Sound system

Abstract

An audio system is shown in the form of a speaker, with or without a speaker enclosure. A front member can be used with an elongated open portion having a top and a bottom end, and a speaker support, to which the speaker is mounted. The speaker support is coupled to the front member, wherein the front portion of the speaker faces the front member, and the front portion of the speaker is substantially aligned with the bottom end of the elongated open portion. The bottom end of the elongated open portion is positioned near a lower portion of the user's torso back, and the top end of the open portion is positioned higher near the user's torso back. This combination can be used in backpacks, seats, or any other similar devices.

Description

[0001] Cross-referencing of relevant application data

[0002] This application is a PCT application based on U.S. Application No. 16 / 657,345, filed October 18, 2019, which is a partial continuation of U.S. Application No. 15 / 954,184, filed April 16, 2018, and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 486,223, filed April 17, 2017, pursuant to 35 USC §119(e), which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This invention generally relates to audio technology, and more specifically, to loudspeakers designed for interaction with the human body. Background Technology

[0004] Entertainment has become an integral part of our culture. Movies, television programs, and video games appeal to people from all walks of life. The goal of any form of entertainment is to create an experience as close as possible to the fantasy created in a movie or on a computer. One aspect is the visual effect. Visual effects make what we see as close to the real world as possible. Other aspects are what we feel through our bodies and hear through our ears, and some of what we "hear" is actually what we feel through changes in pressure on our skin. Therefore, the audio interface between the body and a chair or other furniture that supports the body is an important part of the entertainment experience, whether in a theater or at home.

[0005] Low-frequency sounds can trigger both tactile and auditory responses in the body, especially if processed properly. The body's perception of sound and vibration may be closely linked to the brain, so the brain doesn't need to spend time processing this information. Visual stimuli, on the other hand, may require a time delay due to mental processing. The knee-jerk reflex, which doctors use by tapping the patellar tendon below the knee, is an example. The brain doesn't need to expend much effort processing this information to contract muscles and move the foot. Furthermore, if someone startles you by making a loud noise or suddenly touching you, or both, the resulting reaction will be much faster than reacting after seeing something, even if that thing is potentially dangerous. Visual responses can cause the body to stiffen or become immobile until the brain decides what to do.

[0006] Compared to auditory and tactile stimuli, variations in the processing of visual input may also be determined by the time it takes for the stimulus to reach the body. Sound travels at 767 mph. Light travels at 670 × 10⁻⁶ mph. 6The sound travels at mph, nearly a million times faster. This alone suggests that if the end result is a true sensory experience of auditory, tactile, and visual stimuli, then the combination of sound pressure and visual light used to provide both auditory and tactile responses should not originate from the same location relative to the user. Compared to sound waves, visual stimuli from 100 yards away will travel at 3.05 × 10⁻⁶ mph. -7 It takes 0.000305 milliseconds to reach the eye, while sound waves take about 0.267 seconds to travel the same distance.

[0007] Therefore, it should be understood that there is a need for a loudspeaker capable of generating low-frequency output to create a high-voltage region, in which the user can be optimally positioned to utilize this high-voltage region, which also reduces unwanted sound in other parts of the room. This invention satisfies this and other needs. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The present invention may include an audio system comprising a speaker type, the audio system comprising: a front member having an elongated open portion including a top end and a bottom end; and a speaker support wherein the speaker is mounted on the speaker support. The speaker support is coupled to the front member, wherein the front portion of the speaker faces the front member, and the front portion of the speaker is substantially aligned with the bottom end of the elongated open portion. The bottom end of the elongated open portion may be positioned near a lower portion of the user's torso back, and the top end of the open portion is positioned at a higher position near the user's torso back.

[0009] The loudspeaker can be a low-frequency generating loudspeaker suitable for producing sound energy below 200Hz or even below 100Hz. The back of the loudspeaker may not be enclosed in a loudspeaker enclosure, so that sound energy emitted from the back of the loudspeaker can propagate largely freely from the back of the loudspeaker. The loudspeaker support and front components may be made from a single piece of material.

[0010] A drain hole can be provided that is continuous with the open portion. The drain hole provides access to the end of the open portion as a continuation of the open portion. The drain hole can be positioned at the top of the open portion.

[0011] The speaker, speaker support, and front component can be housed within a backpack, with the open portion of the front component facing a shoulder strap. Alternatively, the speaker, speaker support, and front component can all be positioned within the back of a seat. The front of the speaker can be substantially aligned with the lower portion of the torso of a user seated in the seat, and the open portion of the front component can face the user. The back of the speaker can be left unclosed, allowing sound energy emitted from the back of the speaker to propagate substantially freely from the back of the speaker out of the seat.

[0012] The speaker, speaker support, and front member can all be positioned within a speaker cushion, which may include a front backrest positioned near an open portion of the front member to provide flexible support for the user's back. The speaker cushion may also include a rear backrest that provides support to the back of the speaker. The rear backrest may be coupled to the speaker support. The back of the speaker may not be enclosed in a enclosure, thereby allowing sound energy emitted from the back of the speaker to propagate substantially freely from the back of the speaker and through the speaker cushion.

[0013] For the purpose of summarizing the advantages achieved by this invention and its superiority over the prior art, certain advantages of the invention have been described herein. It should be understood, of course, that not all such advantages can necessarily be achieved by any particular embodiment of the invention. Therefore, for example, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention can be implemented or performed in a manner that achieves or optimizes one or more advantages taught herein, without necessarily achieving other advantages taught or suggested herein.

[0014] All these embodiments are intended to be within the scope of the invention disclosed herein. These and other embodiments of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description of preferred embodiments and accompanying drawings, and the invention is not limited to any particular preferred embodiment disclosed. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the following figures, in which:

[0016] Figure 1 This is an isometric view of the media seat presented according to the present invention.

[0017] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The image shows an isometric view of the media seat, with the cushions removed and cut in half to reveal their shape.

[0018] Figure 3 Is it like this? Figure 1 The presented isometric view of the media seat shows the cushions and the front and some side edges of the seat frame removed.

[0019] Figure 4 Is it like this? Figure 3 The presented isometric view of the media seat shows the seat bottom frame support removed to reveal the long and short drain extensions.

[0020] Figure 5 Is it like this? Figure 1 The front view of the media seat presented in the image shows the location of section line 6-6.

[0021] Figure 6 Is it like this? Figure 5The side sectional view of the media seat cut along section line 6-6 is presented in the image.

[0022] Figure 7 This is an isometric view of the media seat, with the cushions removed and the front chamber and speakers positioned in the bottom of the media seat.

[0023] Figure 8 This is an isometric view of the media seat, with the cushion removed and the front chamber positioned in the seat base and backrest of the media seat, which contains a speaker.

[0024] Figure 9 This is an isometric view of the media seat, with the cushion removed and the front chamber primarily located in the seat back of the media seat, which contains speakers.

[0025] Figure 10 Is it like this? Figure 2 The media seat is shown in an isometric view, with the perforated port removed.

[0026] Figure 11 This is an isometric view of the bass coupler unit used with the media seat.

[0027] Figure 12 It is used with Figure 11 Isometric view of the front of the media seat frame used with the bass coupler unit.

[0028] Figure 13 It is used with Figure 11 Rear isometric view of the media seat frame used with the bass coupler device.

[0029] Figure 14 It is among those that have been incorporated. Figure 11 Isometric view of the front of the media seat frame of the bass coupler unit.

[0030] Figure 15 It is among those that have been incorporated. Figure 11 Rear isometric view of the media seat frame of the bass coupler unit.

[0031] Figure 16 yes Figure 14 The front view of the media seat frame shows the location of section line 17-17.

[0032] Figure 17 yes Figure 16 The side sectional view of the media seat frame shown in the image, cut along section line 17-17.

[0033] Figure 18 yes Figure 14A rear isometric view of the media seat frame, with the bass coupler unit slightly offset relative to the rest of the seat frame.

[0034] Figure 19 yes Figure 18 The front view of the media seat frame shows the location of section line 20-20.

[0035] Figure 20 yes Figure 19 The side sectional view of the media seat frame, cut along section line 20-20, shown in the image, illustrates the displacement of the bass coupler relative to the frame, indicated by the dimension “x”.

[0036] Figure 21 It has Figure 14 An isometric view of the media seat with a bass coupler, where the seat cushion is positioned near the seat.

[0037] Figure 22 yes Figure 21 An isometric view of the media seat, with the seat cushion positioned on the seat frame.

[0038] Figure 23 yes Figure 22 The front view of the media seat frame shows the location of section line 24-24.

[0039] Figure 24 yes Figure 23 The side sectional view of the media seat frame shown in the image, cut along section line 24-24.

[0040] Figure 25 It is an isometric view of a media seat that is suitable for supporting more than one person at a time, such as a sofa or other type of seating.

[0041] Figure 26 yes Figure 25 Front view of the media seats.

[0042] Figure 27 It was cut along section line 27-27. Figure 26 A cross-sectional view of the media seats.

[0043] Figure 28 yes Figure 25 An isometric view of the media seat, with the cushion shifted relative to the rest of the seat.

[0044] Figure 29 This is an isometric view of a bass coupler speaker produced according to the present invention.

[0045] Figure 30 yes Figure 29 The front view of the speaker, with the front cover of the port duct removed.

[0046] Figure 31 It is along Figure 30 A sectional view cut by line 31-31.

[0047] Figure 32 It is along Figure 30 A sectional view cut by line 32-32.

[0048] Figure 33 This is a right front orthographic view of an alternative version of the invention, in which the back of the speaker is open.

[0049] Figure 34 Is it like this? Figure 33 The speaker is shown in a left rear orthographic view.

[0050] Figure 35 yes Figure 33 The speaker is shown in a right front orthographic view, with the vent located at the top of the open section.

[0051] Figure 36 yes Figure 35 Left rear orthographic view of the speaker.

[0052] Figure 37 This is a left rear orthogonal exploded view of the backpack speaker assembly, where the speaker is shown as it can be assembled into the backpack.

[0053] Figure 38 yes Figure 37 The image shows a front right orthographic view of a backpack speaker, with a portion of the backpack removed to show the speaker assembly's location within the backpack.

[0054] Figure 39 This is a left rear orthographic view of the speaker seat, with the speaker assembly positioned on the back of the seat.

[0055] Figure 40 yes Figure 39 Front view of the speaker seat.

[0056] Figure 41 yes Figure 40 The left side view of the speaker seat shown.

[0057] Figure 42 This is a partially exploded view of the speaker pillow, with the speaker assembly positioned between an optional front cushion and an optional back cushion.

[0058] Figure 43 yes Figure 42 Rear view of the assembled version of the speaker pillow.

[0059] Figure 44 It is cut along line 44-44. Figure 43 A cross-sectional view of the speaker cushion.

[0060] Figure 45 This is a side view of a seat with a speaker at the bottom, excluding the speaker housing. Detailed Implementation

[0061] Refer to the illustrative accompanying drawings, specifically... Figure 1-Figure 2 The media seat 30 is shown. A seat cushion 32 may be provided to provide a comfortable seat base 34 that can support the user's hips and thighs, and a seat back 36 that can support the user's torso.

[0062] Figure 2 The view of the seat cushion 32 is shown in half to better illustrate an embodiment of the seat cushion 32. The seat cushion 32 may include a seat cushion 38, which may include a seat bottom 34 and a seat back 36. Side flanges 40 may be provided on one or both sides of the seat cushion 38. The side flanges 40 may be fastened to the side frames 42 of the seat frame 44 to secure the seat cushion 32 to the seat frame 44.

[0063] The seat frame 44 may include two side frames 42 connected to a first surface 46. The first surface 46 may include a seat bottom frame support 48 and a seat back frame support 50, which together form a generally continuous surface connected to the side frames 42. One or more seat supports 52 may be mounted to the side frames 42 and positioned away from the seat bottom frame support 48 and the seat back frame support 50, thereby defining a second surface 54. The area between the first surface 46 and the second surface 54 and defined by the side frames 42 may define a front chamber 56. In this embodiment, the front chamber 56 may include a continuous area below the seat bottom 34 and behind the seat back 36 of the seat cushion 32.

[0064] A speaker 58 may be disposed in the seat bottom frame support 48, wherein the speaker horn 60 is positioned in the front chamber 56. When acoustic energy is driven into the front chamber 56 through the speaker 58, the front chamber 56 may exhibit an increase in gas pressure compared to the ambient pressure outside the front chamber 56 of the seat frame 44. This increase in gas pressure in the front chamber 56 can be directed through the seat cushion 32 and directly to the user sitting on the seat cushion 32.

[0065] For example, the area of ​​increased pressure created by the speaker 58 through the sound pressure or acoustic energy supplied to the front chamber 56 can be referred to as a pressure chamber. This pressure chamber can also be created in the room by a speaker that produces acoustic energy equal to or below 200 Hz and optionally below 100 Hz. The inefficiency of creating a room-sized pressure chamber can be illustrated by the power required to drive a low-frequency subwoofer to the level needed to create a sufficient pressure chamber. A movie theater may use multiple low-frequency speakers, which requires several kilowatts. This is necessary because the acoustic energy must fill the entire room in order to create a pressure chamber for the user seated, allowing the user to experience not only auditory stimulation from the speakers but also tactile stimulation on their skin. With a system as shown and described herein, a single speaker 58 may only require 10 to 30 watts of input to provide the user with a greater stimulus than the several kilowatts that might be needed to fill an entire room. Compared to attempting to create a pressurized chamber in a large room where the occupant occupies only a small portion of the room's volume, the energy from the speaker 58 has a much greater impact on the user by placing the user directly in or adjacent to the pressurized chamber created by the speaker 58.

[0066] Another advantage of creating a separate pressurized chamber for each user is the reduction of wasted acoustic energy that could interfere with other users. For example, in a home theater, other family members may not be in the theater. If hundreds of watts (if not thousands of watts) of power are pumped into the home theater room in an attempt to produce the same stimulation as if each user had a separate pressurized chamber, other family members could be disturbed by the unwanted acoustic energy emanating from the home theater room. Using this invention, one or more seats can be provided, each with its own positioning to become a speaker 58 creating a separate pressurized chamber for each user. Furthermore, only the seats where the user is seated require power, and those powered seats require only a relatively small amount of power to drive each individual speaker 58, thus saving money and resources by eliminating wasted power.

[0067] like Figure 3-Figure 8 As shown, additional details of this embodiment of the media seat 30 are illustrated. Figure 3 In this embodiment, one of the side frames 42 has been removed to better show the front chamber 56 and some components. In this embodiment, the seat bottom frame support 48 is shown positioned between the second surface 54 and the seat base 62. The space between the seat bottom frame support 48 and the seat base 62 defines a rear chamber 64. The rear chamber 64 allows fluid to enter and exit the front chamber 56 through a drain port 66. Figure 4As shown, the seat bottom frame support 48 has been removed to show the position of the speaker 58 relative to the elongated perforation extension 68. The elongated perforation extension 68 provides a continuous surface that simultaneously contacts both the seat base 62 and the seat bottom frame support 48. The elongated perforation extension 68 may have an elongated dimension greater than the diameter of the speaker 58. The elongated perforation extension 68 may also provide structural support to the media seat 30. The elongated perforation extension 68 may be positioned such that its surface is continuous with the first edge 70 of the perforation port 66 located in the seat bottom frame support 48.

[0068] The short orifice extension 72 may be positioned generally parallel to the long orifice extension 68. The short orifice extension 72 may include a surface continuous with the second edge 74 of the orifice port 66. The combination of the long orifice extension 68 and the short orifice extension 72 may be defined as a port conduit 73 and may provide a fluid path for moving air or any other gas from the front chamber 56 to the rear chamber 64 through the orifice port 66 and for moving any turbulence away from the speaker 58.

[0069] The use of the vent port 66 has several advantages, including increased sound pressure level provided by the low-frequency speaker 58 compared to a system without the vent port 66. The vent port 66 is not considered essential in relation to the novelty of the disclosed invention. Therefore, in Figure 10 The image shows a version of the media seat 30 without the perforated port 66. The perforated port 66 allows sound pressure to be redirected from the rear of the speaker 60 and added to the sound coming from the front of the speaker, thus making the bass louder. Another advantage of using the perforated port 66 is that it provides airflow to the speaker 58 to keep the speaker 58 cool, which can increase the lifespan of the speaker 58.

[0070] For some types of music, users may want bass without a vent port. In this case, they might expect not to use vent port 66, such as... Figure 10 As shown. Due to the advantages of placing the user in or near the pressurized chamber created by speaker 58 and reducing the power required to provide the intended auditory and tactile stimulation from speaker 58 to the user, it is anticipated that most users would likely prefer the greater stimulation provided by a system including the vent port 66. Therefore, the main focus of this disclosure will include the vent port 66; however, it should be understood that the vent port 66 is not an essential element of the invention.

[0071] In many embodiments of the invention, the media seat 30 may include one or more seat supports 52 that may be physically connected to each of the two side frames 42. The seat supports 52 are intended to be generally rigid, as they are likely to be able to support the weight of a user, but are also acoustically invisible to some extent. As shown throughout this disclosure, the seat supports 52 are depicted as a band of very narrow width. This reduced cross-section allows acoustic energy generated by the speaker 58 to be transmitted through the seat cushion 32 and to the user. It should be understood that this form of seat support 52, or any number of variations thereof, may also be incorporated into the construction of the seat cushion 32. Throughout this disclosure, the seat supports 52 are shown separated from the seat cushion 32 to help define the position of the second surface 54 of the seat frame 44.

[0072] like Figures 5-6 As shown, in Figure 5 The image shows a front view of the media seat 30, and section line 6-6 is also provided in this view. Figure 6 A drawing of a media seat 30 cut along section line 6-6 is shown. A speaker 58 may include a speaker horn 60, which may be located in the front chamber 56 of the media seat 30. The speaker 58 may also include a speaker body 76, which may be disposed in the rear chamber 64 of the media seat 30. An elongated perforated extension 68 may be disposed in the rear chamber 64 and continuous with both the seat bottom frame support 48 and the seat base 62.

[0073] When the loudspeaker 58 is driven, the front chamber 56 experiences an increase in gas pressure, thereby increasing the acoustic energy within the front chamber 56. A series of gas pressure lines 78 have been used to illustrate an example of the acoustic energy from the loudspeaker 58 flowing throughout the front chamber 56. These gas pressure lines 78 are for illustrative purposes only and are intended to show the increase in sound pressure or acoustic energy inside the front chamber 56 relative to the outside of the media seat 30. This area of ​​increased pressure in the front chamber 56 is movable through the seat cushion 32 and thus transmitted to the user sitting on the seat cushion 32, since the acoustic energy permeability of the seat cushion 32 can be greater than that of the rest of the seat frame 44. The result can be a pressurized chamber created by the loudspeaker 58 extending through the seat cushion 32 and thus immersing the user sitting on the seat cushion 32 in it, thereby transmitting some of the acoustic energy directly to the user rather than allowing the acoustic energy to enter the room, bounce off the walls, and then return to the user.

[0074] For the purposes of this disclosure, the term "gas pressure" may be used similarly to "air pressure" because the current state of art uses air to carry the acoustic energy generated by the loudspeaker 58. It should be understood that at some point in the future, it may become advantageous to change the composition of the gas from simple ambient air to another compressible fluid or a combination that proves more efficient in transmitting acoustic energy. For this purpose, the term "gas pressure" is used to include all compressible fluids, including air.

[0075] The pressurized chamber generated by the speaker 58 may include the area below the seat bottom 34 and behind the seat back 36 when assembled onto the seat frame 44, or as shown, both areas may be included or divided into one of them. Figure 7 A media seat 30 with a speaker 58 in a seat frame 44 is shown, wherein when the seat cushion 32 is assembled to the seat frame 44, the pressurization chamber can be directed primarily to the area beneath the seat bottom 34. As previously described, one or more seat supports 52 may be used to provide minimal structural support for the seat cushion 32 and such that the pressurization chamber area is partially confined by the front chamber 56. In this embodiment, the back of the seat frame 44 may include a front seat back support 80. The front seat back support 80 can provide direct support for the back of the seat cushion 32, thus eliminating the need for internal seat supports 52 within the seat back 36. In doing so, the pressurization chamber area may not extend into the seat back 36, and therefore the front chamber 56 may also not extend into the seat back 36, and during assembly they can be primarily confined to the seat bottom 34 of the seat cushion 32. The acoustic energy generated in the front chamber 56 can also be directed to the user by the seat back 36.

[0076] It may also be desirable to place the speaker 58 in the back of the seat frame 44, rather than under the seat bottom 34 of the seat cushion 32. A version of this embodiment is... Figure 8 As shown in the diagram, the speaker 58 can be positioned in the lower portion of the seat frame 44 such that the acoustic energy generated by the speaker 58 can fill not only the space between the seat supports 52 on the back of the seat frame 44, but also the space in the bottom of the seat frame 44. This defines the front chamber 56 as the area behind the seat back 36 including the seat cushion 32 and below the seat bottom 34. A vent port 66 may also be included in the front support 80 of the seat back to provide exhaust to the back of the speaker 58, as previously described.

[0077] In many embodiments, a set of high-frequency, mid-frequency, or full-range speakers 82 may also be provided and positioned in the back of the seat frame 44 or in any other location. These higher-frequency speakers 82 may be positioned near the user's ears or positioned in the armrests to create a sound field in front of the user's ears when the user is seated in the seat 30. The higher-frequency speakers 82 may be implemented in the manner commonly used for higher-frequency speakers 82 and operate outside the pressurized chamber provided by the speakers 58 in the front chamber 56.

[0078] Figure 9 Another embodiment 30 of the invention is illustrated below. In this embodiment, as previously shown, a speaker 58 may be disposed in the back portion of the seat frame 44, and a vent port 66 may be included near the speaker 58. When the seat cushion 32 is positioned on the seat frame 44, one or more seat supports 52 may be used to provide substantially audio-invisible support for the back of the seat cushion. In this embodiment, the bottom of the seat frame 44 may include a seat bottom top support 84, thereby providing direct support for the seat bottom 34 of the seat cushion 32. The presence of the seat bottom top support 84 confines the front chamber 56 to the back portion of the seat frame 44, and therefore the pressurization chamber region may not include the area below the seat bottom 34 of the cushion 32.

[0079] The use of the orifice port 66 has been previously shown and discussed. In some embodiments, it may be desirable to exclude the orifice port 66. An example of this embodiment is provided in... Figure 10 As shown in the diagram. The media seat 30 may include a seat frame 44 having a pair of side frames 42. A speaker 58 is shown here located in the bottom portion of the seat frame 44, but the speaker may also be located in the back portion of the seat frame 44, as shown in the diagram. Figure 8 As shown, but without the vent port 66. A seat bottom frame support 48 may be provided to support the speaker 58 so that the front chamber 56 is disposed in the bottom and back portions of the seat frame 44. In this embodiment, the seat bottom frame support 48 does not include the vent port 66. The absence of the vent port 66 can restrict airflow to the back of the speaker 58, which may be desirable for certain types of music. In such cases, it may be desirable not to include the vent port 66, as shown herein.

[0080] Figures 11-24 Alternative embodiments of the invention are shown in these figures. Existing chairs, sofas, or any number of other types of furniture can be used in conjunction with the bass coupler 86 to achieve results similar to the previously disclosed media seat 30. Figure 11A bass coupler 86 with a speaker 58 is shown, which is mounted to a speaker support 88 that is housed within a cabinet frame 90. The speaker support 88 may include a perforated port 66 positioned near the speaker 58, as previously shown and described. The cabinet frame 90 may include a pair of sidewalls 92 and a rear wall 94, which together include a front chamber 56 that assists in creating a pressurized chamber region when the speaker 58 generates acoustic energy. The cabinet frame 90 may include an open end 96 that can be positioned near a seat or other furniture where a user may sit. This combination extends the pressurized chamber region to a user seated in the seat in a previously disclosed manner.

[0081] Coupler seat 98 can also be constructed in this manner to effectively utilize acoustic energy from speaker 58 to directional output to the user sitting in coupler seat 98. Figures 12-13 An example is shown. The coupler seat 98 may include two side frames 42 that are coupled to a rear frame 100. The rear frame 100 may include an open area 102. The open area 102 may be covered by a generally invisible acoustic material (such as a mesh or a series of rods) because acoustic energy can pass through or around these structural elements with little obstruction. For the purposes of this disclosure, the open area 102 will be depicted as a completely open section in the rear frame 100. A seat base 104 may also be provided such that the combination of the seat base 104 and the rear frame 100 supports a seat cushion 32 and a user on that cushion 32.

[0082] exist Figures 14-17 In this configuration, the bass coupler 86 is positioned within the coupler seat 98 such that the front chamber 56 of the bass coupler 86 is adjacent to and substantially aligned with the open area 102 of the coupler seat 98. In this manner, the front chamber 56 of the bass coupler 86 can extend through the open area 102 of the coupler seat 98, allowing acoustic energy generated by the speaker 58 to pass through the coupler seat 98 and reach the user seated on the coupler seat 98.

[0083] One advantage of differentiating the bass coupler 86 from the coupler seat 98 is that the bass coupler 86 may not need to make direct contact with the back of the coupler seat 98. This is in Figures 17-20As shown in the diagram. In this embodiment, the bass coupler 86 can be displaced from the rear frame 100, as indicated by the dimension “x”. Not only can the power input to the speaker 58 be changed according to the user’s expectations, but also the alternative form of the amount of acoustic energy generated by the speaker 58 that will pass through the open area 102 and thus reach the user positioned on the coupler seat 98 can be changed. This effectively “unlocks” the connection between the front portion of the bass coupler 86 and the rear frame 100, as illustrated herein. By creating a space between the bass coupler 86 and the rear frame 100 of the coupler seat 98, a portion of the acoustic or acoustic energy generated by the speaker 58 can escape into the room through the gap provided between the bass coupler 86 and the rear frame 100 of the coupler seat 98. This energy that has inadvertently entered the room is not then directed through the open area 102 of the rear frame 100 of the coupler seat 98, and therefore is not transmitted to the user sitting in the coupler seat 98.

[0084] As previously mentioned, seat cushion 32 can be mounted on coupler seat 98. This is in Figures 21-24 As shown in the diagram. The seat cushion 32 can take various forms, but is shown here as comprising a seat base 34 and a seat back 36. The seat base 34 may be supported by a seat base 104, and the seat back 36 may be supported by a rear frame 100. The seat cushion 32 may include a material that allows acoustic energy to pass through with minimal interference. Thus, the front chamber 56 may be in direct contact with a portion of the seat cushion 32 via an open area 102. As indicated by the gas pressure line 78, acoustic energy may be directed toward the seat cushion 32 and thus directed to the user located on the seat cushion 32. This embodiment shows the pressurized chamber region generated by the speaker 58 positioned near the middle back of the seat back 36. This is merely one possibility, and it may also be positioned in any number of other locations, including the seat base 34, as shown in previous embodiments.

[0085] In some cases, there may be more than one user on a single media seat 30'. Figures 25-28 An example of this situation is shown below. Compared to previous embodiments, the seat cushion 32' can be of variable length, but the seat cushion 32' still includes a seat bottom 34 and a seat back 36, as previously disclosed. The media seat 30' may include a seat frame 44', wherein the speaker 58 is positioned such that the speaker horn 60 is oriented toward the front chamber 56. As previously shown and described, the front chamber 56 may include an area behind the seat cushion 32'. The seat cushion 32' may be supported by one or more seat supports 52'. In this embodiment, a series of seat supports 52' may be shown as structural elements coupled to the seat frame 44' and positioned near the seat cushion 32', thereby supporting the seat back 36 and seat bottom 34 of the seat cushion 32' in this example.

[0086] One or more speakers 58 may be positioned within the seat frame 44'. In this embodiment, the speakers 58 may be coupled to a generally central portion of the bottom frame support 48'. A vent port 66 may be positioned near the speakers 58 to facilitate airflow between the front chamber 56 and the speaker body 76.

[0087] The loudspeaker 58 can create a pressurized chamber in the front chamber 56, where acoustic energy or sound pressure, indicated by the gas pressure line 78, can be directed toward the seat cushion 32' and thus toward one or more users sitting on the seat cushion 32'. This is likely due to the minimal resistance to the flow of acoustic energy in the direction of the seat cushion 32' compared to the generally closed structure on the rear side of the seat frame 44' and seat base 62'. As previously disclosed, this increases the acoustic energy delivered to the user compared to placing the loudspeaker elsewhere in the room and further away from the user, and it is achieved more efficiently.

[0088] Figure 29 An alternative embodiment of the bass coupler 86' is shown. (Compared to...) Figure 11 Compared to the bass coupler 86 shown, this version of the bass coupler 86' is likely more compact and easier to manufacture. Figure 11 The version shown can be used to connect to coupler seats 98 of specific types and structures, such as Figures 12-24 As shown. Alternative versions of the bass coupler 86' can be positioned in many locations, including on or near the back of any chair, furniture, or bed, or externally. The bass coupler 86' can be mounted under the seat cushion of a chair, even placed in a backpack, or even directly coupled to the user. The bass coupler 86' can also be inserted into any type of furniture. The bass coupler 86' is shown in a basic rectangular shape; however, it can also be designed in any shape, including ring-shaped, circular, etc. As long as the open end 96 of the front chamber 56 is positioned facing the user, the user can experience the transmission of sound energy generated by the speaker 58 in the front chamber 56, whether in the back, lower hip area, under the legs, or any other location.

[0089] exist Figures 29-32Details of this alternative embodiment of the bass coupler 86' are shown in detail. The enclosure frame 90' ​​of the bass coupler 86' supports the speaker 58 via the speaker support 88. The port conduit 73' may be arranged in a truncated "U" shape, with the air inlet 106 positioned directly below the speaker 58. The port conduit 73' delivers acoustic energy, indicated by the gas pressure line 78, from the air inlet 106 around the sides of the speaker support 88 and upwards near the sides of the speaker 58 to the vent port 66. This allows a portion of the high-pressure gas to circulate back to the rear side of the speaker 58 to the rear chamber 64. Behind the speaker body 76 portion of the speaker 58, a rear wall 94 can be used to help guide the acoustic energy through the vent port 66 for use by the speaker 58 in the rear chamber 64. The enclosure frame 90' ​​may include a pair of side walls 92' and a pair of end walls 110, each side wall and end wall extending beyond the speaker support 88 to define the front chamber 56. In a preferred embodiment, the volume of the rear chamber 64 may be approximately twice the volume of the front chamber 56.

[0090] refer to Figures 33-36 An alternative preferred embodiment of the speaker assembly 112 is shown. In the previous embodiment, a speaker enclosure is created using a rear chamber 64 in which the back of the speaker 58 is enclosed by a box, which helps to enclose the speaker 58. Depending on the intended purpose, enclosing the back of the speaker 58 has some advantages or disadvantages. The sound pressure wave generated from the back of the speaker 58 can be substantially equal to the sound pressure generated from the front of the speaker 58, but they are 180° out of phase. In an open space without a speaker enclosure, these sound pressure waves can cancel each other out by a natural process called phase cancellation, thereby reducing the sound energy entering the room. If the goal is to fill the air with these low-frequency sound waves, the previously shown embodiment with a speaker enclosure may be necessary. If the intention is to direct the sound pressure to a single user, it may be desirable to utilize the phase cancellation effect of the speaker 58, where the back of the speaker 58 is open to the room and not enclosed in some kind of speaker enclosure. This allows the user to fully experience the sound energy from the front of the speaker 58 first, and then that sound energy can be canceled out by the sound energy emanating from the back of the speaker 58, so as not to disturb others in the area.

[0091] Previous embodiments may include a speaker support 88, as can be used herein, to support the speaker 58. A front member 114 may be coupled to the speaker support 88. The front member 114 may include an opening 116 that can act as a pressurization chamber for directing acoustic energy from the front of the speaker 58. The opening 116 may be confined to the boundary of the front member 114, or the opening 116 may extend beyond the size of the front member 114, thereby providing an orifice 118. The orifice 118 allows some acoustic energy generated from the front of the speaker 58 to propagate through the pressurization chamber defined by the opening 116 to escape from the pressurization chamber through the orifice 118. Further details of the potential benefits of the orifice 118 will be discussed later in this disclosure. In these embodiments, the front member 114 and the speaker support 88 are shown as two separate structures joined together. This may be the best way to manufacture these components of speaker assembly 112 separately and then combine them together, but it should be understood that a single piece of material can be manufactured that will serve as both speaker support 88 and front member 114.

[0092] One application of the speaker assembly 112 is its use in the backpack 120. This is in Figures 37-38 As shown in the diagram. The intended purpose of speaker assembly 112 is to provide a focused flow of acoustic energy to a specific user while minimizing the acoustic energy reaching other nearby users. This embodiment of backpack speaker 122 provides an ideal example of this technology. As previously mentioned, the sound pressure or acoustic energy generated from the back of speaker 58 can be substantially equal to the sound waves generated from the front of speaker 58, but with a 180° phase difference. If the back of speaker 58 is not enclosed in a speaker enclosure and these sound waves can travel almost unimpeded to the nearby area due to the absence of a speaker enclosure, then the sound can cancel out the sound generated from the front of speaker 58 after it passes through the user wearing backpack speaker 122.

[0093] This phase cancellation process can occur in the vicinity, thus minimizing interference to others in the area who do not wish to listen to the user's music or other audio content. On the other hand, the user can be positioned directly in front of the pressure chamber defined by the open portion 116. With the speaker backpack 122 positioned on the user's back, the thickness of the pressure chamber can be the distance between the backpack material and the user's skin. The shape of the pressure chamber defined by the open portion 116 can resemble the user's torso, as its height can be greater than its width, resulting in an elongated shape. Furthermore, the pressure chamber can be positioned directly adjacent to the user's spine. This maximizes the user's sensitivity to sound energy, thereby maximizing the effectiveness of delivering sound energy to the user rather than to others nearby. The width of the pressure chamber defined by the open portion 116 can be limited to a width narrower than the back width of an average person. Thus, if the user's back is against the front member 114, the user's back is less likely to restrict sound pressure from escaping from the open portion 116. If the user's back "sinks" into the open portion 116, this could disrupt the pressure chamber's function of distributing sound energy to the user's body.

[0094] A vent 118 may be positioned at the top of the backpack speaker 122. The vent 118 can be used to release sound pressure from the open portion 116 that may be confined by the user's body. In some cases, such as when the vent 118 is positioned here towards the user's head, it can also direct a portion of the sound pressure upwards toward the user's head and thus toward the user's ears. This also enhances the user's listening experience in addition to the direct energy delivered through the pressurization chamber to the back of the user's upper torso.

[0095] The material of backpack 120 can be any common material suitable for backpacks, such as nylon, cotton, or similar flexible materials. It is likely desirable that at least the material on the side of backpack 120 that contacts the user's body be made of a waterproof or water-resistant material such as nylon. The waterproof material may have relatively few pores and may provide a slight back pressure between the speaker 58 and the exterior of backpack 120, which is in the form of a speaker backpack 122. This back pressure can cause the material of backpack 120 in speaker backpack 122 that is close to the user's body to vibrate due to the acoustic energy generated by the speaker 58. This vibration of the material can provide additional sensory stimulation to the user in the form of tactile stimulation, thereby enhancing the user's auditory experience.

[0096] exist Figures 39-41The image shows a seat 124, with a speaker 58 as part of a speaker assembly 112 positioned in the back of the seat 124. In this embodiment, the back of the speaker 58 is exposed to the room, as previously discussed, with the speaker assembly 112 positioned in a backpack 120 to obtain a speaker backpack 122. The backpack 120 of the speaker backpack 122 has a back fabric portion covering the back of the speaker 58, but as mentioned above, a material similar to the back of the backpack 120 can be used to allow acoustic energy to pass through. This enables the phase cancellation process discussed previously. Similarly, the seat 124 may include a cover located above the back of the speaker 58, but this is not intended to be a speaker enclosure previously disclosed in the previous embodiments herein. As with the speaker backpack 122, any cover above the back of the speaker 58 in the seat 124 allows acoustic energy to pass through with minimal interference.

[0097] The speaker 58 is depicted positioned in the lower portion of the back of the seat 124. This is consistent with a previous embodiment of the speaker assembly 112. This is to allow acoustic energy from the speaker 58 to be directed toward the user's lower spine and upward toward the user's head, where some of this energy may exit through the vent 118. Similarly, the vent 118 may be positioned toward the top of the back 126 of the seat 124, which may be close to the head of the user sitting in the seat 124. In this embodiment, the speaker assembly 112 may be inserted into a pocket-shaped area 128 on the back 126 of the seat 124. Likewise, the speaker assembly 112 may be housed within the back 126 of the seat 124, where the back of the speaker 58 is almost invisible from the back 126 of the seat 124. Likewise, it may be preferred that any material used to cover the back of the speaker 58 minimizes interference with the acoustic energy emitted from the back of the speaker 58.

[0098] Another application of speaker assembly 112 is as a speaker pillow 130. Figures 42-44The speaker cushion 130 is shown in the diagram because it can be manufactured to provide the desired properties of the present invention. A speaker assembly 112 can be positioned between a front cushion 132 and a rear cushion 134. The front cushion 132 can be constructed from a foam material such as polyurethane or polypropylene foam. The front cushion 132 can be covered with a waterproof or water-resistant material (not shown). As previously disclosed, the speaker assembly 112 can be received by an opening 136 in the front cushion 132. This opening 136 can be used to help secure the speaker assembly 112 in place relative to the front cushion 132. This detail is not considered essential to the novelty of the invention, but can be considered as part of a preferred embodiment. The front cushion 132 may include a cushion opening 138 that may coincide with the location of a perforation 118 in the speaker assembly 112. Although the material used to construct the front cushion 132 is not considered to restrict the passage of sound energy, there is no material in this location that would facilitate the flow of energy through the perforation 118.

[0099] The speaker pillow 130 may include a lumbar support 140. The lumbar support 140 provides comfort to a user in a seated position, and it will be naturally understood that the lumbar support 140 is positioned towards the bottom of the speaker pillow 130. A speaker 58 may be positioned adjacent to the lumbar support 140, thereby orienting the speaker pillow 130 such that the speaker 58 can be located in the lower portion of the user's spine. This is consistent with the previous embodiment using the speaker backpack 122 and seat 124 shown in the foregoing figures. An open portion 116 may then be positioned adjacent to the user's spine, with the perforation 118 facing upwards in the direction of the user's head. This embodiment provides a shorter speaker assembly 112 compared to seat 124, but the general purpose and orientation of the structure are consistent in each embodiment where the speaker 58 is generally open at the back or otherwise not closed.

[0100] The backrest 134 may or may not be used. The backrest 134 shown here includes a backrest hole 142. The backrest hole 142 serves to house a portion of the back of the speaker 58 of the speaker assembly 112. This helps to position and secure the backrest 134 to the speaker assembly 112 while minimizing any interference with the acoustic energy generated by the speaker 58 from its back. As previously mentioned, an unobstructed or slightly obstructed flow of acoustic energy from the back of the speaker 58 is crucial for allowing phase cancellation of sound waves on the sides of the speaker assembly 112. This can be achieved by reducing unwanted noise without disturbing others in the room while allowing the user to enjoy the acoustic energy directed at the user from the front of the speaker 58.

[0101] Figure 45An alternative embodiment of the speaker seat is shown. In this embodiment, the speaker 58 may be positioned on the seat base 144. A similar speaker assembly 112 may be used as previously disclosed, positioned only on or near the seat base 144 and not on or near the seat back 126. In this figure, the speaker 58 may be positioned closer to the seat back 126 rather than closer to the front 146 of the seat base 144. In this way, the acoustic energy generated by the speaker 58 can be directed closer to the user's spine, where the user is sitting with their back against the seat back 126. The speaker 58 may also be positioned further forward on the seat base 144 depending on the different seat bodies, speaker assemblies, and power output requirements of the speaker 58.

[0102] The above detailed description of the invention is provided for illustrative purposes and is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the specific embodiments shown. Depending on the configuration of the key features used to implement the invention, different embodiments may provide different capabilities and benefits.

Claims

1. A sound system including a speaker type, the sound system comprising: A front member, the front member including an elongated open portion having a top end and a bottom end; and A speaker support, wherein the speaker is mounted on the speaker support, the speaker support is coupled to the front member, wherein the front portion of the speaker faces the front member and the front portion of the speaker is substantially aligned with the bottom end of the elongated open portion, wherein the bottom end of the elongated open portion is positioned toward a lower portion facing a user, and the top end of the open portion is positioned toward an upper portion facing the user, the upper portion being located above the lower portion of the user, the open portion being configured as a pressurization chamber, and the pressurization chamber defined by the open portion being configured to directly face the user; The back of the speaker is not enclosed in a speaker enclosure, so that sound energy emitted from the back of the speaker can propagate substantially freely from the back of the speaker.

2. The audio system according to claim 1, wherein the loudspeaker is a low-frequency generating loudspeaker.

3. The audio system according to claim 2, wherein the low-frequency generating loudspeaker is a loudspeaker that generates sound energy below 200Hz.

4. The audio system of claim 1, wherein the speaker support and the front component are made of a single piece of material.

5. The audio system of claim 1, further comprising a perforation continuous with the open portion, wherein the perforation provides a continuation of the open portion to an end of the open portion.

6. The audio system of claim 5, wherein the vent is located at the top of the open portion.

7. The audio system of claim 1, wherein the speaker, speaker support and the front member are disposed in a backpack, wherein the open portion of the front member faces a shoulder strap of the backpack.

8. The audio system of claim 7, wherein the back of the speaker is not enclosed in a speaker enclosure, thereby allowing sound energy emitted from the back of the speaker to propagate substantially freely through the backpack and out from the back of the speaker.

9. The audio system of claim 1, wherein the speaker, speaker support and the front member are all positioned in the back of the seat, the front portion of the speaker is substantially aligned with the lower portion of the user sitting in the seat, and the open portion of the front member faces the user sitting in the seat.

10. The audio system of claim 9, wherein the back of the speaker is not enclosed in a housing, thereby allowing sound energy emitted from the back of the speaker to propagate substantially freely from the back of the speaker to the outside of the seat.

11. The audio system of claim 1, wherein the speaker, speaker support and the front member are all positioned in a speaker pillow, the speaker pillow including a front cushion positioned near the open portion of the front member, the front cushion providing flexible support for the user's back.

12. The audio system of claim 11, further comprising a backrest providing support to the back of the speaker, the backrest being coupled to the speaker support.

13. The audio system of claim 12, wherein the back of the speaker is not enclosed in a housing, thereby allowing sound energy emitted from the back of the speaker to propagate substantially freely from the back of the speaker and through the back cushion.

Images