WO2020039157A1

WO2020039157A1 - Extendable/retractable loudspeaker enclosure

Info

Publication number: WO2020039157A1
Application number: PCT/GB2019/050922
Authority: WO
Inventors: Daniel Graham FARMER
Original assignee: Pure International Ltd
Current assignee: Pure International Ltd
Priority date: 2018-08-24
Filing date: 2019-03-29
Publication date: 2020-02-27
Anticipated expiration: 2021-02-24
Also published as: GB201813817D0; GB2576562A

Abstract

An enclosure for a speaker driver including: a housing having an enclosure volume defined by a side wall extending between first and second opposing ends of the housing that are spaced apart along an elongate axis, wherein the side wall is made from a flexible material; a brace structure extending around a portion of the side wall to inhibit movement of the said portion in a direction which is transverse to the elongate axis.

Description

EXTENDABLE/RETRACTABLE LOUDSPEAKER ENCLOSURE

Description of Invention

The invention relates to an enclosure for a speaker driver. In particular, though not exclusively, the invention relates to a speaker including a speaker driver connected to the enclosure.

It is known to provide speakers for converting an electrical audio signal into a sound. Generally speaking, a speaker will have a speaker driver that includes a permanent magnet, a voice coil, and a diaphragm supported by a frame. The magnet is normally annular and the voice coil is a coiled wire suspended between poles of the magnet. The diaphragm is generally frusto-conical in shape and made from a relatively thin material. The diaphragm, at its narrow end, is attached to the voice coil. In operation, an electrical audio input is provided to the voice coil in the form of an alternating current so that the coil produces a varying magnetic field that interacts with the magnet field produced by the permanent magnet. The diaphragm is attached to the voice coil and so moves in tandem with the voice coil back and forth. The diaphragm thus pushes on the surrounding air to produce sound waves. Other configurations of driving device for driving movement of the diaphragm to create sound are known and can be adopted.

Due to the design of the speaker driver, sound waves produced therefrom travel in a forward direction (with respect to the diaphragm) and a rearward direction (with respect to the diaphragm) so that the sound waves on two opposite sides of the diaphragm are out of phase. The sound waves can interfere and cancel each other out. Any such interference and/or cancellation can create distortions of the original audio signal. In devices including speaker drivers, therefore, an enclosure is often provided to the rear of the speaker driver, i.e. to the side at which the driving device to the diaphragm is provided to capture the rearward travelling soundwave. This can be done through providing a sealed enclosure, e.g. a cabinet, which captures the sound produced in the rearward direction in a rigid and/or air tight box. Known enclosures are formed of relatively rigid panels and may sometimes also include some form of dampening material that can absorb sound travelling into the enclosure.

The size of the enclosure is also a factor in that a larger enclosure/enclosure volume provides a larger space or surface area into which the rearward travelling soundwaves may be absorbed, captured or otherwise cancelled out.

According to an aspect of the present invention we provide an enclosure for a speaker driver including:

a housing having an enclosure volume defined by a side wall extending between first and second opposing ends of the housing that are spaced apart along an elongate axis, wherein the side wall is made from a flexible material;

a brace structure extending around a portion of the side wall to inhibit movement of the said portion in a direction which is transverse to the elongate axis.

Optionally or preferably the housing is moveable between an extended state and a retracted state.

a housing having an enclosure volume defined by a side wall extending between first and second opposing ends that are spaced apart along an elongate axis, wherein the housing is moveable between an extended state and a retracted state; a brace structure extending around a portion of the side wall to inhibit movement of the said portion in a direction which is transverse to the elongate axis. Optionally or preferably the side wall is moveable in a direction along the elongate axis.

Optionally or preferably the brace structure includes a plurality of brace members spaced apart from each other along the elongate axis.

Optionally or preferably the side wall includes one or more formations arranged to extend when the side wall is moved to an or the extended state, and/or to compress when the side wall is moved to a or the retracted state. Optionally or preferably the formations are arranged to unfold when the side wall moves to its extended state and / or fold when the side wall moves to its retracted state.

Optionally or preferably the brace members are positioned in respective spaces defined by the formations.

Optionally or preferably the formations each include a peak portion and trough portion. Optionally or preferably a portion of the plurality of brace members are positioned in the trough portions, preferably or optionally the portion of the plurality of brace members is positioned externally of the enclosure volume.

Optionally or preferably a portion of the plurality of brace members are positioned in the peak portions, preferably or optionally the portion of the plurality of brace members is positioned internally of the enclosure volume. Optionally or preferably respective peaks / troughs of the formations move closer together when the side wall moves to its retracted sate, and / or the respective peaks / troughs of the formations move further apart when the side wall moves to its extended state.

Optionally or preferably adjacent brace members are configured such that one of the adjacent brace members is positioned internally of the enclosure volume and the other of the adjacent brace members is positioned externally of the enclosure volume.

Optionally or preferably each brace member defines a central opening having a shape in plan view that corresponds to the cross-sectional shape of the side wall in plan view. Optionally or preferably the plurality of brace members share a common central axis, preferably or optionally the common central axis corresponds to the elongate axis.

Optionally or preferably the brace structure is rigid or relatively rigid in a direction which is transverse to the elongate axis.

Optionally or preferably a portion of the brace structure is positioned internally of the enclosure volume to inhibit movement of the said portion of the side wall towards the elongate axis and / or a portion of the brace structure is positioned externally of the enclosure volume to inhibit movement of the said portion of the side wall away from the elongate axis.

Optionally or preferably the housing is generally cylindrical. According to an aspect of the present invention we provide a speaker including a speaker driver connected to an enclosure according to any preceding aspect. Optionally or preferably the speaker driver includes a magnet, a voice coil, and a diaphragm, and/or optionally or preferably at least a portion of the magnet and / or voice coil is positioned outside of the enclosure.

According to an aspect of the present invention we provide a speaker including:

a speaker driver including:

a magnet;

a voice coil;

a diaphragm connected to the voice coil for movement during use to produce first and second directional sound waves;

an enclosure including an enclosure volume connected to the speaker driver, wherein at least a portion of the magnet and voice coil are positioned outside of the enclosure,

wherein, during use, the enclosure volume receives the first directional sound waves to inhibit interference with the second directional sound waves.

Optionally or preferably the enclosure is moveable between an extended state and a retracted state. Optionally or preferably the enclosure may be moved by a raising assembly. Optionally or preferably the raising assembly may be positioned within the enclosure volume.

Optionally or preferably the speaker driver is orientated relative to the enclosure such that the diaphragm directs the first directional sound waves into the enclosure volume. Optionally or preferably the enclosure is according to any preceding aspect and/or includes one or more recited features of said aspect(s).

Optionally or preferably the diaphragm has an outer surface that faces away from the enclosure and inner surface that faces towards the enclosure, and wherein the magnet assembly and voice coil are positioned adjacent the outer surface.

Optionally or preferably substantially all, or all, of the magnet and/or voice coil are positioned to the outside of the enclosure volume.

Optionally or preferably at least a portion of the diaphragm is positioned to the outside of the enclosure volume, optionally or preferably substantially all, or all, of the diaphragm is positioned to the outside of the enclosure volume.

Optionally or preferably the diaphragm is generally frusto-conical and has a radius which increases as the diaphragm extends away from the magnet and voice coil towards the enclosure volume. According to an aspect of the present invention we provide an enclosure for a speaker including:

a housing having an enclosure volume defined by a side wall extending between first and second opposing ends that are spaced apart along an elongate axis; wherein the housing is moveable between an extended state and a retracted state, and

a valve device operable to move between a closed state in which the valve device seals the enclosure volume to inhibit the flow of air into or out of the enclosure volume, and an open state in which the valve device permits the flow of air into or out of the enclosure volume.

Optionally or preferably the valve device is biased to an open state. Optionally or preferably the valve device is configured such that movement of the housing into its extended state causes the valve device to move towards its closed state, and / or the valve device is configured such that movement of the housing into its retracted state causes the valve device to move towards its open state.

An enclosure or speaker according to any preceding aspect including a raising assembly for moving the housing / enclosure between its extended and retracted states.

Optionally or preferably the valve device is operable by the raising assembly.

Optionally or preferably the valve device is coupled to the raising assembly such that movement of the raising assembly to its extended state causes movement of the valve device towards its closed state to inhibit air from flowing into or out of the enclosure volume.

Optionally or preferably the valve device is coupled to the raising assembly such that movement of the raising assembly to its retracted state causes movement of the valve device towards its open state to permit air to flow out of the enclosure as the housing is moved to its retracted state.

Optionally or preferably the valve device includes a valve member and the housing includes an opening in communication with the enclosure volume which may be closed by the valve member in its closed state to prevent the flow of air therethrough.

A device including an enclosure or speaker according to any preceding aspect and/or including one or more recited features of said aspects. Optionally or preferably the device is a smart speaker and/or a portable speaker.

Optionally or preferably the device is moveable between an extended state and a retracted state, optionally or preferably the extended and retracted states of the device and enclosure correspond to one another.

Optionally or preferably an actuation member is coupled to the raising assembly and which actuation member is configured to operate the valve device when the raising assembly moves the housing between its extended and retracted states.

Optionally or preferably a coupling device couples the valve device, optionally a or the valve member thereof, to the remainder of the enclosure. Optionally or preferably the coupling device is a biasing device which biases the valve device or valve member to an open position thereof.

Optionally or preferably the actuation member causes deformation and/or movement of the coupling device to effect operation of the valve device, preferably by moving a valve member thereof to an open position.

The coupling device may have a free end or portion that engages with a part of the raising assembly or a part connected thereto during movement of the housing from its extended state to its retracted state

The enclosure may include a retaining member which retains the free end or potion of the coupling member in a fixed position as the actuation member completes its movement as the housing moves from its extended state to its retracted state.

Embodiments will now be set out below by way of example only with reference to the accompanying figures, of which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a device in a first condition;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of the device of figure 1 in a second condition;

Figure 3 is a perspective cross-section view of the device of figure 1 in its first condition in accordance with embodiments;

Figure 4 is a perspective cross-section view of the device of figure 1 in its second condition in accordance with embodiments;

Figure 5a is a perspective view of certain components of the device of figure 1 according to embodiments shown in a configuration which corresponds to that when the device is in its second condition;

Figure 5b is a side view of certain components of the device of figure 1 according to embodiments shown in a configuration which corresponds to that when the device is in its second condition; Figure 5c is a side cross-section view of certain components of the device of figure 1 according to embodiments shown in a configuration which corresponds to that when the device is in its second condition;

Figure 6a is a side view of certain components according to embodiments in a configuration corresponding to when the device of figure 1 is in its second condition;

Figure 6b is a perspective view of certain components according to embodiments a configuration corresponding to when the device of figure 1 is in its second condition. Figure 7a is a side cross-section schematic view of certain components according to embodiments in a configuration corresponding to when the device of figure 1 is in its first condition; Figure 7b is a side cross-section schematic view of certain components according to embodiments a configuration corresponding to when the device of figure 1 is in its second condition;

Figure 8a is a side view of certain components according to embodiments in a configuration corresponding to when the device of figure 1 is in its first condition;

Figure 8b is a side view of certain components according to embodiments in a configuration corresponding to when the device of figure 1 is in its second condition;

Figure 9a is a side view of certain components according to embodiments in a configuration corresponding to when the device of figure 1 is in its second condition;

Figure 9b is a perspective view of certain components according to embodiments a configuration corresponding to when the device of figure 1 is in its second condition; Figure 10a is a side view of certain components according to embodiments in a configuration corresponding to when the device of figure 1 is in its first condition; and

Figure 10b is a side view of certain components according to embodiments in a configuration corresponding to when the device of figure 1 is in its second condition. With reference to figures 1 and 2, a device 10 is shown which incorporates components according to embodiments. Device 10 is generally cylindrical in shape and extends along an elongate axis A between first and second opposing ends 10a, 10b. The first end 10a may be a lower end on which the device 10 rests in an upright position on a surface and the second end 10b may be an upper end of the device 10.

Figure 1 shows the device 10 according to embodiments in which it may be placed into a first condition in which it is in a retracted / lowered state, i.e. so the device has a reduced height, and figure 2 shows the device 10 according to embodiments in which it may be placed into in a second condition in which it is in an extended / raised state, i.e. so the device 10 has an increased height. The references to changes in height are with reference to the elongate axis A. Device 10 has a housing 11 which, in embodiments, may have a first body housing 12 and a second body housing 14 which are connected together for movement between these states.

For example, in embodiments, the first body housing 12 defines a space within which the second body housing 14 is supported. In embodiments, the second body housing 14 may move between a raised / extended state with respect to the first body housing 12 as shown in figure 2, and a lowered or retracted state with respect to the first body housing 12 as shown in figure 1. The first and/or second body housings 12, 14 may each be generally cylindrical in shape and define respective spaces therein. The first body housing 12 may be closed at one of its ends which defines the first end 10a of the device 10 and open at its opposite end to receive the second body housing 14 therein. The second body housing 14 may be closed at one of its ends which defines the second end 10b of the device 10 and open at its opposite end that is received in the second body housing 14. The housing 11 , and/or first / second body housings 12, 14 may be of other shapes and configurations in embodiments. In embodiments, device 10 as shown in figure 3 may include a speaker 16 provided therein to communicate sounds to an environment in which the device 10 is present. In embodiments, the speaker 16 includes component parts which are positioned within the first and second body housings 12, 14 as will be described. The device 10 may include openings 20a to permit the flow of air between a space within the device 10 in which the speaker 16 is positioned and the space outside. In embodiments having first and second body housings 12, 14, the second body housing 12 may include a side wall 20 having openings 20a extending therethrough and over which a grille 18 is provided. The grille 18 / openings 20a may extend over substantially all of the side wall 20.

The device 10 may be configured so that the grille 18 sits wholly within the first body housing 12 and/or is not exposed or in communication with the outside space when the device is in its retracted state, and the grille 18 sits outside of the space and/or is exposed or in communication with the outside space when the device 10 is in its extended state. In embodiments, the device 10 may include user inputs 22 operable by a user to operate the device 10. In embodiments, the user inputs 22 are provided at the second end 10b of the device 10, e.g. in embodiments, the user inputs 22 are provided on the second body housing 14, e.g. its closed end. The device 10 may be a portable device including a source of power, e.g. a battery, and which may output audio sounds based on audio signals received from a device connected thereto via a wire connection, e.g. a USB cable, and/or wireless connection, e.g. over Bluetooth. The device 10 may include respective ports 11 a for connection to a power supply and/or other devices to communicate therewith. In embodiments, the device 10 may be a different electronic device that incorporates a speaker, for example, the device 10 may be a smart speaker (e.g. incorporating a microphone for receiving voice commands), a portable speaker with Bluetooth functionality, a radio, or a standalone speaker for outputting sounds. With reference to figures 3, 4 and 5a-5c, speaker 16 may include a speaker driver 24 and an enclosure 26 to which the speaker driver 24 is connected. The enclosure 26, as will be described, is configured to receive a portion of the sound waves produced by the speaker driver 24. The speaker driver 24 may be positioned towards an upper end, e.g. end 10b, of the device 10.

Describing the speaker driver 24, in embodiments, speaker driver 24 includes a frame 25 which supports therein a permanent magnet 28, a voice coil 30, a diaphragm 32 and a spider 34. In embodiments, magnet 28 may include a primary magnet 28a and secondary magnet 28c with a plate 28c optionally positioned therebetween. The speaker driver 24 is generally frusto-conical in shape. The speaker driver 24 extends along an axis 33 with the magnet 28, voice coil 30, spider 34 and diaphragm 32 generally sequentially positioned along the axis 33. Axis 33 may be coincident with axis A in embodiments or may not be in embodiments. Magnet 28 is annular in shape and defines a central opening extending therethrough. Voice coil 30 is generally cylindrical and supported in the central opening. Spider 34 is annular and has a central portion from which a tubular portion extends to which the voice coil 30 is attached. In embodiments, at least a portion of the speaker driver 24 may be positioned to the outside of the enclosure but may not be in other embodiments. In embodiments, the frame 25 includes openings 24a which communicate an internal space of the frame 25 to an external space of the frame 25. In some embodiments the frame 25 may have two sections 25a, 25b with the section 25a having a smaller width or diameter than the second section 25b. First section 25a may be cylindrical and the magnet 28 may be positioned therein. Second section 25b, which extends away from first section 25a, is attached to the enclosure 26. Second section 25b may include a generally frusto-conical portion connected to a cylindrical portion of a wider diameter which terminates at an open free end 25c. End 25c may be mounted to the enclosure 26. The second section 25b may include the spider 34 and diaphragm 32 positioned therein. The voice coil 30 may be positioned to extend between the sections 25a, 25b with an upper end of the voice coil 30 being positioned in the first section 25a and a lower end of the voice coil 30 being positioned in the second section 25b. The spider 34 is made from a flexible material so that the voice coil 30 is held in place whilst movement of the voice coil 30 along axis 33, e.g. the elongate axis A in embodiments, is permitted. The voice coil 30 includes a wire forming a generally helical shape and has its ends connected to terminals (not shown) provided on the speaker driver 24 for receiving a current therefrom.

The diaphragm 32 is made from a relatively rigid material and is relatively thin. The diaphragm 32 has an outer surface 32a that faces away from the enclosure 26 and an inner surface 32b that faces towards the enclosure 26. The magnet 28 and voice coil 30 may be positioned adjacent the outer surface 32a. The diaphragm 32 sits within the frame 25 and is generally frusto- conical, with diaphragm 32 extending away from, and extending across substantially all, of the open end 25c. The diaphragm 32 has a first, wider, end 32a’ which is adjacent the enclosure 26, and a second, narrower, end 32b’ which defines a central opening. The first end 32a’ is connected by a surround portion 35, which extends circumferentially around the first end 32a’, and radially away therefrom to the frame 25. The surround portion 35 is made from a flexible material such as rubber so that the diaphragm 32 is flexibly attached to the frame 25. The speaker driver 24 may include a dust cap 36 member that covers the central opening of the diaphragm 32. In embodiments, diaphragm 32 may be connected to the voice coil 30 such that, during use, when current flows through the voice coil 30, the voice coil 30 drives movement of the diaphragm 32 to produce first and second directional sound waves such that the first directional sound waves may travel inwardly towards the enclosure 26, and the second directional sound waves may travel outwardly away from the enclosure 26. In embodiments, the second directional sound waves are directed to travel out of the device 10 through one or more openings, e.g. openings 24a, to the environment whilst the first directional sound waves travel into the enclosure 26 and are inhibited from reaching the environment.

In embodiments, the speaker driver 24 may be orientated relative to the enclosure 26 such that the diaphragm 32 directs the first directional / inward sound waves into the enclosure 26. For example, in embodiments, the magnet 28 and voice coil 30 may be positioned outside of the enclosure such that during use the enclosure 26 receives the first directional / inward sound waves to inhibit interference between the first and second directional sound waves. Advantageously, in embodiments, this configuration may permit a larger space or volume within the enclosure 26 for the receipt of the first directional / inward sound waves and may permit other component parts of the device 10 to be positioned therein.

In embodiments, the speaker driver 24 may be orientated so that the magnet 28 and/or voice coil 30 are positioned within the enclosure 26. Describing the enclosure 26, the enclosure 26 may include a housing 38 having an enclosure volume 40 defined by a side wall 42 extending between first and second opposing ends 44a, 44b of the housing 38 that are spaced apart along an elongate axis B, e.g. axis B may coincide or not with the elongate axis A in embodiments. The housing 38 may be moveable between extended and retracted states. In embodiments, the housing 38 may be positioned within a body of the device 10, e.g. within body housings 12, 14, such that there is a space between the outside of the enclosure 26 and an interior surface of the device 10 / housing 11. In embodiments, the device 10 may have one or more bleed openings through which air may exit the device 10, e.g. from the space between the housing 38 and housing 11.

In embodiments, the side wall 42 may be made from a flexible material. The use of a flexible material to define a portion of the enclosure volume 40 may advantageously permit the housing 38 and device 10 to adopt a shorter, more compact height in its retracted state. In embodiments, and with reference to figures 3 and 4, the side wall 42 may be moveable between a retracted state (figure 3) and an extended state (figure 4) which may correspond to the extended and retracted states of the device 10. The elongate axis B of the enclosure 26 may be the axis along which the enclosure 26 increases / decreases in height when it moves between retracted and extended states. The height of the side wall 42 / enclosure 26 is greater in its extended state than in its retracted state. In embodiments, the housing 38 is formed from a convoluted tubular member and the tubular member may be made from Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or other flexible plastics materials. In embodiments, the housing 38 is formed from a flexible corrugated material, e.g. a corrugated plastics material. In embodiments, the enclosure 26 may be formed differently, e.g. with no such flexible materials, and may be formed, for example, from component parts connected together for movement between extended and retracted states (e.g. a first part moveable within a second part) so that the volume and/or height of the enclosure 26 can be increased / decreased whilst preferably maintaining an airtight seal. The enclosure 26 is generally cylindrical but may be other shapes in embodiments. In embodiments, its first (lower) end 44a may be fixed to, and closed by, a base member 46 attached to the first body housing 12. The second (upper) end 44b may be attached to the second body housing 14, at a lower end thereof. In embodiments, a first (lower) end of the side wall 42 may include a flange 48 that is mounted by fasteners 50, e.g. a screw or pin, to an upwardly facing flange 52 of the base member 46 by a mounting ring 47. In embodiments, a second (upper) end of the side wall 42 may include a flange 54 that is mounted by fasteners 56, e.g. a screw or pin, to a flange 58 of a mounting member 58’ provided between the speaker driver 24 and flange 54.

The enclosure volume 40 may include operative component parts of the device 10 positioned therein in embodiments. For example, a raising assembly 60 may be positioned within the enclosure volume 40 for moving the device 10 and enclosure 26 between retracted and extended states. The raising assembly 60 may be configured to bias the device 10 to its extended state. The raising assembly 60 may be fixed at respective ends to respective portions of the first and second body housings 12, 14 so that movement of the raising assembly 60 effects a corresponding movement of the first and second body housings 12, 14 between retracted / extended states.

In embodiments, with reference to figures 6a and 6b, the raising assembly 60 may take the form of a scissor lift operable to move the device 10 and enclosure 26 between their respective extended and retracted positions.

In embodiments, the raising assembly 60 may only move one of the device 10 and enclosure 26 and the other one of the device 10 and enclosure 60 may be moved by other means. In embodiments, the raising assembly 60 may include first and second parts 60a, 60b pivotally connected together about an axis P by a rod 59. The first and second parts 60a, 60b may be connected at respective first ends 61 a, 61 b to a first platform member 62a, and at respective second ends 61 c, 61 d to a second platform member 62b. The second platform member 62b may move relative to the first platform member 62a such that the second platform member 62b may move upwards and downwards relative to the first platform member 62a. The second platform member 62b may be connected to a respective (upper) end of the device 10, e.g. via second body housing part 14, and a respective (upper) end of the housing 26, e.g. flange 54, such that movement of the second platform member 62b effects a corresponding movement of the device 10 and enclosure 26. The second platform member 62b may extend widthwise across the enclosure 26 between first and second ends 63a, 63b. The first platform member 62a may extend widthwise across the enclosure 26 between first and second ends 64a, 64b. The first platform member 62a may be fixed against relative movement to the housing 26 / device 10, e.g. the first platform member 62a may be fixed to the base member 46 by suitable fasteners. The first platform member 62a may include first and second rails 65a, 65b that extend lengthwise along respective sides of the first platform member 62a and which slidingly support respective coupling members 68a, 68b thereon. The second platform member 62b may similarly include first and second rails 66a, 66b with coupling members 67a, 67b in a similar manner to the first platform member 62a and positioned in a corresponding manner so that they are aligned.

The first part 60a may include one or more elongate members 70a, 70b that are spaced apart from one another in a direction parallel to axis P so as to be parallel with the sides of the first platform member 62a in plan view and to rest adjacent thereto in the retracted state of the raising assembly 60. The elongate members 70a, 70b may have respective first ends 72a, 72b pivotally connected to the coupling members 68a, 68b and respective opposite second ends 74a, 74b pivotally connected to the second platform member 62b by a rod 75 which extends through openings provided in respective upstanding side walls of the member 62b. The first ends 72a, 72b may move in a linear, e.g. horizontal, direction relative to the first platform member 62a due to their connection to the coupling members 68a, 68b whilst the second ends 74a, 74b are fixed against relative linear movement with respect to the second platform member 62b. The elongate members 70a, 70b may be formed as a single component piece and may be made from metal, e.g. the piece could be a pressed metal part.

The second part 60b may generally similar to the first part 60a and, for example, share one or more like features which are denoted with the same reference numerals but with the addition of a prime symbol (’). The second part 60b is connected to the first and second platform members 62a, 62b in the opposite fashion to the first part 60a in that the respective first ends 72a’, 72b’ of the elongate members 70a’, 70b’ are fixed to the first end 64a of the first platform member 62a against linear movement relative thereto, whilst the respective second ends 74a’, 74b’ are connected by a rod 75’ to coupling members 67a, 67b to permit relative linear movement with respect to the second platform member 62b. The first and second parts 60a, 60b may be pivotally connected for rotation about an axis which intersects the parts 60a, 60b between their respective first and second ends 61 a, b, 61 c,d e.g. centrally thereof. The first and second parts 60a, 60b are thus configured to move in a manner similar to a part of scissors in that the elongate members form an x-shape configuration in side view when they have been moved to an extended or open state, and form a substantially horizontal / flat configuration when they have been moved to a retracted or closed state as will be described.

The raising assembly 60 may include a biasing device 70, e.g. a spring, for biasing the raising assembly 60 to its extended state. For example, in embodiments, the biasing device 70 may include a spring which is attached to the parts 60a, 60b. The biasing device 70 may be configured so that when the first and second parts 60a, 60b are in the retracted / flat state, the biasing device 70 is under compression and exerts a force to urge the parts 60a, 60b apart. Such a force would cause the parts 60a, 60b to rotate about the pivot axis P and move to the extended / open state.

In embodiments, the housing 38 may include a locking member (not shown) that engages with a corresponding receiving formation (not shown) on the raising assembly 60 such that, when the raising assembly 60 is moved to its retracted state, the locking member engages with the receiving formation to prevent movement of the raising assembly. The user may operate the device 10 so as to dislodge the locking member from engagement with the receiving formation to permit the raising assembly 60 to move to its extended state, for example, due to a force exerted by a biasing device (not shown) when provided in certain embodiments.

It will be readily understood that other types and configurations for effecting movement of the device 10 between its extended and retracted states may be utilised in embodiments. For example, a motor driven assembly or otherwise automated assembly may be used. In embodiments, the assembly may be controlled through instructions provided by the processor, e.g. software.

In embodiments, the enclosure volume 40 may include positioned therein a support member 79 on which one or more or all of a control circuit, power supply, processor, memory and communication devices (e.g. radio transceiver circuitry) for receiving inputs, sending inputs, e.g. from / to device(s) connected to device 10, and controlling operation of the device 10 (including the speaker) are provided. In embodiments having a raising assembly 60, the support member 79 may be connected to the raising assembly 60 so that the support member 79 moves with the raising assembly 60. In embodiments, for example, the support member 79 may be attached to the second platform member 62b.

For example, the control circuit may receive audio signals communicated to the device 10 via the communication devices and the memory may include instructions for decoding the audio signals into an electrical signal for communication to the speaker to output corresponding audio sounds. In embodiments, the electrical signal may be received directly without any processing being required and be communicated to the speaker driver 24 directly.

In certain embodiments, advantageously, device 10 may be relatively compact as the configuration of the enclosure 26 permits the positioning of component parts therein rather than having to provide them elsewhere on the device 10 that may increase the overall size thereof.

With reference to the figures 7a and 7b, in accordance with embodiments, the speaker 16 is shown attached to the enclosure 26 in schematically in its retracted and extended states respectively with certain parts not shown for clarity. The enclosure 26 may advantageously in embodiments be configured to maintain its rigidity and be unaffected by the soundwaves produced by diaphragm 32 during use and which travel inwardly into the enclosure 26. The enclosure 26 may advantageously in embodiments prevent any inwardly travelling soundwaves from interfering with outwardly travelling soundwaves, and prevent the inwardly travelling soundwaves from escaping to the outside environment via grille 18 which could otherwise affect audio quality.

Any inwardly travelling sound waves during operation may cause distortion, i.e. deformation, or damage to the side wall 42 / enclosure 26 during use due to the expansion and compression of air within the enclosure 26. The enclosure 26 may include a brace structure 80 extending around the side wall 42 to inhibit movement of the side wall 42 in a direction which is transverse to the elongate axis B addressing these issues in embodiments. The brace structure 80 may be rigid or relatively rigid in a direction which is transverse to the elongate axis B to inhibit movement of the side wall 42 in said direction. In embodiments, the brace structure 80 (and any members thereof) may be relatively flexible in a direction parallel to the elongate axis A.

In embodiments, brace structure 80 may include a plurality of brace members 80’ spaced apart from each other along elongate axis B. In embodiments, the use of plurality of brace members 80’ may advantageously permit the housing 38 to adopt a more compact / reduced height in its retracted state. A portion of the brace members 80’ may be provided internally within the enclosure 26 and a portion of the brace members 80’ may be provided externally of the enclosure 26. In embodiments, an equal number of brace members 80’ may be provided internally and externally of the enclosure 26. The brace members 80’ may be made from plastic (e.g. polypropylene or polycarbonate), metal, and/or formed as wire rings. The brace members 80’ may be annular in embodiments. In embodiments, each brace member 80’ may define a central opening having a shape in plan view that corresponds to the cross-sectional shape of the side wall 42 in plan view. In embodiments, the brace members 80’ may be generally circular in plan view for embodiments in which the housing 38 is generally cylindrical.

In embodiments, the brace members 80’ may be positioned such that they share a common axis that passes through the centre of each brace member 60’ in plan view. In embodiments, the common axis may be the elongate axis B. In embodiments, the brace members 80’ and housing 38 may be arranged concentrically, and in embodiments, concentrically with respect to the elongate axis A of the device 10. In embodiments adjacent brace members 80’ may be configured such that one of the adjacent brace members 80’ is positioned internally of the enclosure volume 40 and the other of the adjacent brace members 80’ is positioned externally of the enclosure volume 40.

In embodiments, the portion of the brace structure 80 positioned internally of the enclosure volume 40 inhibits movement of the side wall 42 towards the elongate axis B, e.g. radially towards the elongate axis B. In embodiments, the portion of the brace structure 80 may be positioned externally of the enclosure volume 40 to inhibit movement of the said portion of the side wall 42 away from the elongate axis A, e.g. radially away from the elongate axis.

In embodiments, the side wall 42 may include formations 82 arranged to fold or compress when the side wall 42 is moved to its retracted state (figure 8a), and/or to extend or unfold when the side wall 42 is moved to its extended state (figure 8a). In embodiments, the brace members 80’ are positioned in respective spaces 82a, 82b defined by respective internal and external surfaces of the formations 82. For example, in embodiments, the formations 82 may be integrally formed as part of the process in which the side wall 42 is made, for example, when the side wall 42 is made as a convoluted or corrugated member, the formations 82 would be created as part of the manufacturing process. In embodiments for which the side wall 42 includes formations 82, the provision of formations 82 may permit the side wall 42 to increase and decrease in height whilst limiting any extension or reduction in the width of the enclosure volume 40 defined by the side wall 42.

In embodiments, the formations 82 may each include a peak portion 84a and trough portion 84b. In embodiments, a portion of the plurality of brace members 80’ may be positioned in the trough portions 84b, e.g. externally positioned brace members 80’. In embodiments, a portion of the plurality of brace members 80’ may be positioned in the peak portions 84a, e.g. the internally positioned brace members 80’.

It can be seen from figures 7a and 7b that respective peaks and troughs 84a, 84b of the formations 82 may move closer together when the side wall 42 moves to its retracted sate, and the respective peaks and troughs of the formations 82 may move further apart when the side wall 42 moves to its extended state. It can be seen that the brace structure 80 and brace members 80’ may be moveable together with the housing 38 so that the brace structure 80 may adopt extended and retracted states in correspondence with the housing 38. In embodiments, the brace members 80’ may move due to their engagement with the formations 82 as the formations 82 extend / unfold or compress / fold. With reference to figures 8a and 8b in particular, in embodiments, the enclosure may include a valve device 100 operable to move between a closed state in which the valve device 100 seals the enclosure volume 40 to inhibit the flow of air into or out of the enclosure volume 40, and an open state in which the valve device 100 permits the flow of air into or out of the enclosure volume 40.

In embodiments, the valve device 100 includes a valve member 102 and an opening 104 which may be closed or opening by the valve member 102. The opening 104 may be in communication with a space outside of the enclosure 26, e.g. the space between the outside of the enclosure 26 and the inside of the device 10. In embodiments, the opening 104 may be provided in a portion of the housing 38, e.g. in base member 48. In embodiments, the opening 104 may be provided near the elongate axis B. In embodiments, the opening 104 may be in communication with the enclosure volume 40 but provided elsewhere. In embodiments having a raising assembly 60, the raising assembly 60 may have an opening 106, e.g. in the first platform member 62a, that communicates with the opening 104 and may be connected thereto.

In embodiments, the valve member 102 may be slidingly supported for movement towards and away from the opening 104 to open or close it and, for those embodiments having an opening 106, into and out of the opening 106 so as to close any communication between the openings 104, 106. In embodiments, the valve device 100 may include a receiving member 108 which extends through the opening 104, and, in embodiments, may extend through opening 106. In embodiments, the valve member 102 may rest on or in the raising assembly 60, e.g. on a portion of the raising assembly that faces upwardly into the enclosure volume 40. For example, the raising assembly 60, e.g. first platform member 62a, may have a recessed formation 109 which extends around the opening 106 (when provided in embodiments) and the valve member 102 or a portion thereof may rest thereon to close the opening 104.

The valve member 102 may have a first part 110 and a second part 112 extending away therefrom. The first part 110 may be generally circular in plan view. The second part 112 may be generally cylindrical and extend downwardly away from the centre of the valve member 102. The valve member 102, e.g. first part 110, may be larger than the opening 104 so that, in its closed position, the valve member 102 blocks or covers the whole of the opening 104.

The receiving member 108 may be of a tubular configuration which receives the second part 112 therein for sliding movement relative thereto. The receiving member 108 may be part of or connected to the base member 48. The valve member 102 may be biased to an open state. In embodiments, a biasing device 116, e.g. a wire spring, may be configured to hold the valve member 102 in its open state. For example, for embodiments in which the biasing device 116 is a wire spring, the wire spring may be attached to the raising assembly 60 and include a first portion 118 which extends in an upwardly extending curved formation, and a second portion 120, connected to the first portion, which is L-shaped in side view. The second portion 120 may include an upstanding portion 122 that is attached to the valve member 102 at its free ends to hold the valve member 102 in a raised position relative to the openings 104, 106 so that there is communication between the enclosure 26 and the opening 104. The configuration of the first portion 118 being curved means that the second portion 120 is biased to hold the valve member 102 in its open, i.e. raised, state. It will be appreciated that other forms of biasing device may be adopted in embodiments.

In embodiments, the valve device 100 may be configured such that movement of the housing 38 into its extended state may cause the valve device 100 to move towards its closed state and movement of the housing 38 into its retracted state may cause the valve device 100 to move towards its open state. In embodiments including a raising assembly 60, the valve device 100 may be operable by the raising assembly. For example, the valve device 100 may be coupled to the raising assembly 60 such that movement of the raising assembly 60 to its extended state causes movement of the valve device 100 towards its closed state to inhibit air from flowing into or out of the enclosure volume 40. In embodiments, the valve device 100 seals the enclosure volume when the housing 38 is in its extended state. In embodiments, movement of the raising assembly 60 to its retracted state may cause movement of the valve device 100 towards its open state to permit air to flow out of the enclosure 26 as the housing 38 is moved to its retracted state.

For embodiments including a raising assembly 60 as described, respective ends 72a, 72b of the elongate members 70a, b and 70a’, 70b’ may co-operate with the valve member 102 to cause movement thereof. For example, the valve member 102 may have an inwardly facing surface 122 including a raised portion 124 and a cam surface 126 having an inclined portion extending away therefrom which co-operate with the raising assembly 60 as will be described. Operation of the device 10 will be described.

In embodiments, the device 10 may be configured so that, in order for sound to be outputted, the device 10 must be placed into its extended state. Assuming the device 10 starts in its retracted state, the user must operate the device 10 to cause it to move to its extended state. In embodiments, this may be done by operating a user input 22 that causes the control circuit to operate the raising assembly 60, or the raising assembly 60 may be operated manually through the user releasing a locking device to cause operation of the raising assembly 60.

In the retracted state, as shown in figures 3 and 8a, the first and second parts 60a, 60b lie relatively flat and extend across the first platform member 62a. On the raising assembly 60 being operated, the first and second parts 60a, 60b move apart from their retracted state towards their extended state under the force exerted by the biasing device 70. In this process, the parts 60a, 60b rotate about axis P whilst the first ends 72a, b, and second ends 74a’, b’ are constrained to slide along their respective rails, and whilst the first ends 72a’, b’ and second ends 74a, b are fixed against linear movement relative to the platform members. This arrangement means that the rod 59 / pivot axis P is lifted and the parts 60a, 60b become inclined as they rotate, causing the second platform member 62b to be raised accordingly until the parts 60a, 60b have completed their rotation to place the second platform member 62b in its fully extended state. The second platform member 62b is connected to the second body housing part 14 and the second end 44b of the housing 38 by respective arms 69 causing them to be similarly raised to their extended states.

In the retracted state, the valve member 102 is in its open state and is raised relative to the openings 104, 106. In certain embodiments, as described, the raising assembly 60 will be urged to its extended state by biasing device 70 causing rotation of the parts 60a, 60b. In doing so, the first ends 72a, b of the elongate members 70a, b which move linearly during such rotation, move towards the valve member 102 until they engage with the cam surface 126. In more detail, when moving from the retracted state to the extended state, the ends 72a, b move linearly in a first direction to engage the cam surface 126 and urge it downwardly against the force of the biasing device 116 until, in the fully extended state, the ends 72a, b rest on the raised portion 124 and the valve member 102 closes the openings 104, 106. No air can flow into or out of the enclosure 26 in this state. Advantageously, the enclosure 26 may be more effective in inhibiting interference and / or cancellation of sound waves produced by the speaker due to the enclosure 26 being sealed in its extended state, thereby increasing the sound quality of the speaker. The user then provides an input which is received by the device 10 to output audio corresponding to, for example, a song. This may be done by operating a user input 22 or operating a device connected to the device 10. In embodiments, the input may be provided as a voice command that is received by a microphone of the device 10 and which is processed by the device 10 accordingly. In embodiments, a file containing the audio information for the song may be streamed from a device to the device 10 over Bluetooth and / or in embodiments it may be streamed from a remote server connected to the device through the Internet over a Wi-Fi network. In embodiments, the file may be transferred from a device to the device 10 over a wired connection. In embodiments, the file may be stored in a memory of the device 10. The device 10 is configured to process the file to produce an electrical signal corresponding to the audio information in the file for communicating to the loud speaker. In more detail, the electrical signal is communicated to the voice coil 30 and a varying magnetic field is produced by the voice coil 30 that interacts with the magnet 28 causing the voice coil 30 to move back and forth along the elongate axis B. The diaphragm 32 moves in tandem with the voice coil 30 as will be readily understood by the skilled person.

The diaphragm 32 will produce sound waves that move internally towards the enclosure 26, and sound waves that move externally away from the enclosure 26. The internally directed sound waves will travel into the enclosure 26 creating variations in the pressure within the enclosure volume 40. The sound waves will exert forces to the interior surface of the side wall 42 urging the side wall 42 in a direction transverse to the elongate axis of the enclosure 26, i.e. in a sideward direction back and forth during use. However, the brace structure 80 acts to counteract any such forces. For example, in embodiments, any forces that are directed outwardly against the side wall 42 due to the pressure in the enclosure volume 40 increasing are counteracted by the brace members positioned externally of the side wall 42, e.g. in embodiments, the brace members 80’ engage with the trough portions to prevent movement at these portions of the side wall 42. Similarly, in embodiments, any forces that are directed inwardly due to reductions in the pressure during use are counteracted by the brace members 80’ positioned internally of the side wall 42, e.g. by their engagement with the peak portions.

Thus the enclosure volume 40 and shape of the housing 38 remain substantially constant with minimal variations thereof occurring due to any forces exerted by the internally travelling sound waves. The diaphragm 32 will produce sound waves that move externally away from the enclosure 26, i.e. to the external side of the diaphragm 32. These sound waves will travel through the openings 24a provided in frame 25 and are directed radially outwardly with respect to the elongate axis A away from the device 10 through openings therein. In embodiments, the externally travelling sound waves are directed through the openings 20a and grille 18 to the outside space.

Due to the configuration of the enclosure 26, unwanted interference between the internally and externally travelling sound waves is inhibited. Similarly, the configuration maximises the capture of the internally travelling sound waves and prevents distortion of the sound produced by the speaker before it leaves the device 10. In embodiments, the configuration of the enclosure 26 in its extended state maximises the space available for receiving internally travelling sound waves (thus improving the quality of the sound produced by the device 10) whilst permitting the device 10 to be placed into a retracted state that is more suited to transport and / or storage when not in use.

When the device 10 is to be stored or transported, the user may place the device 10 into its retracted state. This may be done by operating a user input 22 to cause the control circuit to operate the raising assembly 60 to move into its retracted state, or, in embodiments, the user may manually operate the raising assembly 60.

In causing movement of the raising assembly 60 to its retracted state, the valve device 100 may advantageously be placed into its open state so that air can flow out of the enclosure 26 to permit the housing 38 to move to its retracted state and prevent any damage to the housing 38 by such operation. In embodiments, when the raising assembly 60 is moved from the extended state to the retracted state, it moves linearly in a second direction opposite to the first direction. In this process, the parts 60a, 60b rotate in the opposite direction and the ends 72a, b move out of engagement with the raised portion 124 and the biasing device 116 urges the valve member 102 upwardly to raise it. As the ends 72a, 72b continue to move away from the valve device 100, they come into engagement the cam surface 126 until they move away therefrom so there is no engagement between them. At this stage, the biasing device 116 has lifted the valve member 102 to its open position so that the opening 104 is open to permit the air to flow out of the enclosure 26 into the space between the enclosure and the housing 11.

The device 10, according to embodiments, may adopt a retracted height which is relatively shorter, and an extended height which is relatively higher, in comparison to the prior art due to the various features according to embodiments. The device 10, according to embodiments, may also have improved sound quality due to the various features according to embodiments.

Further embodiments, shown in figures 9a to 10b, are envisaged for a raising assembly and/or valve device. A number of features of such embodiments are similar or the same as those previously described and such features are denoted by the same reference numeral with the addition of 1000.

Raising assembly 1060 is similar to raising assembly 60 previously described except for the following. The respective second ends 1061 c, 1061 d of the parts 1060a, 1060b are connected by a biasing member 1210, e.g. a spring, which biases the parts 1060a, 1060b towards one another, i.e. biases the parts to their respective extended states. In embodiments, the biasing member 1210 may be a spring. The raising assembly 1060 may include actuation member 1212 for actuation of the valve device 1100. Actuation member 1212 may be a elongate member connected to the respective first ends 1061 a, 1061 b and extend transversely between them. First platform member 62a may include a retaining member 1214 which extends transversely across a distal end of member 62a, e.g. the distal end towards which the actuation member 1212 moves when the raising assembly 1060 is lowered to its retracted state. The retaining member 1214 defines an aperture for retaining a part of the valve device 110 as will be described. In embodiments, retaining member 1214 is n-shaped in front view.

Valve device 1100 is similar to valve device 100 previously described except for the following. The enclosure may include a coupling device 1116’ for coupling the valve member 1102 to the remainder of the enclosure. In embodiments, coupling device 1116’ may be a biasing device 1116 for biasing the valve device or valve member to an open position thereof. As will be described, actuation member 1210 causes deformation and/or movement of the coupling device 1116’ to effect operation of the valve device 1100, by moving valve member 1102 thereof to an open position. Coupling device

1116’ may be attached to the valve member 1102 so that the coupling device

1116’ may exert a force on the valve member 1102.

In embodiments, the coupling device 1116’ is configured to be in engagement with the actuation member 1210 such that movement of the actuation member 1210 to open the valve member 1102 causes the coupling device 1116’ to raise the valve member 1102. In embodiments for which the coupling device 1116’ is a biasing device 1116, movement of the actuation member 1210 causes the biasing device 1116 to exert an increased force to raise the valve member 1102.

In more detail, in embodiments, biasing device 1116 may be a wire spring that extends lengthwise across the first platform member 1062a. A distal end thereof may be fixed to the member 1062a whilst its opposing distal end may be free and extend into the retaining member 1214, e.g. the aperture thereof. The biasing device 1116 may include a first portion 1118 which extends in an upwardly extending curved formation, and a second portion 1120, connected to the first portion 1118, which is partially L-shaped in side view before terminating in an elongate section that is fixed at its ends to the member 1062a. In embodiments, second portion 1120 is attached, at a part thereof, to the valve member 1110.

Operation of the raising assembly 1060 is similar to that described previously with the exception of how the actuation member 1210 interacts with the valve device 1100. Consider movement of the raising assembly 1060 to its retracted state. In the initial, extended state of the housing 1011 , the actuation member 1210 is engaged with the valve member 110 at the cam surface 1026 thereof. The actuation member 1210 is positioned below the coupling device 1116’ to sit between a portion of the coupling device 1116’ and the valve member 1110. When the raising assembly 1060 moves, the actuation member 1210 passes over cam surface 1116’ and comes into engagement with the coupling device 1116’. As the coupling device 1116’ is free at a distal end of first portion 1118, this engagement causes the coupling device 1116’ to be raised until the distal end of first portion 1118 comes into abutment with the retaining member 1214. The actuation member 1212 continues to move, causing the first portion 1118 to be urged upwardly, because its distal end is effectively fixed. This effectively increases the force applied by the coupling device 1116’ until it reaches a maximum at the extended state of the housing (see figure 10a). This, advantageously, ensures that the valve member 1100 is moved to an open position so that air can be expelled from the enclosure as the housing is retracted. In embodiments for which the coupling device 1116’ is a biasing device 1116, the first portion 1118 may deform, e.g. upwardly, to increase the biasing force applied by the device 1116.

It will be appreciated that other forms and configurations of coupling device 1116’, e.g. resiliently deformable members, and / or biasing devices 1116 may be envisaged. For example, the coupling device 1116’ may be a relatively rigid member that is coupled to the valve member 1100 such that movement of the coupling device 1116’ caused by the raising assembly effects a corresponding movement of the valve member 1100 to its open / closed positions.

When used in this specification and claims, the terms "comprises" and "comprising" and variations thereof mean that the specified features, steps or integers are included. The terms are not to be interpreted to exclude the presence of other features, steps or components.

The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or the following claims, or the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing the disclosed function, or a method or process for attaining the disclosed result, as appropriate, may, separately, or in any combination of such features, be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof.

Claims

1. An enclosure for a speaker driver including:

2. An enclosure according to claim 1 wherein the housing is moveable between an extended state and a retracted state.

3. An enclosure for a speaker driver including:

a housing having an enclosure volume defined by a side wall extending between first and second opposing ends that are spaced apart along an elongate axis, wherein the housing is moveable between an extended state and a retracted state;

4. An enclosure for a speaker driver according to claim 1 , 2 or 3 wherein the side wall is moveable in a direction along the elongate axis.

5. An enclosure for a speaker driver according to any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein the brace structure includes a plurality of brace members spaced apart from each other along the elongate axis.

6. An enclosure for a speaker driver according to any preceding claim wherein the side wall includes one or more formations arranged to extend when the side wall is moved to an or the extended state, and/or to compress when the side wall is moved to a or the retracted state.

7. An enclosure for a speaker driver according to claim 6 wherein the formations are arranged to unfold when the side wall moves to its extended state and / or fold when the side wall moves to its retracted state.

8. An enclosure for a speaker driver according to claim 6 or 7 when directly or indirectly dependent on claim 5 wherein the brace members are positioned in respective spaces defined by the formations.

9. An enclosure for a speaker driver according to claim 6, 7 or 8 wherein the formations each include a peak portion and trough portion.

10. An enclosure for a speaker driver according to claim 9 when directly or indirectly dependent on claim 5 wherein a portion of the plurality of brace members are positioned in the trough portions, preferably or optionally the portion of the plurality of brace members is positioned externally of the enclosure volume.

11. An enclosure for a speaker driver according to claim 9 when directly or indirectly dependent on claim 5, or claim 10, wherein a portion of the plurality of brace members are positioned in the peak portions, preferably or optionally the portion of the plurality of brace members is positioned internally of the enclosure volume.

12. An enclosure according to claim 9, 10 or 11 , wherein respective peaks / troughs of the formations move closer together when the side wall moves to its retracted sate, and / or the respective peaks / troughs of the formations move further apart when the side wall moves to its extended state.

13. An enclosure for a speaker driver according to any one of claims 6 to 12 when directly or indirectly dependent on claim 5, or claim 5, wherein adjacent brace members are configured such that one of the adjacent brace members is positioned internally of the enclosure volume and the other of the adjacent brace members is positioned externally of the enclosure volume.

14. An enclosure for a speaker driver according to any one of claims 6 to 13 when directly or indirectly dependent on claim 5, or claim 5, wherein each brace member defines a central opening having a shape in plan view that corresponds to the cross-sectional shape of the side wall in plan view.

15. An enclosure according to any one of claims 6 to 14 when directly or indirectly dependent on claim 5, or claim 5, wherein the plurality of brace members share a common central axis, preferably or optionally the common central axis corresponds to the elongate axis.

16. An enclosure for a speaker driver according to any preceding claim wherein the brace structure is rigid or relatively rigid in a direction which is transverse to the elongate axis.

17. An enclosure for a speaker driver according to any preceding claim wherein a portion of the brace structure is positioned internally of the enclosure volume to inhibit movement of the said portion of the side wall towards the elongate axis and / or a portion of the brace structure is positioned externally of the enclosure volume to inhibit movement of the said portion of the side wall away from the elongate axis.

18. A speaker including a speaker driver connected to an enclosure according to any preceding claim, optionally or preferably the speaker driver includesa magnet, a voice coil, and a diaphragm, and/or optionally or preferably at least a portion of the magnet and / or voice coil is positioned outside of the enclosure.

19. A speaker including:

a speaker driver including:

a magnet;

a voice coil;

20. A speaker according to claim 19 wherein the enclosure is moveable between an extended state and a retracted state.

21. A speaker according to claim 19 or 20 wherein the speaker driver is orientated relative to the enclosure such that the diaphragm directs the first directional sound waves into the enclosure volume.

22. A speaker according to claim 19, 20 or 21 , wherein the enclosure is according to any one of claims 1 to 17.

23. A speaker according to any one of claims 19 to 22, wherein the diaphragm has an outer surface that faces away from the enclosure and inner surface that faces towards the enclosure, and wherein the magnet assembly and voice coil are positioned adjacent the outer surface.

24. A speaker according to any one of claims 19 to 23 wherein, optionally or preferably substantially all, or all, of the magnet and/or voice coil are positioned to the outside of the enclosure volume, and/or optionally or preferably at least a portion of the diaphragm is positioned to the outside of the enclosure volume, optionally or preferably substantially all, or all, of the diaphragm is positioned to the outside of the enclosure volume.

25. An enclosure for a speaker including:

26. An enclosure according to claim 25 wherein the valve device is biased to an open state.

27. An enclosure according to claim 25 or 26 wherein the valve device is configured such that movement of the housing into its extended state causes the valve device to move towards its closed state, and / or the valve device is configured such that movement of the housing into its retracted state causes the valve device to move towards its open state.

28. An enclosure according to any preceding claim including a raising assembly for moving the housing between its extended and retracted states.

29. An enclosure according to any one of claims 25 to 28 wherein the valve device is operable by the raising assembly.

30. An enclosure according to claim 28 or 29 wherein the valve device is coupled to the raising assembly such that movement of the raising assembly to its extended state causes movement of the valve device towards its closed state to inhibit air from flowing into or out of the enclosure volume.

31. An enclosure according to claim 28, 29 or 30 wherein the valve device is coupled to the raising assembly such that movement of the raising assembly to its retracted state causes movement of the valve device towards its open state to permit air to flow out of the enclosure as the housing is moved to its retracted state.

32. An enclosure according to any one of claims 25 to 31 wherein the valve device includes a valve member and the housing includes an opening in communication with the enclosure volume which may be closed by the valve member in its closed state to prevent the flow of air therethrough.

33. An enclosure according to any one of claims 28 to 32 including an actuation member coupled to the raising assembly and which actuation member is configured to operate the valve device when the raising assembly moves the housing between its extended and retracted states.

34. An enclosure according to any one of claims 25 to 33 including a coupling device which couples the valve device, optionally a or the valve member thereof, to the remainder of the enclosure.

35. An enclosure according to claim 34 wherein the coupling device is a biasing device which biases the valve device or valve member to an open position thereof.

36. An enclosure according to claim 34 or 35 when directly or indirectly dependent on claim 33 wherein the actuation member causes deformation and/or movement of the coupling device to effect operation of the valve device, preferably by moving a valve member thereof to an open position.

37. An enclosure according to claim 34, 35 or 36 wherein the coupling device has a free end or portion that engages with a part of the raising assembly or a part connected thereto during movement of the housing from its extended state to its retracted state

38. An enclosure according to claim 37 including a retaining member which retains the free end or potion of the coupling member in a fixed position as the actuation member completes its movement as the housing moves from its extended state to its retracted state.

39. A device including an enclosure and / or speaker according to any preceding claim, optionally or preferably the device is a smart speaker and/or a portable speaker, and/or optionally or preferably the device is moveable between an extended state and a retracted state, optionally or preferably the extended and retracted states of the device and enclosure correspond to one another.