WO2000002516A1 - Vibroacoustic delivery system - Google Patents

Abstract

A vibronic acoustic delivery system (10) includes an air mattress (14), incorporating pockets (16) for placement of bass shakers (18). The air pressure within the air mattress (14) may be adjustable to suit the comfort of the user. A foam or fiber topper (48) is placed over the air mattress (14), and pockets to provide additional user comfort. Both the air mattress (14), the topper (48) are placed within a surrounding mattress structure (20) which may also provide additional comfort, and/or support to the user. The bass shakers (18) are connected to a controller (24) which operates to control the vibronic acoustic program delivered through the shakers (18) to the user. The intensity of energy that the shakers (18), or each individual shaker (18) delivers, may be adjusted by the user to the user's own relaxation or comfort level.

Description

VIBROACOUSTIC DELIVERY SYSTEM

CLAIM TO PRIORITY

This application claims priority to a United States Provisional Patent Application having Serial No. 60/092,163, filed July 9, 1998, and entitled "Vibroacoustic Delivery System." This provisional patent application is hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to the delivery of tactile sensations to the body and more particularly, to the delivery of vibroacoustic massage to the body.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In the past few decades vibroacoustic therapy, the delivery of music and /or low frequency tones to the_t body through use of a stereo loudspeaker, has received increased interest and research. Early studies indicate that the body is responsive to such therapy and that vibroacoustic therapy may help to address a number of medical problems. For instance, these early studies indicate that vibroacoustic therapy may help to reduce a patient's pain, may help to relax and reduce muscle tension in those afflicted with cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis or other muscle disorders, may help to ease pulmonary disorders such as asthma or cystic fibrosis, may help with general physical ailments such as high blood pressure or ulcers, and may help with psychological disorders such as insomnia or depression. A number of these studies and their results, as well as background information on vibroacoustic therapy, is recorded in a book entitled Music Vibration edited by Tony Wigram and Cheryl Dileo (Jeffrey Books 1997). This book is hereby incorporated by reference. In most instances, vibroacoustic therapy is delivered to the user through an unconventional and often, non-comforting device. For instance, one medical study describes using the frame of a spring bed with two 18-inch speakers mounted underneath the springs. Atop the springs is placed a polyethylene sheet and a half-inch pile sheepskin rug. U.S. Patent No. 5,035,235 describes the use of a substantially rigid metal table for generating and supplying music and vibration to a user. In these cases, little concern is given to the comfort provided to the user other than that provided by the vibroacoustic therapy itself.

In most medical applications, delivery of the vibroacoustic therapy is maintained through a structure to a selected body portion in a continuous fashion, at a constant or varying frequency. A drawback of the continuous delivery of vibroacoustic therapy is that the targeted body portion may become numb, limiting the overall effectiveness of the therapy.

U.S. Patent No.5,113,852, which is hereby incorporated by reference, addresses the problems associated with the continuous delivery of vibroacoustic therapy and provides an alternative that may increase the effectiveness of vibroacoustic therapy in medical applications and that may provide a household user of vibroacoustic therapy a manner of achieving a pleasant feeling of well-being as well as a comprehensive state of relaxation. Specifically, U.S. Patent No. 5,113,852 describes providing vibration, with loudspeakers, that is subject to continuous and diverse variation to provide the user with a wave-like massage effect. For example, the vibration undergoes cyclic decreases and increases of intensity, generating intensity pulses produced by vibrating elements or speakers. The intensity pulses produced by the vibrating elements are separated by a phase difference so that the massaging /vibrating action is directed successively to different parts of the body, the vibrating elements being allowed a moment of rest and restoration after each pulse. Using an arrangement as described, where the intensity pulses produced by adjacent vibrating elements reach their peak values successively, produces a particularly pleasant massaging effect that feels like a wave that rolls along the body or the portion of the body being treated. U.S. Patent No. 5,113,852 indicates that its procedure for applying vibration to the human body may be incorporated into a support structure such as a chair, seat or mattress. However, as with the earlier medical studies on vibroacoustic therapy, the comfort of the user, beyond that provided by the vibroacoustic therapy itself, is not addressed.

In view of the above, there is a need for a vibroacoustic delivery system that addresses the effective delivery of the vibroacoustic therapy as well as the comfort of the user, beyond that provided by the vibroacoustic therapy itself, whether it be in a medical setting or a home user's setting.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The problems identified above are in large measure solved by a vibroacoustic delivery system of the present invention. In one embodiment, the vibroacoustic delivery system includes an air mattress incorporating pockets for placement of bass shakers. The air pressure within the air mattress may be adjustable to suit the comfort of the user. A foam or fiber topper is placed over the air mattress and pockets to provide additional user comfort. Both the air mattress and topper are placed within a surrounding mattress structure which may also provide additional comfort and/or support to the user. The bass shakers are connected to a controller which operates to control the vibroacoustic program delivered through the shakers to the user. The intensity of energy that the shakers, or each individual shaker, delivers may be adjusted by the user to the user's own relaxation or comfort level.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A depicts the vibroacoustic mattress system of the present invention as appropriate for a single user.

FIG. IB depicts the vibroacoustic mattress system of the present invention as appropriate for dual users.

FIG. 2A depicts an embodiment of an air mattress of the vibroacoustic mattress system. FIG. 2B is a side view of the air mattress of FIG. 2 A.

FIG. 2C is an end view of the air mattress of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 2D is a section view of the air mattress taken along line A- A of FIG. 2A. FIG. 2E is an exploded view depicting view A of FIG. 2D showing panel and wall lamination construction.

FIG. 2F is an exploded view depicting view B of FIG. 2D showing a seam detail, i.e., the overlapping of outer seams.

FIG. 2G is a section of the air mattress taken along line B-B of FIG. 2A

FIG. 2H is an exploded view depicting view C of FIG. 2D showing a pocket detail.

FIG. 3 is an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 depicts a series of bass shakers coupled to a connector. FIG. 5A depicts a front perspective view of an embodiment of a controller.

FIG. 5B depicts a rear perspective view of the controller of FIG. 5A.

FIG. 5C depicts a block diagram of the controller of FIG. 5A.

FIG. 6A depicts a front perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the controller.

FIG. 6B depicts a rear perspective view of the controller of FIG. 6A.

FIG. 6C depicts a block diagram of the controller of FIG. 6A.

FIG. 7 provides a perspective view of a hand unit for remote control of the controller. FIG. 8 provides an overall system block diagram.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIGS. 1A and IB provide an overview of a vibroacoustic delivery system 10 of the present invention. Vibroacoustic delivery system 10 generally comprises an air mattress 14, having a plurality of pockets 16 for placement of shakers 18, a surrounding mattress structure 20, a wiring harness 22 and control box 24. Mattress structure 20 is designed to provide a cavity for placement of air mattress 14. Each shaker 18 is connected by wiring harness 22 to controller 24. Controller 24 operates to control the vibroacoustic "song" emitted by the plurality of shakers 18 and allows for user preferred adjustments by direct contact with controller 24 or by use of a remote hand unit 90. Headphones 21 for the delivery of music and tactile sound transducers 23, to enhance the delivery of music, may also be incorporated. FIG. 1A depicts vibroacoustic delivery system 10 configured for a single user while FIG. IB depicts vibroacoustic delivery system 10 configured for dual users.

Air Mattress

FIGS. 2A-2H, depict a preferred embodiment of air mattress 14. As shown, air mattress 14 includes a central mattress section 28, incorporating a plurality of individual air chambers 30, as well as an outer mattress section 32 surrounding the perimeter of central mattress section 28. Central mattress section 28 and outer mattress section 32 are defined by a proximal surface 34, a distal surface 36 and side surfaces 38. Each air chamber 30 is separated from the next by an inner baffle 40 while outer mattress section 32 is separated from central mattress section 28 by an outer baffle 42. Additional information regarding the construction of air mattress 14 may be found in U.S. Patent No. 4,908,895, which is hereby incorporated by reference. A plurality of air chambers 30 incorporate pocket 16. Pocket 16 is preferably of a rounded or oval configuration, the elimination of right angles minimizing the number of seams 33 necessary and easing the difficulties of manufacture. Further, pocket 16 is preferably of a sufficient depth to accommodate the depth of shaker 18 such that shaker 18 may lie approximately flush, or just below, proximal surface 34. Pocket 16 is tethered to proximal surface 34 and distal surface 36 to prevent movement of pocket 16 and its shaker 18, see FIG. 2H. Surfaces 34, 36 and 38 as well as baffles 40 and 42 are preferably made of a cotton coated rubber, however other appropriate materials may be used without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. An air inlet 44 is provided at one of the side surface 38 of air mattress 14 for inflation. Air inlet 44 is preferably provided at the center of the side surface 38 to allow air mattress 14 to be flipped for dual-sided use.

As shown in FIG. 2A, air mattress 14 is preferably provided with four pockets 16 for placement of four shakers 18. While pockets 16 may be located in any position in any one of air chambers 30, pockets 16 are preferably placed within the center of air chamber 30, to allow for even transmission of the vibroacoustic wave in all directions, and at locations which lie proximate to the head /shoulder, lower back, thighs, and calves of the user. The use of four shakers 18 enables the user to achieve a desirable wave-like vibroacoustic effect, such as that described in the

"Background of the Invention" with reference to U.S. Patent No. 5,113,852.

Note that FIG. 2B provides a side view of air mattress 14 while FIG.

2C provides an end view of air mattress 14. FIG. 2D is a section view of air mattress 14 taken along line A-A of FIG. 2A. FIG. 2E is an exploded view depicting panel and wall lamination of air mattress 14. FIG. 2F is an exploded view showing a seam 33 detail, i.e., overlapping of seams 33 of air mattress 14. FIG. 2G is a section of air mattress 14 taken along line B-B of Fig. 2A. Alternatively, air mattress 14 may be provided with only one or any number of pockets 16 without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. The use of a single pocket 16 and shaker 18 may allow the user to pinpoint a specific area of the body to receive vibroacoustic therapy. Yet another alternative of air mattress 14, provides for a plurality of pockets 16 which may either be filled with a shaker 18 or a foam /air insert to maintain a substantially smooth proximal surface 34 while allowing the user or manufacturer to individualize the location and number of shakers 18. Still another embodiment of air mattress 14 provides for each air chamber 30 to include more than one pocket 16 to allow the user or manufacturer to individualize the location and number of shakers 18.

Air mattress 14, with shakers 18 in place, is preferably topped with a foam or fiber pillow top 45, shown in FIGS. 1A and IB, and inserted within the central cavity of surrounding mattress structure 20. Pillow top 45 helps to prevent a user from feeling the generally rigid structure of shakers 18. Surrounding mattress structure 20 is substantially as described in U.S. Patent No. 4,991,244, which is hereby incorporated by reference, however, any suitable mattress structure incorporating a central cavity for placement or insertion of air mattress 14 may be used without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.

FIG. 3 depicts another embodiment of the present invention. As an alternative configuration to air mattress 14 with pockets 16, an air mattress 46, absent pockets, may be used in conjunction with a foam top layer 48. The foam top layer 48 is designed to lie atop mattress 46, where it may be secured, and includes a plurality of pockets 50, or cut-outs through the foam top layer 48, for placement of shakers 18. Air mattress 46 and foam top layer 48 are then placed within the central cavity of surrounding mattress structure 20, and may also be topped with pillow top 45. While the use of foam top layer 48 is a feasible configuration, it has been found that its use brings shakers 18 closer to the surface of surrounding mattress structure 20 increasing the possibility that a user may uncomfortably feel the structure of shakers 18. Further, its use increases the bulk of material that must be inserted within central cavity of surrounding mattress structure 20 and increases the possibility that foam top layer 48 and /or shakers 18 will slide and move out of a desired pinpoint location.

As indicated with FIGS. 1A and IB, vibroacoustic delivery system 10 in any embodiment may be configured for a single user or dual users. Further, air mattress 14 or 46 may be replaced with a mattress configuration incorporating air, fluids, gels, foams or any combination of these.

Bass Shakers and Wiring Harness Shaker 18 is preferably a standard bass shaker, such as that used with commercially available stereo systems. The Aura™ bass shaker having part number AST-OF-4-03 has been found to be a suitable device, however, other devices may be used without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Specifications, provided as a non-limiting example, on the Aura™ bass shaker include a diameter of approximately 4.5 inches, a height of approximately 1.5 inches, a power rating of approximately 12 Watts, an impedance of 4 Ohms, and a usable frequency range of approximately 20 to 80 Hz.

Note that shaker 18 is not used in conjunction with a cone diaphragm to produce sound, i.e., a loudspeaker, but rather is used alone for its low frequency, vibrational abilities. Previous studies with vibroacoustic therapy have attempted to provide both acoustic vibration and musical sound to the user through use of a loudspeaker. In those cases, loudspeakers were often placed below the mattress or foundation. However, in developing the present invention, it was found that loudspeakers placed below a mattress or foundation require significant power in order for the vibration and sound to reach the top of the mattress. Further, the sound broadcast from the loudspeaker caused person-to-person carryover, e.g., in a king size bed the sound and vibration carried from the user's side of the bed to the person on the opposite side of the bed, as well as room-to-room carryover. It was also found that for those using the mattress and vibroacoustic therapy for simple relaxation, the music accompanying the acoustic vibration was often an annoyance and a detractor from overall comfort and relaxation.

As such, the preferred embodiment of the present invention utilizes only the bass shaker 18 of a loudspeaker. If auditory vibration, e.g., music, is desired it is preferably delivered through the use of headphones 21 (see FIGS. 1A and IB) so as not to interfere with the acoustic vibration of bass shakers 18. The use of bass shaker 18 alone within air mattress 14, or alternatively, within foam top layer 48, reduces the power requirements to bass shakers 18, enables the acoustic vibration to occur closer to the user's body, and substantially reduces person-to-person and room-to-room carryover. Further, bass shaker 18 alone also takes up significantly less room within air mattress 14 structure, enabling air mattress 14 to be more comfortable to the user. Note that bass shaker 18 is preferably loosely positioned, or mounted, within pocket 16. This loose positioning keeps the vibratory motion of bass shaker 18 localized and isolated thereby helping to direct the vibration to a specific body part. FIG. 4 depicts a series of four bass shakers 18 as are appropriate for air mattress 14 of FIG. 2. Of course, a greater or fewer number of bass shakers 18 may be used as desired without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Each of the bass shakers 18 is wired to a common connector 54 with conventional speaker wire 56, the length of the speaker wire 56 increasing per the distance of bass shaker 18 from connector 54 and controller 24. A non-limiting example of appropriate lengths of wire 56 for four shakers 18 are ten, eleven, thirteen and fourteen feet, as shown in FIG. 4. The lengths of speaker wire 56 extending beyond air mattress 14 are preferably enclosed in a flexible jacket 58 to prevent damage to wire 56. When placing shakers 18 within pockets 16 of air mattress 14, speaker wire 56 may be laid across proximal surface 34 and if desired, may be tacked in place by appropriate tacking fasteners. Alternatively, air mattress 14 may incorporate surface channels (not shown) for placement of the wires so that they need not rest atop proximal surface 34. Each of bass shakers 18 maintain a certain height, by non-limiting example, a height of approximately one inch, and require a substantially corresponding pocket depth. As an alternative to bass shaker 18 and its accompanying height, a new technology categorized as flat panel speakers may be used. Flat panel speakers, such as those developed by New Transducers Ltd (NXT), are substantially wafer thin (0.1 inches to 0.8 inches) and may reduce the pocket depth required or eliminate the necessity of a pocket altogether. The use of flat panel speakers also enables the delivery of both vibration and sound, as would normally be provided by a conventional loudspeaker, and as such, is appropriate for those users who both need or desire acoustic vibration and auditory musical sound.

Additionally, in combination with bass shakers 18, or flat panel speakers, one or more tactile sound transducers (TSTs) 23, such as those manufactured by Clark Synthesis, Inc., may be used, see FIGS. 1A and IB. TSTs 23 are especially effective when used in combination with auditory vibration, e.g., music, delivered through stereo headphones 21. TST 23 allows the user to perceive music not only through auditory impressions but through sensations perceived by touch. Note that TST 23 vibrations do not interfere with the vibroacoustic vibrations provided by bass shakers 18. A single TST 23 provides pleasant vibration while two TSTs 23 can provide a stereo effect of vibration.

Unlike bass shakers 18, TSTs 23 are preferably rigidly mounted in a free air environment, e.g., mounting to a bed foundation or other rigid structure is appropriate. If TST 23 is placed in a non-free air environment, e.g., foam, the tactile sound will be localized and muddied thereby reducing the enhanced and pleasing affect it can provide.

Controller

FIGS. 5A and 5B depict a preferred embodiment of controller 24. In this embodiment, controller 24 incorporates a power on/off switch 62 and vibration intensity increase/ decrease controls 64 for each shaker 18. A display 66 depicting the user selected vibration intensity is also included. Controller 24 further incorporates a connector port 68, into which is inserted connector 54, as well as power plug 70, which may be inserted into a standard electrical outlet. Two connector ports 68 may be included for dual control of a dual person bed. An EPROM 72 containing a single programmed vibroacoustic variation/pattern, or "song," directs the operation of a microprocessor 74 in conjunction with the user selected vibration intensity controls 64 to produce outputs to shakers 18, see FIG. 5C. The "song" contained within EPROM 72 preferably provides the user a wave-like massage effect, like that described in U.S. Patent No. 5,113,852. As an alternative to EPROM 72, the acoustic vibration "songs" may also be contained on a compact disc to be played on a compact disc player incorporated into controller 24. Placement of the "songs" on a compact disc allows the user to skip tracks, e.g., skip unwanted sections of the recorded "song."

Controller 24 may be configured for a single user or for dual users. Alternatively, an individual controller 24 may be provided for each user if dual users are involved.

The "song" preferably delivers acoustic vibration approximately in the range of 20 to 200 Hz. However, prescriptive frequencies generally lie in the 40 to 90 Hz range. For example, the following the conditions have been found to respond well to the indicated frequencies, as determined by Olav Skille, a pioneer in vibroacoustic therapy:

Display 66, shown in Fig. 5A, preferably includes an individual viewing section 67 for each connected shaker 18. The individual viewing sections 67 each preferably comprise an LED display with the ability to represent the numbers 0 to 9. Alternatively, the individual viewing sections 67 may include a graphical display, such as an increasing/ decreasing bar chart or other type of pictorial image. As indicated above, the display preferably presents an intensity value for each shaker 18. The electronics of controller 24 enable controller 24 to repeatably achieve the same intensity according to the user's selection. In this manner, the user may identify a repeatable relaxation number for each shaker zone whether the number is representative of the power provided to shaker 18 or is representative of the sensation experienced by the user. FIGS. 6A and 6B depict an alternative embodiment of controller 24 showing additional features that may be incorporated into the basic controller of FIGS. 5A-5C. In this embodiment, controller 24 includes a plurality of programmed "songs" from which the user may select with program select button 76. The user may also select the time duration of the "song" through use of the time select button 78. A communication port 80, e.g., RS-232 port, enables the ability to download new vibroacoustic "songs" from a PC. In this embodiment, controller 24 also includes a stereo line-in connection 82 whereby music from an external compact disc or cassette player is input to controller 24. Music volume adjust button 84 may be used by the user to control the music vibration intensity uniformly across all shakers 18. Auditory music volume control is preferably provided at the compact disc or cassette player and the auditory music is preferably provided to the user through speakers or headphones 21 (see FIGS. 1A and IB) connected to the player (not shown). Alternatively, auditory music volume control may be provided at controller 24. FIG. 6C provides a block diagram of the controller embodiment of FIGS. 6A and 6B.

Two specific embodiments of controller 24 have been described, with the embodiment of FIGS. 5A-5C representing the preferred embodiment, and, while the descriptions of the embodiments have been limited to specific and preferred controls, it is understood that each of the embodiments may include additional features and controls without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. For instance, controller 24 may additionally include controls for controlling the air supply and firmness of air mattress 14, such as those described in U.S. Patent No. 5,509,154, which is hereby incorporated by reference. Controller 24 may additionally include controls for providing the transfer of heat or a cooling sensation to the user, for controlling articulation of the mattress and/or mattress frame, for controlling additional types of massage or therapies provided through mattress 14 or surrounding mattress structure 20, and for controlling the delivery of tactile vibration through TST 23. Controller 24 may also be responsive to feedback from physiological monitoring. Feedback from the user may allow controller 24 to adjust the amplitude of the acoustic vibration, which is preferably delivered along a linear scale, the intensity of the acoustic vibration, and may also allow controller 24 to turn on or off the acoustic vibration. Feedback adjustment may also be activated by the sound or voice of the user.

Controller 24 is preferably mounted to the mattress foundation, but may also be mounted to the mattress itself or placed in a nearby location.

Hand Unit FIG. 7 depicts a hand unit 90 for remote control of controller 24 of

FIG. 5. As with controller 24 of FIG. 5, hand unit 90 includes a power on/off switch 92 as well as vibration intensity increase /decrease controls 94 for each shaker 18. A display 96 depicting the user selected vibration intensity for each shaker 18 may also be included. Shaker select buttons 98, with left and right indicator lights, allow the user to scroll through and select a shaker 18 for adjustment; the shaker selected is indicated by the brightness of light emitting from the corresponding shaker display 96. Hand unit 90 may be configured for a single user or for dual users. Alternatively, an individual hand unit 90 may be provided for each user if dual users are involved.

Display 96 preferably includes an individual viewing section 97 for each shaker 18. Individual viewing sections 97 each preferably comprise an LED display with the ability to represent numbers 0 to 9. Alternatively, the individual viewing sections 97 may include a graphical display, such as an increasing/ decreasing bar chart or other type of pictorial image.

An alternative embodiment of hand unit 90 (not shown), includes controls corresponding to the controls of the controller embodiment of FIGS. 6A and 6B. Specifically, hand unit 90 includes controls corresponding to program select button 76 allowing the user to select his or her choice of pre-programmed "songs," to time select button 78 allowing the user to set or select the duration of the selected vibrational "song," and to music volume adjust button 84 allowing the user to control the music vibration intensity uniformly across all shakers 18. As with controller 24 of FIGS. 6A and 6B, auditory music volume control is preferably provided at the compact disc or cassette player but may be incorporated into the hand unit 90 if desired. Each of the above-described hand units 90 may include additional features and /or controls without departing from the spirit or the scope of the invention. For instance, hand unit 90 may additionally include controls for controlling the air supply and firmness of air mattress 14, such as those described in U.S. Patent No. 5,509,154. Hand unit 90 may additionally include controls for providing the transfer of heat or a cooling sensation to the user for controlling articulation of the mattress and /or mattress frame, for controlling additional types of massage or therapies provided through mattress 14 or surrounding mattress structure 20 and for controlling the delivery of tactile vibration through TST 23. Hand unit 90 preferably communicates with controller 24 through appropriate remote means, such as RF transmissions, however, hand unit 90 may also be electrically connected to hand controller 24.

Overall Operation of Vibroacoustic Delivery System FIG. 8 depicts an overall operational block diagram of vibroacoustic delivery system 10. As shown per system adjust block 100, a user provides the input to system 10 to adjust the delivery of vibroacoustic vibration via the controls provided by controller 24 or hand unit 90. As such, the user may provide input as to the program desired (which includes variables as to time, frequency, amplitude, strength, and direction of travel between bass shakers 18), desired vibration intensity, etc. The input is received by microprocessor 74 of controller 24. Microprocessor 74 may return some or all of the inputs to system display 101, i.e., display 66 or 96, for viewing by the user.

Using the inputs, microprocessor 74 preferably operates to calculate a digital value for each of bass shakers 18. These digital, calculated values generally relate to points on a sine wave of differing frequencies and amplitudes. More information about how acoustic vibration is delivered through use of a sine wave or other periodic wave may be found in U.S. Patent No. 5,113,852, which has already been incorporated by reference. The value for each bass shaker 18 may also be calculated to be at a different phase of the sine wave in relation to other bass shakers 18 in system 10. The digital values are then preferably written to a digital-to-analog converter 102 within controller 24; converter 102 preferably incorporating multiple output channels in multiples of four, for the preferred embodiment of air mattress 14 having four bass shakers 18. Each of the channels preferably outputs an analog voltage that is representative of a point of the desired sine wave output.

Each of the analog voltage signals are then preferably passed through an active low-pass filter 103, which smooths the output sine waves and filters out high frequency noise generated by previous elements. From filter 103, the signal is amplified by an amplifier 104 to a level suitable for operation with bass shakers 18. Bass shaker 18 then delivers vibroacoustic therapy to the user. The same system may be used to control TSTs 23, as indicated.

Alternatives to Air Mattress

The principles described above may be equally applied to other structures which a user may use to obtain rest, relaxation, and /or medical therapy. For example, the principles described above may apply to a chair, sofa, or therapy table. In the instance of a chair, the surface of the chair, including at least the seat and back portions, are supported by air bladders, gel bladders, water bladders, foam inserts, or combinations of these. The chosen support is provided with a pocket, as described above with respect to the mattress, or a plurality of pockets, which are placed at convenient locations relative the user's body, e.g., at the head/neck, shoulder, back and seat areas. A bass shaker, as described above, is preferably placed within the pocket. A similar, if not identical, controller and /or hand unit may be used to control the delivery of the vibroacoustic therapy from the shakers. As with the mattress, a wave-like effect may be obtained with the chair by using a plurality of shakers while a portion of the body may be targeted by using only one shaker. Further, auditory sound and tactile sound may be implemented as described earlier. The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit of the essential attributes thereof; therefore, the illustrated embodiment should be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, reference being made to the appended claims rather than to the foregoing description to indicate the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A vibroacoustic delivery system, comprising: a body support having a proximal surface, a distal surface and a side surface joining said proximal surface and said distal surface, said proximal surface including a placement space; a vibroacoustic device, placed within said placement space; and a controller for controlling the vibroacoustic sensation delivered through said vibroacoustic device.

2. The vibroacoustic delivery system of claim 1, wherein said body support comprises an air chamber.

3. The vibroacoustic delivery system of claim 1, wherein said body support comprises a foam body support.

4. The vibroacoustic delivery system of claim 2, wherein said placement space comprises a pocket.

5. The vibroacoustic delivery system of claim 3, wherein said placement space comprises a hole within said foam body support.

6. The vibroacoustic delivery system of claim 1, wherein said vibroacoustic device is a bass shaker.

7. The vibroacoustic delivery system of claim 1, wherein said controller controls the delivery of a vibroacoustic song for producing a wave-like effect to the user.

8. The vibroacoustic delivery system of claim 1, further comprising a tactile sound device positioned proximate said body support.

9. The vibroacoustic delivery system of claim 6, wherein said bass shaker is loosely positioned within said placement space.

10. A vibroacoustic delivery system, comprising: means for supporting at least a portion of a user's body wherein said means for supporting includes means for holding; means for delivering acoustic vibration, wherein said means for holding is for holding said means for delivering; and means for controlling said means for delivering.

11. The vibroacoustic delivery system of claim 10, wherein said means for supporting comprises a fluid filled support.

12. The vibroacoustic delivery system of claim 10, wherein said means for supporting comprises a foam support.

13. The vibroacoustic delivery system of claim 10, wherein said holding means comprises a pocket.

14. The vibroacoustic delivery system of claim 12, wherein said holding means comprises a hole within said foam support.

15. The vibroacoustic delivery system of claim 10, wherein said means for delivering acoustic vibration is a bass shaker.

16. The vibroacoustic delivery system of claim 10, further comprising means for delivering tactile sound.

17. The vibroacoustic delivery system of claim 10, wherein said means for delivering is held loosely in said means for holding.

18. A vibroacoustic mattress, comprising: a fluid chamber having a proximal surface, a distal surface and a side surface connecting said proximal surface and said distal surface, said proximal surface including a pocket for placement of a vibroacoustic device.

19. The vibroacoustic mattress of claim 18, further comprising a surrounding mattress structure defining a cavity for placement of said fluid chamber.

20. The vibroacoustic mattress of claim 18, wherein said pocket is of a generally rounded configuration.

21. The vibroacoustic mattress of claim 18, further comprising a pillow top, said pillow top laying atop said proximal side of said fluid chamber.

22. The vibroacoustic mattress of claim 18, wherein said vibroacoustic device comprises a bass shaker.

23. The vibroacoustic mattress of claim 22, wherein said bass shaker is loosely positioned within said pocket.

24. The vibroacoustic mattress of claim 18, further comprising a tactile sound transducer mounted beneath said air chamber.