Classifications

• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
  • A47C—CHAIRS; SOFAS; BEDS
  • A47C1/00—Chairs adapted for special purposes
  • A47C1/12—Theatre, auditorium or similar chairs
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
  • A47C—CHAIRS; SOFAS; BEDS
  • A47C7/00—Parts, details, or accessories of chairs or stools
  • A47C7/36—Supports for the head or the back
  • A47C7/38—Supports for the head or the back for the head, e.g. detachable
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
  • A47C—CHAIRS; SOFAS; BEDS
  • A47C7/00—Parts, details, or accessories of chairs or stools
  • A47C7/62—Accessories for chairs
  • A47C7/72—Adaptations for incorporating lamps, radio sets, bars, telephones, ventilation, heating or cooling arrangements or the like
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
  • A47G—HOUSEHOLD OR TABLE EQUIPMENT
  • A47G9/00—Bed-covers; Counterpanes; Travelling rugs; Sleeping rugs; Sleeping bags; Pillows
  • A47G9/10—Pillows
  • A47G9/1045—Pillows shaped as, combined with, or convertible into other articles, e.g. dolls, sound equipments, bags or the like
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
  • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; ELECTRIC HEARING AIDS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
  • H04R1/00—Details of transducers, loudspeakers or microphones
  • H04R1/02—Casings; Cabinets ; Supports therefor; Mountings therein
  • H04R1/023—Screens for loudspeakers
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
  • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; ELECTRIC HEARING AIDS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
  • H04R1/00—Details of transducers, loudspeakers or microphones
  • H04R1/02—Casings; Cabinets ; Supports therefor; Mountings therein
  • H04R1/025—Arrangements for fixing loudspeaker transducers, e.g. in a box, furniture
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
  • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; ELECTRIC HEARING AIDS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
  • H04R5/00—Stereophonic arrangements
  • H04R5/02—Spatial or constructional arrangements of loudspeakers
  • H04R5/023—Spatial or constructional arrangements of loudspeakers in a chair, pillow
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
  • A47G—HOUSEHOLD OR TABLE EQUIPMENT
  • A47G9/00—Bed-covers; Counterpanes; Travelling rugs; Sleeping rugs; Sleeping bags; Pillows
  • A47G2009/006—Bed-covers; Counterpanes; Travelling rugs; Sleeping rugs; Sleeping bags; Pillows comprising sound equipment

Definitions

• the present invention essentially relates to the field of surround sound and so-called "home theater" systems.
• the present invention also relates to the field of headrests and cushions comprising loudspeakers.
• a home theater system The purpose of a home theater system is to reproduce a sound atmosphere comparable to that of a movie theater, that is to say, to reproduce a sense of depth through the way the sounds are emitted.
• a so-called “7.1” system refers to an eight-channel sound reproduction system consisting of seven speakers and a bass and subwoofer commonly known as a "subwoofer" (the ".1").
• the seven speakers are divided as follows: the two front speakers are used to produce ambiences and music, the central speaker, located at the front, is used to produce the dialogues, the two side speakers and the two rear speakers are used to produce the surround sound effects.
• the subwoofer meanwhile, is used to produce bass and sub-bass sounds.
• a 7.1 surround Dolby TM system is an example of such a home theater system.
• the home theater system generally includes an amplifier (Stereo, Dolby Digital MC, LC Concept, Digital Theater System (DTS), Sony Dynamic Digital Sound (SDDS), MC Dolby Pro Logic, Dolby Pro Logic MC 2, etc.) .
• the image source can be, for example, a digital satellite television demodulator, a digital terrestrial television (DTT) demodulator, a video home system (VHS), SVHS (Super VHS) or digital video recorder. hard, etc.), CD player (Compact Disc), DVD player (Digital Video Disc) (standard, Blu-ray, etc.), DIVX TM player , multimedia PC or HTPC (Home Theater) Personal Computer), a high-definition movie player, a game console, etc.
• the image may be broadcast, for example, on a high-definition television, a plasma screen, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), a video projector, an overhead projector, and so on.
• a high-definition television for example, a plasma screen, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), a video projector, an overhead projector, and so on.
• LCD Liquid Crystal Display
• the Dolby TM Surround Prologic (“DPL”) technique was invented by Jim Fosgate and then sold to Dolby Laboratories TM . This is the first method that allowed to give a real depth to the sound stage.
• the sound is divided into four channels (or channels): front left, center, front right and two surrounds back, one on the left and one on the right, the surrounds being identical.
• the Dolby TM Digital (“DD") technique was invented by Dolby Laboratories TM . This process splits the sound into six channels (5 + 1): front left, center, front right, rear left, right rear and one channel for the subwoofer (by a subwoofer).
• the rear channels, or surrounds, are different and restore the entire spectrum of sound.
• DTS Digital Theater System
• DPL-I Dolby MC Surround Prologic I
• DPL-II Dolby TM Surround Prologic II
• the Dolby MC Surround technique extracts three channels from two stereo channels: the right front channel, the left front channel and the so-called surround back channel distributed on two speakers that reproduce the same sound.
• Dolby MC Surround Prologic II technology brings two additional channels to Dolby MC Surround Prologic: two different surround channels and the channel for the subwoofer.
• the surround channels broadcast the entire bandwidth, there is no limitation in treble.
• Dolby MC Digital and DTS are designed by different laboratories and do not use the same algorithms or the same compression ratio. DTS uses a lower compression ratio than Dolby MC Digital.
• HD high definition
• the two front speakers transcribe the moods and music
• the center speaker handles the dialogue
• the two surround speakers (or side speakers) tackle the effects of depth.
• Dolby MC laboratories recommend directing the rear speakers (left and right) to the listening position.
• the subwoofer can, in theory, be placed anywhere, the waves produced by the latter, the sub-bass, not being localizable by the human ear.
• the techniques using seven speakers and a subwoofer involves a duplication of the rear center channel. They correspond to the two "surround back" outputs, the left and right rear speakers being simply the “surround” right and left terminals.
• the present invention provides a headrest comprising a plurality of speakers for reproducing a home theater atmosphere.
• the headrest surround can be installed on a chair, on a bed, on a wall.
• the surround headrest includes at least three and preferably up to eight speakers and a subwoofer or subwoofer speaker.
• the surround headrest can be used to reproduce a sound environment as generated by a stereo system, Dolby MC 5.1, Dolby TM 6.1 or Dolby MC 7.1 systems, or other multi-speaker systems to produce a sound effect.
• the surround headrest may include more speakers or be adapted to a technology other than Dolby MC to reproduce a sound environment.
• the ambiophonic headrest allows the user to take full advantage of the capabilities of home theater systems without disturbing his neighbors.
• the ambiophonic headrest is preferably portable, so as to allow its user to use it in various locations and / or with various systems (eg home theater system, game console, computer, etc.). .
• Figure 1 is a representation of a Dolby MC Digital 5.1 system.
• Figure 2 is a representation of a Dolby MC Digital 6.1 system.
• Figure 3 is a representation of a Dolby MC Digital 7.1 system.
• Figure 4A is a schematic unfolded view showing an ambiophonic headrest.
• FIG. 4B is a top view showing the arrangement of the loudspeakers in the extensions of the ambiophonic headrest of FIG. 4A.
• FIG. 5 is an isometric view of a first incarnation of the ambiophonic headrest.
• Figure 6 is another isometric view of the embodiment shown in Figure 5.
• Figure 7 is a sectional view of the embodiment shown in Figure 5.
• Figure 8 is a top view of the embodiment shown in Figure 5.
• Figure 9 is an isometric view of the embodiment shown in Figure 5, on which is installed an upper limb.
• Figure 10 is an isometric view of the embodiment shown in Figure 8, the speakers of the headrest being covered with a grid.
• Figure HA is an isometric view of the embodiment shown in Figure 5, with a shoulder strap.
• Figure HB is an isometric view of the embodiment shown in Figure 5, with a support cover.
• Figure 12 is an isometric view of a second incarnation of the ambiophonic headrest.
• Figure 13 is a side view of a support for the surround headrest.
• Figures 1 to 3 show the arrangement of the speakers for Dolby MC Digital 5.1, 6.1 and 7.1 installations respectively.
• the loudspeakers are arranged on either side of the listening position 102.
• the user is installed in front of the image produced by a television 150 (or other image projection system).
• the subwoofer 104 has no preferred position and is arranged at the front of the left side for purposes of illustration.
• the installation 5.1 shown in Figure 1, comprises a front left speaker 108, a right front speaker 110, a central speaker 106 disposed at the front, a left side speaker 112 and a right side speaker 114.
• the installation 6.1 shown in Figure 2, includes the same speakers as those of the installation 5.1 and further includes a rear speaker 116. As for the installation 7.1, it also includes the same speakers than those of the 5.1 installation and further includes a rear left speaker 118 and a rear right speaker 120.
• a preferred version of the surround headrest 200 preferably includes eight speakers, a right rear speaker 220, a rear left speaker 218, a right side speaker 214, a left side speaker 212, a right front speaker 210, a front left speaker 208, a right center speaker 205, a center left speaker 207 and a subwoofer 204.
• the signal normally intended for the central loudspeaker has been divided to be sent in the right central 205 and left 207. These two central speakers right 205 and left 207 thus reproduce the same audio signal.
• the headrest 200 generally comprises a rear panel, or central portion 230 for supporting the head of a user 202 and in which are disposed the right rear speakers 220 and left 218 and preferably the subwoofer 204
• the headrest 200 also comprises an extension or right-hand side portion 232 and an extension or left-hand side portion 234 in which the lateral, front and central loudspeakers are arranged.
• the left 234 and right 232 extensions extend from the sides of the rear panel 230 generally at right angles but it is also possible that these extensions are at an angle smaller or greater than 90 ° with respect to the back panel.
• the left 234 and right 232 extensions may be mounted to the rear panel 230 or may be integrally formed with the rear panel 230.
• the distance between the left extensions 234 and 232 is generally adapted to receive the head of a user and to leave a space between the user's head and the inner walls of the left and right extensions 234 232 (see Figure 4B).
• Figures 4B and 7 show the preferred arrangement of the speakers in the left and right extensions.
• the speakers are arranged symmetrically on both sides and the arrangement will be explained for one side for simplification purposes.
• the speakers arranged in the right extension 232 are not all at the same level.
• the right side speaker 214 is closer to the rear panel 230, so lower than the right center speaker 205 and the right front speaker 210. There is therefore a distance 244 between the axes 240 and 242 passing through the center of the right side speakers 214 and the right center speaker 205 and the right front speaker 210.
• the distance 244 between the speakers is important to reproduce the effect of depth.
• the rear speakers are normally disposed at the rear of the listening position.
• the side loudspeakers 212 and 214 are therefore positioned laterally and behind the user's ears, on the inner wall of the extensions 232 and 234.
• the direction of sound emitted by these loudspeakers 212 and 214 is generally parallel to the direction of the axes 240 and 242.
• the left front speakers 208 and right 210 are positioned in front of the ears of the user. It is the same for the central speakers right 205 and left 207; they are arranged in front of the user 202 as in a home theater installation.
• the right central 205 and left 207 speakers both reproduce the sound generally produced by the center speaker 106 (see Figures 1 to 3).
• the rear left speakers 218 and 220 are located behind the user on the rear panel 230.
• the sound is sent more or less perpendicular to the surface of the rear panel 230.
• the subwoofer (or bass and subwoofer) 204 is disposed in the rear panel 230. It should be noted that the subwoofer 204 could have another position than that illustrated, either on the rear panel 230 or on the left extensions 234 or right 232. However, the subwoofer 204 is preferably disposed in the rear panel 230 so as to be located behind the head of the user 202. In doing so, the user 202 can feel the vibrations produced by the subwoofer 204, thus adding an extra dimension to the listening and / or viewing experience. It should also be noted that the subwoofer 204 may be disposed deeper in the rear panel 230 than the rear speakers 218 and 220.
• the speakers can be arranged at a chosen angle to change the direction of sound emission.
• the rear panel 230 as well as the extensions 232 and left 234 are typically made of polymeric foam and are preferably covered with a polymeric or elastomeric membrane so as to contain the sound inside the headrest 200.
• the loudspeakers are preferably covered with a grid 270, shown in Figure 10, or a similar protective element so as to protect them during use.
• the surround headrest 200 as a whole is preferably covered with a cover covering the rear panel 230 and the right extensions 232 and left 234.
• the cover is preferably removable and made of a material that can be washed.
• the headrest may be provided with additional removable extensions such as the extension 260 mounted at the rear of the central panel 230 between the left extensions 232 and 234 right.
• extension 260 makes it possible, among other things, to better contain the sound emitted by the loudspeakers.
• Additional extensions such as the extension 260 are typically attached to the headrest 200 by Velcro® tape or other fastening means.
• the headrest may be suspended, for storage or during use, a hook on a wall with a shoulder strap 280 as shown in Figure 11 or an adjustable support 400 such as shown in Figure 13.
• the shoulder strap 280 may also allow the cushion to be held in the back of a chair or chair.
• a support cover 282 attached to the back of the surround headrest 200 can be used to install the headrest on a chair or chair.
• the adjustable support 400 illustrated in Figure 13 generally comprises a base 402 on which is fixed a telescopic support rod 404.
• An arm 408 is pivotally mounted to the telescopic support rod 404 by a hinge 406 can be locked .
• the arm 408 is provided at one of its ends with a plate 410 (or other support means) capable of supporting the headrest 200.
• the rear panel 230 is made of a material such as a foam to provide comfort to the user when listening to a visual sequence.
• the material can be more or less rigid or be offered in a multitude of hardness to meet the needs of different users.
• the foam may be made of a polymer in the form of foam.
• the extensions 232 and 234 may be made of the same material as the rear panel if it allows to adequately support the speakers and maintain the shape of the surround headrest 200. They can also be made of a stiffer material to maintain the shape of the surround headrest.
• the headrest 200 could advantageously be provided with a rigid skeleton if this proved to be necessary to support the loudspeakers.
• the ambiophonic headrest can have several forms even if they have not been illustrated in the present invention.
• the headrest 300 shown in Figure 12, has an ovoid shape.
• the loudspeakers 204 to 220 are adapted to be conventionally connected, either by wires or by a wireless interface (eg via a "Bluetooth” interface or "Wi-Fi"), to an audio signal source such as an amplifier connected to a DVD player or a digital receiver.
• a wireless interface eg via a "Bluetooth” interface or "Wi-Fi”
• an audio signal source such as an amplifier connected to a DVD player or a digital receiver.
• the skilled person will understand that if only a portion of the speakers are connected to a source of audio signals, then only a portion of the speakers will produce sounds. For example, if the preferred incarnation of the headrest 200 is connected to a Dolby TM 5.1 audio signal source, the right side 214 and left 212 speakers will not produce any sound.

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• Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Acoustics & Sound (AREA)
• Signal Processing (AREA)
• Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
• General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
• Otolaryngology (AREA)
• Pulmonology (AREA)
• Dentistry (AREA)
• Details Of Audible-Bandwidth Transducers (AREA)
• Chair Legs, Seat Parts, And Backrests (AREA)
• Stereophonic System (AREA)
• Fittings On The Vehicle Exterior For Carrying Loads, And Devices For Holding Or Mounting Articles (AREA)

Priority Applications (5)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Publications (2)

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Family Applications (1)

Country Status (6)

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Citations (6)

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• 2008
  • 2008-09-09 CA CA002639409A patent/CA2639409A1/fr not_active Abandoned
• 2009
  • 2009-09-09 GB GB1105956.5A patent/GB2476424B/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
  • 2009-09-09 WO PCT/CA2009/001238 patent/WO2010028483A1/fr not_active Ceased
  • 2009-09-09 CN CN200980144415.3A patent/CN102210165B/zh not_active Expired - Fee Related
  • 2009-09-09 JP JP2011525382A patent/JP5530444B2/ja not_active Expired - Fee Related
  • 2009-09-09 US US13/122,041 patent/US8767985B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
  • 2009-09-09 CA CA2771644A patent/CA2771644C/fr not_active Expired - Fee Related

Patent Citations (6)

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