Electronic furniture system with integrated internal speaker

Abstract

An electronic furniture assembly of the present invention comprises: (i) a furniture assembly comprising: (A) a base (e.g., a seat portion), (B) at least one cross member (e.g., a side, armrest or backrest), and (C) a coupler for selectively coupling the base to the cross member; (ii) an electrical hub for providing electrical power to the speaker, the electrical hub configured to be selectively shelved within the furniture assembly; and (iii) a speaker system mounted within one or more portions of the furniture assembly. The speaker system includes one or more speakers mounted within the base and the cross member such that the speakers are hidden within the base and the cross member and save space within a home or office, providing a high fidelity surround sound system, using the same footprint of furniture and speakers.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the following application: Application date: November 11, 2016; Application number: 201680067504.2; Invention name: “Electronic furniture system with integrated internal speakers”.

[0002] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0003] This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. patent application serial number 15 / 348,068, filed on November 10, 2016, entitled “ELECTRONIC FURNITURE SYSTEMS WITH INTEGRATED INTERNAL SPEAKERS,” which claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. patent application serial number 15 / 270,339, filed on September 20, 2016, entitled “ELECTRICAL HUB FOR FURNITURE ASSEMBLIES,” which claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application serial number 62 / 257,623, filed on November 19, 2015, entitled “FURNITURE WITH ELECTRONIC ASSEMBLIES,” which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0004] This application also claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62 / 417,091, filed on November 3, 2016, entitled “ELECTRONIC FURNITURE SYSTEMS WITH INTEGRATED INTERNAL SPEAKERS,” the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0005] The present invention relates to the field of furniture with built-in electronic components (such as loudspeaker systems). Background Art

[0006] Speaker systems are widely used in homes, businesses, social events, entertainment, and for practical, commercial, and domestic purposes. Unfortunately, speaker systems take up a significant amount of space in a home, office, or commercial setting, and even small ones can be unsightly. Furthermore, the wiring and cabling associated with such systems can be unsightly and messy.

[0007] Furniture also often takes up a significant amount of space in a home, office, or commercial setting. While seated in the furniture, it is often necessary to listen to music, watch television or a movie in a home theater setting, or use one or more electronic components. There is a need for improved furniture with improved electronic component systems that can be used in conjunction with modern furniture components or fixtures. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The present invention relates to a space-saving furniture system with an associated electrical component system, which includes an integrated embedded internal speaker system, an internal power supply, electrical devices and other electrical components associated with the furniture that can be conveniently used when an individual sits on the furniture.

[0009] The audio enhanced furniture system conveniently provides comfortable seating furniture with integrated internal speakers for convenient, space-saving high-fidelity listening, and a power source for providing power to the speakers and other powered objects such as telephones, computers, lighting systems, and a recharging system for recharging such devices while the user is comfortably seated on the furniture.

[0010] An electronic furniture system of the present invention includes: (i) a furniture assembly comprising: (A) a base (e.g., a seat portion), (B) at least one cross member (e.g., an armrest or backrest), and (C) a coupler for coupling the base to the cross member; (ii) an electrical hub configured to be selectively resting within the furniture assembly; and (iii) a speaker system mounted within one or more portions of the furniture assembly. The electrical hub serves as a power source for the speaker system and can be selectively positioned, for example, within a cavity in a cross member of the furniture assembly.

[0011] In one embodiment, the speaker system includes one or more speakers mounted to a frame of a cross member and one or more speakers mounted to a frame of a base member. Embedding the speakers within the base and cross member saves significant space within the room while also concealing the speakers, allowing the combined furniture and speaker system to use the same footprint.

[0012] A subwoofer can be mounted within the base of the furniture assembly, while cross members, acting as armrests and coupled to the base on opposite sides of the base, each include one or more speakers embedded therein (e.g., two speakers per cross member). The combined base, cross members, and associated built-in speakers provide the user with a high-fidelity surround sound experience. This allows the user to use the furniture and speakers within the same footprint, saving valuable space for other objects in the room while still providing a high-fidelity listening experience.

[0013] The subwoofer may include an amplifier assembly including one or more amplifiers, an audio receiver, and / or a controller for amplifying and controlling the output of the speakers in the cross member and / or chassis.

[0014] In one embodiment, an electrical hub for providing power to a speaker includes: (a) an electrical outlet assembly having a housing; (b) a mounting panel coupled to the electrical outlet assembly and offset from the electrical outlet assembly such that at least one outlet in the electrical outlet assembly is spaced apart from the mounting panel; and (c) a mounting clip mounted to the electrical outlet assembly. The offset mounting panel of the electrical hub forms a protected area within which one or more electrical wires (e.g., wires for a speaker, amplifier, audio receiver, controller, or other object such as a telephone) are connected to the outlet assembly. The mounting clip is selectively movable to mount the electrical hub within a cavity of a cross member of a furniture assembly.

[0015] An example of a furniture system of the present invention includes: (A) a base; (B) a cross member; and (C) a speaker system, the speaker system including at least one speaker positioned within one of the base and the cross member. A coupler selectively couples the base to the cross member. The speaker system includes one or more speakers mounted within at least one of: (i) the base; or (ii) the cross member of the furniture assembly, the speaker system including at least one speaker mounted within the furniture assembly. Embedding the speakers within the modular or assemblable furniture assembly serves to conceal the speakers and associated wiring and routing from view and provide high-quality sound without using any additional space beyond the footprint of the furniture assembly.

[0016] To provide power to the speaker system, an electrical hub is configured to couple to at least one of: (i) a cross member; or (ii) a base. For example, the hub can be selectively mounted within a cavity in the cross member. The hub can be selectively mounted adjacent to a connector within the cross member. For example, other components such as a cell phone, computer, lamp, and / or an inductive charger installed within the furniture assembly for recharging other electrical devices can be connected to the hub to receive power.

[0017] Thus, the audio enhanced furniture system of the present invention conveniently provides comfortable furniture for sitting, as well as speakers for convenient listening and a power source for providing power to the speakers and other electrically powered objects such as telephones, computers, lighting systems, and recharging systems for recharging such devices.

[0018] A primary advantage of the present invention is that the speaker system and electronic component system employed in the present invention are hidden from the perspective of the typical user and potential consumer, thereby avoiding some of the unsightly and cluttered sight of speakers and electronic devices that fill many spaces in modern homes and businesses.

[0019] The furniture cavities defined within the base and cross members enhance the sound of speakers mounted therein. Thus, users can experience a high-quality sound and music experience using the base and cross members of the present invention. The speakers are tuned to compensate for the sound emitted by the fabric covering the speakers embedded within the base and / or cross members.

[0020] A major benefit of the present invention is the concealment of the speakers within the base and cross members of the present invention. This allows for significant space savings and aesthetic enhancements in homes, businesses, offices, or other locations by utilizing the space typically occupied by furniture speakers. Thus, the sofa of the present invention offers extensive space efficiency. The speakers can be concealed behind home decor fabrics. Such fabrics can be acoustically impermeable. The given frequency emitted by the speakers is tuned to compensate for the fact that the emitted sound passes through the fabric interface, thereby optimizing the sound as it passes through the fabric layers.

[0021] The speaker system of the present invention can be used in sofas, chairs, modular furniture systems, and in modular furniture systems having various different components such as recliners, seats, footrests and various configurations.

[0022] These and other objects and features of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as described hereinafter. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] In order to further illustrate the above and other advantages and features of the present invention, the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to specific embodiments of the present invention shown in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that these drawings depict only illustrative embodiments of the present invention and therefore should not be considered as limiting the scope thereof. The present invention will be specifically and fully described and illustrated through the use of the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0024] Figure 1A A perspective view of a modular furniture assembly in the form of a surround sound chair of the present invention having audio speakers in its cross member to form a surround sound speaker system, with the position and orientation of the speakers reflected in dashed lines in the cross member.

[0025] Figure 1B In the form of a seat Figure 1AA perspective view of a modular furniture assembly in which the surround sound chair also has a subwoofer in its base, the subwoofer being shown in dashed lines in the base.

[0026] Figure 2 Shown Figure 1A -An embodiment of the surround sound seat of B with adjacent lights electrically coupled to the hub of the seat.

[0027] Figure 3 For the Figure 1A -B shows a seat with a surround sound speaker system, with the seat cushion exploded from the seat and a cutaway view of the base.

[0028] Figures 4A-4B The modular furniture assembly of the present invention is shown.

[0029] Figure 5 The exploded view shows Figures 4A-4B A modular furniture assembly wherein certain electronic components are added that are connected to an electrical hub configured to be mounted within the modular furniture assembly.

[0030] Figure 6 A perspective view of a cross member of the present invention, including a phantom view of certain electronic components mounted therein and connected to the hub of the present invention. An adjacent cross member is also depicted.

[0031] Figure 7 is a perspective view of a cross member and a hub mounted within the cross member, including a light electrically coupled to the hub.

[0032] Figures 8A-8H The present invention shows Figures 1A-1B The seat comprises a base including a speaker, wherein the subwoofer system is mounted within a frame of the base. Figure 8F The outer and inner covers and footing members associated with the components of the base are depicted in FIG.

[0033] Figures 9A-9D The present invention shows Figures 1A to 3 A cross member and a speaker system mounted within the frame of the cross member. An electrical hub 100 selectively mounted within the cross member is shown mounted within the cross member.

[0034] Figure 10 A cross-sectional view of an alternative cross member containing a speaker is shown, wherein the speaker is located with Figures 9A-9D Different positions of the transverse members.

[0035] Figure 11-12 An alternative cross member with alternative speaker positions is shown.

[0036] Figure 13A -B is a perspective view of a sofa similar to FIG1a with audio speakers in its cross members (armrests) and with a subwoofer in its base to form a surround sound speaker system, the speakers being reflected in dotted lines.

[0037] Figure 14 Shows something like Figures 13A-13B The sofa has a night light motion sensor.

[0038] Figure 15 Shown Figure 14 An example of a wiring diagram for a sofa.

[0039] Figure 15A for Figure 15 Another version of the wiring diagram with text descriptions for some of the components identified in the wiring diagram.

[0040] Figure 16 A perspective view of a controller or transmitter of the present invention.

[0041] Figure 17 is an example of a wall mounted controller or transmitter of the present invention having a speaker (eg, a center channel speaker). DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] Figure 1-3: Modular furniture system with surround sound speakers

[0043] Figure 1A is a perspective view of a modular furniture assembly in the form of a chair of the present invention having audio speakers embedded in its cross members to form a surround sound speaker system, the speakers being reflected in dotted lines in the cross members.

[0044] Figure 1B In the form of a seat Figure 1A A perspective view of a modular furniture assembly of FIG, wherein the seat also has a subwoofer in its base, the subwoofer being shown in dashed lines in the base.

[0045] like Figure 1A and 1B As shown, the present invention relates to an audio enhanced modular furniture system 200 comprising a speaker-containing base member 12a selectively coupled to a speaker-containing cross member 14a and a non-speaker containing cross member 14. Figure 1A and 1B As shown, the base member 12a containing the speaker and the cross member 14a containing the speaker and the cross member 14 are connected to each other.

[0046] The audio enhanced modular furniture system 200 advantageously includes one or more speakers located therein and as Figure 1A As shown in FIG. 1B , a set of speakers is provided in each armrest cross member 14 a and a subwoofer 210 is provided in the base 12 a.

[0047] exist Figures 1A-1B In the embodiment of FIG. 1 , the furniture system 200 includes an integrated internal subwoofer 210a and four integrated internal non-subwoofer speakers 212a-b, 214a-b. Figure 1A As shown, the non-subwoofer speakers 212a-b, 214a-b are included in Figure 1A In an embodiment of the present invention, two front speakers 212a-b and two surround rear speakers 214a-b are directed upward. The subwoofer 210a can handle low-frequency sounds (e.g., from about 20 Hz to about 120 Hz, up to about 100 Hz, or up to about 80 Hz), while the front speakers 212a-b and rear speakers 214a-b can handle higher frequencies (e.g., from the cutoff frequency of the subwoofer up to about 20 kHz). Any speaker can include a cone driver, a dome driver, a ribbon driver, a horn driver, any other driver configuration, or a combination of drivers.

[0048] like Figure 1A and Figure 1B As shown, the footprint of system 200 with speakers 210a-214b therein has the same mathematical specifications as the footprint of a modular furniture assembly without speakers therein. Therefore, adding speakers to system 200 does not impose any additional space requirements on a home or office. Furthermore, the wiring and / or cabling typically associated with speakers is also concealed within the furniture assembly itself, resulting in a very clean, aesthetically pleasing appearance while providing high-quality stereo, surround sound, or other sound playback.

[0049] In contrast, the use of speakers installed within furniture system 200 effectively utilizes the furniture and provides users with a high-quality, high-fidelity listening experience. The speakers are concealed within discrete portions of cross member 14a and located within base 12a, thereby enabling efficient use of space.

[0050] exist Figures 1A-1BIn the illustrated embodiment, speakers 212a and 212b are shown mounted in the forward-facing surface of cross member 14a. As discussed in further detail herein, in one embodiment, this forward-facing placement of speakers 212a and 212b works in conjunction with a front wall, flat-screen television, or other surface to facilitate reflection of forward-facing sound from the front speakers 212a and 212b back toward a user seated on furniture assembly 200, potentially providing advantages of reflected sound, which in some embodiments may include improved sound quality. For example, the sound reflected back toward the seated user may mimic sound from front speakers actually located in front of the seated user.

[0051] The subwoofer assembly within the base 12 a is concealed within the frame of the base 12 a and is therefore located beneath the seat cushion 18 .

[0052] Figure 2 Shown Figure 1A -B is an embodiment of a surround sound chair of the furniture system 200, wherein adjacent lights are electrically coupled to an integral electrical hub mounted internally within the chair. Details of the internal electrical hub 100 will be referred to in Figure 5-7 Further discussion.

[0053] Figure 3 For the Figure 1A -B shows a furniture system 200 in the form of a chair for a surround sound speaker system, wherein the seat cushion is exploded from the chair and a cross-sectional view of the base 12a is shown.

[0054] Figure 3 Shown Figure 1A -B and Figure 2 An exploded view of the surround sound chair of the furniture system 200 is shown, illustrating the following: (1) selectively mounted connectors 15 for coupling the cross members 14, 14a to the base 12a; (2) an integral electrical hub 100 mounted internally within the furniture system 200 to provide a source of electrical power; and (3) details of the base 12a, including a cushioning assembly and an integral internal speaker assembly of the base 12a.

[0055] The audio enhanced modular furniture system 200 has Figure 4A -B's base 12 and cross member 13 are similar to the base 12a and cross member 14a. Figure 4A -B, the base 12 and cross member 14 are connected in the same or similar manner to cross members 14a and 14b, which will now be discussed.

[0056] Figure 4-7: Connection and power

[0057] Will refer to Figures 4A-4B 、 Figure 5-7 and Figures 8A-8H Discuss in more detail Figure 3 Additional details for each component are reflected in . For example, Figures 4A-4B Additional details are shown regarding the use of coupler 15 and the coupling of base 12 to cross member 14 . Figure 5 Further details are shown regarding the connector 15 and details regarding the electrical hub 100 which acts as a hub for speakers and other electrically powered devices (e.g., phones, computers, lights, recharging systems, etc.) and which can be used by people sitting in Figure 5 The modular furniture assembly shown provides a source of power for other electrical devices that are conveniently used by the user. Figure 6 The connection of the electrical hub 100 within the cross member 14 is shown, as is the advantageous use of the electrical hub 100 to power a speaker 170 and an inductive charger 172, which can be used to wirelessly charge electrical devices such as telephones placed on or within the cross member 14, for example when the cross member 14 is used as an armrest. Figure 7 The use of hub 100 to power a lamp is shown. Figures 8A-8H An embodiment of a speaker system coupled within base 12a is shown. Figure 9A-12 An embodiment of a speaker system within cross member 14a is shown.

[0058] We will now refer to Figure 4A-7 1 and 2. The components of the modular furniture assembly of the present invention and the power system within the modular furniture assembly are discussed together. The principles of using couplers 15 for connection and hub 100 for providing power can be used in conjunction with bases 12a and cross members 14a that include speakers and / or with bases and cross members that do not include speakers.

[0059] Figures 4A-4B :Modular furniture configuration and connection

[0060] Figures 4A-4B A modular furniture assembly 10 of the present invention is shown. Figure 4A -B modular furniture assembly 10 shows the configuration of a base 12 and a cross member 14 and the coupling of the base 12 and cross member 14 to each other. Once the base 12 is placed near the cross member 14, a coupler 15 selectively couples the base 12 to the cross member 14. The coupler 15 can also be used to couple a base 12a containing a speaker to a cross member 14 containing a speaker.

[0061] In one embodiment, Figures 4A-4B In another embodiment, neither the base 12 nor the cross member 14 has speakers, electrical hubs, or other electrical components therein. Figures 4A-4BThe base 12 and cross member 14 may each have one or more speakers, electrical hubs, or other electrical components therein. Figures 4A-4B This is to illustrate the use of the connector 15 for connecting a base / cross member combination that does not include a speaker or a base / cross member combination that includes a speaker.

[0062] like Figures 4A-4B As shown, each modular furniture assembly 10 has a seat cushion 18 for a user to sit on the base 12. In addition, a foot coupler 34 is shown for connecting the cross member 14 and the bottom of the base 12 to each other.

[0063] Further discussion and disclosure regarding the modular furniture assemblies 10 and their connection to each other and to the cross members 14 are shown and discussed in the following patents and patent applications, each of which is incorporated herein by reference: (i) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14 / 332,705, filed Jul. 16, 2014, entitled “MOUNTING PLATFORM FOR MODULAR FURNITURE ASSEMBLY,” (ii) U.S. Patent No. 8,783,778, entitled “MOUNTING PLATFORM FOR MODULAR FURNITURE ASSEMBLY,” (iii) U.S. Patent No. 7,963,612, entitled “MODULAR FURNITURE ASSEMBLY,” (iv) U.S. Patent No. 8,783,778, entitled “MOUNTING PLATFORM FOR MODULAR FURNITURE ASSEMBLY,” (v) U.S. Patent No. 8,963,612, entitled “MODULAR FURNITURE ASSEMBLY,” (vi) U.S. Patent No. 8,783,778, entitled “MOUNTING PLATFORM FOR MODULAR FURNITURE ASSEMBLY,” 7,547,073, entitled “MODULAR FURNITURE ASSEMBLY”; (v) U.S. Patent No. 7,213,885, entitled “MODULAR FURNITURE ASSEMBLY”; (vi) U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 354,426, filed on June 24, 2016, entitled “MODULARFURNITURE ASSEMBLY CORNER SEATING SYSTEM”; (vii) U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 257,623, filed on November 19, 2015, entitled “FURNITURE WITH ELECTRONIC ASSEMBLIES”; (viii) U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 257,623, filed on November 19, 2015, entitled “FURNITURE WITH ELECTRONIC ASSEMBLIES”; and (viii) U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 257,623, filed on November 19, 2015, entitled “FURNITURE WITH ELECTRONIC ASSEMBLIES”. and (x) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15 / 342,800, filed on November 3, 2016, entitled “Furniture System with Recliner Assembly,” each of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0064] The base and cross member of the present invention may include one or more covers (e.g., an inner cover and an outer cover). Such covers offer various advantages, including the ability to easily remove the outer cover, allowing the user to remove it, clean it, and swap it with another cover as needed. In one embodiment, the speakers used in the present invention are frequency tuned so that high-quality sound is emitted through the inner removable cover and / or the outer removable cover.

[0065] Figure 5 : Power hub for modular furniture

[0066] Figure 5 The exploded view shows Figures 4A-4B A modular furniture assembly wherein certain electronic components are added and connected to an electrical hub configured to be mounted within the modular furniture assembly.

[0067] Figure 5 The hub 100 is used to provide power to the speakers and other electrical components of the furniture system 200. The base 12 of the furniture assembly 10 is selectively coupled to the first cross member and the second cross member 14 of the furniture assembly 10. Figure 5 Shown in a partial view.

[0068] Each cross member 14 has a cavity 26 in its lower portion. U-shaped couplers 15 selectively couple the upper portion of the base 12 to the lower middle portion of the cross member 14. Foot couplers 34 selectively couple the respective feet of the base 12 to the respective feet of the cross member 14. The foot couplers 34 have apertures therein that receive the feet of the respective adjacent bases and cross members, thereby coupling them to one another.

[0069] In one embodiment, for aesthetic continuity and / or to provide level surfaces at all four corners of the base, foot couplers such as coupler 34 may be placed under the feet of the base that is not adjacent to the cross member or other bases. Figure 5 Modular furniture components shown assembled.

[0070] like Figure 5 As shown, the U-coupler 15 is assembled by placing one plate of the U-coupler 15 within an aperture 32 in the frame of the base 12 and the other plate of the U-coupler 15 within an aperture 33 in the frame of the cross member 14 located in the cavity 26 of the cross member 14 (see FIG. Figure 7 ) to connect a portion of the base 12 to a portion of the cross member 14, thereby selectively electrically coupling the base 12 to the cross member 14. Figure 5The second cross member 14 and / or additional cross members 14 shown in partial view in FIG. 1 may be selectively coupled to the base 12 in a similar or identical manner.

[0071] The base 12 is used as a seat member and / or for receiving a cushion 18 to be used as a seat member, while the cross member 14 can be used as a backrest and / or armrest. Various combinations of different numbers of bases, cross members, and U-shaped couplers and foot couplers can be used to create a variety of different furniture assemblies of the present invention, as discussed and illustrated in the patents and patent applications incorporated herein by reference.

[0072] exist Figure 5 Also shown in exploded view is an electrical hub 100 that is selectively mounted within the cavity 26 of the cross member 14, with a portion of the electrical hub 100 selectively sandwiched between a portion of the base 12 and a portion of the cross member 14, thereby maintaining the hub 100 in a convenient, stable position within the furniture assembly 10. The hub 100 serves as a convenient power source for the electrical devices 20, 22, and 24. As described in further detail herein, the hub 100 can also provide power to speakers and / or other audio components (e.g., an audio receiver).

[0073] when Figure 4B The cushion 18 is placed to Figure 5 When attached to the base 12 and adjacent cross member 14 of the furniture assembly 10, the hub 100 is not visible to the user except for the portion of the electrical cord 110 that extends from the rear of the furniture assembly 10 and into the electrical wall outlet 19. For example, Figure 2 As shown, when Figure 3 When the seat cushion 18 is placed on the base 12a and the adjacent cross member 14a, the hub 100 is not visible to the user.

[0074] therefore, Figure 5 The electronic furniture assembly comprises: (i) a furniture assembly 10 comprising: (A) a base 12, (B) a cross member 14, and (C) a coupler 15 for coupling the base 12 to the cross member 14; and (ii) Figure 5 The electrical hub 100 is shown as being configured to be selectively retained within the furniture assembly 10. Figure 1A 、 Figure 1B and Figure 2 As shown, the electrical hub 100 enables Figure 1A 、 Figure 1B and Figure 2The resulting electronic furniture assembly is able to conveniently receive and serve as a source of power for personal items such as all phones, computers, and other accessories used while sitting on the furniture assembly 10. The power available through the hub 100 can also be used to power speakers and other audio components embedded within the furniture assembly in a manner such that the speakers, hub 100, and even any wiring / wiring associated therewith, are hidden from view during normal use (e.g., with the seat cushion 18 in place).

[0075] The electrical hub 100 includes one or more electrical outlets. The hub 100 is configured to be selectively integrated into a furniture assembly 10. One or more electrical hubs 100 are configured to be selectively integrated into various other furniture assemblies having one or more cross members 14, such as the furniture assemblies disclosed in the following patents and patent applications: U.S. Patent No. 8,783,778, entitled "MOUNTING PLATFORM FOR MODULAR FURNITURE ASSEMBLY," and (vii) Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62 / 257,623, filed on November 19, 2015, entitled "Furniture with Electronic Assemblies," each of which is incorporated herein by reference. The electrical hub 100 described herein is adapted to communicate with the cross member cavities disclosed in the aforementioned patents and applications.

[0076] The hub 100 may be conveniently used within a cross member of a furniture assembly disclosed in U.S. Patent 7,213,885, entitled “MODULAR FURNITURE ASSEMBLY,” wherein the furniture assembly has a configuration such that a length X of the base and a length X′ of the cross member are equal to one another, and wherein the length X of the base is equal to the width of the base and the width of the cross member such that X=Y+Z and X=X′ as disclosed in U.S. Patent 7,213,885, entitled “MODULAR FURNITURE ASSEMBLY,” which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0077] The figures provided herein illustrate the hub 100 for use in conjunction with modular furniture. However, the hub 100 is conveniently used in conjunction with various types of furniture, including: (i) fixed, non-configurable furniture; (ii) furniture that is assembled by the consumer (referred to as "assembled furniture"); and furniture that can be constructed into a variety of different configurations (referred to as "modular furniture"). Assembled furniture includes (i) modular furniture that can be constructed into a variety of different configurations and (ii) furniture that can only be assembled into a single configuration. The hub 100 is conveniently used in conjunction with various types of furniture, including (i) fixed, non-configurable furniture, (ii) assembled modular furniture, and (iii) assembled non-modular furniture.

[0078] Although Figure 5 A furniture assembly 10 is shown that includes two cross members 14 and a base member 12, but in other embodiments, one or more hubs 100 can be used in other combinations of cross members 14 and base members 12, such as those disclosed in the aforementioned patents and applications, with the hub 100 configured to be partially disposed within at least one cross member 14 of such an assembly. When a seat cushion 18 is positioned on the hub 100, the seat cushion 18 conceals the hub 100 from view. A plurality of mobile, computing, and / or other electronic devices 20, 22, 24 are inserted into the hub 100, which is at least partially located within the cross member 14 behind the seat cushion 18.

[0079] Figure 5 A mobile phone 20, a speaker 22, and a laptop computer 24 are shown electrically connected to the hub 100. Other electrical devices that may be plugged into the hub 100 may include, but are not limited to, table lamps, inductive chargers, sofa and / or chair lamps, reading and / or floor lamps, mobile computing devices, speakers, stereo systems, vacuum cleaners, heaters, fans, electric blankets, etc. for use by a user of the furniture assembly 10.

[0080] Figure 5Also shown is a hub cord 110 that plugs into the wall outlet 19. The hub cord 110 provides power to the hub 100, which in turn provides power to one or more electronic devices 20, 22, 24 that are plugged into or otherwise connected to the hub 100. In this manner, the electronic devices 20, 22, 24 are powered via the hub 100 in a visually pleasing and convenient manner. For example, when a user is sitting on a sofa chair, the user generally cannot see the hub 100's power outlet and the electrical device's connection to the hub 100, or when the cushion(s) are on the base 12, others in the room cannot see the hub 100's power outlet and the electrical device's connection to the hub 100. Thus, the hub cord 110 provides power to multiple electronic devices 20, 22, 24 from a single power source. A person sitting on or otherwise using the illustrated furniture assembly 10 can access his or her electronic devices 20 , 22 , 24 when powered by the hub 100 , without requiring multiple wires or other power strips separate from the furniture assembly 10 .

[0081] like Figure 5 As shown, in one embodiment, an electrical hub 100 includes: (a) an electrical receptacle assembly 102; (b) a mounting plate 104, wherein a rear surface of the mounting plate 104 is coupled to the electrical receptacle assembly 102 such that at least one receptacle in the electrical receptacle assembly 102 is spaced apart and offset from the mounting plate 104; and (c) a mounting clip 106 mounted to the electrical receptacle assembly 102, the mounting clip 106 being movable relative to the electrical receptacle assembly 102, the mounting clip 106 having an extended position and being movable to a compressed position when it is desired to move the hub into the cavity 26. The electrical receptacle assembly 102 includes electrical wires 110 and at least one electrical receptacle in electrical communication with the electrical wires 110.

[0082] The free end of the mounting clip 106 is movable relative to the assembly and is configured to be normally in an extended position in the absence of any other force and to be selectively moved from the extended position to a compressed position by a user to install the electrical hub 100 within the furniture assembly 10. The clip 106 is further configured to be selectively moved from the extended position to the compressed position by a user to remove the electrical hub 100 from the furniture assembly. Figure 5 As shown, the hub 100 is configured to be selectively installed within the furniture assembly 100 to provide a source of power to one or more electrical devices 20, 22, 24 located proximate to the furniture assembly.

[0083] Additional information regarding the hub 100 is disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15 / 270,339, filed on Sep. 20, 2016, and entitled “Electrical Hub for Furniture Assemblies,” which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0084] Figure 6-7 : Electrical components connected to the electrical hub 100

[0085] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a cross member of the present invention, including a phantom view of certain electronic components connected to the hub of the present invention. Optional adjacent cross members are also depicted.

[0086] Figure 6 The cross member 14 of the present invention is shown having an electrical hub 100 mounted therein, wherein power is fed through the electrical hub to a speaker 170 and an inductive charger 172 which are mounted within the cross member.

[0087] Various electronic devices such as speakers, inductive chargers (e.g., under the fabric of the cross member used as an armrest), refrigerators, amplifiers for surround sound systems, and a large number of other electronic devices that can be used in the furniture assembly can be electrically connected to the sockets of the electrical socket assembly 102 or electrically connected to the Figure 5-6 The internal receptacle 140' is shown. In various embodiments, the receptacle 140' has one, two, or more than two electrical receptacles.

[0088] Additionally, one or more additional cross members with hub 100, speakers 170, and charger 172 may be provided to provide stereo and surround sound and to provide convenient wiring for electrical furniture components.

[0089] Using the inductive charger 172 mounted within the cross member 14, a user seated on the furniture assembly 10 can conveniently recharge an electrical device, such as a cellular telephone, while seated on the modular furniture assembly.

[0090] Wireless qi charging, for example via an inductive charger 172 embedded in a cross member or other device, is used to charge mobile devices such as cell phones, computers, lighting systems, lamps, or other electronic devices. Figure 6 As shown, a qi charger, also known as an induction charger, can be hidden under a furniture cover and / or embedded within the wooden frame of an embodiment of the cross member 14. In one embodiment, the induction charger is mounted on the upper surface of one or more cross members under a thin cover to provide convenient access for mobile devices such as cell phones.

[0091] The induction charger charges through multiple layers of fabric when needed. The induction charger can be placed in various locations, such as within a cross member or base.

[0092] For example, other embedded devices that may be used in the cross member 14 or in the base 12 include ambient lighting, heating systems, cooling systems, and motion sensors.

[0093] Figure 7 FIG is a cutaway perspective view of a cross member 14 and a hub 100 mounted within the cross member 14, including a light 150 electrically coupled to the hub 100. Figure 7 As shown, the hub cord 110 extends from the hub 100 through the cross member 14 out of a hole in the bottom of the frame of the cross member 14 and is located below the cross member 14 so that the hub cord 110 can be plugged into an external power source. The hub cord 110 shown is flexible and in some of the embodiments shown, for example, Figure 7 The hub power cord 110 shown in FIG. 1 includes a plurality of extension cords.

[0094] like Figure 7 As shown, an electrical device, such as a lamp 150, has an electrical cord 160 that is conveniently connected to a floor-mounted electrical cord receptacle 140a. Thus, the electrical cord 110 is advantageous because an electrical cord receptacle, such as the floor-mounted electrical cord receptacle 140a, can provide power to an electrical device, such as a lamp 150, and hide at least a portion of the corresponding electrical cord 160 from view, thereby providing a more functional furniture assembly and a more pleasing aesthetic appearance.

[0095] Also shown is a wire elbow 120 extending around the electrical cord 110. The wire elbow 120 is a rigid or semi-rigid component (e.g., constructed of a hard plastic) positioned around the hub electrical cord 110 in a curved, elbow-like shape along the length of the hub electrical cord 110. The wire elbow 120 is positioned around the hub electrical cord 110 to facilitate a convenient, durable bend of the hub electrical cord 110 while protecting the curved portion of the electrical cord 110. In one embodiment, the wire elbow 120 bends the hub electrical cord 110 where it reaches the floor or other surface when extending between the electrical outlet assembly 102 and a power source, such as the wall outlet 19.

[0096] Elbows such as wire elbow 120 provide a protected, smooth transition from a vertical orientation to a horizontal orientation and can be constructed from a variety of different materials, such as hard plastic or rubber, neoprene, silicone, or other materials that can be wrapped around a wire and formed into a rigid or semi-rigid tubular member that wraps around the wire.

[0097] Thus, an elbow such as wire elbow 120 that extends around the wires protects the wires from breaking or fraying when bent, minimizes the amount of wire that is visible, and in some cases hides the wires from view.

[0098] Likewise Figure 7 As shown, one coupling plate 15a of the coupling 15 is configured to fit within a corresponding aperture 32 of the base 12, while the other plate of the coupling 15 fits within a corresponding aperture 33 of the cross member 14, thereby selectively connecting the base 12 to the member 14. As shown, in one embodiment, the U-shaped coupling 15 has a strap handle attached thereto for removing the coupling 15 from the corresponding apertures 32, 33, and may have an eyelet on its top, which helps reduce the weight of the coupling 15. In other embodiments, the eyelet and strap are not used.

[0099] Figure 7 Also shown is the convenience and utility of an internal wire receptacle 140a or 140' mounted within the body of the cross member 14, which receives wires 160 for the light 150 and / or corresponding wires 170a, 172a for one or more speakers 170 and one or more wireless induction chargers 172 mounted within the cross member 14. Figure 6 ).

[0100] An inductive charger 172 may be mounted beneath the fabric within the cross member 14 , for example, to conveniently and wirelessly charge wireless electronic devices such as phones and / or computers placed on the cross member 14 by a user.

[0101] One or more tabs 120a-b extend from the face plate 104 of the hub 100 and are configured to rest between the cross member 14 and the base member 12 when the cross member 14 and the base member 12 are coupled together. In this manner, the tabs 120a-b are press-fit between the cross member 14 and the base member 12, thereby helping to at least partially secure the hub 100 within the cavity 26 of the cross member 14.

[0102] Coupler 15 and similar couplers, as well as hub 100 and similar hubs, may be used to provide connectivity and power in conjunction with base 12a and cross member 14a that contain speakers and / or in conjunction with bases and cross members that do not contain speakers.

[0103] Figures 8A-8H : Base 12a with speaker system

[0104] Figures 8A-8H The present invention shows Figure 1A-Figure 31. An example of a furniture system 200 in the form of a chair having a base 12a and a subwoofer system mounted within a frame of the base 12a.

[0105] Figures 8A-8H FIG. 2 shows how the subwoofer 210a is mounted and positioned within the chassis 12a. Figures 8A-8H As shown, the base member 12a includes a frame assembly 216 in which the subwoofer 210a is mounted. The subwoofer 210a can receive its audio signal wirelessly (e.g., from a transmitter 224 or from a receiver / amplifier 217) or through a wired connection (e.g., from an audio receiver 217). Power for powering the subwoofer can be provided from the hub 100. If the subwoofer is passive (e.g., has no internal amplifier), an amplified signal can be provided from the receiver / amplifier 217.

[0106] Figure 8A -H shows how the subwoofer 210a is embedded in the frame assembly 216 of the chassis 12. The frame assembly 216 of the chassis 12a has a cavity 226 within the frame assembly 216, and the subwoofer 210a is located within the cavity 226.

[0107] Subwoofer 210a includes a subwoofer driver 211a, which includes electronics and other structures typically associated with such a speaker driver, such as its magnet. Speaker driver 211a is coupled to a speaker housing 228 on which driver 211a is mounted. Speaker housing 228 provides a given desired internal volume associated with subwoofer 210a. In the illustrated embodiment, housing 228 is defined separately from cavity 226 within frame assembly 216.

[0108] The configuration of the speaker housing 228 enables the speaker 210a to be removed from the cavity 226 of the base member 12a, thereby allowing a user to remove the subwoofer assembly 210a from a given base member 12a and install it in another base member 12a that may not have previously included a subwoofer 210a. Thus, the subwoofer assembly 210a is completely self-contained. The housing 228 can be sealed or perforated, as desired.

[0109] The subwoofer 210a also includes elongated attachment arms 230a and 230b mounted on opposite sides of the speaker housing 228. The arms 230a and 230b attach to the housing 228 and couple the housing 228 to the frame assembly 216 of the chassis 12a.

[0110] In the illustrated embodiment, arms 230a and 230b each include an angled terminal extension 232 at each end thereof and an associated mounting eyelet 232a. The positioning and orientation of eyelets 232a are configured to allow subwoofer 210a to be received within cavity 226 of frame assembly 216 with eyelets 232a aligned with the eyelets of foot 20a for mounting base member 12a.

[0111] Each arm 230a-b is formed of an L-shaped shaft having an L-shaped cross-section angled at approximately 90 degrees, each shaft having a terminal extension 232 extending therefrom. Figure 8H As shown, the terminal extension 232 is angled to extend laterally outward from the shaft body. Figure 8H As shown, the terminal extension 232 extends in the same plane as one leg of the L-shaped shaft. Using arms 230a-b, the associated speaker can be quickly and efficiently coupled to the frame assembly of the base and can be easily removed from the frame assembly for selective replacement of the speaker.

[0112] Thus, in one embodiment of the present invention, a speaker system includes one or more arms configured to couple one or more speakers to a frame of a portion of a furniture assembly, the one or more arms being comprised of an L-shaped shaft having an angled L-shaped cross-section, the L-shaped shaft having a terminal extension extending from the shaft, the terminal extension being angled to extend laterally outward from the shaft, the terminal extension extending in the same plane as one leg of the L-shaped shaft.

[0113] This relationship is Figures 8A-8H It is further shown in Figures 8A-8H The positioning of the feet 20a is depicted. The feet 20a of the base member 12a are shown as being configured to be mounted to the respective four corners of the frame assembly 216, wherein the arms 230a and 230b are sandwiched between the respective feet 20a and the eyelets in the frame assembly 216, for example, the feet 20a being threadedly received in the eyelets in the frame assembly 216. Figure 8B The positioning of the upper and lower internally threaded hubs 233 that clip into the corner portions of the frame assembly 216 is shown. The feet 20a can be selectively threaded into the hubs 233 in the corner portions of the frame assembly 216.

[0114] As in Figure 8A As further shown in FIG. 1-H, the subwoofer 210a is shown positioned within the frame assembly 216 of the chassis 12 in an orientation such that the driver 211a of the subwoofer 210a is directed downward (toward the floor) in the same direction as the foot 20a, for example.

[0115] In other words, the cone of driver 211a associated with subwoofer 210a is shown as directing sound downward toward the floor or other supporting surface when assembled within chassis 12a.

[0116] Other configurations are possible. For example, the drivers 211a may instead be flipped so that the cone of the driver 211a associated with the subwoofer 210a is oriented upward within the base 12a, in other words, toward a seated user.

[0117] Each of these different configurations provides a different sound enhancement experience for the user. For example, when the driver 211a is pointed downwardly toward the floor, the sound is reflected off the floor, and the reflected sound may have the advantages of reflecting the sound, which in some embodiments may include improved sound quality.

[0118] When the driver 211a is pointed upwardly toward a user sitting on the base 12a, the user can feel and experience an increased amount of reverberation, thereby improving the user's fourth dimensional experience. In some embodiments, the user can feel the sound of the speaker more strongly.

[0119] The configuration shown provides a high degree of protection for the driver 211a of the subwoofer 210a while also providing excellent sound quality. In some embodiments, since frequencies of 120 Hz or less or frequencies of 80 Hz or less are largely omnidirectional, a user sitting on the sofa chair 200 cannot easily discern which direction these sounds are coming from.

[0120] In addition to using an enclosure associated with the frame assembly 216 of the chassis 12a, providing a complete enclosure shell 228 for the subwoofer 210a also provides additional protection for the driver 211a of the subwoofer 210a.

[0121] For example, the top side of the housing 228 is spaced apart from the springs 263 coupled to the top of the frame assembly 216, where the seat cushion is located on top of the frame assembly 216. Thus, space is provided between the top of the housing 228 and the springs 263 coupled to the top of the frame assembly 216, such that when a user sits on the seat cushion 18 located on the springs 263 coupled to the top of the frame assembly 216 (or on the fabric cover 266 or other cover over the springs 263), there is little risk of damage to the driver 211a of the subwoofer 210a.

[0122] For example, such a space or gap between the spring 263 and the housing 228 can be, for example, at least about 2 inches to about 5 inches.

[0123] like Figure 8A and 8BAs shown, one or more internally threaded hubs 233 are coupled to each corner of the base frame 226. In one embodiment, corresponding upper and lower hubs 233 are mounted within the corners so that each corner has an upper hub and a lower hub in its aperture. The foot 20a is threadedly connected to the corresponding corner by being screwed into the corresponding upper and / or lower hub 233.

[0124] exist Figure 8D In the embodiment of FIG. 2 , a foot coupler 234 is shown. Figure 8F and 8H Also shown is a foot coupler 234. In one embodiment, the diameter of each eyelet of the foot coupler 234 is greater than the outer diameter of the foot 20a, such that the rim and body of the foot coupler 234 contact the corners 232 of the arms 230a-230b, such that the weight of the arm base frame 216 and an individual seated on the base 12a is received by the foot coupler 234 rather than by the foot 20.

[0125] Figure 8F An example of an inner cover 268 and an outer cover 269 mounted on the base frame 216 and having ends extending slightly onto the underside of the base frame 216 is shown. Figure 8F As shown. The covers 268, 269 can be constructed from a variety of different fabrics. Additional covers or shielding members can be used to protect the base frame 216 and / or the speaker system 210a, such as a metal or plastic mesh or cover material to cover the drivers 211a on the bottom of the frame assembly 216. The removable outer cover 269 is selectively and removably mounted on the lower surface of the frame 216 and / or the inner cover 268 to protect the inner cover 268 and the frame 216 and to provide a selectively variable aesthetic appearance. The covers 268, 269 can be secured to the frame assembly 216 using attachment members, such as using one or more two-part attachment members (such as VELCRO, buckles) or using a variety of different attachment members. The inner cover 268 can be connected to the frame 216 using nails or other attachment members.

[0126] like Figures 8A-8H As shown, at the top of the frame assembly 216, the coil springs 63 and / or Italian fabric straps 65 are mounted on the frame assembly 216. Such a resilient cushion structure provides support for the seat cushion 18 placed on the frame assembly 216, and can also help ensure that the springs 263 and fabric straps 265 will not be pressed against the housing shell 228 even if a user walks or jumps on top of the frame assembly 216 or on a seat cushion placed on top of the frame assembly 216.

[0127] Even if a user were to press the springs 263 and / or fabric straps 265 against the top surface of the housing 228, the rigid enclosure shell 228 would still protect the subwoofer driver 211a from any damage. Thus, the configuration of the housing 228 and the space between the housing 228 and the springs 263 provide a double layer of protection for the subwoofer driver 211a.

[0128] like Figure 8F and 8H As further shown in FIG, a foot connector 34 for connecting adjacent base members 12a and / or cross members 14a to each other has an aperture 35 large enough to surround the foot 20a without contacting the foot 20a, so that the upper surface of the foot connector 34 contacts the surfaces of the arms 230a and 230b at the corresponding corners of the base 12a and other surfaces of the corners, so that more of the forces and strains associated with the base member 12a are borne by the arm members 230a and 230b and the frame assembly 216 and the foot connector 34, rather than all of the forces being concentrated within the foot member 20.

[0129] Figure 9A-12 Cross member with loudspeaker

[0130] Figures 9A-9D The present invention shows Figures 1A to 3 14 a, wherein a speaker is mounted within the frame of the cross member 14 a. An electrical hub 100 selectively mounted within the cross member 14 a is shown mounted within the cross member 14 a. Figures 9B-9C A diagram of the inner cover 241 and the outer cover 243 of the cross member 14a is shown in FIG. Figure 9A and 9D The covers 241, 243 are not shown.

[0131] Figures 9A-9D A cross member 14a is shown having two speakers embedded therein. Figure 9A -D shows the front speakers 212a mounted on and within the frame 270 of the cross member 14a, and the rear upward facing surround sound speakers 214a mounted on and within the frame 270 of the cross member 14a. Figure 9A It shows how the front speakers 212a-b and rear speakers 214a-b of FIG. 1 may be mounted to a frame 270 within the cross member 14a.

[0132] like Figure 9A, an exemplary mounting configuration for mounting the surround sound speakers 214a and the front speakers 212a to the frame 270 is shown. For example, as shown, the speakers 212a are screwed, bolted, or otherwise secured to plywood, other wood, or other material of the frame 270 of the cross member 14a. The frame 270 of the cross member 14a is comprised of vertically and horizontally oriented members that define and form an internal speaker cavity within the frame 270. The frame is covered on one or more exterior surfaces thereof with a cushioning material 272, such as a polyurethane foam material, that provides cushioning to the frame 270.

[0133] Holes 274, 276 are formed through the frame 270 and the cushioning material 272, and the sound from the corresponding speakers 212a, 214a is emitted through the frame 270 and the cushioning material 272. A polyurethane or other foam layer is typically present around the top, sides, front, and back of the frame 270 of the cross member 14a. Holes 274, 276 extend through this foam and the frame 270, and the sound from the corresponding speakers 212a, 214a near the corresponding holes 274, 276 is emitted through the foam and the frame 270.

[0134] like Figures 9B-9C As shown, an inner fabric cover 241 extends over the foam 272 of the cross member 14 and the frame 270 and is attached to the bottom of the frame 270. In one embodiment, such fabric extends over the eyelets 274, 276, thereby protecting the corresponding speakers 212a, 214a. An outer removable decorative fabric cover 243 is selectively placed over the inner cover 243. The frequencies generated by the speakers are tuned so that the sound emitted from the speakers 212a-b is tuned to compensate for the sound passing through the inner cover 241 and the outer cover 243, which are generally not acoustically transparent materials.

[0135] In another embodiment, a fabric inner cover can be installed within the holes of a polyurethane or other foam material and / or plywood frame member, and the speakers are then secured to the frame member. An outer decorative fabric cover is then extended over the cross member including the speakers 212a, 214a, thereby hiding the speakers from view.

[0136] The rear surround sound speakers 214a can be mounted in the same or similar manner as the speakers 212a, or in a different manner. For example, the speakers 214a can be secured to the plywood or other frame member of the cross member 14a and mounted adjacent to the holes in the frame member. Holes are also provided through the polyurethane or other foam around the top surface of the cross member 14a, through which the surround sound speakers 214a can be mounted. Similarly, an inner fabric cover and an outer fabric cover extend over and / or around the rear surround sound speakers 214a.

[0137] In one embodiment, cross member frame 270 is completely surrounded by cushioning material 272 except possibly on the bottom surface of frame 270 and possibly within cavity 26 where coupler 15 and hub 100 are mounted.

[0138] Figures 9A-9D The front speakers 212a and rear surround speakers 214a are mounted in compartments within the frame 270 of the cross member 14a and are coupled to the frame 270, for example, using screws or bolts. Holes 274, 276 in the frame 270 and foam 272 correspond to the inner diameters of the respective speaker cones. As noted, the inner cover 241 can cover the outer portion of the hole 274 to thereby cover the speaker, or can be inserted into the hole formed in the frame and foam to accommodate the speaker.

[0139] Therefore, the cross member 14a containing the loudspeaker Figures 9A-9D The speakers 212a, 214a are each positioned within their frame 270, wherein the drivers of the speakers are threaded or bolted to the frame 270 and the inner diameter of the cones of the speakers 212a, 214a are positioned adjacent to corresponding circular holes through the frame and adjacent foam.

[0140] The holes in the outer foam cover can be covered by the inner cover 241 ( Figure 9B ) and / or an outer cover 243 (e.g., washable), which is selectively purchased by the user based on color, fabric, etc., and selectively placed over the inner cover 241. The speakers 212a-214a are tuned so that they emit sound through the decorative fabric covers 241, 243 in a high-quality manner. For example, frequencies that are preferentially absorbed by the fabric cover (changing the loudness of a given frequency as it passes through the fabric cover) can be boosted to compensate for the loss of such frequencies as they pass through the cover(s). In order to provide a "flat" frequency response of the spectrum heard on the other side of the fabric (i.e., at the listener's ear), relatively higher frequencies are generally attenuated more significantly by such fabric passage than relatively lower frequencies, so that tuning can include preferentially boosting higher frequencies (compared to less or no boosting of lower frequencies).

[0141] The actuators of cross member 14a may optionally be covered by a metal or plastic mesh or cover material mounted within the cushioning material and / or perforations within the frame for additional protection beyond that provided by the fabric cover.

[0142] Figures 9A-9DThe front speakers 212a are shown as being located near the front face 234 of the cross member 14a. The front speakers 212a are shown as being located near the top of the front face 234. The upward-facing rear surround speakers 214a are shown as being embedded near the top surface 236 of the cross member 14a. The surround speakers 214a are shown as being located within the cross member 14 at the rear end near the upper surface 236 of the member 14a.

[0143] The structure, positioning, and tuning of the speakers 212a, 214a when covered by one or more covers 241, 243 are strategically useful to the sound and fidelity of the speakers.

[0144] This arrangement is advantageous because it positions the speakers 212a, 214a well above the floor on which the divan assembly 200 is placed, while also positioning the rear surround sound speaker 214a near, and possibly behind, the ears of a user sitting on the divan 200. This positioning is also advantageous because it helps protect the speakers 212a and 214a from damage that could occur if the speakers were close to the floor.

[0145] For example, positioning the speakers 212a, 214a closer to the floor surface may cause a user to inadvertently kick the speakers, thereby damaging them. Positioning the surround sound speakers 214a at or near the rear end of the upper surface 236 of the cross member 14 is also advantageous because a user is less likely to spill a beverage at that location, or even place an arm or hand on the speakers, thereby damaging them and / or muffling the sound produced by them.

[0146] The interior furniture cavity of the base and cross member of the present invention is utilized to potentially improve audio quality through resonance and positioning. The volume of the cross member itself (or the enclosure within this space) can be used as a speaker enclosure, thereby generating the desired resonance. This is particularly useful when the speaker is tuned for speaker output through the fabric cover covering the speaker frame.

[0147] The removable outer cover 243 may be selectively mounted on the cross member frame 270 (and at least partially the surrounding foam 272 ) and / or on the inner cover 241 using a two-part attachment assembly such as VELCRO or other two-part attachment assembly.

[0148] The inner and outer covers 241, 243 can be constructed from a variety of decorative fabrics, such as fabrics containing fibers (e.g., polyester or other fibers). Fabric covers 241, 243 can be woven or non-woven. Typically, such fabrics are acoustically impermeable; for example, they affect sound waves at one or more frequencies between 20 Hz and 20 kHz by attenuating (or boosting) any such frequencies by more than 3 dB (i.e., ±3 dB or more). For example, such decorative fabrics are relatively heavy, which typically attenuate higher sound frequencies, particularly those above 3 dB. Due to this attenuation, the sound produced by any such speakers hidden behind the decorative fabric can be tuned to increase the volume of attenuated frequencies to compensate for the attenuation incurred as the sound passes through the fabric. For example, if the fabric attenuates sound by 6 dB at 2 kHz, the tuning can increase the volume of the sound at 2 kHz by 6 dB to compensate. Typically, several frequencies can be boosted to compensate for the attenuation caused by such fabrics.

[0149] For example, examples of upholstery materials for the inner and / or outer covers 243 include polyester, chenille, tweed, linen, velvet, leather, polyester linen, cotton, cotton blends, denim, twill, faux fur, leather, etc. Such materials may also be used as the outer cover of the base member 12a, and all of these materials are examples of upholstery fabrics, although a variety of different fabrics may be used.

[0150] Examples of weights of upholstery fabrics that can be used as the inner and / or outer covers of the base and / or cross members of the present invention include, for example, fabrics weighing from about 50 grams per square meter (GSM) to about 1500 grams per square meter (GSM), such as from about 100 GSM to about 1000 GSM, or from about 190 GSM to about 800 GSM, although a variety of different inner and outer fabrics can be used. The speakers of the present invention are adjusted and tuned to emit sound through such fabrics in a manner that compensates for the attenuation caused by such fabrics.

[0151] In one embodiment, for example, the inner cover of the base 12a and / or the inner cover of the cross member 14a is constructed from a thin cover comprising a blend of approximately 90% polyester and approximately 10% cotton.

[0152] In one embodiment, with respect to tuning the speakers via the sound emitting decorative fabric covers 241, 243, the decorative fabric used for the cross member 14a is, in one embodiment, an acoustically impermeable fabric, but is configured as a decorative fabric for upholstery, seats, sofas, and other furniture.

[0153] For this reason, the front and surround speakers may be tuned to suit the dynamics that the sound produced from such speakers needs to pass through the decorative fabric.

[0154] For example, relatively higher frequencies (e.g., 200 Hz or higher, 400 Hz or higher, 800 Hz or higher, 2 kHz or higher, 4 kHz or higher, etc.) produced by such speakers tend to be affected by the speakers passing through such fabrics and may have a certain degree of attenuation associated therewith, which attenuation may increase with increasing frequency. For this reason, the speakers may be tuned by boosting such higher frequencies before they pass through the fabric so that once the speaker sound passes through the fabric, it is approximately at the volume it was intended to be heard and received by the listener (e.g., so that the overall tuned output is within ±3 dB of the unattenuated "target" value).

[0155] As mentioned above, examples of upholstery materials for the inner and / or outer covers 243 include chenille, tweed, linen, velvet, leather, polyester linen, cotton, cotton blends, denim, and other upholstery materials such as those used in furniture upholstery. Tuning the frequency of the speaker to provide sound through such upholstery fabrics is a unique and novel aspect of the present invention.

[0156] Such positioning allows the speakers 212a and 214a to be concealed within the cross member 14 so as not to be easily seen by the user or others, while still allowing for high quality sound from the speakers.

[0157] In at least some embodiments, this concealment of the speakers is particularly advantageous. For example, many users do not like the appearance of speakers being placed in a location such as a bookshelf in a room or on a stand some distance from a sofa chair, which is often typical.

[0158] Current configurations are advantageous in that they allow for complete concealment of the speakers, sometimes even all of the speakers associated with a surround sound system.

[0159] Each speaker 212a and / or 214a can be mounted within cross member 14 in any desired manner. For example, in the case of subwoofer assemblies, each can include a dedicated housing shell similar to that described above. Such a housing shell can be attached to a frame assembly within cross member 14a. In another embodiment, the speaker drivers associated with speakers 212a and / or 214a can simply be mounted to a frame member disposed internally within cross member 14a, thereby utilizing the cavity associated with cross member 14a for one or both of speakers 212a and / or 214a.

[0160] about Figure 9D ,like Figure 9D As shown, the escutcheon 245 can be used as a plug to cover the electronics of the internal system within the cross member 14a. For example, Figure 9C The holes or openings 247 in the bottom surface of the cross member 14a are shown through which the wires 110 pass. Figure 9D As shown, the eyelet 247 is shown covered by the escutcheon 245. A relatively small slot 249 may be provided by the escutcheon 245 to allow the wire 110 to extend therethrough.

[0161] like Figure 9A As shown, wiring 218a, 218b provides power and / or signals to embedded speakers 212a and / or 214b as needed. Wire 218a provides power to amplifier 217 (see Figure 15 ) and the front speakers 212a, the amplifier 217 can be mounted, for example, on, near, or within the housing 228 in the base 12a. It should be understood that the cables or wiring 218a-b can be provided in multiple segments to maintain the modular nature of the furniture assembly 200. For example, the connection between such wiring segments can be provided at or near the hub 100 disposed within the cross member 14.

[0162] For example, it should be understood that a first segment of such wiring or routing may extend from the base member 12a and amplifier 217 to a location near or adjacent to the connector 15 and / or the base member 12a of the hub 100.

[0163] A first segment of such wiring or routing may terminate at this location with an appropriate RCA or other type of coupling jack. Cross member 14a may similarly include another segment of wiring 218a extending from speaker 212a through cross member 14 to connect to another jack at or near hub 100. Once modular furniture assembly 200 has been assembled with cross member 14a positioned adjacent to and coupled to base member 12a, a connection or routing may be extended between two such jacks (bridging wiring within cross member 14a and base 12a) to provide an effective wired connection from amplifier 217 to speaker 212a.

[0164] Similar multi-segment wiring or routing configurations may be similarly provided between the rear surround sound speakers 214a and the jacks at or near the hub 100 and from the amplifier 217 to a location at or near the hub 100, with bridging connections or wiring between the wiring in the base 12a and the wiring in the cross member 14a.

[0165] In another configuration, such internal wiring across the base member and cross member may not be necessary.For example, signals can be transmitted to the speakers from the receiver 217 (eg, an audio or home theater receiver) and / or the transmitter 224 via wireless transmission.

[0166] In such embodiments, signals can be transmitted wirelessly to speaker 212a and / or speaker 214a. In such embodiments, it may still be necessary to power speakers 212a and / or 214a, for example, by using hub 100. This wireless transmission of signals can eliminate the need for any wiring or electrical coupling from base 12a to cross member 14a, at least for power or signals for speakers 212a and 214a.

[0167] Where jumper connections are required for power and / or signal transmission, such may be implemented in any suitable configuration. For example, quick connect ports (e.g., RCA, banana plugs, or other ports) for such speaker wires or cables may be located on cross member 14a ( Figure 9C ) on the bottom side of the cross member 14a for connection of, for example, a jumper cable from the cross member 14a to the base member 12a.

[0168] In one embodiment, an inductive charger 172 (such as Figure 6 The inductive charger 172 is mounted on the upper surface of the frame 270 of the cross member 14a, for example, embedded in the foam 272 on the top of the frame 270, and located below the inner cover 241 mounted on the frame 270 (and possibly below a portion of the foam). The inductive charger 172 is electrically coupled to an internal socket of the electrical hub 100.

[0169] The inductive charger 172 can be mounted in the upper center portion 278 of the cross member frame 270, e.g., between the speakers 212a-214a and above the power hub 100. The charger 172 can be located in the same top surface 236 as the surround sound speaker 214a, positioned forward relative to the speaker 214a, e.g., behind the speaker 212a positioned in the front surface 234 of the cross member 14a.

[0170] Figure 10-12 An alternative cross member of the present invention is shown with a speaker assembly. Figure 10 、 Figure 11 and Figure 12 Different configurations of cross members 14b-14d are shown, wherein the speakers embedded in the cross members 14b-14d are positioned at different locations.

[0171] Figure 10 A cross-sectional view of an alternative speaker-containing cross-member 14b is shown, wherein the speaker 280 is directed horizontally and away from the hub 100. The speaker 280 is coupled to a frame 282 (e.g., wood, plywood, fiberboard) of the cross-member 14a such that the speaker cone is adjacent to an aperture in the frame 282 and adjacent to a corresponding aperture in a foam cushioning material 284 adjacent the frame 282.

[0172] Figure 10 The inductive charger 172 is shown mounted on an upper panel 286 of the frame 282 of the cross member 14b, such as embedded within (or optionally adjacent to) a cushioning material 288 on top of the upper panel 286 of the frame 284 of the cross member 14b.

[0173] Figure 11-12 Different speaker orientations of the cross member speakers are also shown.It will therefore be appreciated that many positioning possibilities are possible for positioning and orienting the speakers within the cross members 14c-d.

[0174] Figure 11 Another alternative is shown which may include only a single speaker 290 within the cross member 14c which may be oriented and positioned in any desired orientation and location. The speaker 290 is electrically coupled to an amplifier 291 within the frame of the cross member 14c. Thus, in some embodiments, each speaker in each cross member has its own associated amplifier mounted within the corresponding cross member. In another embodiment, a single amplifier 217 for each speaker of the speaker system (all cross members and base(s)) is mounted within or on the housing 228 within the base 12a. Where a dedicated amplifier 291 is provided for each speaker or speaker channel, the signal is routed as shown. Figure 11 The wiring shown transmits to amplifier 291 (and ultimately to speaker 290), or alternatively, the signal is transmitted wirelessly and power for amplifier 291 can be provided through appropriate wiring from hub 100. Amplifier 291 sends the amplified signal to speaker 290.

[0175] exist Figure 11 In FIG. 1 , the inductive charger 172 is mounted on the upper portion of the frame of the cross member 14 c.

[0176] Figure 12 The speakers may be wireless speakers to receive signals from the audio receiver 217 and / or transmitter 224 via wireless transmission as described herein. Figure 12 Power for the speaker may be provided through a connection with the hub 100 .

[0177] Therefore, from Figure 9A-12It will be appreciated that a wide variety of speaker placements and speaker options are possible. For example, a stereo setup with only left and right speakers may be provided, or a system including left and right speakers and a subwoofer, such as a 2.1 system, may be provided. Although primarily shown and described as a single speaker for each channel (left front channel, right front channel, left surround channel, right surround channel), it will be appreciated that more than one speaker may be provided for any given channel (e.g., left front channel, right front channel, left surround channel, right surround channel, subwoofer channel, center channel, etc.).

[0178] Figures 13A-14 : Modular sofa with speakers

[0179] Figures 13A-13B A perspective view of the modular furniture system 300 of the present invention utilizing the disclosure herein to form a sofa having audio speakers in its cross member 14a (armrest) and a subwoofer in its base 12a to form a surround sound speaker furniture system 300, with the speakers reflected in dotted lines.

[0180] The front speakers 212a-b and the rear upward facing surround sound speakers 214a-b are each mounted in a corresponding cross member 14a. Figure 1B As shown, the surround sound speakers 214a and 214b are shown as being oriented upward so that sound emitted therefrom can be directed toward and reflected from the ceiling, with the reflected sound potentially having the advantages of reflected sound, which in some embodiments may include improving sound quality (e.g., producing diffused surround sound).

[0181] Each of the cross member speakers 212a, 212b, 214a, 214b is positioned on a decorative fabric cover 241, 243 ( Figures 9A-9C Each of these speakers may be tuned so that the output from a given speaker causes the sound waves to be transmitted through the decorative fabric associated with cross member 14a before reaching a user sitting on sofa 300.

[0182] The positioning of the speakers 212a, 212b, 214a, and 214b is also advantageous in that the speakers are positioned in the cross member 14a in such a manner that a user sitting on the sofa 300 generally does not block sound from emanating from any of the speakers.

[0183] Figures 13A-13BThe specific positioning and orientation of the speakers shown can advantageously create a realistic surround sound environment, wherein the sound from the front speakers 212a and 212b is intentionally reflected from a front surface, such as a front wall, a television, or similar structure positioned in front of a seated viewer. The sound from the rear surround speakers 214a and 214b is similarly directed upward toward the ceiling so as to be reflected back downward toward a seated viewer sitting on the sofa 300. The sound reflected from the front and / or ceiling potentially has the advantages of reflected sound, which in some embodiments may include improved sound quality and a surround sound experience.

[0184] The speakers embedded in the base member 12a and / or cross member 14a can be switched or swapped when the user wishes to reconfigure the modular furniture assembly of the sofa 300. For example, if the user wishes to reconfigure the sofa 300 to include more or fewer base members and / or more or fewer cross members 14a, the user can simply disassemble that portion of the sofa 300 and include additional base members 12a and / or cross members 14a (or remove these members) as needed.

[0185] Because the speakers are positioned within such modular furniture assembly components, this provides the user with great flexibility in where the speakers can be positioned within the built furniture assembly. For example, any furniture assembly shown in any of the applications that have been incorporated by reference can be modified to replace any of the bases or cross members with a base 12a that includes a subwoofer or a cross member 14a that includes a speaker, or any combination thereof. Thus, this modularity of the furniture system allows the user great flexibility in where the speakers are positioned or hidden within the furniture assembly. The modularity of the subwoofer assembly in base 12a can also allow the user to remove the assembly from one base and install it in another base, if desired.

[0186] For example, the modularity of the system allows the user to place the base member 12a and cross member 14a in any desired location. Some base members 12 and some cross members 14 can be provided without any speakers located therein, thereby allowing the user to use these component pieces to construct any desired modular furniture assembly configuration they desire.

[0187] The end user can set up sofa 300 (or system 200 or system 350) without tools because the speakers are already installed in the corresponding base members and cross members, and the wiring can be connected without the use of complex tools. Therefore, sofa 300 with its electronic component parts is very advantageous, efficient and useful.

[0188] Figure 14 Shown with Figures 13A-13B A furniture system 350 is similar to the sofa 300. The sofa 350 has a nightlight motion sensor (i.e., a motion-activated lighting device) mounted on its base 12a and / or underside of the cross member 14a.

[0189] therefore Figure 14 Another embodiment of a modular audio enhancement furniture system is shown in the form of a sofa 350 that includes a motion-activated night light. For example, LEDs or other lights may be embedded or otherwise disposed on or within the bottom surface of the frame of the base member 12a and / or cross member 14a to illuminate all or part of the perimeter of the sofa 350 when desired by a user. For example, such lighting may be motion-activated so as to illuminate when a user approaches the sofa within any given distance.

[0190] Power for such lights can be provided by any hub 100 associated with cross member 14a as described herein. Such a configuration can provide a night light system that can illuminate the area around sofa 350 in an otherwise dark room, thereby helping a user navigate through the room at night or otherwise.

[0191] Such lighting may also be desirable in other environments where a user is using sofa 350, such as when watching a movie or other program on a television or other display in a dimly lit room.

[0192] The modular furniture assembly 350 is useful in a variety of different settings and includes electronics embedded in lounge seating, such as ottomans, modular chairs, sectionals, and furniture known as sactionals. Although an audio component is shown in the furniture assembly in addition to the motion-activated nightlight system, it should be understood that a furniture system without an audio component may also include a motion-activated nightlight system.

[0193] Figure 14 An embodiment that can be considered a 4.1 or 4.2 speaker system is shown, including left front, right front, left surround, and right surround speakers with a subwoofer 210a embedded in at least one of the bases 12a. Including one subwoofer 210a (and therefore one base 12a and one conventional base 12) creates a 4.1 system. If both bases are bases 12a that include a subwoofer 210a, a 4.2 system can be created (e.g., particularly if the subwoofers generate independent sound). The two subwoofers can generate the same or different sound (e.g., one or two channels).

[0194] Despite Figure 14A dedicated center channel speaker is not shown, but it will be appreciated that a virtual center speaker may be provided by the sound signals sent to the front speakers 212a and 212b (i.e., a virtual center channel may be simulated by the stereo sound of the speakers 212a and 212b). In another embodiment, the dedicated center channel speaker may be located below or above the television, behind a perforated screen, or incorporated into the television or other display device. As desired, the center rear channel may be similarly simulated using the right surround sound speaker 214a and the left surround sound speaker 214b, or the center rear channel may be mounted on the rear wall to create a 5.1 or 6.1 system. A 7.1 system or other configuration (e.g., Dolby Atmos) may similarly be provided.

[0195] As shown, sofa 350 includes speakers or other audio components embedded in the leisure seating, including decorative sofa chairs, modular seating, etc. Sofa 350 provides excellent stereo or surround sound quality sound and provides a high-fidelity surround sound experience.

[0196] The speakers are hidden from view by users and customers within the wooden frame portion of the base 12a and / or cross member 14a and may be concealed beneath a cover around the wooden frame.

[0197] Wiring Diagram

[0198] Figure 15 Shown with Figures 13A-13B or Figure 14 An example of a wiring diagram for use in conjunction with a sofa form furniture system 300 or 350. The following shows the identification Figure 15 Table of some components of the wiring diagram.

[0199] Figure 15 Reference numerals and components

[0200]

[0201]

[0202] Figure 15 An exemplary wiring diagram is shown for a modular furniture assembly including a surround sound system positioned therein, such as Figures 1A-1B 、 Figures 13A-13B and Figure 14 The surround sound system shown in . Figure 15 As shown, wiring may be provided within the modular furniture assembly to provide signals and / or power to each of the speakers 212a, 212b, 214a, and 214b.

[0203] In the illustrated configuration, amplifier 217 is disposed within base member 12a. Amplifier 217 may be a multi-channel amplifier and / or audio receiver including such an amplifier and is shown disposed within base member 12a, such as adjacent subwoofer 210a, such as mounted on or within housing 228.

[0204] like Figure 15 As further shown, connections 218a and 218b can provide audio signals from amplifier 217 to right front speaker 212a and left front speaker 212b. In the configuration shown, the signals sent through connections 218a and 218b have been amplified as shown.

[0205] In an alternative configuration, a signal can be sent from the audio receiver 217 to the right front speaker 212a and the left front speaker 212b in an unamplified configuration where amplification occurs at the speaker 212a or 212b. The unamplified signal can be sent via a wired or wireless connection as desired.

[0206] Figure 15 Also shown are wires 220a and 220b extending from amplifier 217 to right surround sound speaker 214a and wire 220b extending from amplifier 217 to left surround sound speaker 214b. For example, power for amplifier 217 is supplied by Figure 15 The electrical connections shown in FIG. 1 are provided. For example, from plug 110 ( Figure 5 ) can be connected to the hub 100, and the amplifier 217 is then plugged into a socket associated with the hub 100, thereby providing power to the amplifier 217.

[0207] In one embodiment, amplifier 217 amplifies at least the subwoofer. In another embodiment, amplifier 217 amplifies the subwoofer and other speakers, such as cross member speakers. In another embodiment, the subwoofer may include its own internal amplifier, and amplifier 217 may amplify other speakers in the furniture assembly (e.g., speakers 212a, 212b, 214a, 214b). In yet another embodiment, amplifier 217 amplifies the subwoofer, and each of the cross member speakers has its own amplifier associated with that speaker.

[0208] Figure 15 It shows how additional components can also be powered by the hub 100 and / or additional hubs present in any cross member 14 / 14a. For example, Figure 15 Power is shown being provided from the hub in the right cross member 14a to the qi (inductive) charger 172 .

[0209] Figure 15Also shown is power from a second hub in the left cross member 14a to another qi charger and to a floor lamp 150. Additional components can be plugged into or otherwise powered by any of these hubs. For example, Figure 15-15A A tethered remote control 250 is shown that can be used to provide control over volume (252, 256), the ability to mute (254), the ability to adjust specific frequencies such as bass up (258) or bass down (262), or bass mute (260).

[0210] like Figure 15 As shown, one or more of the base members 12 may also include a recliner seat, whereby power for such a recliner may be provided by any of the shown hubs.

[0211] Figure 15 Also shown is a television 222 or other display. Such a display is positioned or mounted on the front wall in front of the sofa 300, 350, allowing a user sitting on the sofa to watch television while listening to surround sound provided by speakers associated with the sofa 300 or 350.

[0212] In one embodiment, a transmitter 224 , such as a wireless controller, is provided at the TV 222 , which sends audio signals to the speaker system of the sofa 300 or 350 via a wireless transmitter.

[0213] For example, Figure 15 As further shown, a signal can be provided to an amplifier or receiver 217 (or its own wireless speakers 212a, 212b, 214a, 214b) of the sofa 300 or 350 by, for example, a wireless transmitter 224 shown as being associated with a television 222. Such a wireless transmitter 224 is plugged into a wall at 225 for power supply therefrom. The signal from the wireless transmitter 224 is wirelessly transmitted to the amplifier and / or audio receiver 217 in the sofa 300 or 350. The wireless transmission of such audio signals and / or control signals can be implemented by Bluetooth, WiFi, IR, wireless speaker and audio technology (WISA) or other mechanisms. The receiver 217 can be used to receive communications from a wireless controller / transmitter 224 or a smart phone or tablet computer app, etc.

[0214] In one embodiment, a wired connection may be provided between the transmitter assembly 224 and the amplifier or audio receiver 217, but wireless transmission as shown may be advantageous because no wires or cords are required between the locations of the transmitter 224 and the amplifier or audio receiver 217 disposed within the sofa 300 or 350.

[0215] The hub 100 provides power to the electronic furniture component system of the sofa 300 or 350 and all speakers, components, and electronic devices associated with the sofa 300 or 350 .

[0216] Due to the configuration of sofa 300 or 350, the various cross members, bases, and their associated speakers and electronics can be removed and upgraded as other speaker systems or electronics become available.

[0217] In one embodiment, the furniture system of the present invention also includes an audio receiver / sound bar and bridge electrically coupled to the television to transmit sound to the speakers of the sofa 300 or 350.

[0218] The speakers mounted within the base and cross member provide the opportunity for high quality sound in addition to being invisible to the user / patron. The base and cross member each provide a large enclosure volume within which the speaker sound can resonate to provide high quality sound without using additional floor space beyond the sofa itself.

[0219] like Figure 15 As shown, the base 12a may also include support beams within the subwoofer housing 228. Figure 15 270 in the figure. Support beams are mounted between the upper and lower portions of the housing shell 228 to provide support within the cavity 226 to prevent any damage to the speaker 210a. In one embodiment, a receiver or amplifier 217 having a power input and an amplified signal output is mounted on or within the subwoofer housing 228 of the base 12a.

[0220] Figure 15A for Figure 15 Another example of a wiring diagram with text descriptions for some of the components identified in the diagram.

[0221] Figure 16 : Controller for controlling speakers and other components

[0222] Figure 16 240 is a perspective view of the controller 240 of the present invention. Any of a variety of control mechanisms and components may be provided for the surround sound system described herein. Figure 16 An exemplary control component 240 is shown. Such a component may include one or more knobs, dials, or other controls that a user may use to control various aspects of the sound or other environment.

[0223] For example, the user can control the overall volume, the volume of one or more of the speakers, the frequency boost (or attenuation) of one or more of the frequency bands associated with any speaker, or other controls that the user may desire to manipulate. Such control components 240 can transmit signals or commands from a location remote from sofa 300 or 350 (e.g., adjacent to television 222 or elsewhere) via an electrical wired connection or wirelessly.

[0224] The user can pick up and move such a control component 240 at any desired location. For example, if necessary, the user can pick up the control component 240 and take this control component 240 to a sofa chair where it can be left, so that the control can be performed at that place.

[0225] In other embodiments, control of any desired parameter can be provided via a cell phone app (smartphone app) or other software application that can be provided in any desired interface. For example, in a smartphone portable device, tablet computer, or other device accessible to the user, control signals can be wirelessly transmitted to the receiver 217 or other components, which then implement any desired changes to the parameters as directed by the user. The receiver 217 can be capable of receiving and / or transmitting via WiFi, Bluetooth, or other wireless systems to communicate with such an app, and thereby communicate with the transmitter 222, etc.

[0226] In some embodiments, the audio receiver and / or amplifier 217, which may be located within the base member 212a, may include knobs and / or buttons for controlling any desired parameters thereon. For example, a volume control for each speaker may be provided thereon.

[0227] Such controls may allow a user to manipulate the levels of different speakers within a surround sound speaker system. For example, where a user wishes to calibrate the speaker levels of a given surround sound speaker, or a given front speaker, or a given subwoofer, a control for increasing or decreasing the volume associated with any given individual speaker may be provided, thereby allowing the user to make such calibrations or changes.

[0228] For example, depending on the furniture configuration created by the user, the user may wish to boost or attenuate the right front speaker, the left front speaker, the right surround speaker, or the left surround speaker, as many furniture assembly possibilities are possible with modular furniture components.

[0229] For example, where a surround sound speaker or a front speaker may be farther from a given seating position than another surround sound speaker or another front speaker, a user may wish to raise or lower the volume output from one or more such speakers to level or calibrate the volume from the front speaker pair, the surround sound speaker pair, or across all speakers at a given seating position. The controls described herein may allow the user to do this.

[0230] The loudspeaker and other electronic components of the present invention can be controlled by a variety of control mechanisms such as a control mechanism embedded in the sofa (for example, in the base and / or cross member), or by a controller connected to the base and / or cross member by a wire, or by a remote controller or wireless setting, such as by using a personal cellular phone (for example, a smart phone or tablet computer). Therefore, the loudspeaker and other electronic devices can be controlled wirelessly, for example, by Bluetooth, WiFi, by Internet connection or other wireless connection methods. In one embodiment of the present invention, there is no delay by WISA. For example, sound and video can be associated to ensure that there is no lip sync problem between the sound and image produced (for example, sound and / or video can be consciously delayed to ensure correct synchronization).

[0231] In one embodiment, a central transmitter such as controller 240 is used that has a volume knob, wireless communication, the ability to select and adopt stereo, 4.1, 5.1, etc., and various input capabilities including an auxiliary port in the jack.

[0232] Remote controls for speakers or other audio or electronic components can be embedded within furniture system 300 or 350, such as within cross member 14a or base 12a. Examples of controls include wireless and tethered controls. Parameters that can be controlled include volume for 2.0, 2.1, and 4.1 systems; volume for 5.1 systems, etc.; mute; and volume level and intensity control.

[0233] As described above, in one embodiment, a software application is used to control electronic devices, such as speakers and other electronic components within the sofa 300 or 350 or other devices of the present invention. The software application can be designed to control the volume, power, mute, balance, bass / treble or other features of the system within the speakers and other electronic components (e.g., televisions, lights, etc.). The software application can also be used for lights within the sofa, such as aisle lighting or LEDs or other lighting features (e.g., lighting power off and on), and can provide sound performance tracking, reclining settings, temperature settings, dimming / controlling lighting fixtures, TV channels and other user preferences.

[0234] In another embodiment, a software application can be used to control speakers and other electronic components. Such a software application can have a variety of different functions and settings. In one embodiment, the software application controls speaker volume, television volume, speaker power, television power, mute, balance, bass / treble, light on / off, sound performance tracking, recliner settings, temperature, dimming / control of lights and other lighting devices, television channels, etc.

[0235] Figure 17 : Transmitter with speaker

[0236] Figure 17 FIG2 shows another example of a transmitter 224 of the present invention including a speaker incorporated therein, such as a center channel speaker. The transmitter 224 can provide Figure 16 The center channel speaker 224a is similar in function to the controller 240 of the transmitter 224 and can be mounted below, above, or behind the television or other display 222. In one embodiment, incorporating the center channel speaker 224a into the same housing 224b that houses the transmitter assembly of the transmitter 224 simplifies the overall speaker system. Thus, in one embodiment of the transmitter 224, the center channel is housed in the same housing 224b as the controller mechanism.

[0237] In another embodiment, the transmitter 224 including the built-in channel speaker can be configured to be wall-mounted. For example, it can include a mounting structure for such wall-mounting.

[0238] In one embodiment of the present invention, a furniture assembly can be used as a bed having speakers and other electrical components embedded therein. For example, in one embodiment, base 12a can be used as a bed having speakers integrally mounted therein. The size of base 12a can be large enough to function as a bed. For example, base 12a can be a stand-alone bed and / or can function as a box spring onto which a cushion, such as cushion 18, can be mounted, the combination of base 12a and cushion 18 functioning as a bed, wherein base 12a and cushion 18 are constructed to be large enough to function as a bed. Thus, a bed of the present invention having one or more speakers therein can be constructed from base 12a and / or base 12a and cushion 18. In another embodiment, multiple speakers can be placed within the bed. Thus, the present invention relates to various different types of furniture having electronic components, such as speakers, rechargers, power systems, and other electrical components embedded therein.

[0239] The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is therefore indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalents of the claims are intended to be embraced within their scope.

Claims

1. A furniture system comprising: a first cross member having a first frame including a first front speaker cavity; a first front speaker aperture formed in the first frame; a first front speaker coupled to the first frame and disposed within the first front speaker cavity, the first front speaker emitting tuned sound through the first front speaker aperture, the tuned sound being adjusted for a frequency range; as well as An inner fabric cover extends over the first frame, the first front speaker aperture, and the first front speaker, the inner fabric cover absorbing the frequency range of the tuned sound emitted by the first front speaker.

2. The furniture system of claim 1, wherein: The first frame includes a rear speaker cavity; Wherein, the furniture system further includes: a rear speaker aperture formed in the first frame; and A rear speaker is coupled to the first frame and disposed within the rear speaker cavity, the rear speaker emitting the tuned sound through the rear speaker aperture, the inner fabric cover further extending over the rear speaker aperture and the rear speaker.

3. The furniture system of claim 2, further comprising: an outer fabric cover extending over the inner fabric cover, the first frame, the first front speaker eyelet, the first front speaker, the rear speaker eyelet, and the rear speaker, the outer fabric cover absorbing the frequency range of the tuned sound emitted by the first front speaker and the rear speaker.

4. The furniture system of claim 3, wherein: The inner fabric shell and the outer fabric shell have a weight ranging from 50 grams per square meter (GSM) to about 1500 GSM.

5. The furniture system of claim 1, wherein: The frequency range is between 20 Hz and 20 kHz.

6. The furniture system of claim 1, wherein: The tuned sound has an increased volume for the frequency range.

7. The furniture system of claim 1 , further comprising: a base coupled to the first cross member; as well as A seat cushion is arranged on the base.

8. The furniture system of claim 7, further comprising: A subwoofer is disposed in the base.

9. The furniture system of claim 8, wherein: The cone of the subwoofer is oriented away from the seat cushion.

10. The furniture system of claim 8, wherein: The cone of the subwoofer is oriented to point towards the seat cushion.

11. The furniture system of claim 7, further comprising: a second cross member coupled to the base and having a second frame including a second front speaker cavity; a second front speaker aperture formed in the first frame; as well as A second front speaker is coupled to the second frame and disposed within the second front speaker cavity, the second front speaker emitting the tuned sound through the second front speaker aperture.

12. The furniture system of claim 11, wherein: The first cross member is movably coupled to the base using a first coupler, and the second cross member is movably coupled to the base using a second coupler.

13. The furniture system of claim 11, further comprising: A speaker cross member is not included and is coupled to the base and extends between the first cross member and the second cross member.

14. The furniture system of claim 13, further comprising: An electrical hub is disposed within the electrical hub cavity that does not include a speaker cross member, the electrical hub providing power to the first front speaker and the second front speaker.

15. The furniture system of claim 1, wherein: The first cross member forms part of the divan.

16. A cross member of a furniture assembly, the cross member comprising: a frame including a front speaker cavity; a front speaker aperture formed in the frame; a front speaker coupled to the frame and disposed within the front speaker cavity, the front speaker emitting tuned sound through the front speaker aperture, the tuned sound being adjusted for a frequency range; as well as An inner fabric cover extends over the frame, the front speaker aperture, and the front speaker, the inner fabric cover absorbing the frequency range of the tuned sound emitted by the front speaker.

17. A transverse member according to claim 16, wherein, wherein the frame includes a rear speaker cavity; Wherein, the transverse member further comprises: a rear speaker aperture formed in the frame; and A rear speaker is coupled to the frame and disposed within the rear speaker cavity, the rear speaker emitting the tuned sound through the rear speaker aperture, the inner fabric cover also extending over the rear speaker aperture and the rear speaker.

18. The cross member of claim 17, further comprising: an outer fabric cover extending over the inner fabric cover, the frame, the front speaker eyelet, the front speakers, the rear speaker eyelet, and the rear speakers, the outer fabric cover absorbing the frequency range of the tuned sound emitted by the front and rear speakers.

19. A cross member according to claim 18, wherein The inner fabric shell and the outer fabric shell have a weight ranging from 50 grams per square meter (GSM) to about 1500 GSM.

20. The cross member of claim 16, wherein: The frequency range is between 20 Hz and 20 kHz, and the tuned sound has an increased volume for the frequency range.

Images