Loudspeaker system

Abstract

A loudspeaker system for radiating acoustic output throughout 360.degree. in generally horizontal planes, comprising an enclosure having low frequency (woofer) and high frequency (tweeter) radiators mounted in spaced relation on a common vertical axis. The horn loaded compression driver tweeter is the upper of the two and has a diaphragm radiating axially upwardly into a flaring horn, preferably exponential, including an intermediate annular section which abruptly reflects sound waves approximately 90.degree. into a radial outlet section of the horn radiating approximately horizontally through 360.degree., providing the known advantages of horn loaded compression drivers in a radically more compact form than conventional horn speakers. The woofer radiates axially downwardly, and a conical plug spaced downwardly from the speaker cone serves to load the cone for higher efficiency and smoother response, and to deflect acoustic output of the cone generally horizontally through 360.degree. in a 2.pi. steradian loading of the floor plane. The preferred enclosure for the system is rectangular in cross section, providing space for four triangular shaped vertical corner passages to vent the enclosed woofer housing. The axial positioning of the speakers permits counter-acting phase mismatch at the crossover frequency. Major portions of the system are well adapted to being economically fabricated of molded rigid polyurethane foam or similar plastic material.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.