WO2023009006A1

WO2023009006A1 - A mounting cap for the mounting of a speaker to an electric rail adapter

Info

Publication number: WO2023009006A1
Application number: PCT/NL2022/050451
Authority: WO
Inventors: Alexander VAN TONGEREN; Michael BOEKKOOI
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2021-07-30
Filing date: 2022-07-28
Publication date: 2023-02-02
Anticipated expiration: 2024-01-30
Also published as: NL2028892B1

Abstract

A mounting cap for mounting a speaker or camera system to an electric rail adapter, characterized in that the cap comprises: - a connector portion, for being received by a complementary connector portion of the rail adapter, defining a top opening; - a base portion, for being connected with the speaker, defining a bottom opening; and - a hollow body portion extending between the connector portion and the base portion for extending an electrical cable therethrough from the top opening to the bottom opening.

Description

A mounting cap for the mounting of a speaker to an electric rail adapter

The present invention relates to speaker and camera system mounts.

A speaker or loudspeaker is a device containing one or more electro-acoustic transducers; which converts an electrical audio signal into a corresponding sound. The most widely used type of speaker today is the dynamic speaker, invented in 1925 by Edward W. Kellogg and Chester W. Rice. The dynamic speaker operates on the same basic principle as a dynamic microphone, but in reverse, to produce sound from an electrical signal. When an alternating current electrical audio signal is applied to its voice coil, a coil of wire suspended in a circular gap between the poles of a permanent magnet, the coil is forced to move rapidly back and forth due to Faraday's law of induction, which causes a diaphragm (usually conically shaped) attached to the coil to move back and forth, pushing on the air to create sound waves. Besides this most common method, there are several alternative technologies that can be used to convert an electrical signal into sound. The sound source (e.g., a sound recording or a microphone) must be amplified with an amplifier before the signal is sent to the speaker .

Speakers are typically housed in an enclosure which is often a circular, rectangular, or square box made of wood, metal, or sometimes plastic, and the enclosure plays an important role in the quality of the sound. Presently, for an improved surround sound experience speakers are mounted on brackets to a wall, or are placed in high standards with electrical cables trailing behind the box. As the former is esthetically unpleasing and cable management is cumbersome there exists a need to use existing electrical infrastructure such as one or three-phase electrical rails for speaker installation. Such rails are commonly used for spotlights and other lighting equipment which lighting equipment is fitted to the rail via a standardized rail adapter. Presently, speakers cannot make use of existing electrical rail infrastructure. As such, it is the aim of the present invention to enable the use of such infrastructure, or at the very least provide an useful alternative.

Accordingly there is provided according to a first aspect a mounting cap for mounting a speaker or camera system to an electric rail adapter, such as a three-phase rail adapter, characterized in that the cap comprises: a connector portion, for being received by a complementary connector portion of the rail adapter, defining a top opening such as debouching to the rail adapter; a base portion, for being connected with the speaker, defining a bottom opening; and a hollow body portion extending between the connector portion and the base portion for allowing an electrical cable to extend therethrough from the top opening to the bottom opening.

Beneficially, the cap may be integrally formed. That is to say, the connector portion, the base portion and the hollow body portion are all integral.

It is possible for the connector portion to be designed as a tube which extends outward from the body portion, such as along the longitudinal axis of the body portion. The tube comprises a flange that is designed for supporting 9-20 kg of pulling force thereon. This allows the center of mass of an assembly with a speaker to be substantially along the longitudinal axis preventing an uneven distribution of forces on the flange.

Even if forces are not distributed evenly along the flange reinforcements can still be provided to strengthen the cap against deformation. It is for example possible that hollow body portion is provided with a plurality of slats extending within the hollow body from an inner surface of the body portion to the connector portion. In extension of the former it is possible that the flange is interrupted directly over each slat of the plurality of slats. In a preferred embodiment there are four slats, however two, three, five or even six slats are also possible . In order to protect the tube on which, in use, forces are exerted, an outer surface of the hollow body can comprise an upstanding collar which extends upward from the body portion around a part of the connector portion. This prevents direct access to the tube which is otherwise vulnerable to damage. Each of the slats of the plurality of slats may extend to the edge of the collar so as to further reinforce the tube along that part of its length. The term 'in use' here refers to a situation in which the cap is assembled with both the speaker and the rail adapter, so that a physical and electrical connection between the speaker and rail adapter are established and wherein the assembly is installed to an electrical rail. The collar may separate to the before mentioned also comprise a protrusion which extends outward in a radial direction with respect to a central longitudinal axis of the cap. This may be seen as a cam which can run into a part of the rail adapter when the cap is rotated beyond a certain degree of relative rotation. In other words, the protrusion limits the range of rotation so that the cap, and as a consequence, in use, also the rotational range of the speaker. This also prevents an electrical cable extending through the cap from becoming coiled to the point of damage. After all, a user may wish to adjust the orientation of the speaker. This setup prevents rotational adjustments from accumulating beyond 360 degrees of rotation.

Preferably, the inner diameter of the body portion grows smoothly smaller from the base portion to the connector portion. In use, this shape can use an electrical cable, ordinarily provided with a layer of polymer isolation material, to dampen standing soundwaves within the body portion of the cap. This could reduce vibrational stress on the connector portion. The body portion may further also be designed to gradually changes from a first shape to a second shape, wherein the first shape is a rectangle with rounded edges and the second shape is a circular shape from the base portion to the connector portion. This shape prevents that the cap is subject to a single resonance frequency, or tone. Reducing vibration. In one practical example the first shape corresponds to the face of the speaker carrying the electrical connector portion thereof, and the second shape corresponds to the portion of the rail adapter to which the connector portion of the cap connects. In use, after assembly, this would render the entire electrical connection between rail and speaker inaccessible to the user. Thus, improving handling safety. It is noted that the term shape here refers to the shape as traced out by the inner surface in horizontal cross-section. Horizontal here meaning a plane that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the cap.

In another preferred embodiment the inner surface is curved in the longitudinal direction of the cap in such a manner that the curve defines an inflection point. This allows the plug of a cable to become oriented by the inner surface below the inflection point so that the cable coming out of the plug can be smoothly guided by the inner surface of the body portion above the inflection point. This is kinder to the cable. It is generally understood that an electrical cable comprises a plug so as to be compatible with an electrical contact of an appliance such as a speaker.

In one particular embodiment the base portion comprises a rectangular base flange, such as square, with rounded edges, and wherein the flange comprises a plurality of through holes for receiving fasteners, such as screws, for fastening the cap to the speaker. This prevents fasteners from having to be used extending through the hollow body portion itself, which may otherwise weaken the integrity of the hollow body portion. This flange may be curved downwards at its edges so as to fortify the flange.

Optionally, the cap further comprises a tooth which extends downward from the edge of the base flange. If the base flange is curved downward from the edge, the tooth extends downward from said edge. This tooth is beneficial for allowing a user to determine the orientation of the cap. This may be relevant for particular asymmetrical systems. The tooth may be arranged for, in use, extending into a recess comprised in a face the speaker onto which the cap is to be fastened. This allows the cap to be guided while simultaneously plugging said recess. In an alternative embodiment the body of the cap may be curved in the longitudinal direction of the cap so as to form a bell shaped cross-section. This curve defines an inflection point, wherein body is taller below the inflection point than above the inflection point. This shape reduces stress on the cap below the inflection point and above the base portion. Optionally, the body is formed as a hollow frustoconical shape below the inflection point. Beneficially, this reduces the chance of structural failure of the cap at its bottom portion over time.

Beneficially, the body below the inflection point and above the base portion comprises an electrical connector portion which is externally accessible at the outer surface of the body. This beneficially allows an electrical connection to occur through a portion of the body of the cap which is least susceptible to mechanical failure. Thus, safeguarding the electrical connection .

To make the connection between cap and speaker, or camera system less cumbersome the base plate may comprise a lower connector portion designed as a tube which extends downward from a the base plate along the longitudinal axis of the body portion. Said lower connector portion would in such an example comprise a flange which extends radially outward from a lower end of the tube, and wherein said flange is interrupted to form a plurality of flange portions. Beneficially, these flange portions can be designed to engage a complementary recessed track at the top face of the speaker or camera system.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided an assembly of the cap according to the first aspect of the invention, with or without any previously mentioned feature, and an electric rail adapter, such as a three-phase rail adapter. The rail adapter comprises a complementary connector portion to the connector portion of the cap. The cap and rail adapter are connected such that the top opening debouches into the rail adapter, wherein an electrical cable extends from the rail adapter through the top opening into the hollow body portion, and wherein optionally the cap is rotatable along it longitudinal axis with respect to the adapter.

The before mentioned assembly may be expanded with a speaker, and wherein the cap is fixed to the speaker via the base portion. The cap here covers an electrical inlet of the speaker. The electrical cable now extends to the electrical inlet so as to electrically connect the speaker to the rail adapter. This assembly is ready to install to an electric rail, such as a three-phase rail, so that the speaker is electrically connected to said electrical rail. Thus forming a system.

Alternatively an assembly is provided of the cap according to the first aspect of the invention, with or without any previously mentioned feature, and a speaker, wherein the cap is fixed to the speaker via the base portion. The cap here covers an electrical inlet of the speaker, and wherein an electrical cable is allowed to extend to the electrical inlet so as to electrically connect the speaker to the rail adapter. This assembly alone already has the benefit of having shielded the face of the speaker comprising the electrical connection against manipulation. This would make it safer in use around children.

In yet another alternative embodiment, assembly comprises a speaker with a camera, also known as a camera system. In this example the camera system is provided with an electrical contact portion. The cap is fixed to the camera system via the base portion, and the camera system and cap are electrically connected via an inflexible bridge portion along an outer side surface of both the cap and the camera system. This bridge portion also increases child safety as the camera system will disconnect electrically upon rotational tampering. Thus preventing children with access to any of the AC voltage wiring. This is even safer when the base portion comprises a base plate.

According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a kit of parts comprising the cap according to the first aspect of the invention with or without any optional features, and at least one of the speaker or camera system; and the adapter. According to a fourth aspect of the invention there is provided a method of assembly comprising the following steps: providing a cap according to the first aspect of the invention; providing the electric rail adapter, such as a three-phase rail adapter; providing one of a speaker and camera system; connecting the cap to the electric rail adapter; connecting the cap to the speaker or camera system, whichever is chosen; optionally providing an electric rail, such as a three-phase rail, and connecting the adapter to the electrical rail.

Hereinafter a detailed description will follow in reference to drawings:

Figure 1 shows a perspective drawing of the cap;

Figure 2 shows another perspective drawing of the cap; Figure 3 shows a bottom view of the cap;

Figure 4 shows a side view of the cap;

Figure 5 shows another side view of the cap;

Figure 6 shows a cross-section of the cap;

Figure 7 shows a perspective drawing of an assembly of the cap and an electric rail adapter;

Figure 8 shows another perspective drawing of an assembly of the cap and an electric rail adapter;

Figure 9 shows a method of assembling the cap to the speaker;

Figure 10 shows a system according to the invention;

Figure 11 shows an alternative system according to the invention;

Figure 12 shows a perspective drawing of an alternative cap;

Figure 13 shows a side view of the alternative cap;

Figure 14 shows another perspective view of the alternative cap as well as a portion of a speaker

Figure 15 shows a perspective view of an electrical bridge portion;

Figure 16 shows an exploded view of the alternative cap.

Figure 1 shows a perspective drawing of the cap 1 which is of integral design. That is to say, all features on the cap are integral, and are made in a single cast mold of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, also known as ABS. This material has certain benefits, one of which is being sufficiently rigid to not deform a force. In this example the cap is designed to carry the full weight of a speaker 100 according to Figure 10, which is the SONOS™ Model PLAY:1, being approximately 10,2 kg. Potentially other materials, such as PE, PP, PET, HDPE, PA and PVC may also suffice. However, ABS is preferred over these materials as ABS is a cost effective thermoplastic with a high melting point. Therefor, exposure to a certain amount of heat will not directly interfere with the longevity of the cap. This is important in particular uses, such as wherein the cap is arranged in a system 1000 as shown in Figure 10. In such a system spotlights (not shown, but customary), a source of heat and light, may also be arranged. Said system 1000 will be described in more detail further on. ABS is also separately from this example handy as it acts as an electrical insulator. Thus, enabling safe handling of the system 1000. Returning to Figure 1 it can be seen that the cap has a connector portion 3 which is arranged at the top of the cap. This connector portion is designed as a tube which extends upward from a hollow body portion 2, in this case along the longitudinal axis X of the body portion. The tube comprises a flange 7 which extends radially outward from the upper edge of the tube. Herein the tube has an outer diameter of approximately 12 mm and an inner diameter of approximately 9 mm. The top of the tube defines an opening 4 so as to allow an electrical cable 203, as shown in Figure 8, to extend through the tube into an interior of the cap. This interior can be seen in Figure 2, and will be discussed further on. Again returning to Figure 1 the flange 7 can be understood to have a thickness of 0,8-3 mm and extends 3-6 mm from the tube. Within this range of dimensions a pulling force of 10,2 kg can safely be exerted on the cap such that an assembly of speaker 100 and cap 1 can be supported by hanging the assembly from the flange 7 of the cap. The size of the outer diameter of the tube is hereinabove chosen for providing an optimal strength for a minimal use of material, however the diameter may, separately, from this example be anywhere between 10 - 20 mm. The inner diameter of at least 9 mm however is relevant for preventing constriction of standard electric cables. The wall thickness of the tube would in any case be at least 0,5 mm so as to retain its structural integrity. In use, this connector portion is received into a complementary connector portion 201 of a known electric rail adapter 200, which is shown in Figures 6 and 7. In Figure 6 it can be seen that the adapter is provided with an inner edge 202 onto which the flange 7 is supported. In this example the flange 7 has multiple interruptions 7.1 along its circumference. In this example four. However these may alternatively also be two, three of five. Wherein the interruptions are arranged to divide the flange in multiple parts of equal parts. This prevents one part of the flange to be weaker with respect to another part of the flange. The interruptions are in this example limited to reducing the support surface, namely the lower surface, of the flange by 5-30%. Figure 1 also shows that an outer surface of the hollow body comprises an upstanding collar 2.2 which extends upward from the body portion 2 around a part of the connector portion 3. The collar has a protrusion which extends outward in a radial direction R with respect to the central longitudinal axis X of the cap. This protrusion can from Figure 6 be understood to form an obstacle for rotation when the cap is in assembly with the rail adapter 200. That is to say that the presence of the protrusion only prevents the rotation of the cap around the longitudinal axis and with respect to the rail adapter beyond 360 degrees. It is emphasized that the rail adapter 200 itself is a known standard three-phase rail adapter. In this example the SLV™ Nederland 2850205639 S-Track 3 Phase.

Figure 2 shows the underside of the cap 1. Here a base portion 5 of the cap 1 can be seen to define a bottom opening 6. This base portion 5 is formed as a base flange 5.1 of which the outer edge is curved downwards and wherein the base portion is rectangular with rounded edges. In this example the base portion is more specifically a square with rounded edges. The flange 5.1 formed by the base 5 is even provided with a plurality of through holes 8 for receiving fasteners 9, such as screws which are also shown in Figure 9, for fastening the cap 1 to the top face A, also shown in Figure 9, of the speaker 100. Figure 2 also shows that a hollow body portion 2 of the cap 1 extends between the connector portion 3 and the base portion 5. This hollow body portion thereby allows for an electrical cable 203, as shown in Figure 8, to extend therethrough from the top opening 4 to the bottom opening 6. Figure 2 further shows that the cap has a tooth 5.2 which extends downward from the edge of the base portion 5 for, in use, that is to say in assembly with a speaker, extending into a recess 101, as shown in Figure 9, in the top face A of the speaker 100. In Figure 9 this recess is a cable gutter for allowing a cable to be taken up therein. This recess can now instead be used by the tooth in order to guide and position the cap over the top face A of the speaker. In order to prevent additional movement the cross-sectional shape and size of the tooth may be arranged to match the cross-sectional shape and size of the recess 101. In the case of Figure 9 the recess comprises lateral protrusions 102, thus narrowing the recess in a part and preventing the tooth from moving beyond the protrusions. By designing the width of the tooth to match the largest width of the recess, the tooth can be additionally guide by these lateral protrusions so as to further ease the assembly process. Tooth 5.2 is for this same reason entirely optional and combinable with any embodiment of the invention.

Figure 3 shows a bottom up view of the cap 1 revealing a plurality of slats 9 extending within the hollow body portion 2 from a horizontal portion of inner surface 2.1 of the body portion to the connector portion. This reinforces the body against deformation. It can be understood from Figure 3 in combination with Figure 1 that each of the flange 7 is interrupted above each of the slats 9.

Figures 4 and 5 each show a different side view of the cap 1 in which the bell shape of the body portion 2 is pronounced. Here it is not the outer shape that is relevant, but rather the inner shape. It is just that, in this example, the inner surface follows the same shape as the outer surface of the body portion 2 and is thus reflected in the outer surface. The cross-section of the cap in plane A is shown in Figure 6 and reveals more about the inner surface. Returning to Figures 4 and 5, these figures show that the body portion 2 gradually, that is to say smoothly, changes from a rectangle with rounded edges to a circular shape from the base portion to the connector portion. This is also confirmed by Figure 2.

In Figure 6 it can be seen that the outer surface of the body portion 2 indeed reflects the inner surface 2.1 of the body portion 2. In this example the inner diameter of the body portion grows smaller from the base portion 5 to the connector portion 3. It can further be seen that the inner surface 2.1 of the hollow body portion 2 follows a curve in the longitudinal direction, as defined by the longitudinal axis X, of the cap in such a manner that the curve defines an inflection point P. In the three-dimensional body this inflection point manifests as a line above which the curvature of changes its sign. That is to say, the slope of the curve decreases from the base portion to the inflection point, whereas the slope of the curve increases from the inflection point towards the connector portion. This gives rise to a bell shaped interior, in longitudinal cross- section at least also separately from this example and compatible with any embodiment of the cap. The inflection point may also separately from this example be chosen to lie between 10-30% of the height HI of the hollow body portion as measured from the base portion 5to the connector portion 3. The height of the inflection point is designated to be H2. By providing the inflection point at this particular height the cable 203, as shown in Figure 8, is prevented from being unnecessarily kinked. In Figure 6 the rail adapter 200 is schematically shown in dotted lines to show that the rail adapter 200 has a complementary connector portion 201 to the connector portion 3 of the cap. It can be seen from Figure 6 that the top opening 4 debouches into the rail adapter 200. The rail connector will here be provided with electrical contacts (not shown, but customary) to which a cable can be connected and from which a cable can extend into the opening 4 and through the body.

Figure 7 shows an assembly 400 of the cap 1 according to the invention and the electric rail adapter 200, in this example the known three-phase rail adapter. The complementary connector portion is not visible in Figure 7. However, the adapter is formed by two parts 200.1, 200.2 which can be reversibly fastened to each other by screws 200.3. By unfastening the screws 200.3, the two parts reveal the complementary connector portion 201 as schematically shown in Figure 6. The rail adapter itself will be arranged with rail contacts and guides (not shown, but customary) for both electrically and physically connecting to a three-phase electrical rail. In this example one of the parts 200.1, 200.2 has a downward protrusion 200.4 for engaging with a lateral side of protrusion 2.3 of the cap 1. This is the manner in which rotation of the cap beyond 360 degrees is prevented. The cap nevertheless remains rotatable.

Figure 8 shows the same assembly 400, but further with an electrical cable. While Figure 8 does not show it, the cable is electrically connected to the rail adapter. The hollow interior of the cap allows for the cable to be carefully protected from outside influences. Figure 8 also shows that the electrical cable 203 comprises a plug 203.1 for being received by an electrical contact 104 of the speaker as seen in Figure 9.

Figure 9 shows that the speaker 100 has a top face A which already comprises threaded holes 103 for connecting the screws 9 thereto. The top face is simultaneously designed to have the electrical contact 104 provided thereon. The person skilled in the art will know that threaded holes and screws are just an example. Other fastening forms may apply to other speakers. It is apparent from Figure 9 that a user will fasten the cap by its base portion to the speaker by screwing the cap onto the speaker. Prior to this action the electric cable 203 is to be connected to the electrical contact 103. Once the speaker is also fastened to the cap the assembly 400 can be connected to an electrical rail 300.

Figure 10 shows multiple assemblies being both electrically and mechanically connected to an electrical rail 300. In this example the rail is a common three-phase electrical. Figure 10 thus shows a system 1000 according to the invention. Of course, multiple assemblies being part of the same system with one rail are optional.

Figure 11 shows an alternative example of a system 1000' showing another assembly 400' in which the mounting cap 1' is different from the mounting cap as shown in Figure 1. In this example, the mounting cap 1' connects to a camera system 100' which itself comprises both a speaker 100 and a camera 101. As such, the camera system 100' can, also separate from this example, simply be seen as a speaker 100 comprising a camera 101. In fact, if one were to imagine the camera 101 not being present in the system 1000' according to Figure 11, the system would still show an alternative system for connecting to a speaker 100 as such.

In the example of Figure 11 the mounting cap 1' is designed to connect to the portion of a housing 100.1 of the speaker 100. While merely exemplary, the current camera system 100' may also be designed to allow the camera 101 to change in it's orientation via rotation with respect to said speaker 100. Additionally, the camera can be designed so as to allow the camera 101 to change its tilt. Such changes in tilt and orientation can be performed either manually, or the system 100', and may also separately from this example comprise actuators (not shown, but customary) to perform the adjustment of orientation and/or tilt. Such actuators can be controlled via an electrical circuit comprised in the camera system 100' for either receiving instruction signals via the electrical rail 300 itself or wirelessly. To receive wireless signals the mounting cap, or the camara system 100', may be provided with a wireless receiver-transmitter.

From Figure 11 and 12 it can both be seen that the cap 1' comprises an external electrical contact portions 1.1. Returning to Figure 11, the speaker housing 100.1 is shown to also comprises an electrical contact portion 100.2. A electrical bridge portion 1.2 is here provided for simultaneously electrically connecting and covering the electrical contact portions 1.1, 100.2, wherein the bridge portion 1.2 is designed to bridge only the predetermined, and fixed, distance between the contact portions along the outside of both the cap and the camera system, when these are assembled. Beneficially, the bridge portion is furthermore inflexible, thereby hindering any detachment of the speaker 100 from the cap 1'. The before mentioned is particularly beneficial for the cap 1' as shown in Figure 13, wherein the base portion 5 comprises a base plate 5.1 having a lower connector portion 5.

In Figure 13, the lower connector portion is shown as a tube which extends downward from a the base plate 5.1 along the longitudinal axis X of the body portion 2, and wherein said lower connector portion 5.2 comprises a flange 5.3 which extends radially outward from a lower end of the tube.

Figure 14 shows that this flange 5.3 can be interrupted so as to form a plurality of flange portions, here 5.3.1 and 5.3.2 that may be rotationally locked with corresponding recesses 100.1.1 and 100.1.2 of the speaker body 100.1. In this example the flange portions are smaller than the interruptions.

Figure 15 shows the bridge portion 1.2 in more detail. Also separate from this example, this portion may be designed so as to have connector portions USB1, USB2, such as the standardized USB type C or micro USB. Optionally, as shown in Figure 15, the USB-connector portions of the type micro USB and they are arranged so as to be mirror symmetric with respect to each other in a cross sectional plane P of the bridge portion 1.2 between the connector portions. In this manner the act of assembly of cover and camera system is less cumbersome to a user.

Figure 16 shows that the mounting cap 1 may also be provided with an electrical circuit 1.1.1 that is designed to receive electrical current from the rail and to manipulate said received current into a direct current suitable for a USB connection. The manner in which alternating current of any manner of phases is converted to direct current is a well known process to the skilled person and will not be elaborated on. In the example of Figure 16 it is shown that the lower connector portion 5.2 is not integral with the remainder of the cap 1', but a portion which is removably fastened to the rest of the cap 1 via fastening elements S. In this example, screws.

Claims

1. A mounting cap (1) for mounting a speaker (100) or camera system (100') to an electric rail adapter (200), characterized in that the cap comprises: a connector portion (3), for being received by a complementary connector portion of the rail adapter, defining a top opening (4); a base portion (5), for being connected with the speaker, defining a bottom opening (6); and a hollow body portion (2) extending between the connector portion and the base portion for extending an electrical cable (203) therethrough from the top opening (4) to the bottom opening (6).

2. The cap according to claim 1, wherein the connector portion (3) is designed as a tube which extends outward from the body portion, wherein the tube comprises a flange (7), wherein the flange is designed for supporting 9-20 kg of pulling force thereon.

3. The cap according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the hollow body portion comprises a plurality of slats (9) extending within the hollow body portion from an inner surface of the body portion to the connector portion.

4. The cap according to claim 2 and 3, wherein the flange is interrupted directly over each slat of the plurality of slats (9).

5. The cap according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein an outer surface of the hollow body portion comprises an upstanding collar which extends upward from the body portion around a part of the connector portion, and wherein the collar comprises a protrusion which extends outward in a radial direction with respect to a central longitudinal axis of the cap.

6. The cap according to any one of claims 1-5, wherein the cap is integrally formed.

7. The cap (1') according to any one of claims 1-6, wherein the body is curved in the longitudinal direction of the cap so as to form a bell-shaped cross-section, and wherein the curve defines an inflection point (P), and wherein body is taller below the inflection point (H2) than above the inflection point (H3).

8. The cap (1') according to claim 7, wherein the body below the inflection point (P) and above the base portion (5) comprises an electrical connector portion (1.1) which is externally accessible at the outer surface of the body.

9. The cap according to any one of claims 1-6, wherein the inner diameter of the body portion grows smaller from the base portion to the connector portion, and wherein the body portion gradually changes from a first shape to a second shape that is different from the first shape from the base portion to the connector portion.

10. The cap according to claim 9, wherein the inner surface is curved in the longitudinal direction of the cap in such a manner that the curve defines an inflection point, and/or wherein the hollow body portion is bell-shaped is cross-section.

11. The cap according to any one of claims 1-6, 9-10, wherein the base portion (5) comprises a rectangular base flange

(5.1), with rounded edges, and wherein the flange comprises a plurality of through holes for receiving fasteners, for fastening the cap to the speaker.

12. The cap according to claim 11, comprising a tooth

(5.2) which extends downward from the edge of the base flange

(5.1).

13. The cap (1') according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the base portion (5) comprises a base plate (5.1) comprising a lower connector portion (5.2) designed as a tube which extends downward from a the base plate (5.1) along the longitudinal axis (X) of the body portion (2), wherein said lower connector portion

(5.2) comprises a flange (5.3) which extends radially outward from a lower end of the tube, and wherein said flange is interrupted to form a plurality of flange portions (5.3.1, 5.3.2).

14. An assembly of the cap according to any one of claims 1-13 and an electric rail adapter (200), wherein the rail adapter (200) comprises a complementary connector portion (201) to the connector portion (3) of the cap, wherein the cap and rail adapter are connected such that the top opening (4) debouches into the rail adapter, wherein an electrical cable (203) extends from the rail adapter through the top opening into the hollow body portion.

15. The assembly according to claim 14, further comprising a speaker (100), wherein the cap is fixed to the speaker via the base portion (5), wherein the cap covers an electrical inlet of the speaker, and wherein the electrical cable extends to the electrical inlet so as to electrically connect the speaker to the rail adapter.

16. A system of at least one assembly according to claim 15, wherein the adapter of the assembly is connected to an electrical rail (300), so that the speaker (100) or camera system (100') is electrically connected to said electrical rail.

17. An assembly of a cap (1') according to claim 8, and a camera system (100'), wherein the camera system is provided with an electrical contact portion (100.2), wherein the cap is fixed to the camera system via the base portion (5), and the camera system and cap are electrically connected via an inflexible bridge portion (1.2) along an outer side surface of both the cap (1') and the camera system (100').

18. An assembly of the cap according to any one of claims 1-8, 9-12 and a speaker (100), wherein the cap is fixed to the speaker via the base portion (5), wherein the cap covers an electrical inlet of the speaker, and wherein an electrical cable is allowed to extend through the top opening (4) to the electrical inlet.

19. A kit of parts comprising the cap according to any one of claims 1-13, and at least one of the speaker, camera system and the adapter.

20. A method of assembly comprising the following steps: providing a cap according to any one of claims 1-6, 9-12; providing the electric rail adapter; providing the speaker; connecting the cap to the speaker; and connecting the cap to the electric rail adapter.

21. A method of assembly comprising the following steps: providing a cap according to any one of claims 1-8, 13; providing the electric rail adapter; providing the camera system (100'); connecting the cap to the camera system; and connecting the cap to the electric rail adapter.