All The Claims

1. A compound of general formula
wherein:
m is 0, 1, 2 or 3;
each R1 independently represents halogen, cyano, nitro, carboxyl, hydroxyl, C3-C6 cycloalkyl, C1-C6 alkoxy, C1-C6 alkoxycarbonyl, C1-C6 haloalkyl, C1-C6 haloalkoxy, \u2014NR9R10, C3-C6 cycloalkylamino, C1-C6 alkylthio, C1-C6 alkylcarbonyl, C1-C6 alkylcarbonylamino, sulphonamido, C1-C6 alkylsulphonyl, \u2014C(O)NR11R12, \u2014NR13C(O)\u2014(NH)pR14, phenyl, or C1-C6 alkyl optionally substituted by carboxyl or C1-C6 alkoxycarbonyl;
p is 0 or 1;
X represents an oxygen atom or a CH2, OCH2, CH2O, CH2NH, NH, carbonyl or sulphonyl group and Y represents a CH or C(OH) group, provided that when X represents an oxygen atom or a CH2O, CH2NH or NH group, then Y represents a CH group;
Z1 represents a bond or a group (CH2)q where q is 1;
Z2 represents a bond or a group CH2, with the proviso that Z1 and Z2 do not both simultaneously represent a bond, and wherein Z1 and Z2 do not simultaneously represent CH2;
Q represents an oxygen or sulphur atom or a group CH2 or NH;
R2 represents a group
n is 0, 1 or 2;
each R3 independently represents a C1-C6 alkyl, C1-C6 alkoxycarbonyl, \u2014CH2OH or carboxyl group;
R4, R5, R6 and R7 each independently represent a hydrogen atom or a C1-C6 alkyl group, or R4, R5, R6 and R7 together represent a C1-C4 alkylene chain linking the two carbon atoms to which they are attached to form a 4- to 7-membered saturated carbocycle, or R5, R6 and R7 each represent a hydrogen atom and R4 and R8 together with the carbon atoms to which they are attached form a 5- to 6-membered saturated carbocycle;
R8 represents a hydrogen atom, a C1-C6 alkyl group or is linked to R4 as defined above;
R9 and R10 each independently represent a hydrogen atom or a C1-C6 alkyl group, or R9 and R10 together with the nitrogen atom to which they are attached form a 4- to 7-membered saturated heterocycle;
R11 and R12 each independently represent a hydrogen atom or a C1-C6 alkyl group optionally substituted by C1-C6 alkoxycarbonyl;
R13 represents a hydrogen atom or a C1-C6 alkyl group;
R14 represents a hydrogen atom, or a C1-C6 alkyl group optionally substituted by carboxyl, C1-C6 alkoxy or C1-C6 alkoxycarbonyl;
R15 represents a group C2-C6 alkyl, C2-C6 alkenyl, C3-C6 cycloalkyl, C5-C6 cycloalkenyl, adamantyl, phenyl or a saturated or unsaturated 5- to 10-membered heterocyclic ring system comprising at least one heteroatom selected from nitrogen, oxygen and sulphur, wherein each group may be optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from nitro, hydroxyl, oxo, halogen, carboxyl, C1-C6 alkyl, C1-C6 alkoxy, C1-C6 alkylthio, C1-C6 alkylcarbonyl, Cl-C6 alkoxycarbonyl, phenyl and \u2014NHC(O)\u2014R17, with the proviso that R15 does not represent an unsubstituted 1-pyrrolidinyl, an unsubstituted 1-piperidinyl or an unsubstituted 1-hexamethyleneiminyl group;
t is 0, 1, 2 or 3;
each R16 independently represents halogen, cyano, nitro, carboxyl, hydroxyl, C3-C6 cycloalkyl, C1-C6 alkoxy, C1-C6 alkoxycarbonyl, C1-C6 haloalkyl, C1-C6 haloalkoxy, \u2014NR18R19, C3-C6 cycloalkylamino, C1-C6 alkylthio, C1-C6 alkylcarbonyl, C1-C6 alkylcarbonylamino, sulphonamido (\u2014SO2NH2), C1-C6 alkylsulphonyl, \u2014C(O)NR20R21, \u2014NR22C(O)(NH)vR23, phenyl, or C1-C6 alkyl optionally substituted by carboxyl or C1-C6 alkoxycarbonyl;
R17 represents a C1-C6 alkyl, amino or phenyl group;
R18 and R19 each independently represent a hydrogen atom or a C1-C6 alkyl group, or R18 and R19 together with the nitrogen atom to which they are attached form a 4- to 7-membered saturated heterocycle;
R20 and R21 each independently represent a hydrogen atom or a C1-C6 alkyl group optionally substituted by C1-C6 alkoxycarbonyl;
v is 0 or 1;
R22 represents a hydrogen atom or a C1-C6 alkyl group; and
R23 represents a hydrogen atom, or a C1-C6 alkyl group optionally substituted by carboxyl, C1-C6 alkoxy or C1-C6 alkoxycarbonyl; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof.
2. A compound according to claim 1, wherein X represents an oxygen atom or a CH2 or NH group.
3. A compound according to claim 1, wherein Y represents a CH group.
4. A compound according to any one of claim 1, wherein Q represents an oxygen atom.
5. A compound according to claim 1, wherein R15 represents a group C2-C5 alkyl, C2-C4 alkenyl, C3-C6 cycloalkyl, C5-C6 cycloalkenyl, adamantyl, phenyl or a saturated or unsaturated 5- to 10-membered heterocyclic ring system comprising at least one heteroatom selected from nitrogen, oxygen and sulphur, wherein each group may be optionally substituted by one, two or three substituents independently selected from hydroxyl, oxo, halogen, carboxyl, C1-C6 alkyl, C1-C6 alkoxy, C1-C6 alkylthio, C1-C6 alkylcarbonyl, C1-C6 alkoxycarbonyl, phenyl and \u2014NHC(O)\u2014R17.
6. A compound according to claim 5, wherein the saturated or unsaturated 5- to 10-membered heterocyclic ring system comprising at least one heteroatom selected from nitrogen, oxygen and sulphur, is pyrrolidinyl, piperidinyl, pyrazolyl, thiazolidinyl, thienyl, thiadiazolyl, isoxazolyl, pyrrolyl, furanyl, thiazolyl, indolyl, quinolinyl, benzimidazolyl, triazolyl, tetrazolyl or pyridinyl.
7. A compound according to claim 1, wherein each R16 independently represents halogen, cyano, C1-C4 alkoxy, C1-C4 alkoxycarbonyl, C1-C4 haloalkyl, C1-C4 alkylcarbonyl, phenyl or C1-C4 alkyl.
8. A compound of formula (I), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof, as defined in claim 1 being selected from:
N-(5-Chloro-2-{3-3-(4-chloro-phenoxy)-pyrrolidin-1-yl-2-hydroxy-propoxy}-phenyl)-isobutyramide,
Thiophene-2-carboxylic acid (2-{3-3-(4-chloro-phenoxy)-pyrrolidin-1-yl-2-hydroxy-propoxy}-phenyl)-amide,
N-(2-{3-3-(4-Chloro-phenoxy)-pyrrolidin-1-yl-2-hydroxy-propoxy}-phenylcarbamoyl)-methylbanzamide, -be
Pyrazine-2-carboxylic acid (2-{3-3-(4-chloro-phenoxy)-pyrrolidin-1-yl-2-hydroxy-propoxy}-phenyl)-amide,
Cyclohexanecarboxylic acid (2-{3-3-(4-chloro-phenoxy)-pyrrolidin-1-yl-2-hydroxy-propoxy}-phenyl)-amide,
N-(2-{3-3-(4-Chloro-phenoxy)-pyrrolidin-1-yl-2-hydroxy-propoxy}-phenyl)-phthalamic acid methyl ester,
N-(2-{3-3-(4-Chloro-phenoxy)-pyrrolidin-1-yl-2-hydroxy-propoxy}-phenyl)-3-hydroxy-butyramide,
N-(2-{3-3-(4-Chloro-phenoxy)-pyrrolidin-1-yl-2-hydroxy-propoxy}-phenyl)-2-ureido-acetamide,
4-Acetylamino-N-(2-{3-3-(4-chloro-phenoxy)-pyrrolidin-1-yl-2-hydroxy-propoxy}-phenyl)-butyramide,
1-Acetyl-piperidine-4-carboxylic acid (2-{3-3-(4-chloro-phenoxy)-pyrrolidin-1-yl-2-hydroxy-propoxy}-phenyl)-amide,
N-(2-{3-3-(4-Chloro-phenoxy)-pyrrolidin-1-yl-2-hydroxy-propoxy}-phenyl)-3-methoxy-benzamide,
2-Acetylamino-N-(2-{3-3-(4-chloro-phenoxy)-pyrrolidin-1-yl-2-hydroxy-propoxy}-phenyl)-3-methyl-butyramide,
2-Acetylamino-N-(2-{3-3-(4-chloro-phenoxy)-pyrrolidin-1-yl-2-hydroxy-propoxy}-phenyl)-3-hydroxy-butyramide,
Adamantane-1-carboxylic acid (2-{3-3-(4-chloro-phenoxy)-pyrrolidin-1-yl-2-hydroxy-propoxy}-phenyl)-amide,
2-Acetylamino-N-(2-{3-3-(4-chloro-phenoxy)-pyrrolidin-1-yl-2-hydroxy-propoxy}-phenyl)-3-phenyl-propionamide,
N-(2-{3-3-(4-Chloro-phenoxy)-pyrrolidin-1-yl-2-hydroxy-propoxy}-phenyl)-2-methoxy-benzamide,
5-Methyl-thiophene-2-carboxylic acid (2-{3-3-(4-chloro-phenoxy)-pyrrolidin-1-yl-2-hydroxy-propoxy}-phenyl)-amide,
1-Acetyl-pyrrolidine-2-carboxylic acid (2-{3-3-(4-chloro-phenoxy)-pyrrolidin-1-yl-2-hydroxy-propoxy}-phenyl)-amide,
1,5-Dimethyl-1H-pyrazole-3-carboxylic acid (2-{3-3-(4-chloro-phenoxy)-pyrrolidin-1-yl-2-hydroxy-propoxy}-phenyl)-amide,
5-Oxo-pyrrolidine-2-carboxylic acid (2-{3-3-(4-chloro-phenoxy)-pyrrolidin-1-yl-2-hydroxy-propoxy}-phenyl)-amide,
1H-Indole-6-carboxylic acid (2-{3-3-(4-chloro-phenoxy)-pyrrolidin-1-yl-2-hydroxy-propoxy}-phenyl)-amide,
Cyclobutanecarboxylic acid (2-{3-3-(4-chloro-phenoxy)-pyrrolidin-1-yl-2-hydroxy-propoxy}-phenyl)-amide,
N-(2-{3-3-(4-Chloro-phenoxy)-pyrrolidin-1-yl-2-hydroxy-propoxy}-phenyl)-propionamide,
Pentanoic acid (2-{3-3-(4-chloro-phenoxy)-pyrrolidin-1-yl-2-hydroxy-propoxy}-phenyl)-amide,
Pent-4-enoic acid (2-{3-3-(4-chloro-phenoxy)-pyrrolidin-1-yl-2-hydroxy-propoxy}-phenyl)-amide,
Cyclopentanecarboxylic acid (2-{3-3-(4-chloro-phenoxy)-pyrrolidin-1-yl-2-hydroxy-propoxy}-phenyl)-amide,
Cyclopropanecarboxylic acid (2-{3-3-(4-chloro-phenoxy)-pyrrolidin-1-yl-2-hydroxy-propoxy}-phenyl)-amide,
N-(2-{3-3-(4-Chloro-phenoxy)-pyrrolidin-1-yl-2-hydroxy-propoxy}-phenyl)-isobutyramide,
N-(2-{3-3-(4-Chloro-phenoxy)-pyrrolidin-1-yl-2-hydroxy-propoxy}-phenyl)-2-methylsulfanyl-acetamide,
2-Acetylamino-N-(2-{3-3-(4-chloro-phenoxy)-pyrrolidin-1-yl-2-hydroxy-propoxy}-phenyl)-propionamide,
N-(2-{3-3-(4-Chloro-phenoxy)-pyrrolidin-1-yl-2-hydroxy-propoxy}-phenyl)-butyramide,
N-(2-{3-3-(4-Chloro-phenoxy)-pyrrolidin-1-yl-2-hydroxy-propoxy}-phenyl)-3-methyl-butyramide,
N-(2-{3-3-(4-Chloro-phenoxy)-pyrrolidin-1-yl-2-hydroxy-propoxy}-phenyl)-2-methoxy-acetamide,
N-(2-{3-3-(4-Chloro-phenoxy)-pyrrolidin-1-yl-2-hydroxy-propoxy}-phenyl)-2,2-dimethyl-propionamide,
5-Oxo-hexanoic acid (2-{3-3-(4-chloro-phenoxy)-pyrrolidin-1-yl-2-hydroxy-propoxy}-phenyl)-amide,
2-Chloro-N-(2-{3-3-(4-chloro-phenoxy)-pyrrolidin-1-yl-2-hydroxy-propoxy}-phenyl)-benzamide,
3-Chloro-N-(2-{3-3-(4-chloro-phenoxy)-pyrrolidin-1-yl-2-hydroxy-propoxy}-phenyl)-benzamide,
(4R)-N-(2-{3-3-(4-chlorophenoxy)-1-pyrrolidinyl-2-hydroxypropoxy}phenyl)-1,3-thiazolidine-4-carboxamide ditrifluoroacetate,
N-(2-{3-3-(4-chlorophenoxy)-1-pyrrolidinyl-2-hydroxypropoxy}phenyl)-2,2,2-trifluoroacetamide hydrochloride,
Furan-2-carboxylic acid (2-{3-3-(4-chloro-phenoxy)-pyrrolidin-1-yl-2-hydroxy-propoxy}-4-methyl-phenyl)-amide,
1H-Pyrrole-2-carboxylic acid (2-{3-3-(4-chloro-phenoxy)-pyrrolidin-1-yl-2-hydroxy-propoxy}-4-methyl-phenyl)-amide,
Thiophene-2-carboxylic acid (2-{3-3-(4-chloro-phenoxy)-pyrrolidin-1-yl-2-hydroxy-propoxy}-4-methyl-phenyl)-amide,
Cyclopentanecarboxylic acid (2-{3-3-(4-chloro-phenoxy)-pyrrolidin-1-yl-2-hydroxy-propoxy}-4-methyl-phenyl)-amide,
5-Methyl-thiophene-2-carboxylic acid (2-{3-3-(4-chloro-phenoxy)-pyrrolidin-1-yl-2-hydroxy-propoxy}-4-methyl-phenyl)-amide,
3-Chloro-thiophene-2-carboxylic acid (2-{3-3-(4-chloro-phenoxy)-pyrrolidin-1-yl-2-hydroxy-propoxy}-4-methyl-phenyl)-amide,
5-Methyl-isoxazole-4-carboxylic acid (2-{3-3-(4-chloro-phenoxy)-pyrrolidin-1-yl-2-hydroxy-propoxy}-4-methyl-phenyl)-amide,
1,2,3Thiadiazole-4-carboxylic acid (2-{3-3-(4-chloro-phenoxy)-pyrrolidin-1-yl-2-hydroxy-propoxy}-4-methyl-phenyl)-amide,
3-Methyl-furan-2-carboxylic acid (2-{3-3-(4-chloro-phenoxy)-pyrrolidin-1-yl-2-hydroxy-propoxy}-4-methyl-phenyl)-amide,
Cyclopent-1-enecarboxylic acid (2-{3-3-(4-chloro-phenoxy)-pyrrolidin-1-yl-2-hydroxy-propoxy}-4-methyl-phenyl)-amide,
2-Methyl-furan-3-carboxylic acid (2-{3-3-(4-chloro-phenoxy)-pyrrolidin-1-yl-2-hydroxy-propoxy}-4-methyl-phenyl)-amide,
3-Methyl-thiophene-2-carboxylic acid (2-{3-4-(3,4-dichloro-phenoxy)-piperidin-1-yl-2-hydroxy-propoxy}-phenyl)-amide,
5-Nitro-1H-pyrazole-3-carboxylic acid (2-{3-3-(4-chloro-phenoxy)-pyrrolidin-1-yl-2-hydroxy-propoxy}-4-methyl-phenyl)-amide,
Thiophene-3-carboxylic acid (2-{3-3-(4-chloro-phenoxy)-pyrrolidin-1-yl-2-hydroxy-propoxy}-4-methyl-phenyl)-amide,
Cyclobutanecarboxylic acid (2-{3-3-(4-chloro-phenoxy)-pyrrolidin-1-yl-2-hydroxy-propoxy}-4-methyl-phenyl)-amide,
Furan-2-carboxylic acid (2-{3-3-(4-fluoro-phenoxy)-pyrrolidin-1-yl-2-hydroxy-1-propoxy}-4-methyl-phenyl)-amide,
1H-Pyrrole-2-carboxylic acid (2-{3-3-(4-fluoro-phenoxy)-pyrrolidin-1-yl-2-hydroxy-propoxy}-4-methyl-phenyl)-amide,
Thiophene-2-carboxylic acid (2-{3-3-(4-fluoro-phenoxy)-pyrrolidin-1-yl-2-hydroxy-propoxy}-4-methyl-phenyl)-amide,
3-Chloro-thiophene-2-carboxylic acid (2-{3-3-(4-fluoro-phenoxy)-pyrrolidin-1-yl-2-hydroxy-propoxy}-4-methyl-phenyl)-amide,
5-Methyl-isoxazole-4-carboxylic acid (2-{3-3-(4-fluoro-phenoxy)-pyrrolidin-1-yl-2-hydroxy-propoxy}-4-methyl-phenyl)-amide,
3-Methyl-furan-2-carboxylic acid (2-{3-3-(4-fluoro-phenoxy)-pyrrolidin-1-yl-2-hydroxy-propoxy}-4-methyl-phenyl)-amide,
Cyclopent-1-enecarboxylic acid (2-{3-3-(4-fluoro-phenoxy)-pyrrolidin-1-yl-2-hydroxy-propoxy}-4-methyl-phenyl)-amide,
2-Methyl-furan-3-carboxylic acid (2-{3-3-(4-fluoro-phenoxy)-pyrrolidin-1-yl-2-hydroxy-propoxy}-4-methyl-phenyl)-amide,
3-Methyl-thiophene-2-carboxylic acid (2-{3-3-(4-fluoro-phenoxy)-pyrrolidin-1-yl-2-hydroxy-propoxy}-4-methyl-phenyl)-amide,
5-Chloro-thiophene-2-carboxylic acid (2-{3-3-(4-fluoro-phenoxy)-pyrrolidin-1-yl-2-hydroxy-propoxy}4-methyl-phenyl)-amide,
Thiophene-3-carboxylic acid (2-{3-3-(4-fluoro-phenoxy)-pyrrolidin-1-yl-2-hydroxy-propoxy}-4-methyl-phenyl)-amide,
2,5-Dimethyl-furan-3-carboxylic acid (2-{3-3-(4-fluoro-phenoxy)-pyrrolidin-1-yl-2-hydroxy-propoxy}-4-methyl-phenyl)-amide,
Cyclobutanecarboxylic acid (2-{3-3-(4-fluoro-phenoxy)-pyrrolidin-1-yl-2-hydroxy-propoxy}-4-methyl-phenyl)-amide,
Furan-3-carboxylic acid (2-{3-3-(4-fluoro-phenoxy)-pyrrolidin-1-yl-2-hydroxy-propoxy}-4-methyl-phenyl)-amide,
N-{2-(3-{3-(4-fluorophenyl)oxy-1-pyrrolidinyl}-2-hydroxypropyl)oxy-4-methylphenyl}-1H-pyrrole-2-carboxamide,
N-{2-(3-{3-(4-chlorophenyl)oxy-1-pyrrolidinyl}-2-hydroxypropyl)oxy-4-methylphenyl}-3-thiophenecarboxamide,
N-{2-(3-{3-(4-chlorophenyl)oxy-1-pyrrolidinyl}-2-hydroxy-2-methylpropyl)oxyphenyl}-2-thiophenecarboxamide, compound with trifluoroacetic acid,
N-{2-(3-{3-(4-fluorophenyl)oxy-1-pyrrolidinyl}-2-hydroxypropyl)oxy-4-methylphenyl}-2-thiophenecarboxamide,
N-{2-(3-{3-(4-chlorophenyl)oxy-1-pyrrolidinyl}-2-hydroxypropyl)oxyphenyl}-2-furancarboxamide,
N-{2-(3-{3-(4-chlorophenyl)oxy-1-pyrrolidinyl}-2-hydroxypropyl)oxyphenyl}-1-pyrrole-2-carboxamide
N-{2-(3-{3-(4-chlorophenyl)oxy-1-pyrrolidinyl)}-2-hydroxypropyl)oxy-4-methylphenyl}-1H-pyrrole-3-carboxamide,.
N-{2-(3-{3-(4-fluorophenyl)oxy-1-pyrrolidinyl)}-2-hydroxypropyl)oxy-4-methylphenyl}-2-furancarboxamide,
N-{2-(3-{3-(4-chlorophenyl)oxy-1-pyrrolidinyl)}-2-hydroxy-2-methylpropyl)oxyphenyl}cyclopentanecarboxamide, compound with trifluoracetic acid,
N-(2-{3-3-(4-Fluoro-phenoxy)-pyrrolidin-1-yl-2-hydroxy-2-methyl-propoxy}-phenyl)-benzamide,
N-(2-{3-3-(4-Cyano-phenoxy)-pyrrolidin-1-yl-2-hydroxy-2-methyl-propoxy}-phenyl)-benzamide, and
N-(2-{3-3-(4-Chloro-phenoxy)-pyrrolidin-1-yl-2-hydroxy-2-methyl-propoxy}-phenyl)-benzamide.
9. A process for the preparation of a compound of formula (I) as defined in claim 1 which comprises reacting a compound of general formula
or a salt thereof, wherein m, n, t, R1, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8, R16, Y, Q, Z1 and Z2 are as defined in claim 1, with a compound of general formula
R15\u2014CO2H\u2003\u2003(III)
or chemically equivalent derivative thereof, wherein R15 is as defined in claim 1;
and optionally thereafter forming a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate of the compound of formula (I) obtained.
10. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a therapeudically effective amount of a compound of formula (I), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof, as claimed in claim 1 in association with a pharmaceutically acceptable adjuvant, diluent or carrier.
11. A process for the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition, the process comprising mixing a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of formula (I), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof, as claimed in claim 1 with a pharmaceutically acceptable adjuvant, diluent or carrier.

The claims below are in addition to those above.
All refrences to claim(s) which appear below refer to the numbering after this setence.

1. An external sound system for a portable electronic device having an electronic display screen, said external sound system comprising, in combination:
a mount configured to be secured to the portable electronic device;
at least one sound panel coupled to the mount and selectively movable relative to the mount between at least a first position and a second position;
at least one flat panel loudspeaker forming at least a portion of an exterior surface of the sound panel and operably coupled to the portable electronic device to selectively produce sound;
wherein the at least one sound panel is configured so that the at least one flat panel loudspeaker faces and at least partially covers the electronic display screen of the portable electronic device to protect the electronic display screen of the portable electronic device when the sound panel is in the first position and so that the at least one flat panel loudspeaker is located laterally beside the electronic display screen of the portable electronic device and faces in the same direction as the electronic display screen of the portable electronic device when the sound panel is in the second position; and
wherein the sound panel includes a frame and the at least one flat panel loudspeaker includes a vibratable panel having inner and outer surfaces, an exciter fixed to the frame and secured to the inner surface of the vibratable panel to selectively impart vibrations to the vibratable panel, and a flexible support sheet secured to the outer surface of the vibratable panel and coupled to the frame to partially support the vibratable panel.
2. The external sound system according to claim 1, wherein there are two of the sound panels, there are two of the flat panel loudspeakers, a first one of the two flat panel loudspeakers forms at least a portion of an exterior surface of a first one of the two sound panels, and a second one of the two flat panel loudspeakers forms at least a portion of an exterior surface of a second one of the two sound panels.
3. The external sound system according to claim 2, wherein the first and second sound panels are pivotally secured to the mount on opposed sides of the portable electronic device and pivot in opposite directions between the first position and the second position.
4. (canceled)
5. The external sound system according to claim 1, wherein the frame has a first frame member and a second frame member, the first frame member is coupled to the mount and encircles the vibratable panel, the second frame member encircles the vibratable panel is secured to the first frame member with the flexible support sheet at least partially wrapped around the second frame member to secure the flexible support sheet to the frame.
6. The external sound system according to claim 5, wherein the flexible support sheet is fabric.
7. The external sound system according to claim 6, wherein the sound panel further includes a rear enclosure having a plurality of openings and secured to the first frame member, the rear enclosure is located behind the vibratable panel with the exciter between the vibratable panel and the rear enclosure and the exciter secured to the rear enclosure, and wherein the sound panel includes a breathable sheet covering the rear enclosure.
8. The external sound system according to claim 7, wherein the breathable sheet is fabric.
9. The external sound system according to claim 7, wherein the first frame member has a flange forming opposed outward and inward facing abutments encircling the vibratable panel, and wherein the second frame member is secured directly to the rear enclosure to clamp the second frame member and the rear enclosure to the flange of the first frame member.
10. The external sound system according to claim 1, wherein the sound panel is pivotally secured to the mount and selectively pivotal between the first position, the second position about 180 degrees from the first position, and a third position about 360 degrees from the first position and behind the portable electronic device with the flat panel loudspeaker facing in a direction opposite of the electronic display screen of the portable electronic device.
11. An external sound system for a portable electronic device having an electronic display screen, said external sound system comprising, in combination:
a housing configured to hold the portable electronic device;
at least one sound panel coupled to the housing and selectively movable relative to the housing to between at least a first position and a second position;
at least one flat panel loudspeaker forming at least a portion of an exterior surface of the at least one sound panel and operably coupled to the portable electronic device to selectively produce sound;
wherein the at least one sound panel is configured so that the at least one flat panel loudspeaker faces and at least partially covers the electronic display screen of the portable electronic device to protect the electronic display screen of the portable electronic device when the sound panel is in the first position and so that the at least one flat panel loudspeaker is located laterally beside the electronic display screen of the portable electronic and faces in the same direction as the electronic display screen of the portable electronic device when the sound panel is in the second position; and
wherein the sound panel includes a frame and the at least one flat panel loudspeaker includes a vibratable panel having inner and outer surfaces, an exciter fixed to the frame and secured to the inner surface of the vibratable panel to impart vibrations to the vibratable panel, and a flexible support sheet secured to the outer surface of the vibratable panel and coupled to the frame to partially support the vibratable panel.
12. The external sound system according to claim 11, wherein there are two of the sound panels, there are two of the flat panel loudspeakers, a first one of the two flat panel loudspeakers forms at least a portion of an exterior surface of a first one of the two sound panels, and a second one of the two flat panel loudspeakers forms at least a portion of an exterior surface of a second one of the two sound panels.
13. The external sound system according to claim 12, wherein the first and second sound panels are pivotally secured to the housing on opposed sides of the housing and pivot in opposite directions between the first position and the second position.
14. (canceled)
15. The external sound system according to claim 11, wherein the frame has a first frame member and a second frame member, the first frame member is coupled to the housing and encircles the vibratable panel, the second frame member encircles the vibratable panel is secured to the first frame member with the flexible support sheet at least partially wrapped around the second frame member to secure the flexible support sheet to the frame.
16. The external sound system according to claim 15, wherein the flexible support sheet is fabric.
17. The external sound system according to claim 15, wherein the sound panel further includes a rear enclosure having a plurality of openings and secured to the first frame member, the rear enclosure is located behind the vibratable panel with the exciter between the vibratable panel and the rear enclosure and the exciter secured to the rear enclosure, and wherein the sound panel includes a breathable sheet covering the rear enclosure.
18. The external sound system according to claim 17, wherein the breathable sheet is fabric.
19. The external sound system according to claim 17, wherein the first frame member has a flange forming opposed outward and inward facing abutments encircling the vibratable panel, and wherein the second frame member is secured directly to the rear enclosure to clamp the second frame member and the rear enclosure to the flange of the first frame member.
20. A protective cover for a portable electronic device having an electronic display screen, said protective cover comprising, in combination:
a housing configured to hold the portable electronic device;
first and second sound panels pivotally coupled to the housing on opposed sides of the housing and selectively pivotal in opposite directions relative to the housing to cover and uncover the electronic display screen of the portable electronic device;
a first flat panel loudspeaker forming at least a portion of an exterior surface of the first sound panel and operably coupled to the portable electronic device to selectively produce sound and a second flat panel loudspeaker forming at least a portion of an exterior surface of the second sound panel and operably coupled to the portable electronic device to selectively produce sound; and
wherein the first and second sound panels each include a frame and the first and second flat panel loudspeakers each include a vibratable panel having inner and outer surfaces, an exciter fixed to the frame and secured to the inner surface of the vibratable panel to impart vibrations to the vibratable panel, and a flexible support sheet secured to the outer surface of the vibratable panel and coupled to the frame to partially support the vibratable panel.

1. An oscillating device, comprising:
an oscillating system having a plurality of oscillation movable elements, a plurality of elastically supporting portions connected to said plurality of oscillation movable elements, and a supporting member for supporting a portion of said plurality of resiliently supporting portions;
a coil for applying a torque to at least one of said plurality of oscillation movable elements;
a driving circuit for supplying a driving signal to said coil; and
a temperature adjusting element for adjusting temperature of at least one of said resiliently supporting portions;
wherein said oscillating system has a reference oscillation mode corresponding to a natural oscillation mode at a reference frequency, and a second natural oscillation mode of a frequency n-fold of the reference frequency, where n is an integer; and
wherein said driving circuit applies, to said coil, a driving signal of the reference oscillation mode and a driving signal of the second natural oscillation mode so as to excite the reference oscillation mode and the second natural oscillation mode simultaneously.
2. An oscillating device according to claim 1, further comprising control means for controlling said temperature adjusting element to adjust the frequency of the natural oscillation mode.
3. An oscillating device according to claim 1, wherein said temperature adjusting element is provided in a portion of said supporting member or of a stationary member to which said supporting member is fixed.
4. An oscillating device according to claim 1, wherein said temperature adjusting element is provided in a portion of said resiliently supporting portions.
5. An oscillating device according to claim 4, wherein said temperature adjusting element is disposed with a meander.
6. An oscillating device according to claim 1, wherein said temperature adjusting element is configured to adjust temperatures of said resiliently supporting portions, independently of each other.
7. An oscillating device according to claim 1, wherein said supporting member has a cantilever structure and is provided on said stationary member.
8. An oscillating device according to claim 1, wherein said supporting member has a cantilever structure and is provided on said stationary member, wherein said temperature adjusting element is provided on one of said supporting member and said resiliently supporting portions, and wherein said stationary member is provided with a second temperature adjusting element, separate from the first-mentioned temperature adjusting element, for adjusting a length of said stationary member in a direction parallel to a torsional axis.
9. An oscillating device according to claim 1, wherein said oscillating system includes a first oscillation movable element, a second oscillation movable element, a first resiliently supporting portions, a second resiliently supporting portions, and a supporting member, wherein said first oscillation movable element is resiliently supported relative to said second oscillation movable element by said first resiliently supporting portion, for oscillation about the predetermined oscillation axis, and wherein said second oscillation movable element is resiliently supported relative to said supporting member by said second resiliently supporting portion, for oscillation about the predetermined oscillation axis.
10. An oscillating device according to claim 1, wherein said temperature adjusting element comprises a heating element provided by a resistance heat generating member configured to generate heat in response to energization.
11. An oscillating device according to claim 1, wherein said oscillating system has natural oscillation modes of two different frequencies, and wherein one of the two frequencies is approximately twofold or threefold of the other frequency.
12. An oscillating device according to claim 1, wherein said oscillation movable element, said elastically supporting portions and said supporting member are made integrally from monocrystal silicon.
13. An oscillating device according to claim 1, wherein said oscillation movable element has a reflection surface and it functions as an optical deflector for changing a direction of reflection of light incident thereupon.
14. An optical instrument, comprising:
a light source; and
an oscillating device as recited in claim 13, for deflecting light from said light source;
wherein at least a portion of the light deflected by said oscillating device is projected on an image display member or a photosensitive member.
The claims below are in addition to those above.
All refrences to claim(s) which appear below refer to the numbering after this setence.

1. A system for managing in real-time a telecommunication device used by a user, comprising:
an administrator wallet for electronically storing units of value, being accessible by an administrator, and being associated with at least the telecommunication device; and a function manager for managing a plurality of different functions to be performed by the telecommunication device, the function manager having a global rule that specifies whether a function is permitted, the function manager having a local rule that specifies whether a charge of units of value associated with the function will be paid by the user or by the administrator wallet.
2. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein the local rule specifies that the administrator wallet is to pay for the function if the user cannot pay for the function.
3. The system as recited in claim 1, further comprising a user wallet for electronically storing units of value, being accessible by the user, and being associated with the telecommunication device, wherein the local rule specifies that even if the administrator wallet is to pay for the function, if the administrator wallet lacks sufficient units of value to pay for the function, then the user wallet is to pay for the function if the user wallet contains sufficient units of value.
4. The system as recited in claim 1, further comprising a user wallet for electronically storing units of value, being accessible by the user, and being associated with the telecommunication device, wherein the user wallet or the administrator wallet are associated with a charge card, and wherein the charge card is to pay for the function if either the user wallet or the administrator wallet lack sufficient units of value.
5. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein the units of value are credits representing services or applications.
6. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein the local rule specifies that charges associated with sending or receiving content between the telecommunication device and the administrator or another device authorized by the administrator are to be paid by the administrator wallet.
7. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein the local rule specifies a list of names or numbers corresponding to other communication devices or persons, and wherein the local rule specifies that charges associated with sending or receiving content between the telecommunication device and the other communication devices or persons on the list are to be paid by the user.
8. The system as recited in claim 1, further comprising a promotional wallet for storing units of value and being associated with the telecommunication device, wherein the global rule specifies one or more promotional functions that can be paid by the promotional wallet, and wherein the local rule specifies that if sufficient units of value are stored in the promotional wallet, then charges associated with the promotional functions are to be paid by the promotional wallet.
9. The system as recited in claim 1, further comprising a user wallet for electronically storing units of value, being accessible by the user, and being associated with the telecommunication device, wherein if the units of value stored in the administrator wallet or the user wallet equal or pass a predetermined level, the administrator andor the user is alerted.
10. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein the function manager is accessible by the administrator through a website that enables the administrator to choose the function and to choose a first global rule andor a first local rule.
11. The system as recited in claim 1, further comprising a transfer function for enabling units of value to be transferred between the administrator wallet, the user andor a third party.
12. The system as recited in claim 11, further comprising a user wallet for electronically storing units of value, being accessible by the user, and being associated with the telecommunication device, wherein the transfer function automatically makes the transfer of a predetermined number of units of value to the user wallet from the administrator wallet on a periodic schedule or when the units of value stored in the user wallet or the administrator wallet equal or pass a predetermined level.
13. The system as recited in claim 1, further comprising a user wallet for electronically storing units of value, being accessible by the user, and being associated with the telecommunication device, and further comprising a gift function for enabling a third party to make a deposit of units of value to either the user wallet or the administrator wallet and to communicate with the user andor the administrator regarding the deposit.
14. A system for funding in real-time a telecommunication device used by a user, comprising:
a dynamic wallet for electronically storing units of value, the dynamic wallet being accessible by a financier and being represented by a unique identifier; and a function manager for managing a plurality of functions to be performed by the telecommunication device, the function manager having a global rule that specifies whether a function is permitted and a local rule that applies if the function is permitted by the global rule and that specifies whether a number of units of value associated with the function will be paid by the user or by the dynamic wallet.
15. The system as recited in claim 14, further comprising a funding function accessible by the financier that enables the financier to associate the dynamic wallet with the telecommunication device and to establish or change the local rule.
16. The system as recited in claim 14, further comprising an administrator wallet for electronically storing units of value and being associated with the telecommunication device, the administrator wallet being accessible by an administrator and operative to control the function manager, the local rule further specifying whether the number of units of value associated with the function will be charged to the user, the dynamic wallet or the administrator wallet.
17. The system as recited in claim 14, further comprising an administrator wallet for electronically storing units of value and being associated with the telecommunication device, the administrator wallet being accessible by an administrator and operative to control the function manager, and further comprising a funding function accessible by the financier that enables the financier to associate the dynamic wallet with the telecommunication device and to establish or change the local rule.
18. A system for managing in real-time a telecommunication device used by a user, comprising a function manager for managing a plurality of functions to be performed by the telecommunication device, the function manager including:
a global rule that specifies whether a function is permitted; and
a local rule that applies if the function is permitted by the global rule and that specifies whether a number of units of value associated with the function will be paid by the user or a promotional wallet, wherein the promotional wallet electronically stores units of value and is associated with the telecommunication device, and wherein if the function is a promotional function, the promotional wallet pays the number of units of value for the promotional function until a predetermined limit has been met.
19. The system as recited in claim 18, further comprising a user wallet for electronically storing units of value, being accessible by the user, and being associated with the telecommunication device, the local rule further specifying that the user wallet is to pay the number of units of value for the promotional function once the predetermined limit has been met.
20. The system as recited in claim 18, further comprising an administrator wallet for electronically storing units of value and being associated with the telecommunication device, the administrator wallet being accessible by an administrator and operative to control the function manager, and wherein the global rule specifies whether the promotional function is permitted by the administrator.