Vibrational stimulus chair with related method and system

Abstract

A vibrational stimulus chair with an exoskeleton and a chassis mounted to the exoskeleton including a seating surface, mounted to the chassis, made of a plurality of panels; including a plurality of transducer housings mounted directly below the seating surface and attached to the plurality of panels; with a plurality of actuators mounted to the chassis, the plurality of actuators configured to move at least one transducer housing of the plurality of transducer housings; further including a plurality of independently controlled tactile transducers housed within the plurality of transducer housings; and a summed tactile transducer, configured to be freely movable above the seating surface.

Description

VIBRATIONAL STIMULUS CHAIR WITH RELATED METHOD AND SYSTEMTECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The subject matter of this disclosure relates to a vibrational stimulus chair, method of using a vibrational stimulus chair, and vibrational stimulus chair system.BACKGROUND

[0002] People with significant work or family related stresses may lack extended periods of free time to relax. Similarly, people who are chronically ill may have insufficient opportunities to improve general health and wellness. Regardless of the root cause, conventional products for achieving relaxation and general wellness may be insufficient from one or more perspectives and / or for certain people.SUMMARY

[0003] Aspects of the disclosure describe a vibrational stimulus chair, having an exoskeleton; a chassis; a seating surface comprised of a plurality of panels; a plurality of transducer housings mounted directly below the seating surface, attached to the plurality of panels; a plurality of actuators mounted to the chassis, configured to move the plurality of transducer housings; a plurality of independently controlled tactile transducers housed within the plurality of transducer housings; and a summed tactile transducer configured to be freely movable above the seating surface.

[0004] A second aspect discloses a method of operating a vibrational stimulus chair, the method including recording a user’s speech using a microphone and an external audio mixer; seating the user in the vibrational stimulus chair; positioning a summed tactile transducer directly over a desired body part of the user; placing a pair of headphones over the user’s ears; placing an eye covering over the user’s eyes; selecting a series of audio tracks from a curated content library to play through the pair of headphones; guiding the user into a state of high heart rate variability; engaging a plurality of transducers to vibrate targeted parts of the user’s body; using a microphone and audio mixer to speak to the user through the pair of headphones; replaying the recording of the user’s speech through the pair of headphones; and guiding the user through silent meditation.

[0005] A third aspect discloses a system including a vibrational stimulus chair, audio playback equipment, a content library of audio tracks, sensory isolation equipment such as weighted blankets and / or eye coverings, a microphone and audio mixer connected to the audio playback equipment, and audio recording equipment connected to the microphone.

[0006] Additional aspects include the vibrational stimulus chair including an audio mixer mounted to the exoskeleton; a microphone connected to the audio mixer; and a pair of headphones connected to the audio mixer.

[0007] Additional aspects include the vibrational stimulus chair including a sensory isolation device connected to the exoskeleton.

[0008] Additional aspects include the vibrational stimulus chair including a content library of audio tracks stored on a data storage device attached to the chassis.

[0009] Additional aspects include the vibrational stimulus chair including a hinged cutout on a side of the exoskeleton, configured to allow access to an internal electronic component.

[0010] Additional aspects include the vibrational stimulus chair wherein the seating surface is upholstered.

[0011] Additional aspects include the vibrational stimulus chair wherein each transducer housing of the plurality of transducer housings contains exactly one independently controlled tactile transducer of the plurality of independently controlled tactile transducers.

[0012] Additional aspects include the vibrational stimulus chair wherein each transducer housing of the plurality of transducer housings is isolated from each other transducer housing such that vibration in one transducer housing does not interfere with vibration in another transducer housing.

[0013] Additional aspects include the vibrational stimulus chair wherein the plurality of transducer housings has a first set of relief cuts.

[0014] Additional aspects include the vibrational stimulus chair including a second set of relief cuts on an opposing parallel wall from the first set of relief cuts, offset from the first set of relief cuts.

[0015] Additional aspects include the vibrational stimulus chair including a control panel mounted to the exoskeleton, further including a headphone volume control; a plurality of actuator switches; and a touchscreen with proprietary software.

[0016] Additional aspects include the vibrational stimulus chair wherein the seating surface is configured to position a user in a zero gravity position, wherein a head of the user and a knee line of the user are positioned above a heart of the user, and such that a torso and a leg of the user form an approximately 120-degree angle.

[0017] Additional aspects include the vibrational stimulus chair wherein the plurality of actuators is configured to independently move at least one transducer housing of the plurality of transducer housings.

[0018] Additional aspects include the vibrational stimulus chair including a plurality of wheels attached to the chassis.

[0019] Additional aspects include the vibrational stimulus chair wherein at least one actuator of the plurality of actuators is configured to adjust a position of at least one transducer housing of the plurality of transducer housings such that the at least one transducer housing is configured to rest against at least one foot of the user while the user is in the zero-gravity position.

[0020] Additional aspects include the vibrational stimulus chair wherein at least one actuator of the plurality of actuators is configured to adjust a position of at least one transducer housing of the plurality of transducer housings such that the at least one transducer housing is configured to rest against a torso of the user while the user is in the zero-gravity position.

[0021] Additional aspects include the method of operating vibrational stimulus chair including placing an eye covering over the user’s eyes; and covering the user with a weighted blanket.

[0022] Additional aspects include the vibrational stimulus chair system including sensory isolation equipment such as weighted blankets and / or eye coverings.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] These and other features of this disclosure will be more readily understood from the following detailed description of the various aspects of the disclosure taken in conjunction with the accompanying exhibits and images in which:

[0024] Figure 1 shows a top-down view of vibrational stimulus chair according to embodiments.

[0025] Figure 2 shows a front side perspective view of a vibrational stimulus chair according to embodiments.

[0026] Figure 3 shows a first side view of a vibrational stimulus chair according to embodiments.

[0027] Figure 4 shows a second side view of a vibrational stimulus chair according to embodiments.

[0028] Figure 5 shows a top-down view of a vibrational stimulus chair according to embodiments.

[0029] Figure 6 shows a front view of a vibrational stimulus chair according to embodiments.

[0030] Figure 7 shows a side view of a vibrational stimulus chair according to embodiments.

[0031] Figure 8 shows a back view of a vibrational stimulus chair according to embodiments.

[0032] Figure 9 shows a front side perspective view of a vibrational stimulus chair according to embodiments.

[0033] Figure 10 shows a back side perspective view of a vibrational stimulus chair according to embodiments.

[0034] Figure 11 shows a top-down view of a summed tactile transducer according to embodiments.

[0035] Figure 12 shows a perspective of a summed tactile transducer according to embodiments.

[0036] Figure 13 shows a side view of a summed tactile transducer according to embodiments.

[0037] Figure 14 shows a front side perspective view of a vibrational stimulus chair with a summed tactile transducer according to embodiments.

[0038] Figure 15 shows an exploded view of a summed tactile transducer according to embodiments.

[0039] Figure 16 shows a first side view of a summed tactile transducer according to embodiments.

[0040] Figure 17 shows a front view of a vibrational stimulus chair according to embodiments.

[0041] Figure 18 shows a second side view of a vibrational stimulus chair according to embodiments.

[0042] Figure 19 shows a back view of a vibrational stimulus chair according to embodiments.

[0043] Figure 20 shows a front side perspective view of a vibrational stimulus chair according to embodiments.

[0044] Figure 21 shows a back side perspective view of a vibrational stimulus chair according to embodiments.

[0045] Figure 22 shows a front view of a plurality of transducer housings according to embodiments.

[0046] Figure 23 shows a side view of a plurality of transducer housings according to embodiments.

[0047] Figure 24 shows a front side perspective view of a plurality of transducer housings according to embodiments.

[0048] Figure 25 shows a back side perspective view of a plurality of transducer housings according to embodiments.

[0049] Figure 26 shows a side view of a plurality of transducer housings according to embodiments.

[0050] Figure 27 shows a front view of a transducer housing according to embodiments.

[0051] Figure 28 shows a right side view of a transducer housing according to embodiments.

[0052] Figure 29 shows a back view of a transducer housing according to embodiments.

[0053] Figure 30 shows a left side view of a transducer housing according to embodiments.

[0054] Figure 31 shows a side view of a transducer housing according to embodiments.

[0055] Figure 32 shows a front side perspective view of a transducer housing according to embodiments.

[0056] Figure 33 shows a back side perspective view of a transducer housing according to embodiments.

[0057] Figure 34 shows an upside down perspective view of a transducer housing and transducer according to embodiments.

[0058] Figure 35 shows a back side perspective of a transducer housing and transducer according to embodiments.

[0059] Figure 36 shows a back view of a transducer housing and transducer according to embodiments.

[0060] Figure 37 shows a side view of a vibrational stimulus chair with actuators compressed according to embodiments.

[0061] Figure 37A shows a front view of a vibrational stimulus chair with actuators according to embodiments.

[0062] Figure 38 shows a side view of a vibrational stimulus chair with actuators extended according to embodiments.

[0063] Figure 38A shows a back view of a vibrational stimulus chair with actuator according to embodiments.

[0064] Figure 39 shows a top-down view of a vibrational stimulus chair with a summed tactile transducer and actuator controls according to embodiments.

[0065] Figure 40 shows a close-up view of actuator controls on a vibrational stimulus chair according to embodiments.

[0066] Figure 41 shows a side exterior view of a vibrational stimulus chair with actuators extended according to embodiments.

[0067] Figure 42 shows a side exterior view of a vibrational stimulus chair with front actuators extended according to embodiments.

[0068] Figure 43 shows a side exterior view of a vibrational stimulus chair with back actuators extended according to embodiments.

[0069] Figure 44 shows a side perspective view of a vibrational stimulus chair in use by a user according to embodiments.

[0070] Any of the images are not necessarily to scale. The images are merely schematic representations and are not intended to portray specific parameters of the disclosure. The images are intended to depict only typical embodiments of the disclosure, and therefore should not be considered as limiting the scope of the disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0071] Referring now to the drawings, Figures 1-10, 14, and 17-44 show various embodiments of a vibrational stimulus chair 100, which may include an exoskeleton 102; a chassis 104 mounted to exoskeleton 102; a seating surface 106, mounted to chassis 104, comprised of a plurality of panels 108-112; a plurality of transducer housings 114-118 mounted directly below seating surface 106 and attached to panels 108-112; a plurality of actuators 120-122 mounted to chassis 104, actuators 120-122 configured to move at least one of transducer housings 114-118; a plurality of independently controlled tactile transducers 124-128 housed within transducer housings 114-118; and a summed tactile transducer 130, configured to be freely movable above seating surface 106.

[0072] In some embodiments, vibrational stimulus chair 100 may include sensory isolation equipment, including but not limited to weighted blankets and / or eye coverings In some embodiments, vibrational stimulus chair 100 may include audio playback equipment, a content library of specially selected audio tracks, and / or a pair of headphones or earphones. This content library of specially selected audio tracks may be stored on a data storage device mounted on a panel inside chassis 104. Some embodiments may also include a microphone and audio mixer connected to the audio playback equipment, to record and play back audio of the user. Referring to figures 1-4, 14, 39-40, and 44, the controls for this audio equipment may be provided via a controlpanel 122 coupled to the chassis or on a separate device in communication with chair 100. Actuator controls 124, which adjust the positioning of at least one of transducer housings 114-118 to accommodate a range of user heights, may also be provided via control panel 122 in some embodiments.

[0073] Referring to Figure 8, some embodiments may include an access port 136 (optionally coverable via a panel or other structural member coupled to exoskeleton 102, e.g., via a hinge or similar adjustable fastener) on a side of exoskeleton 102 to provide access to internal electronic components, including but not limited to actuators 120-122 or transducers 124-128.

[0074] Seating surface 106 may be upholstered or padded to cushion the user. Seating surface 106 may be configured to hold the user in a “zero-gravity position.” A “zerogravity position,” as defined herein, refers to a position which places the head and knee line of a user slightly above the heart, also positioning the torso and legs so they roughly form a 120-degree angle. Laying in a zero-gravity position, among other things, helps distribute body weight evenly and can reduce spinal pressure. In some embodiments, actuators 120-122 may reposition at least one of transducer housings 114-118 to form a zero-gravity position for users of varying heights. While in a zerogravity position, the bottoms of the user’s feet may rest flat against transducer housing 114. Transducer 124 in this transducer housing 114 may deliver vibrations directly into the bottoms of the user’s feet.

[0075] In some embodiments, each transducer housing 114-118 contains at least one transducer 124-128. Transducers 124-128 may include vibrational and sound transducers. Transducers 124-128 may be mounted upside down within transducer housings 114-118, directly below seating surface 106. This mounting may be to the underside of the top of each transducer housing 114-118. Transducer housings 114-118 may be isolated from one another such that vibration, or lack thereof, in one transducer housing does not interfere with vibration, or lack thereof, in another transducer housing. There may be sets of relief cuts 138 in transducer housings 114-118 and / or chassis 104 to reduce vibrational bleed. Relief cuts 138 may be offset from one another on opposing parallel faces of transducer housings 114-118 and / or chassis 104 to decrease the occurrence of standing wave superposition.

[0076] Referring to Figures 1-4, 14, 39, and 44, some embodiments of vibrational stimulus chair 100 may include a summed tactile transducer 120. Summed tactile transducer 120 may be freely movable by a user or practitioner to position directly over a targeted body part or area. This targeted body part or area may include the front or‘ventral’ portion of the body. Summed tactile transducer 120 may transmit a vibration that culminates all vibrations sent separately throughout independently controlled tactile transducers 124-128, to provide a more focused vibration on the front / top of the body. This vibration may stimulate the vagus nerve and / or impact nervous system regulation. Referring to Figures 15 and 16, summed tactile transducer 120 may be comprised of a summed transducer 140, a foam covering 142, and a finished covering 144. Summed tactile transducer 120 may include an audio signal cable 146.

[0077] Referring to Figures 17-38, some embodiments of vibrational stimulus chair 100 may include relief cuts 138 in transducer housings 114-118 and / or chassis 104. Relief cuts 138 may be offset from one another on, e.g., opposing parallel surfaces (or other combinations of surfaces) of transducer housings 114-118 and / or chassis 104. Relief cuts 138 may minimize the total area of parallel surfaces within transducer housings 114-118 and / or chassis 104 to reduce the creation of standing waves. These standing waves may be formed by the superposition of identical frequency waves travelling in opposite directions. These identical frequency waves may be formed by the intense vibrations of transducers 124-128.

[0078] Referring to Figures 17-19, some embodiments may include a chassis 104. Chassis 104 may be an internal structural component of vibrational stimulus chair 100. Chassis 104 may be comprised of an inner and outer portion. Chassis 104 may be designed to support all other components of vibrational stimulus chair 100. Chassis 104 may have wheels 148. Chassis 104 may have series of relief cuts 138 to reduce the creation of standing waves.

[0079] The foregoing description of various aspects of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed, and obviously, many modifications and variations are possible. Such modifications and variations that may be apparent to an individual in the art are included within the scope of the invention as defined by the accompanying claims.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:1 . A vibrational stimulus chair, comprising: an exoskeleton; a chassis mounted to the exoskeleton; a seating surface, mounted to the chassis, comprised of a plurality of panels; a plurality of transducer housings mounted directly below the seating surface and attached to the plurality of panels; a plurality of actuators mounted to the chassis, the plurality of actuators configured to move at least one transducer housing of the plurality of transducer housings; a plurality of independently controlled tactile transducers housed within the plurality of transducer housings; and a summed tactile transducer, configured to be freely movable above the seating surface.

2. The vibrational stimulus chair of claim 1 , further comprising: an audio mixer mounted to the exoskeleton; a microphone connected to the audio mixer; and a pair of headphones connected to the audio mixer.

3. The vibrational stimulus chair of claim 2, further comprising: a sensory isolation device connected to the exoskeleton.

4. The vibrational stimulus chair of claim 2, further comprising: a content library of audio tracks stored on a data storage device attached to the chassis.

5. The vibrational stimulus chair of claim 1 , further comprising: a hinged cutout on a side of the exoskeleton, configured to allow access to an internal electronic component.

6. The vibrational stimulus chair of claim 1 , wherein the seating surface is upholstered.

7. The vibrational stimulus chair of claim 1 , wherein each transducer housing of the plurality of transducer housings contains exactly one independently controlled tactile transducer of the plurality of independently controlled tactile transducers.

8. The vibrational stimulus chair of claim 1 , wherein each transducer housing of the plurality of transducer housings is isolated from each other transducer housing such that vibration in one transducer housing does not interfere with vibration in another transducer housing.

9. The vibrational stimulus chair of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of transducer housings has a first set of relief cuts.

10. The vibrational stimulus chair of claim 9, further comprising: a second set of relief cuts on an opposing parallel wall from the first set of relief cuts, offset from the first set of relief cuts.11 . The vibrational stimulus chair of claim 1 , further comprising: a control panel mounted to the exoskeleton, comprising: a headphone volume control; a plurality of actuator switches; and a touchscreen with proprietary software.

12. The vibrational stimulus chair of claim 1 , wherein the seating surface is configured to position a user in a zero gravity position, wherein a head of the user and a knee line of the user are positioned above a heart of the user, and such that a torso and a leg of the user form an approximately 120-degree angle.

13. The vibrational stimulus chair of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of actuators is configured to independently move at least one transducer housing of the plurality of transducer housings.

14. The vibrational stimulus chair of claim 1 , further comprising: a plurality of wheels attached to the chassis.

15. The vibrational stimulus chair of claim 12, wherein at least one actuator of the plurality of actuators is configured to adjust a position of at least one transducer housing of the plurality of transducer housings such that the at least one transducer housing is configured to rest against at least one foot of the user while the user is in the zero- gravity position.

16. The vibrational stimulus chair of claim 12, wherein at least one actuator of the plurality of actuators is configured to adjust a position of at least one transducer housing of the plurality of transducer housings such that the at least one transducer housing is configured to rest against a torso of the user while the user is in the zero-gravity position.

17. A method of operating a vibrational stimulus chair, the method comprising: recording a user’s speech via a microphone and an external audio mixer; seating the user in a vibrational stimulus chair; positioning a summed tactile transducer directly over a desired body part of the user; placing a pair of headphones over the user’s ears; playing a series of audio tracks from a curated content library through the pair of headphones; guiding the user into a state of high heart rate variability; engaging a plurality of transducers to vibrate a plurality of targeted body parts of the user; using a microphone and audio mixer to speak to the user through the pair of headphones; replaying the recording of the user’s speech through the pair of headphones; and guiding the user through silent meditation.

18. The method of operating a vibrational stimulus chair of claim 17, further comprising: placing an eye covering over the user’s eyes; and covering the user with a weighted blanket.

19. A vibrational stimulus chair system, the system comprising: the vibrational stimulus chair of claim 1 ; audio playback equipment;a content library of audio tracks; a microphone and audio mixer connected to the audio playback equipment; and audio recording equipment connected to the microphone.

20. The vibrational stimulus chair system of claim 19, further comprising: sensory isolation equipment such as weighted blankets and / or eye coverings.

Images