hz to about 200 Hz.

Thus, when the output interface of the audio system module 20 interfaces with the input interface 52 of the external module 50 the right channel output 26A is electrically connected to the down mixer 29 and, in turn, the power amplifier 28 and the loudspeaker set 40 of the audio system module 20 to reproduce the right channel output 26A signal. Also, when the output interface of the audio system module 20 interfaces with the input interface 52 of the external module 50 the left channel output 26C and the subwoofer channel 26D are connected to the input interface 52, the power amplifier 54, the second set of loud speakers 56 and the subwoofer speaker 58 of the external module 50 to reproduce the left channel output 26C signal and the subwoofer channel 26D audio signal.

The present invention is advantageous in that the entertainment system module 20 is capable generating an input audio signal or receiving an input audio signal from one or more audio input signal sources such as an mp3 player, a portable electronic device such as a mobile or smartphone, or an external audio input signal generating device and amplifying the signal and converting the signal into audible sound in a single module within a single housing that is transportable. Furthermore, the invention is advantageous in that it provides an output interface 25 that is capable of interfacing with an external module such as the external module 50 described above such that the entertainment system module 20 in conjunction with the external module 50 is capable of reproducing the input audio signal in stereo through left and right loud speakers and, optionally, with an additional subwoofer loud speaker 58 capable of reproducing relatively low frequency audible sound. Accordingly, the entertainment system module 20 can be purchased by a consumer individually such that the consumer can reproduce the audio signal and convert the signal into audible sound in mono and can optionally purchase the external module 50 to reproduce the audio signal in stereo and, optionally, with enhanced with reproduction of lower frequencies by way of the subwoofer speaker 58.

In a preferred form, as illustrated in Figure 2, the output interface 25 and the input interface 52 are capable of interfacing with each other in one or more of two ways. The first way, as described above, is by electrical connection providing with the link cable 63. A second way is via a wireless link between the output interface 25 and the input interface 52. In this embodiment, the output interface 25 and the input interface 52 include means for wirelessly transmitting a signal from a system module 20 to the external module 50. The signal includes the audio input signal from the left channel output 26C and the subwoofer channel output 26D from the signal output 26 of the signal processor 24. The input interface 52 receives the wirelessly transmitted audio input signal and provides the input signals corresponding to the left channel output 26C and the subwoofer output 26D from the signal output 26. The input interface 52 provides the signals to the two channel power amplifier 54 for amplification and reproduction by the second loud speaker set 56 and the subwoofer speaker 58. This embodiment is advantageous in that the audio entertainment system module 20 and the external module 50 can be located a distance apart from each other without requiring a physical link such as in the form of the link cable 63 there between.

The external module 50 may include one or more at a variety of power supplies. The external module 50 may include an internal; power supply batteries on super capacitors on a combination thereof. The external module 50 may also include a power cable for connection to a mains power supply outlet. In another embodiment, the module 50 may include a power interface means where power is supplied from the audio system module 20 to the external module 50. The external module 50 includes a module housing (not shown) having a wall connection interface for releasably connecting the external module 50 to an upstanding wall surface. The wall connection interface of the external module 50 may be similar to the wall connection interface of the housing 22 of the entertainment system module 20 illustrated in Figures 4 to 6 and described above. For example, the external module 50 may include a housing that includes a wall connection interface in the form of a first connecting portion including a support member and a restraining member in the form of flanges upstanding and projecting from a base of the housing of the case external module. The wall connection interface of the external module may be adapted to be similarly releasably connectable to the support 90 discussed above and illustrated in Figures 5 and 6. Alternatively, the external module may be configured for permanent attachment to a wall or other upright surface or to the support 90.

Finally it is to be understood that various alterations, modifications and/or additions may be introduced into the constructions and arrangements of the parts previously described without departing from the spirit or ambit of the invention.