Polaris has applied for a patent for an “AUDIO SYSTEM FOR A UTILITY VEHICLE”
What do you think Polaris is doing here with this audio system? They have applied for U.S. Patent 20220041115 on February 10, 2022
Is Polaris updating Ride Command, or are they taking another step in taking business from the aftermarket company? What are your thoughts?
Abstract
An all-terrain or utility vehicle includes an audio system having at least one speaker. At least one speaker is positioned at a forward portion of the operator area and is supported by a body panel. More particularly, the body panel may be configured to receive at least a portion of the speaker as well as at least a portion of an upper frame assembly. In this way, the speaker is positioned to direct sound towards the rider, is generally concealed from a front view of the vehicle, and is positioned within available space on the vehicle above at least a portion of the door.
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/522,957, filed July 26, 2019, titled AUDIO SYSTEM FOR A UTILITY VEHICLE, the complete disclosure of which is expressly incorporated by reference herein.
The present application is related to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/244,462, filed January 10, 2019, and entitled “VEHICLE” (Attorney Docket No. PLR-15-28382.02P-US) and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/840,654, filed April 30, 2019, and entitled “VEHICLE” (Attorney Docket No. PLR-15-28561.01P-US), the complete disclosures of which are expressly incorporated by reference herein.
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
The present invention relates generally to an audio system for a vehicle and, in particular, to the location and mounting of speakers and audio components on all-terrain or utility vehicle.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
Some vehicles such as utility vehicles, all-terrain vehicles, tractors, and others include infotainment options for the rider, which allow the rider to listen to music, use Bluetooth connectivity for cellular devices, engage in intervehicle communications, review and select operating conditions for the vehicle, etc. To allow for these options, such vehicles include an audio systems with at least one speaker.
However, there can be challenges to finding available space in the vehicle cabin for speakers. As such, it is known that speakers may be positioned near various body panels or other surfaces that can negatively impact or divert the sound away from the rider. For example, the speaker(s) may be positioned in the door or kick panel of a vehicle such that the speaker(s) does not focus or direct sound toward the rider’s ears/head. Further, aesthetically, it may be desirable to allow the speaker and/or other components of the audio system to blend in with various body panels or frame members of the vehicle. As such, there is a need for an audio system for an all-terrain or utility vehicle which provides appropriate sound quality to the rider and utilizes available space on the vehicle.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a utility vehicle comprises a frame assembly having an upper frame assembly and a lower frame assembly coupled to each other at a coupling location; a body assembly supported by the frame assembly and including a dashboard assembly; and an open-air operator area positioned generally below an upper extent of the upper frame assembly and rearward of the coupling location. The utility vehicle also comprises an audio system configured to project sound within the operator area. The audio system includes at least one speaker positioned above the dashboard assembly.
In another embodiment of the present disclosure, a utility vehicle comprises a frame assembly having an upper frame assembly and a lower frame assembly coupled to each other at a coupling location; a body assembly including at least a hood and a door and supported by the frame assembly; and an operator area positioned generally below an upper extent of the upper frame assembly and rearward of the coupling location. The utility vehicle also comprises an audio system configured to project sound within the operator area. The audio system includes at least one speaker positioned above a portion of the door.
In a further embodiment of the present disclosure, a utility vehicle comprises a frame assembly, including a lower frame assembly and an upper frame assembly. The upper frame assembly is coupled to the lower frame assembly at a first connection location. The utility vehicle also comprises a body assembly supported by the frame assembly and comprising a plurality of body panels. Additionally, the utility vehicle comprises an operator area defined by the upper and lower frame assemblies, which includes seating configured to support at least an operator of the utility vehicle. The utility vehicle also comprises an audio system configured to project sound within the operator area. At least one of the plurality of body panels is configured to support a portion of the audio system and a portion of the frame assembly. The at least one of the plurality of body panels is further configured to conceal the first connection location.
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All information from this article was received from U.S. Patent Application 20220041115.
