WO2004030401A1

WO2004030401A1 - The helmet-type speaker apparatus and the speaker system for chair using of it

Info

Publication number: WO2004030401A1
Application number: PCT/KR2003/001957
Authority: WO
Inventors: Sung-Il Kim
Original assignee: Mm Gear Co., Ltd.
Priority date: 2002-09-25
Filing date: 2003-09-25
Publication date: 2004-04-08
Also published as: AU2003267832A1; KR100478198B1; KR20040026541A

Abstract

A helmet-type apparatus and a system for a chair using the apparatus are provided. The apparatus comprises: a helmet-type sound wave guide separated from a user's head by a predetermined distance, having an inner part surrounding the user's head in which sounds can be produced by reflecting or transmitting sounds therein; at least one speaker installed in the sound wave guide, which outputs sounds to the inner part of the sound wave guide; and a fixing means which is installed between the sound wave guide and the user's head and fixes the sound wave guide to be attachable to and detachable from the user's head. The system comprises: a helmet-type sound wave guide separated from a user's head by a predetermined distance and has an inner part surrounding the user's head in which sounds can be produced by reflecting or transmitting sounds therein; at least one speaker which is installed in the sound wave guide, which outputs sounds to the inner part of the sound wave guide; and a supporting means which support the sound wave guide in order to position the sound wave guide at the user's head when the user is seated. Accordingly, comfortable and quality sounds can be produced and a user is able to feel comfortable when wearing the apparatus. In addition, a user, living in the busy world, is able to relax and feel mentally refreshed while enjoying and using multimedia, and inhaling fresh oxygen by using the apparatus and system.

Description

THE HELMET-TYPE SPEAKER APPARATUS AND THE SPEAKER SYSTEM FOR CHAIR USING OF IT

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a helmet-type apparatus and a system for a chair using the apparatus, and more particularly, to a helmet-type speaker apparatus which is able to produce a sound field resembling that of a wide open space by reflecting and transmitting sound waves and a speaker system for a chair using the apparatus.

Background Art

A wearable speaker apparatus, such as a pair of earphones or headphones, radiates only direct sounds by directly contacting a user's ears.

That is, although direct sounds radiated by earphones or headphones allow us to enjoy listening to music or sounds without interrupting others nearby, it is difficult to produce the kind of sound field felt when one listens to music in a wide place. This is because the wearable speaker apparatus radiates only direct sounds by contacting the user's ears and does not produce the kind of reflected sounds that one is able to feel in a concert hall. Furthermore, delicate interfering sounds generated by sound interference of musical instruments played in a concert hall cannot be reproduced in the speaker apparatus, and thus, the sounds played in this apparatus are not that harmonized nor deep and make people tired when they listen to such sounds for an extended period of time.

Furthermore, earphones or headphones that directly contact a user's ears do not guarantee comfort when worn due to pressure applied to the user's ears, and many cause an earache especially when listening to music for long hours. Earphones and headphones also easily make a user's ears dirty because of dirt on the earphones or headphones.

In the meantime, there are no personal speaker and video devices that do not contact a user's head or ears, and thus, the user cannot fully enjoy and use a variety of multimedia without being interrupted by others when taking a rest, getting a perm at a hairdresser and medical treatment, using a computer, and surfing the web.

Moreover, there is no small-sized personal space or resting place where people, living in this busy world, can get a rest without being interrupted by others and inhale fresh oxygen, and sleep or refresh themselves while enjoying a variety of multimedia.

Disclosure of the Invention

To solve the above and other problems, the present invention provides a helmet-type speaker apparatus and a speaker system for a chair using the apparatus to produce not only direct sounds but also reflected and indirect sounds so as to generate a sound field resembling that of a wide open space and to create comforting, quality sounds by reproducing delicate interfering and harmonizing sounds. The present invention also provides a helmet-type speaker apparatus and a speaker system for a chair using the apparatus to guarantee comfort without contacting or applying excessive pressure to a user's ears, and thus, making the user feel comfortable and clean, even if he or she uses the device for long hours. In addition, the present invention provides a helmet-type speaker apparatus and a speaker system for a chair using the apparatus which allows a user to fully enjoy and use a variety of multimedia without being interrupted by others when taking a rest, getting a perm at a hair shop and medical treatment, using a computer, and surfing the web since the speaker and system, which can be used as a personal speaker and video device, do not directly contact a user's head or ears.

Furthermore, the present invention provides a helmet-type speaker apparatus and a speaker system for a chair using the apparatus which can be used as a small-sized personal space where one can get a rest without being interrupted by others, as a resting place where one can inhale fresh oxygen, or a sleeping or refreshing place for busy people living in this modern world.

Structure of the Invention According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a helmet-type speaker apparatus, the apparatus comprising: a helmet-type sound wave guide separated from a user's head by a predetermined distance, having an inner part surrounding the user's head in which sounds can be produced by reflecting or transmitting sounds therein; at least one speaker installed in the sound wave guide, which outputs sounds to the inner part of the sound wave guide; and a fixing means which is installed between the sound wave guide and the user's head and fixes the sound wave guide to be attachable to and detachable from the user's head. Preferably, the sound wave guide further comprising: a head mounted display (HMD) which is installed at the front of the sound wave guide in a position corresponding to a user's eyes and is connected to an extra video playing means, such as a computer and a game device; a microphone which is installed at the front or at a side in a position corresponding to a user's mouth; a plurality of speakers which are installed in at least one of positions in front of and behind and above and below a user's ears; a noise diminishing apparatus to diminish noises by detecting noise levels inside and outside of the sound wave guide and generating reverse sounds; an oxygen generator to provide a user with fresh oxygen; and an aroma generator. According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a speaker system for a chair using the helmet-type speaker apparatus, the system comprising: a helmet-type sound wave guide separated from a user's head by a predetermined distance, having an inner part surrounding the user's head in which sounds can be produced by reflecting or transmitting sounds therein; at least one speaker installed in the sound wave guide, which outputs sounds to the inner part of the sound wave guide; and a supporting means which supports the sound wave guide in order to position the sound wave guide at the user's head when the user is seated.

Preferably, the supporting means is a chair and the sound wave guide is attachable to and detachable from a headrest portion of the chair and is coupled to the headrest portion via hinges, enabling the sound wave guide to move forward and backward, and a vibration device is installed in the chair. Moreover, it is preferable that the supporting means has rolling wheels installed at the bottom thereof, which allow easy movement of the supporting means, a height adjusting pole installed at the top thereof, wherein the sound wave guide is attachable to and detachable from the height adjusting pole of the moving supporter and is coupled to the height adjusting pole via hinges, enabling the sound wave guide to move forward and backward.

Brief Description of the Drawings

FIG. 1 is a cross-section of a helmet-type speaker apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a plane view of the helmet type speaker apparatus of FIG.1 ;

FIG. 3 is a drawing illustrating a speaker system for a chair using the helmet-type speaker apparatus of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 4 is a drawing illustrating a speaker system for a chair using the helmet-type speaker apparatus of FIG. 1 according to another embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 5 is a drawing illustrating a speaker system for a chair using the helmet-type speaker apparatus of FIG. 1 according to still another embodiment of the present invention.

Best Mode for Carrying out the Invention

The present invention will now be described more fully with reference to accompanying drawings in which exemplary embodiments of the present invention are shown.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the helmet-type speaker comprises a helmet-type sound wave guide 10, a speaker 20, and a fixing means 30 (not shown). The helmet-type sound wave guide 10, which is separated from a user's head by a predetermined distance, has an inner part (not shown) surrounding the user's head so that sounds are reflected and transmitted, thus producing a sound field in the inner part. As shown in FIG. 1 , sounds emitted from the speaker 20 are not only directly transmitted to a user's ears, but also indirectly transmitted to the user's ears after being reflected from the sound wave guide 10. Therefore, reflected and indirect sounds are produced to generate a sound field resembling that of a wide open space, and comfortable and quality sounds are created by reproducing delicate interfering and harmonizing sounds. As illustrated in FIG. 3, a head mounted display (HMD) 40 is installed in a location corresponding to a user's eyes at the front of the helmet-type sound wave guide 11 and is connected to a video playing means 50, such as a computer, and a game device. The sound wave guide 11 may have a microphone 60 in a location corresponding to a user's mouth at the front or side thereof. As shown in FIG. 4, an oxygen generator 70 to supply the user with fresh oxygen or an aroma generator may be installed in the speaker system for the chair, thus helping the user to relax and feel mentally refreshed. Accordingly, the user is able to fully enjoy and use a variety of multimedia without being interrupted by others when the user takes a rest, and uses a computer and surfs the web using the speaker apparatus and the system, which can be used as a personal speaker and a video device, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

At least one speaker 20 is installed in the helmet-type sound wave guide 10, and the speaker 20 outputs sounds to the inside of the sound wave guide 1 1. The speaker 20 is formed of a plurality of units (not shown) having several channels, for instance, 4.1 , 5.1 , and 6.1 channels, in front of and/or behind and/or above and below the user's ears.

Also, although it is not illustrated, the speaker 20 may include a noise diminishing device to detect a certain level of noise inside and outside the speaker 20 and generates reverse sounds to diminish the noise. Such a noise diminishing device is widely used in the car industry, and thus, a detailed explanation will be omitted.

Consequently, the user is able to listen to sounds of various channels, for instance, a DVD and a home theater apparatus, and furthermore, is able to comfortably enjoy music in the sound wave guide 1 1 without being interrupted by external noises. The fixing means 30, which is installed between the sound wave guide 1 1 and the user's head, allows the sound wave guide 1 1 to be attached to and detached from the user's head. In addition, a hair band 31 of FIG. 1 , having a shape corresponding to a size of the user's head may be used as the fixing means 30 such that the sound wave guide 1 1 and the user's head are separated by a predetermined distance. The fixing means 30 may also be formed into other forms, for example, one having various internal protrusions or buffering elements like a fixing means of a helmet.

Although a user who wears the helmet-type speaker apparatus according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention is able to enjoy music and various multimedia without being interrupted by others, part of the fixing means 30 in the helmet-type speaker apparatus still contacts the user's head. Thus, in order to completely detach the fixing means 30 from the user's head, a speaker system for a chair using the helmet-type speaker apparatus is suggested.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the speaker system comprises a helmet-type sound wave guide 11 , a speaker 20 and a supporting means

80 which supports the sound wave guide 11.

The sound wave guide 11 , which is separate from a user's head at a predetermined distance, has an inner part (not shown) surrounding the user's head so that a sound field is produced and sounds are reflected and transmitted in the inner part. At least one speaker 20 is installed in the helmet-type sound wave guide 11 and the speaker 20 outputs sounds to the inside of the sound wave guide 11. The supporting means 80 supports the sound wave guide 11 so that the sound wave guide 11 is placed at the user's head when the user is seated on the chair.

As shown in FIG. 3, the supporting means 80 may be a headrest

81 of a chair 1 and the sound wave guide 11 is attachable to and detachable from the headrest 81 and may be coupled to the headrest 81 via hinges so that the sound wave guide 11 is able to move forward and backward.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, the supporting means 80 may also be formed of a moving supporter 82, which allow easy movement of the moving supporter 82 having rolling wheels 2 installed at the bottom thereof, and a height adjusting pole 83 installed at the top thereof.

It is preferable that the sound wave guide 10 is attachable to and detachable from the height adjusting pole of the moving supporter 82 and is coupled to the height adjusting pole of the moving supporter 82 via hinges, enabling the sound wave guide 10 to move forward and backward.

Although not illustrated in the drawings, a heater used for hairdressing, cosmetic treatment or medical treatment may be installed in the sound wave guide 11. Thus, a user is able to take a rest or enjoy various multimedia while getting a perm, cosmetic treatment or infrared treatment.

As aforementioned, the noise diminishing device may also be installed in the speaker to detect a certain level of noise from inside and outside and generate reverse sounds to diminish the noise. As a result, the user is able to get a perm and receive medical treatment and use a computer and surf the web using the helmet-type speaker apparatus and the speaker system for the chair of the present invention as a personal speaker and a video device.

The helmet-type speaker apparatus and the speaker system for the chair of the present invention can also be used as a small-sized personal space which allows the user to fully enjoy and use a variety of multimedia without being interrupted by others when one takes a rest, sleeps, or refreshes oneself.

Meanwhile, as shown in FIG. 5, the speaker system for the chair according to still another embodiment of the present invention may be used as a vibrating chair by installing a vibration device 100 which is controlled by a controller 90 connected to a video playing means 50, such as a computer, or a game device. The sound wave guide 10 may be formed as a personal room (or a personal theatre) which covers up to a user's chest, waist, or whole body and is equipped with a chair 1 and a keyboard 3.

This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. For instance, although the inner part of the sound wave guide 10 is a dome shape in the present invention, a reflecting device having a plurality of protrusions or other sound field forming structures may be used and various video playing devices and an oxygen generator may be built into the chair 1. While the present invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to exemplary embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the following claims.

Industrial Applicability

A helmet-type speaker apparatus and a speaker system for a chair using the same according to the present invention produces not only direct sounds but also reflected and indirect sounds to generate a sound field that makes the user feel as though he or she is in a wide open space and create comfortable and quality sounds by reproducing delicate interfering and harmonizing sounds. In addition, the speaker apparatus and system according to the present invention are able to guarantee comfort by not directly contacting nor applying excessive pressure to a user's ears. Thus, a user can feel comfortable and clean even though he or she uses the device for many hours and can fully enjoy and use a variety of multimedia without being interrupted by others when the user takes a rest, gets a perm at a hair shop and is mentally refreshed, uses a computer, and surfs the web, since the speaker apparatus and system according to the present invention, which do not directly contact a user's head or ears can be used as a personal speaker and a video device. The speaker apparatus and system according to the present invention may also be used as a small-sized personal space where one can get a rest without being interrupted by others, a resting place where one can get fresh oxygen, and a sleeping or refreshing place for busy people living in this modern world.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A helmet-type speaker apparatus comprising: a helmet-type sound wave guide separated from a user's head by a predetermined distance, having an inner part surrounding the user's head in which sounds can be produced by reflecting or transmitting sounds therein; at least one speaker installed in the sound wave guide, which outputs sounds to the inner part of the sound wave guide; and a fixing means which is installed between the sound wave guide and the user's head and fixes the sound wave guide to be attachable to and detachable from the user's head.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the sound wave guide further comprises: a head mounted display (HMD) which is installed at the front of the sound wave guide in a position corresponding to a user's eyes and is connected to a video playing means, such as a computer and a game device; a microphone which is installed at the front or at a side in a position corresponding to a user's mouth; a plurality of speakers which are installed in at least one of positions in front of and behind and above and below a user's ears; a noise diminishing apparatus to diminish noises by detecting noise levels inside and outside of the sound wave guide and generating reverse sounds; an oxygen generator to provide a user with fresh oxygen; and an aroma generator.

A speaker system for a chair using the helmet-type speaker apparatus, the system comprising: a helmet-type sound wave guide separated from a user's head by a predetermined distance, having an inner part surrounding the user's head in which sounds can be produced by reflecting or transmitting sounds therein; at least one speaker installed in the sound wave guide, which outputs sounds to the inner part of the sound wave guide; and a supporting means which supports the sound wave guide in order to position the sound wave guide at the user's head when the user is seated.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein the supporting means is a chair and the sound wave guide is attachable to and detachable from a headrest portion of the chair and is coupled to the headrest portion via hinges, enabling the sound wave guide to move forward and backward, and a vibration device is installed in the chair.

5. The system of claim 3, wherein the supporting means has rolling wheels installed at the bottom thereof, which allow easy movement of the supporting means, and a height adjusting pole installed at the top thereof, wherein the sound wave guide is attachable to and detachable from the height adjusting pole of the moving supporter and is coupled to the height adjusting pole via hinges , enabling the sound wave guide to move forward and backward.

6. The system of claim 3, wherein the sound wave guide has installed at the inside thereof a heater used for perming hair and cosmetic treatment or medical treatment.

7. The system of claim 3, wherein the sound wave guide may be formed as a personal room (or a personal theater) which covers up to a user's chest, waist, or whole body and is equipped with a chair and a keyboard.