WO2003092441A1

WO2003092441A1 - Sound to vibration converting chair

Info

Publication number: WO2003092441A1
Application number: PCT/KR2002/001653
Authority: WO
Inventors: Chi-Yup An
Original assignee: Twin Saver Co., Ltd.
Priority date: 2002-04-30
Filing date: 2002-09-02
Publication date: 2003-11-13
Also published as: KR200283564Y1; AU2002329080A1

Abstract

Disclosed is a chair, which possesses a sound-to-vibration conversion apparatus at a board or a footrest or a back thereof. A user can feel vibration energy according to a sound. The sound-to-vibration conversion apparatus in the present invention comprises at least one magnet having N-pole and S-pole formed on one plane, the magnet being fixed to face each other in a housing; and at least one electromagnet located adjacent to the plane of the magnet's N-pole and S-pole and installed to be able to pivot by a shaft; and an inertial weight adhered to the electromagnet.

Description

SOUND-TO-NΪBRATION CONVERTING CHAIR

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a vibrating chair. More specifically, this invention

relates to a chair having a built-in sound-to-vibration converter that converts a sound

signal outputted from an audio device into vibration.

Background Art

A conventional chair having a vibrating loudspeaker is briefly shown in FIG. 1. As

shown in FIG. 1, miniaturized vibration loudspeakers 3, 7 are inserted in a seat board 1

and/or a back 5 of a chair. However, in such a conventional vibrating chair, the poor

ventilation may cause the chair to be overheated. In addition, since the output power of

the loudspeaker is quite low, not enough to stimulate a user's whole body with vibration

transfonned out of the audio sound. Accordingly, because of poor presence performance,

the conventional vibrating chair is difficult to be adapted to a music or movie

appreciation, or any other various industrial use such as a home banking, online payment

system, etc.

Disclosure of Invention

This body-sensible vibrating chair is developed to overcome the conventional

vibrating chair's drawbacks. The applicant combines the high power sound-to-vibration

apparatuses devised earlier with a chair, so that a user's whole body may feel the vibration energy converted from the sound signal, with he or she sit on.

According to the present invention, the vibrating body-sensible chair includes, at

least on either a seat board or a back or a footrest, a sound-to-vibration converting

apparatus that vibrates according to a sound signal transmitted from an audio device.

The chair further includes an amplifier for amplifying the sound signal from the audio

device and for providing the amplified signal to the sound-to-vibration conversion

apparatus; a joint, which connects the seat board and a leg, for absorbing a load and

vibration shock of the seat board; and at least one caster for protecting the vibration

energy generated on a chair from being delivered on a bottom surface, and including a

brake system that prevents the chair from rolling by the vibration energy.

As such, the high power sound-to-conversion apparatus used for this invention is

previously developed by the applicant of the present invention. The applicant has filed

three patent applications (Korean patent application Nos. 10-2001-0026923, 10-2001-

0026924 and 10-2002-0018190, which are co-pending) relating to a sound-to-vibration

converting apparatus of converting a sound signal into vibration. The present invention

is an application of the previously filed patent applications. Accordingly, the sound-

vibration converting apparatuses of the previously filed patent applications will be

briefly described hereinafter for explanation of the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of the sound-to-vibration converting apparatus of

the previously filed and co-pending patent application No. 10-2001-0026923. With

reference to FIG 2, when an alternate current (acoustic signal from an audio system) is

applied to the coil 17, 17', the polarity and the magnetic force of the electromagnet 13, 13' varies according to the applied signal's amplitude or phase. Thereby, the attractive

force and repulsive force between the electromagnet 13, 13' and the permanent magnet

11, 11 ' causes the electromagnet 13, 13' to reciprocatively pivot centering on the rotating

shaft 15, 15'. Here, the reciprocating distance of the electromagnet 13, 13' traces a

waveform of the applied acoustic signals.

In the construction shown in FIG. 2, it is essential that the polarities of the

respective electromagnet 13, 13' should be opposed each other, because either of the

electromagnets 13, 13' must move symmetrically with respect to a central vertical line of

a housing frame 14.

The electromagnet 13, 13' includes the inertial mass 23, 23' to increase the inertial

force of the electromagnet's reciprocal rotary motion. Therefore, even though the

electromagnet 13, 13' is movably fixed in the housing 14, because the electromagnet 13,

13' including the inertial mass is heavier than the housing 14, the housing 14 including

the permanent magnet 11, 11 ' will vibrate instead of the electromagnet 13, 13'.

Accordingly, the vibration energy of a sound-to-vibration conversion apparatus^* of the

present invention can be much more augmented.

In FIG. 2, the reference numerals "25a", "25b", "25a'"_; and "25b"' denote elastic

members for neutralizing the electromagnet 13, 13'. The elastic members 25a,b,a',b'

give the respective electromagnet 13, 13' the resisting force in the opposite directions of

the electromagnet's motion. Of course, when no acoustic signal is applied, the elastic

members 25a,b,a',b' play a role in positioning the electromagnet 13, 13' to its neutral

point between N- and S-pole of the permanent magnet 11, 11'. The elastic member 25a,b,a',b' also acts as a kind of braking means for limiting the uppermost and lowest

points of the electromagnet's reciprocal motion.

Springs are used as the elastic member 25a,b,a',b'. Four springs are respectively

installed between each the lateral face of the electromagnet 13, 13' and the housing 14.

In addition to a spring, a rubber may be used as the elastic member 25a,b,a',b', or both

also. If both of the spring and the rubber are used, the electromagnet's braking

performance will be improved.

The braking force of the elastic member 25a,b,a',b' is set in proportion to the

attractive force of the permanent magnet 11, 11'. That is to say, when manually moving

the electromagnet 13, 13', it is desirable that the pressure of the elastic members

25a,b,a',b' is to be adjusted at the point where an adjuster feels no attractive force of the

permanent magnet 11, 11'.

FIG. 3 illustrates another embodiment of the sound-to-vibration converting

apparatus of the previously filed and co-pending patent application No. 10-2001-

0026924. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the preferred embodiment of the

present invention. A sound-to-vibration conversion apparatus according to the present

invention is composed of a magnet means 31 having N-pole and S-pole and being fixed

to a housing 43, and an electromagnet 33 arranged to face N- or S-pole of the magnet

means 31 and movably fixed to the housing 43. From the above configuration, the

electromagnet 33 reciprocates in such directions to get close to or away from the magnet

means 31, in accordance with the interaction between the polarities formed at the

electromagnet 33 by the acoustic signal applied to a coil 35 and at the magnet means 31. Even though the magnet means 31 can include either a permanent magnet or an

electromagnet, in this description a permanent magnet will be typically referred to for

convenience.

As shown in FIG. 3, the electromagnets 33 includes an E-shaped iron core having

three protrusions 33a,b,c; and a coil 35 is wound around a central protrusion 33 a. To the

coil 35, alternate current (acoustic signal from an audio system) is applied. When an

acoustic signal is applied to the coil 35, the polarity and the magnetic force of the

electromagnet 33 varies according to the applied acoustic signal's amplitude or phase.

Thereby, the attractive force and repulsive force between the electromagnet 33 and the

permanent magnet 31 causes the electromagnet 33 to reciprocate.

Meanwhile, the electromagnet 33 includes an inertial mass 37 to increase the

inertial force of the electromagnet's reciprocal motion. Therefore, even though the

electromagnet 33 is mo ably fixed to the housing 43, because the electromagnet 33

including the inertial mass 37 is heavier than the housing 43, the housing 43 including

the permanent magnet 21 will vibrate instead of the electromagnet 33.

In to FIG. 3, the reference numerals "39a" and "39b" denote elastic members for

giving the electromagnet the resisting force in the opposite directions of the

electromagnet's motion. And the reference numeral "41" denotes a spacer for keeping

apart the electromagnet 33 from the permanent magnet 31 and for shock-absorbing when

the housing 43 including the permanent magnet 31 collides with the electromagnet 33.

FIG. 4 illustrates another embodiment of the sound-to-vibration converting

apparatus of the previously filed and co-pending patent application No. 10-2002- 0018190. With reference to FIG. 4, an electromagnet 55 is rotatively fixed to a shaft 59

installed in a central portion of a housing 51. The turn numbers of a coil 63, to which the

acoustic signals from an audio amplifier are applied, should be adjusted to match the

characteristics of an audio amplifier output. The method of fixing the electromagnet 55

in the housing 51 is not limited to that shown in the drawings of the present embodiment.

Although FIG4 show that the electromagnet 55 is rotatively fixed to the shaft 59, other

ways, like that the electromagnet 55 is fixed to relatively move with reference to the

housing 51, are possible.

Facing the both end portions of the electromagnet 55, magnet means' having N-

pole 53' and S-pole 53 formed on one plane are mounted in the housing 51. In the case

of this embodiment, S-pole 53 is located above N-pole 53'. The magnet means' may be

either a permanent magnet or an electromagnet, however, from now on description will

be performed on a permanent .magnet.

Inertial masses 57 are attached on both lateral end portions of the electromagnet

55. The inertial masses 57 play a role in increasing the inertial force according to the

movement of the electromagnet 55, so that the housing 51 lighter than the electromagnet

55 may vibrate in response to the applied alternating (audio or acoustic) signals.

When the acoustic signal from an audio amplifier is applied to the coil 63, the

electromagnet 55 generates magnetic force varying as the audio signal's magnitudes and

phases. There arise attractive and repulsive forces between the electromagnet 55 and the

permanent magnets 53, 53'. By these forces, the electromagnet 55 reciprocatively moves

around the shaft 59. The direction of the movement is denoted by arrow mark in FIG. 4. More specifically, under the audio signal application, if one end of the electromagnet 55

forms N-pole force, this magnetic force interacts with S-pole of the permanent magnet

53 and moves the electromagnet 55 up around the shaft 59. On the other hand, since the

opposite end of the electromagnet 55 forms S-pole force, this portion of the

electromagnet 55 moves down around the shaft 59. If the polarity of the audio signal

becomes opposite, the electromagnet 55 moves in the opposite direction. At this time,

the moving interval of the electromagnet 55 replicates the magnitude traces of the audio

signal.

The inertial masses 57 attached to both ends of the electromagnet 55 increase the

inertial force of the electromagnet 55's reciprocating movement. Accordingly, when the

electromagnet 55 reciprocatively rotates centering around the shaft 59, the permanent

magnets 53, 53' along with the housing 51 comparatively lighter than the electromagnet

55 vibrate.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Further objects and advantages of the invention can be more fully understood from

the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings,

in which:

FIG. 1 shows a conventional chair having a vibrating loudspeaker;

FIG. 2 shows a sound-to-vibration converter used in the present invention;

FIG. 3 shows another type of sound-to-vibration converter used in the present

invention; FIG. 4 shows yet another type of sound-to-vibration converter used in the present

invention;

FIG. 5 is a side view showing a chair of the present invention; and

FIG. 6 shows a variety of embodiments of the present invention.

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

The present invention will now be described in detail in connection with preferred

embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 5 is a side view

showing a chair of the present invention, and FIG. 6 shows a variety of embodiments of

the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 5, a sound-to- vibration converter 71 is built in a back 75 so as to

vibrate the back 75 to and fro, and another sound-to-vibration converter 71 'is mounted

beneath a seat board 77 so as to vibrate a user's body up and down. Also, yet another

sound-to-vibration converter 71" may be mounted on a footrest 79 so as to deliver

vibration to the whole body and to provide a foot massage effect.

On a chair's leg, an amplifier 73 is mounted, which plays a role in amplifying

audio signal from an audio device via a wire 85 and providing the amplified signal to the

respective sound-to-vibration converters 71, 71 ', 71". The seat board 77 is connected to

the leg by a joint 81, which absorbs a load and vibration shock of the seat board 77 and

changes the vibrating direction into movement in all directions.

Casters 83, in addition to its unique function, protect the vibration energy

generated on a chair from being delivered on a bottom surface. Preferably, the casters 83 include a brake system that prevents the chair from rolling by the vibration energy.

In operation, the audio signal from an audio device, such as a computer, home

theater, audio system, etc., is provided to the amplifier 73 through the wire 85. The

amplifier 73 amplifies the signal to the extent of vibrating the sound-to-vibration

converters 71, 71', 71". By the converter's vibration, the whole chair body can vibrate.

FIG. 6 shows various modifications out of the present invention. As shown, an

amplifier (a) may mounted on a proper portion of a chair, and a sound-to-vibration

convert (b) may be mounted on or built in a back and/or a seat board to be inputted the

audio signal from the amplifier (a).

According to the present invention the body-sensible vibrating chair, in addition to

the auditory sense, a user can experience the audio sound all over the body, thereby

being felt the presence and stereophonic sound.

The present invention may be adapted to an online payment system. For example,

if an authorization message from a banking agency vibrates the chair, a user inputs his or

her biometric data to a computer system. This type of online payment system can firmly

resist the embezzlement and is quite simpler than a previous number combination

payment system. What is more, the vibrating chair may be used for measurement of the

bone density by aid of a computer, and also for a remote medical diagnosis or treatment.

While the present invention has been described with reference to the particular

illustrative embodiments, it is not to be restricted by the embodiments but only by the

appended claims. It is to be appreciated that those skilled in the art can change or modify

the embodiments without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention.

Claims

What Is Claimed Is:

1. A chair having, at least on either a seat board or a back or a footrest, a sound-to-

vibration converting apparatus that vibrates according to a sound signal transmitted from

an audio device,

wherein the sound-to- vibration converting apparatus comprising:

at least one magnet means having N-pole and S-pole formed on one plane, the magnet

being securely fixed to a housing;

at least one electromagnet installed in the housing in such a manner as to be disposed

adjacent to the at least one magnet means and pivot around a rotary shaft mounted in the

housing; and

an inertial weight attached to the elecfromagnet for increasing an inertial force of

reciprocation of the electromagnet,

whereby the electromagnet comes close to the N-pole or S-pole of the magnet means or

becomes depart from it to reciprocate according to interaction between polarity

presented at the electromagnet in response to the sound signal applied to the

electromagnet and the N-pole or S-pole of the magnet means.

2. The chair of claim 1, wherein the sound-to-vibration conversion apparatus is inserted

in the back or the seat board or the footrest, and the chair further comprising:

an amplifier for amplifying the sound signal from the audio device and for providing the

amplified signal to the sound-to-vibration conversion apparatus, a joint, which connects the seat board and a leg, for absorbing a load and vibration shock

of the seat board, and

at least one caster for protecting the vibration energy generated on a chair from being

delivered on a bottom surface, and including a brake system that prevents the chair from

rolling by the vibration energy.

3. A chair having, at least on either a seat board or a back or a footrest, a sound-to-

an audio device, wherein the sound-to-vibration converting apparatus comprising:

a magnet means securely fixed to a housing;

an electromagnet arranged to face N-pole or S-pole of the magnet means; and

an inertial weight attached to the electromagnet for increasing an inertial force of

reciprocation of the electromagnet,

becomes depart from it to reciprocate according to interaction between polarity

presented at the electromagnet in response to the sound signal applied to a coil of the

electromagnet and polarity of the magnet means facing the electromagnet.

4. The chair of claim 3, wherein the sound-to-vibration conversion apparatus is inserted

of the seat board, and

rolling by the vibration energy.

5. A chair having, at least on either a seat board or a back or a footrest, a sound-to-

two magnet means having N-pole and S-poie formed on one plane, the magnet means

being securely fixed to both inner sides of a housing to opposite to each other;

an electromagnet disposed between the two magnets in such a manner as to pivot around

a shaft that is laterally installed in parallel with the two magnets in the inner central

portion of the housing; and

an inertial weight attached to each sides of both end portions of the electromagnet to be

symmetrically located with respect to the shaft, for increasing an inertial force of

reciprocation of the electromagnet.

6. The chair of claim 5, wherein the sound-to-vibration conversion apparatus is inserted

of the seat board, and

rolling by the vibration energy.