Multisensory device for task chair

Abstract

The invention relates to a multisensory device for a task chair, which allows the workplace to be turned into a multisensory smart personal zone in which, using the task or work chair, audio playback of both music and sound effects, communication, relaxing mechanical vibrations on the head and body, and light and colour effects are combined. For this purpose this, the device combines a base provided with means for attaching to the task chair, two broadband speakers, at least one low-frequency vibrator mechanically coupled to the base, and an electronic module, and it may optionally include LEDs, microphones and sensors. The invention has the main advantage of improving productivity, communication, entertainment and well-being through the addition of a supplementary device to a standard task chair.

Description

[0001]DESCRIPTION Multisensory device for office chair This specification refers, as its title indicates, to a complementary multisensory device for an office chair that allows the workplace to be converted into a multisensory intelligent personal area in which, with the same office or work chair, it is possible to combine sound reproduction, both music and effects, communication, relaxing mechanical vibrations in the head and body, and chromatic and lighting effects. Field of the invention The invention relates to the field of accessories or auxiliary devices for office chairs. Current state of the art Various ways of adding speakers to chairs are known in the state of the art. Most require their integration into the construction of the chair, and are mainly oriented to the automobile sector, as for example we find described in WO2023228960A1 “Vehicle seat”,WO2022140597A1 “Acoustic headrest with adjstable surface”, and US2013140862A1 “Headrest speaker arrangement”, or they are complementary elements, as found in CN109589216A “Electronic headrest, control terminal and wheelchair comprising electronic headrest”, but in all cases they only enable sound effects, without adding vibration, lighting effects, sensorization, or adaptation to office chairs and work environments. There are also some chairs known with built-in massage or vibration effects, such as CN103434424A “Bone conduction sound transmission seat”, JP2004023490A “Body-sensitive acoustic device” or US2007052267A1 “Reclining therapeutic chair with multiple acoustic sources”, sometimes even combined with speakers, such as CN109552134A “Car music vibration massage seat” or US2010205867A1 “Theater seat providing multi-dimensional sense”, but they are not available as office chair accessories.nor are they attachable to the headrests or other parts of the chair, and must be integrated into the construction process of the chair. Likewise, there are telephone and hands-free devices, but not for attachment to office chairs, and of course, there is no known accessory for an office chair in the current state of the art that allows the workplace to be converted quickly and easily into a multi-sensory intelligent personal area in which, with the same office or work chair, sound reproduction, both music and sound effects, communication, relaxing mechanical vibrations in the head and body, and chromatic and lighting effects are combined. Description of the invention In order to solve the current problem with office chairs, allowing them to be converted into a multi-sensory center, the multi-sensory device for an office chair that is the object of the present invention has been devised,which comprises - a base provided with means for fixing to the office chair, - at least two broadband speakers, mechanically and electrically connected to the base by means of supports that place them in an optimal listening position, which can be supports adjustable in position with freedom of movement and different positioning, or fixed supports without the possibility of movement. - at least one low frequency vibrator mechanically coupled to the base, and to the vertical column when mounted on it, and - an electronic module. This electronic module contains at least - one or more wireless digital communications modules capable of connecting to a software application resident in an external digital device, - an audio processor module, - a control module, - three audio amplifier modules, one for each broadband speaker and another for the low frequency vibrator, and - a DC power supply module, which can be, for example,of the rechargeable battery type, interchangeable batteries, or a wired power supply from an external converter. The device will preferably be mounted on the headrest, supported by the vertical support column of said headrest, but alternative embodiments are possible in which it is placed directly on the backrest of the chair, or even on other parts of the chair, simply by appropriately adapting the fixing means. Various alternative elements are provided that allow for the addition of optional functions, such as: - one or more multicolored LED diodes visible from the outside and activated from the control module using an activator or driver. The LED diode(s) may be located in the speakers, in the supports, in the base, or in a combination thereof, - one or more microphones, both for voice, enabling conversations or videoconferences through the external digital device,or to enable ambient noise reduction, or for both applications, and - one or more sensors attached to the chair structure to detect the presence and status of the user and activate different options. These may be presence, pressure, inclination, or even brain sensors. The external digital device may be a personal computer, laptop, mobile phone, digital tablet, television, dedicated device, or other multimedia equipment, and may well be the same device used for regular work, also running the software application. Sensors optionally attached to the chair structure allow for the addition of various functionalities, such as monitoring user behavior and launching functions focused on user well-being. This way, when the sensor informs the software that the customer has been seated for a certain amount of time,A low-frequency vibration program can be automatically run. When the client leans back and rests their head with a specific pressure on the headrest, a nature sounds program or some other option can be chosen for rest and relaxation. A periodic reminder can also be sent to the client to stretch or get up because they have been sitting in the chair too long. In short, a list of tasks can be defined and communicated to the program to create a customized zone based on each user's behavioral characteristics. The supports, if adjustable in position, can be flexible, flexed, several rigid articulated or semi-articulated sections, or a combination of the above. An optional wraparound cover can be included to protect the base.the electronic module and the rear part of the low-frequency vibrator. This device allows an application for playing content from the external digital device, under control of the software application, for the user sitting in the office chair. This reproduced content is preferably distributed in a stereophonic audio signal through the two broadband speakers, and a low-frequency monophonic audio signal through the low-frequency vibrator. The reproduced content is chosen from the group consisting of music, conversations, soundtracks and special effects from games, but may also optionally comprise a low-frequency monophonic signal, preferably inaudible, through the low-frequency vibrator, generating, through vibration, an effect on the user sitting in the office chair, mechanically transmitted through the headrest structure to the chair,using very low frequencies with a possible relaxing, anti-stress or even therapeutic effect. This use of very low frequencies generated by the low frequency vibrator (3) and controlled by the software application (19) resident in the external digital device (18), allows a new sensory experience to be communicated to the user's brain with possible therapeutic benefits focused on the brain and its cognitive functions, among which we can mention concentration, memorization, focus, involvement, etc. These applications can optionally be combined with multi-color lighting effects generated by the LED diodes, if they exist, these effects being able to be part of a color therapy, or indicators of the user's status or his / her work, like a traffic light (for example, busy, in a meeting, available...). The characteristic use of this device is to provide a multi-sensory smart personal zone in an office chair,which can be located in a work environment, both domestic and business, leisure or therapeutic. As an example, and to understand its possibilities, we can cite various modes of use that can be carried out with this device: -Interactivity mode - allows to easily transfer calls and video conferences from the telephone or PC to the multisensory device of the chair, allowing all types of communication without disconnecting from the office environment. -Wave mode - generates a vibration, which can be fixed or variable frequencies within the range of 30 to 100 Hz, preferably 40 Hz or equivalent, through the transducer with optional rhythms to stimulate attention, memorization and mental concentration, as well as anti-stress. -Sound mode - noise reduction by producing white noise or other solutions to explore, reproduction of relaxation and meditation sounds and music,Creation of binaural sounds for concentration and relaxation, and playback of HemySinc content. - Light Mode - LED indicator for personal available / unavailable status, with the ability to change the ambient light in both color and intensity depending on the sound mode or wave mode. Depending on the area of ​​application, the user can achieve different effects: - Productivity - aimed at optimizing work processes by creating an interactive and multifunctional personal workspace without disconnecting from the office environment, allowing a more effective response to the flow of information, maximizing attention and stress management, thus facilitating work and improving productivity. - Entertainment - aims to offer a unique sensory immersion experience of sound and vibration and a more vivid sound reality effect during home cinema, music, games,virtual training or any other form of viewing and listening to content with tactile feedback where the entire chair and the user's body become part of the experience. -Wellness - aimed at stimulating the brain's cognitive function due to the effects of very low vibrations, which can be fixed or variable frequencies within the range of 30 to 100 Hz, for effective de-stressing, relaxation, relief from mental exhaustion, stimulation of memory and concentration, as well as relaxation, meditation, sound healing, binaural beats, and can be combined with chromotherapy and lighting effects. Advantages of the invention This presented multi-sensory device for office chairs provides multiple advantages over currently available systems, the most important being that it allows the workplace to be converted into a Smart Personal Zone in which,With the same office or work chair, it is possible to combine sound reproduction, both music and effects, mechanical vibrations in the head and body, and chromatic and lighting effects. Another important advantage is that it makes it possible to change the essence of the product from a purely mechanical support structure such as a headrest and a chair, to a system capable of creating an intelligent personal zone, making the workspace intelligent, interactive and more productive, allowing the experience of well-being and entertainment to be brought to the workplace. It is worth highlighting how this equipment allows the creation of new sensory experiences through a unique combination of sound, vibrations, light and tactile feedback. Another important advantage achieved is the addition of value to a purely mechanical support, making sitting and working hours less tiring.which results in a significant improvement in the user's well-being. Another advantage of the present invention is that it is applicable to different spaces and environments, such as a corporate office, both in shared spaces and in personal offices, a home office, other professional spaces, such as study areas, games, etc., and other personal spaces, such as home theaters, relaxation areas, etc. It is also noteworthy that by simply adapting the fixing means, the device can be mounted either on the headrest or directly on the back of the chair, or even on other parts of the chair, enabling its use with practically any type of office chair on the market. Another advantage of the present invention is that it is applicable to different models of chairs and headrests,provided the headrest is of the type equipped with a vertical support column attached to the office chair by means of brackets. It is also worth highlighting that it allows you to customize a smart work area, freeing your hands for typing, texting, or using the mouse, and allowing you to connect with phone calls, conference calls, analytical insights, creative work, and all the other benefits of the system without being completely disconnected from the dynamic office environment. It is also important to highlight that this device offers a new, comprehensive sensory experience accessible to the non-professional public at a reasonable price, in line with a classic convertible work chair. Also noteworthy is the possibility of using ambient noise reduction or cancellation.It allows you to be connected to the external environment while producing a non-invasive, non-disturbing, and tolerable sound (between 20 dB and 40 dB). We must not forget to highlight that this device is interchangeable and adaptable to different models of chairs and headrests with a similar construction, and easily adaptable to other headrest models. It is also important to highlight that this device makes it possible to offer a new comprehensive sensory experience accessible to a non-professional public, at a reasonable and adjusted economic cost, allowing any traditional work chair to be converted into a chair with a multi-sensory environment. Finally, it should be noted that, thanks to the device being integrated into the headrest, the speakers and vibrator are very close to the head,thereby achieving very high and gratifying effects of sound realism and reproduction quality. This device allows use to provide a multi-sensory intelligent personal zone in an office chair, which can be located in a work environment, whether domestic or business, leisure or therapeutic. Within this use, and since this device has all the necessary technological elements to make use of artificial intelligence, it also makes it possible to be used to transmit and communicate content generated by AI at the personalized request of the user, being able to create sounds, music, vibrations according to the daily dynamics and behaviors of the user through AI. Description of the figures To better understand the object of the present invention,The attached drawing shows a preferred practical embodiment of a multisensory device for an office chair. In said drawing, Figure -1- shows front and side views of the device, in the alternative embodiment including LED diodes for lighting effects. Figure -2- shows a simplified block diagram of the electronic module of the device in the alternative embodiment including LED diodes for lighting effects. Figure -3- shows front and side views of the device mounted on a vertical column such as those used in a headrest. Figure -4- shows front and rear perspective views of the device mounted on a vertical column such as those used in a headrest. Figure -5- shows front and rear perspective views of the device mounted on a complete headrest intended for an office chair. Figure -6- shows front perspective views,with headrest and only with the support structure, and rear of another variant of the device also mounted on a complete headrest intended for an office chair. Figure -7- shows front and rear perspective views of another variant of the device mounted without a headrest, directly on the backrest of an office chair. Figure -8- shows front, rear and side perspective views of another variant of the device mounted without a headrest, directly on another type of backrest, different from the previous one, of an office chair. Preferred embodiment of the invention The constitution and characteristics of the invention can be better understood with the following description made with reference to the attached figures. As can be seen in Figures 1, 3, 4 and 5, it is illustrated how the multisensory device for an office chair comprises - a base (1) provided with fixing means (2a, 2b, 2c) to the office chair,- at least two broadband loudspeakers (4), mechanically and electrically connected to the base (1) by means of supports (5) that place them in an optimal listening position, which may be supports adjustable in position with freedom of movement and different positioning, or fixed supports without the possibility of movement. - at least one low frequency vibrator (3), capable of operating at least in a range of 30 to 100 Hz, preferably of the membrane-less loudspeaker type, mechanically coupled to the base (1), and to the vertical column (12) when mounted on it, and - an electronic module (6), This electronic module (6) contains, as shown in figure 2, at least - one or more wireless digital communications modules (7), preferably chosen from the group consisting of Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and LoRa, capable of connecting to a software application (19) resident in an external digital device (18), - an audio processor module (8),- a control module (10),- three audio amplifier modules (9), one for each broadband speaker (4) and one for the low frequency vibrator (3), and- a DC power supply module (11), which may be, for example, of the rechargeable battery type, interchangeable batteries or a wired power supply from an external converter. In a preferred embodiment, as illustrated in Figures 4, 5 and 6, the base (1) of the device is fixed, by means of fixing means (2a), to the vertical column (12) of a headrest (14) of the type provided with a vertical support column (12) connected to the office chair by means of fixings (13). Alternative embodiments are provided, as illustrated in Figures 7 and 8, in which it is placed, by means of fixing means (2b, 2c) suitably adapted in shape, directly on the backrest (16) of the chair,or even in other parts of the chair. An alternative embodiment of the invention is provided in which the device additionally comprises one or more multicolored LED diodes (16) visible from the outside and activatable from the control module (10) by means of an activator (17) or driver, the LED diode(s) (16) being located in a location chosen from the group consisting of the speakers (4), supports (5), base (1), or a combination of the foregoing. It is also provided that alternatively it may incorporate one or more microphones (20), both for voice, enabling conversations or videoconferences through the external digital device (18), or to enable ambient noise reduction, or for both applications. It is also provided that alternatively it may incorporate one or more sensors (21) coupled to the structure of the chair, these sensors (21) being preferably chosen from the group consisting of presence, pressure,inclination or even brain sensors. The external digital device (18) is preferably chosen from the group consisting of a personal computer, laptop, mobile phone, digital tablet, television, dedicated device or other multimedia equipment, and may perfectly well be the same device used for normal work, on which the software application (19) is also run. The supports (5), if they are position-adjustable supports with freedom of movement and different positioning, are preferably chosen from the group consisting of flexible elements, flexes, several rigid articulated or semi-articulated sections, or a combination of the above. It is envisaged that alternatively the base (1), the electronic module (6) and the rear part of the low-frequency vibrator (3) are protected with an optional wrap-around cover (15). This wrap-around cover (15) may optionally encompass the functions of the base (1),both forming a box. This device is interchangeable and adaptable to different models of chairs and headrests with a similar constitution, and easily adaptable to other models of headrests. This device allows an application for the reproduction of content from the external digital device, under control of the software application, for the user sitting in the office chair. This reproduced content is preferably distributed in a stereophonic audio signal through the two broadband speakers (4), and a low-frequency monophonic audio signal through the low-frequency vibrator (3). The reproduced content is chosen from the group consisting of music, conversations, soundtracks and special effects of games, but may also optionally comprise a low-frequency monophonic signal, preferably not audible, through the low-frequency vibrator (3),generating an effect on the user sitting in the office chair through vibration, mechanically transmitted through the structure of the headrest to the chair, using very low frequencies with a possible relaxing, anti-stress or even therapeutic effect. This use of very low frequencies generated by the low frequency vibrator (3) and controlled by the software application (19) resident in the external digital device (18), allows a new sensory experience to be communicated to the user's brain with possible therapeutic benefits focused on the brain and its cognitive functions, among which we can mention concentration, memorization, focus, involvement, etc. These applications can optionally be combined with multicolour lighting effects generated by the LED diodes (16), if they exist, these effects being able to be part of a chromatic therapy, or indicators of the user's status or their work, as a traffic light (for example, busy,in meeting, available…). Sensors (21) optionally attached to the chair structure allow for the addition of various functionalities, such as monitoring user behavior and launching functions focused on the user's well-being. In this way, when a sensor informs the software that the client has been sitting for a certain amount of time, a low-frequency vibration program can be automatically executed. When the client leans back and rests his or her head with a certain pressure on the headrest, a nature sounds program or some other option to choose from for rest and relaxation can be executed. It is also possible to send a periodic reminder that it is advisable to stretch or get up because he or she has been sitting in the chair for too long. In short,A list of tasks can be defined that can be communicated to the program in order to create a personalized zone according to the behavioral characteristics of each user. The typical use of this device is to provide a multi-sensory smart personal zone in an office chair, which can be located in a work environment, whether domestic or business, leisure or therapeutic. The person skilled in the art will readily understand that they can combine features of different embodiments with features of other possible embodiments, provided that such combination is technically possible. All information relating to examples or embodiments forms part of the description of the invention.

Claims

MODIFIED CLAIMS received by the International Bureau on August 25, 2025 (25.08.2025) 1 - Multisensory device for office chair characterized in that it comprises - a base (1) provided with fixing means (2a, 2b, 2c) to the office chair, 5 - at least two broadband loudspeakers (4), mechanically and electrically connected to the base (1) by means of supports (5), - at least one low frequency vibrator (3) mechanically coupled to the base (1), and to the vertical column (12) when mounted on it, and - an electronic module (6), 10 - one or more sensor vahos (21) coupled to the structure of the chair, - one or several multicolour LED diodes (16) visible from the outside, containing the electronic module (6), at least - one or more wireless digital communications modules (7), compatible 15 with an external digital device (18) and with a software application (19) resident on the external digital device (18) - an audio processor module (8), - a control module (10), - an activator (17) for the multicolour LED(s) (16), 20 - three audio amplifier modules (9), one for each broadband speaker (4) and one for the low frequency vibrator (3), and - a DC power supply module (11). 2 - Multisensory device for office chair, according to the previous claim, 25 characterized in that the LED diode(s) (16) are located in a location chosen from the group consisting of the speakers (4), adjustable supports (5), base (1), or a combination of the above. 3 - Multisensory device for office chair, according to any of the above 30 claims, characterized in that it comprises one or more microphones (20). 4 - Multisensory device for office chair, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensors (21) are chosen from the group consisting of presence sensor, pressure sensor and inclination sensor. 35 5 - Multisensory device for office chair, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the base (1) is fixed, by means of the fixing means (2a), to the vertical column (12) of a headrest (14) of the type provided with 5 a vertical support column (12) attached to the office chair by means of fixings (13). 6 - Multisensory device for office chair, according to any of the preceding claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the base (1) is fixed, by means of the fixing means (2b, 2c), directly to the backrest (16) of an office chair. 10 7 - Multisensory device for office chair, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the external digital device is chosen from the group consisting of a personal computer, laptop, mobile phone, digital tablet, television, dedicated device or other multimedia equipment. 15 8 - Multisensory device for office chair, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the base (1), the electronic module (6) and the rear part of the low frequency vibrator (3) are protected with a wrap-around cover (15). 20 9 - Multisensory device for office chair, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the wireless digital communications module (7) is chosen from the group consisting of Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and LoRa. 25 10 - Multisensory device for office chair, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the low frequency vibrator (3) is of the speaker type without membrane. 11 - Multisensory device for office chair, according to any of the above 30 claims, characterized in that the supports (5) are chosen from the group consisting of supports adjustable in position with freedom of movement and different positioning, and fixed supports without the possibility of movement. 12 Multi-sensory device for office chair, according to claim 11, 35 characterized in that when the supports (5) are adjustable supports in position with freedom of movement and different positioning, are chosen from the group consisting of flexible elements, flexes, several rigid articulated or semi-articulated sections, or a combination of the above. 5 13 - Multisensory device for office chair, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the DC power module (11) is chosen from the group consisting of a rechargeable battery, interchangeable batteries and wired power supply from an external converter. 10 14 - Use of a multi-sensory device for an office chair, according to any of the preceding claims, as a multi-sensory smart personal zone in an office chair. 15 - Use of a multisensory device for an office chair, according to claim 14, in 15 in which the environment is chosen from the group consisting of work environment, leisure environment and therapeutic environment.

Images