U.S. patent application number 10/124735 was filed with the patent office on 2002-10-17 for rucksack.
Invention is credited to Matsunaga, Kouji, Nakano, Masaki.
Application Number | 20020148871 10/124735 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26613699 |
Filed Date | 2002-10-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020148871 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Nakano, Masaki ; et
al. |
October 17, 2002 |
Rucksack
Abstract
A rucksack is provided which is equipped with a speaker system
which creates, at a periphery of each ear of a rucksack carrier, a
sound field in which sounds from an electric acoustic device can be
heard clearly and naturally without use of headphones or earphones,
and ambient noise as well can be heard clearly. A speaker unit,
which radiates plane waves toward ears or vicinities of ears of the
rucksack carrier, is disposed at a shoulder belt of a rucksack. The
speaker unit is connected to a music playback device or the like
accommodated in an accommodating portion of the rucksack.
Inventors: |
Nakano, Masaki; (Tsukui-Gun,
JP) ; Matsunaga, Kouji; (Nerima-ku, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BROWN, RAYSMAN, MILLSTEIN, FELDER & STEINER LLP
900 THIRD AVENUE
NEW YORK
NY
10022
US
|
Family ID: |
26613699 |
Appl. No.: |
10/124735 |
Filed: |
April 16, 2002 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
224/576 ;
224/637; 224/638; 224/930 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04R 5/02 20130101; A45F
3/04 20130101; A45C 15/00 20130101; H04R 2201/028 20130101; A45F
2003/003 20130101; H04R 2201/023 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
224/576 ;
224/637; 224/638; 224/930 |
International
Class: |
A45C 015/00; A45F
003/04 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Apr 17, 2001 |
JP |
2001-118256 |
Aug 23, 2001 |
JP |
2001-252365 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A rucksack of a structure in which a rucksack main body is
carried on a back by a shoulder belt, the rucksack comprising: a
speaker provided at the shoulder belt, the speaker making outputted
sounds reach an ear of a rucksack carrier; and an accommodating
portion provided at at least one of the rucksack main body and a
rucksack structural member connected to the rucksack main body, the
accommodating portion accommodating an acoustic signal generating
device connected to the speaker.
2. The rucksack of claim 1, wherein the speaker is a planar speaker
having a planar diaphragm.
3. The rucksack of claim 1, wherein the speaker is provided so as
to be movable along the shoulder belt.
4. The rucksack of claim 2, wherein the speaker is provided so as
to be movable along the shoulder belt.
5. The rucksack of claim 1, wherein a speaker for low tones, which
has a diaphragm having an area larger than an area of a diaphragm
of the speaker provided at the shoulder belt, is provided at at
least one of the rucksack main body, the shoulder belt, and the
rucksack structural member connected to the rucksack main body.
6. The rucksack of claim 2, wherein a speaker for low tones, which
has a diaphragm having an area larger than an area of a diaphragm
of the speaker provided at the shoulder belt, is provided at at
least one of the rucksack main body, the shoulder belt, and the
rucksack structural member connected to the rucksack main body.
7. The rucksack of claim 3, wherein a speaker for low tones, which
has a diaphragm having an area larger than an area of a diaphragm
of the speaker provided at the shoulder belt, is provided at at
least one of the rucksack main body, the shoulder belt, and the
rucksack structural member connected to the rucksack main body.
8. The rucksack of claim 4, wherein a speaker for low tones, which
has a diaphragm having an area larger than an area of a diaphragm
of the speaker provided at the shoulder belt, is provided at at
least one of the rucksack main body, the shoulder belt, and the
rucksack structural member connected to the rucksack main body.
9. The rucksack of claim 3, wherein the shoulder belt has a
mechanism for one of accommodating and holding a control instrument
of the acoustic signal generating device.
10. The rucksack of claim 4, wherein the shoulder belt has a
mechanism for one of accommodating and holding a control instrument
of the acoustic signal generating device.
11. The rucksack of claim 5, wherein the shoulder belt has a
mechanism for one of accommodating and holding a control instrument
of the acoustic signal generating device.
12. The rucksack of claim 6, wherein the shoulder belt has a
mechanism for one of accommodating and holding a control instrument
of the acoustic signal generating device.
13. The rucksack of claim 7, wherein the shoulder belt has a
mechanism for one of accommodating and holding a control instrument
of the acoustic signal generating device.
14. The rucksack of claim 8, wherein the shoulder belt has a
mechanism for one of accommodating and holding a control instrument
of the acoustic signal generating device.
15. The rucksack of claim 11, wherein the shoulder belt has a
mechanism for one of accommodating and holding a microphone.
16. The rucksack of claim 12, wherein the shoulder belt has a
mechanism for one of accommodating and holding a microphone.
17. The rucksack of claim 13, wherein the shoulder belt has a
mechanism for one of accommodating and holding a microphone.
18. The rucksack of claim 14, wherein the shoulder belt has a
mechanism for one of accommodating and holding a microphone.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1, Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to a rucksack equipped with a
speaker which creates a sound field in which the rucksack carrier
can naturally (i.e., without using headphones or earphones) hear
both sounds from audio equipment or the like and ambient noise
(surrounding noise).
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] As the applications, purposes of use, usage states and the
like of rucksacks have become more varied, various improvements on
the materials, forms, functions and the like of a rucksack main
body 2 and accessory members have been proposed (see Japanese
Patent Nos. 2602780 and 2668094, and Japanese Patent Application
Laid-Open (JP-A) No. 07-327290).
[0005] However, hardly any proposals have been made relating to the
addition, to rucksacks, of functions other than the containing of
objects (in particular, an acoustic function or the like).
Rucksacks equipped with an acoustic function or the like that would
be useful to rucksack carriers have not been put into practical
use.
[0006] Thus, when a rucksack carrier listens to music while walking
or mountain climbing or the like, he/she usually carries a CD
(compact disc) player or the like in the pocket of his/her clothes,
and listens to the music through headphones or earphones.
[0007] Bodily-sensed sound generating devices, in which large, cone
type speakers are carried on the back and aerial vibrations of the
speakers are directly transmitted to the back, have been proposed
(see JP-A No. 07-327290). However, such a structure is impractical
in light of the physical strength and physiology of the body, and
merely remains in the idea stage.
[0008] In the conventional art, there is no concept of providing a
rucksack with an acoustic function, and no studies have been
carried out on acoustic functions of rucksacks. Thus, conditions of
sound and sound fields, which can be heard optimally when a
rucksack carrier engages in outdoor activities such as outdoor
sports or city walking or the like, are not known, and an acoustic
system for rucksacks which satisfies such conditions is also yet
unknown.
[0009] The present inventors have studied in detail conditions for
sound and sound fields, which can be heard optimally when engaging
in the aforementioned outdoor activities, and acoustic systems for
rucksacks which satisfy such conditions, and have originated the
rucksack of the present invention.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] The rucksack in accordance with the present invention has
the following three objects (a) through (c).
[0011] (a) An object of the present invention is to provide a
rucksack equipped with a speaker system which creates, at the
periphery of each ear of a rucksack carrier 30, a sound field in
which sounds from an electric acoustic device can be heard clearly
and naturally (i.e., without use of headphones or earphones) and
ambient noise as well can be heard clearly.
[0012] (b) Another object of the present invention is to provide a
rucksack in which the functions of above (a) can be manifested by a
speaker system, with the rucksack being in any of various
forms.
[0013] (c) Yet another object of the present invention is to
provide a rucksack in which the functions of above (a) can be
manifested by a speaker system, with the rucksack carrier being in
any of various active situations.
[0014] A rucksack relating to a first aspect of the present
invention is a rucksack of a structure in which a rucksack main
body is carried on a back by a shoulder belt, the rucksack
comprising: a speaker provided at the shoulder belt, the speaker
making outputted sounds reach an ear of a rucksack carrier; and an
accommodating portion provided at at least one of the rucksack main
body and a rucksack structural member connected to the rucksack
main body, the accommodating portion accommodating an acoustic
signal generating device connected to the speaker.
[0015] In the above-described rucksack, an acoustic signal
generating device can be accommodated in an accommodating portion
provided at at least one of a rucksack main body and a rucksack
structural member connected to the rucksack main body.
[0016] When the speaker provided at the shoulder belt is connected
to the acoustic signal generating device and the acoustic signals
outputted from the acoustic signal generating device are inputted
to the speaker, sound is outputted from the speaker, and the sound
outputted from the speaker reaches the ear of the rucksack
carrier.
[0017] The rucksack structural member may be any member which,
together with the rucksack main body, structures the rucksack, such
as, for example, a shoulder belt, a waist strap, or the like.
[0018] Further, the accommodating portion may be provided so as to
be attachable to and removable from the rucksack main body or the
rucksack structural member.
[0019] In the rucksack of the present invention, preferably, the
speaker is a planar speaker having a planar diaphragm.
[0020] Because the speaker is a planar speaker having a planar
diaphragm, plane waves are radiated due to the diaphragm
vibration.
[0021] Further, preferably, the speaker is provided so as to be
movable along the shoulder belt.
[0022] Thus, the position of the speaker can be adjusted such that
the sound outputted from the speaker reaches the ear or a vicinity
of the ear.
[0023] In the rucksack of the present invention, preferably, a
speaker for low tones, which has a diaphragm having an area larger
than an area of a diaphragm of the speaker provided at the shoulder
belt, is provided at at least one of the rucksack main body, the
shoulder belt, and the rucksack structural member connected to the
rucksack main body.
[0024] The speaker for low tones is provided with a diaphragm whose
area is greater than the area of the diaphragm of the speaker
provided at the shoulder belt. Thus, sounds of frequencies lower
than the frequencies of sounds reproduced by the speaker provided
at the shoulder belt, can be reproduced.
[0025] Moreover, preferably, the shoulder belt has a mechanism for
one of accommodating and holding a control instrument of the
acoustic signal generating device.
[0026] A mechanism for accommodating or holding a control
instrument of the acoustic signal generating device is provided at
the shoulder belt which is easy for the rucksack carrier to access
with his/her hands. Thus, the operability of the control instrument
improves.
[0027] Moreover, preferably, the shoulder belt has a mechanism for
one of accommodating and holding a microphone.
[0028] Acoustic signal generating devices, and there among,
wireless telephones and the like, are provided with
microphones.
[0029] A mechanism for accommodating or holding a microphone is
provided at the shoulder belt which is easy for the rucksack
carrier to access with his/her hands. Thus, the operability of the
microphone improves.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0030] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a back surface of a
rucksack relating to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0031] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a front surface of
the rucksack.
[0032] FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a front surface of
a rucksack carrier.
[0033] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a side surface of
the rucksack carrier.
[0034] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of a speaker unit
relating to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0035] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the speaker unit.
[0036] FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a speaker disposed
at a shoulder belt.
[0037] FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing the ability of
plane waves to advance straight forward.
[0038] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a speaker unit relating to
another embodiment of the present invention.
[0039] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a back surface of
a rucksack relating to another embodiment.
[0040] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a speaker accommodating
member relating to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0041] FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing a back surface of
a rucksack relating to yet another embodiment of the present
invention.
[0042] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a speaker accommodating
member and a shoulder belt relating to yet another embodiment of
the present invention.
[0043] FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing a back surface of
a rucksack relating to still yet another embodiment of the present
invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0044] An embodiment of a rucksack in accordance with the present
invention will be described on the basis of FIGS. 1 through 7.
[0045] The rucksack shown in FIGS. 1 through 7 is a suitable,
concrete example of the present invention, but shows only one of
the diverse concrete examples which are encompassed by the present
invention.
[0046] In FIGS. 1 through 7, portions denoted by the same reference
numerals are the same or similar portions.
[0047] Overall Rucksack
[0048] The overall form of the rucksack will be described
hereinafter on the basis of FIGS. 1 through 4.
[0049] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a back surface of
the rucksack. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a front
surface of the rucksack. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a
front surface of a rucksack carrier. FIG. 4 is an explanatory
diagram showing a side surface of the rucksack carrier.
[0050] As shown in FIGS. 1, 3 and 4, the rucksack 1 ha s a basic
form having a rucksack main body 2, and a shoulder belt 3 provided
at the back surface of the rucksack main body 2.
[0051] At the shoulder belt 3, speaker units 4 which radiate plane
waves are disposed at regions corresponding to the both shoulder
portions of a rucksack carrier 30, such that the diaphragms of the
speaker units 4 are directed upwardly. The rucksack carrier 30 can
thereby hear the plane waves which are radiated from substantially
directly beneath the ears or vicinities of the ears of the rucksack
carrier 30 and reach or pass by the ears or vicinities of the ears
of the rucksack carrier 30.
[0052] The speaker units 4 are connected electrically through wires
or the like (not shown) to an acoustic signal generating device 22
accommodated in an accommodating portion 21 of the rucksack main
body 2 shown in FIG. 2, and function as sound sources.
[0053] Note that a volume controller or the like may be provided
along the wires connecting the acoustic signal generating device 22
and the speaker units 4.
[0054] The speaker units 4 utilize the characteristics of plane
waves (in which the advancing wave surfaces of the sound waves are
parallel planes), which characteristics are the ability to maintain
sound pressure, the ability to be transmitted far, the ability to
advance straight forward, high directivity, and the like. The
effects of the present invention can likewise be obtained even if
the speaker units 4 are disposed at positions other than those
shown in FIGS. 1, 3 and 4. (Details of the speaker units 4 will be
described later.)
[0055] The shoulder belt 3 has a form and structure suited to
providing the effects of the present invention, in consideration of
the relation between the load on the rucksack carrier 30 and the
various conditions of, for example, the speaker units 4, the
accommodating portions of the shoulder belt equipment, the rucksack
main body 2, and the like.
[0056] Accordingly, the shoulder belt 3 may have a form of a
continuous belt-shaped body other than that shown in FIG. 1, or may
have a form other than that of a continuous belt-shaped body (e.g.,
may have a form in which respective shoulder belts are provided
independently for each of the left and right shoulders). The
shoulder belt 3 can have any of various forms and structures.
[0057] However, it is easy to position the speaker units 4 at the
shoulder belt 3 which is a continuous belt-shaped body.
[0058] Speakers and Arrangement Thereof
[0059] The speaker unit 4 of the present embodiment will be
described on the basis of FIGS. 5 through 7.
[0060] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the speaker unit
4. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the speaker unit 4. FIG. 7
is an explanatory diagram showing the speaker unit 4 embedded in
the shoulder belt 3.
[0061] As shown in FIG. 7, the speaker unit 4 is embedded in the
interior of the shoulder belt 3.
[0062] The speaker unit 4 can use the structure called a multi-cell
flat speaker disclosed in, for example, PCT/JP00/03755 or the like.
There are various sizes of multi-cell flat speakers, and any of
these sizes may be used.
[0063] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the speaker unit 4 used in the
present embodiment is equipped with a yoke 50 formed from a
plate-shaped member which is formed by a magnetic body.
[0064] Four permanent magnets 52, which are each flat and
quadrangular, are disposed on and fixed, by adhesion, to a magnet
fixing portion 50A of the yoke 50 such that pole faces of different
polarities are positioned alternately, and such that the pole faces
are directly upwardly in the figures, and so as to be provided at
predetermined intervals.
[0065] A diaphragm 54 is disposed, at the top surface side of the
yoke 50, near the pole faces of the permanent magnets 52 so as to
be parallel to the pole faces, i.e., to the top surface of the yoke
50.
[0066] The outer peripheral edge of a rectangular frame-shaped
frame body 58 is fixed to a diaphragm mounting portion 50B of the
yoke 50 via a spacer 56 formed from paper or the like.
[0067] An edge 60, which is an elastic portion having a
semicircular arc shape in cross-section, is formed continuously
along the outer peripheral edge of the frame body 58.
[0068] The outer peripheral edge of the diaphragm 54 is adhered to
the inner peripheral edge side of the edge 60.
[0069] Four coils 62, which are each formed in a swirled shape, are
disposed at the diaphragm 54 in correspondence with the respective
permanent magnets 52.
[0070] Each coil 62 is formed to be wound in a swirl-shape so as to
form a shape substantially similar to the outer edge of the
permanent magnet 52.
[0071] At the respective coils 62, the magnetic fluxes, which are
oriented in a direction substantially parallel to the film surface
of the diaphragm 54, interlink.
[0072] When current is made to flow to the coils 62, the diaphragm
54 receives force in a direction orthogonal to the film surface,
and is displaced in the direction orthogonal to the film
surface.
[0073] Accordingly, by applying electric signals, which express
sound to be generated, to the coils 62, the diaphragm 54 vibrates
in accordance with the electric signals.
[0074] At the speaker unit 4, plane waves are radiated at the same
phase by the respective coils 62 of the diaphragm 54. A composite
plane wave, in which the respective plane waves are combined, is
radiated from the overall diaphragm 54.
[0075] Further, as shown in FIG. 7, a punch metal plate 55 (a metal
plate which is a magnetic body in which myriad small holes are
formed), which is for preventing leakage of magnetism and for
protecting the diaphragm 54, is disposed at a fixed distance from
the diaphragm 54 at the front surface of the speaker unit 4
embedded within the shoulder belt 3.
[0076] Accommodating Portion of Rucksack Main Body
[0077] FIG. 2 shows the interior of the accommodating portion 21
with a fastener 20, which is at the rear portion of the rucksack
main body 2, being open.
[0078] The form (e.g., an accommodating pocket for exclusive use as
in the present embodiment), number, positions, and the like of the
accommodating portion 21 of the rucksack main body 2 are arbitrary,
provided that the acoustic signal generating device 22, which makes
the speaker unit 4 a sound source, or devices forming the acoustic
signal generating device 22 can be accommodated in the
accommodating portion 21 in a state in which they can function.
[0079] The acoustic signal generating device 22 is a device
generating acoustic signals for making the speaker unit 4 a sound
source. Examples of the acoustic signal generating device 22 are
audible signal (audio signal) playback devices of recorded media
such as a CD (compact disc) player, a cassette tape player, an MD
(mini disc) player, an MP-3 player, or the like; wireless devices
such as a wireless receiver (radio receiver), a wireless telephone,
or the like; or the like.
[0080] The accommodating portion 21 of the rucksack main body 2
accommodating the acoustic signal generating device 22 is typical,
but the accommodating portion 21 may accommodate devices
structuring the acoustic signal generating device 22 (e.g., the
driving portion).
[0081] The accommodating portion 21 of the rucksack main body 2 may
accommodate amplifiers (not shown) or the like, as well as the
acoustic signal generating device 22 as described above.
[0082] An unillustrated connector is connected to the other end
portions of the wires connected to the speaker units 4, and is
disposed at the accommodating portion 21.
[0083] Accordingly, in the accommodating portion 21, the rucksack
carrier 30 can connect the accommodated acoustic signal generating
device 22 and the speaker units 4.
[0084] Here, an amplifier may be connected to the acoustic signal
generating device 22, and the connector of the accommodating
portion 21 may be connected to the output terminal of the
amplifier. Namely, the device which is connected to the connector
of the accommodating portion 21 is not limited to the acoustic
signal generating device 22 and the amplifier.
[0085] For example, if the output of an amplifier which is built-in
in the acoustic signal generating device 22 is great, the acoustic
signal generating device 22 and the connector of the accommodating
portion 21 may be directly connected. If the output of an amplifier
which is built-in in the acoustic signal generating device 22 is
small, the acoustic signal generating device 22 may be connected to
the connector via a separate amplifier.
[0086] In the present embodiment, the acoustic signal generating
device 22 accommodated in the accommodating portion 21 is connected
to the connector via an amplifier.
[0087] Note that the acoustic signal generating device 22 is
connected by another connector to a wire connected to a remote
controller 11 which operates the acoustic signal generating device
22.
[0088] The accommodating portion 21 of the rucksack main body 2 can
be provided at either the interior or the exterior of the rucksack
main body 2. If the accommodating portion 21 is an exclusive-use
accommodating pocket or the like whose opening portion can be
opened and closed by an opening/closing device such as a fastener
or the like, convenience for the rucksack carrier 30 is
ensured.
[0089] Further, it is preferable to provide at the rucksack main
body 2 accommodating portions (in particular, accommodating pockets
for exclusive use or the like), which accommodate individually or
by classification or all together, the equipment of the acoustic
signal generating device 22, for example, the recording medium
(e.g., a CD, an MD, a semiconductor memory, a cassette tape or the
like), the main and spare batteries, and the like.
[0090] Accommodating portions, in which the equipment is
accommodated individually or classified by type, are preferably
provided at positions which are suitable in terms of the
convenience and ergonomics of the rucksack carrier 30.
[0091] The accommodating portions of the equipment may be provided
either at the interior or the exterior of the rucksack main body 2.
However, the accommodating portions for equipment having a high
frequency of use are preferably provided at the exterior of the
rucksack main body 2.
[0092] Shoulder Belt
[0093] From the standpoint of convenience of operation of the
acoustic signal generating device 22, the shoulder belt 3 is
preferably provided with a mechanism which accommodates or holds
control instruments such as, for example, a power switch, a volume
controller of the acoustic signal generating device 22, a remote
controller, and the like.
[0094] A mechanism for accommodating the control instruments may
be, for example, an exclusive-use pocket or the like which
accommodates the remote controller 11 when the remote controller 11
is not being used.
[0095] A mechanism for holding the control instruments may be, for
example, an anchoring member, such as a belt or a clip or the like,
which can anchor the remote controller 11.
[0096] Mechanisms for accommodating or holding instruments other
than the control instruments, e.g., a microphone connected to a
wireless device such as a cellular phone or a transceiver or the
like, may also be provided at the shoulder belt 3.
[0097] A mechanism for accommodating a microphone may be, for
example, an exclusive-use pocket or the like which accommodates the
microphone when the microphone is not being used.
[0098] A mechanism for holding a microphone may be, for example, an
anchoring hardware, such as a belt or a clip or the like, which can
anchor the microphone.
[0099] Note that plural types of the acoustic signal generating
device 22 may be accommodated in the accommodating portion 21.
[0100] In a case in which plural types of the acoustic signal
generating device 22 are accommodated and each acoustic signal
generating device 22 has a respective remote controller, it is
preferable to ensure the convenience of operation by the rucksack
carrier 30 by disposing the remote controllers individually or
grouped together at the shoulder belt 3.
[0101] Further, the shoulder belt 3 can be used as a mechanism in
which the wires and the like, which connect the acoustic signal
generator 22 and the other devices, are built-in or the like, so as
to accommodate the wires.
[0102] In the present embodiment, the wires which connect the
speaker units 4 and the connector provided at the accommodating
portion 21 are built-in into the shoulder belt 3 so as to not be
able to be seen from the exterior.
[0103] Note that the number, the arrangement, and the forms of the
accommodating portions provided at the rucksack main body 2 and the
shoulder belt 3 are arbitrary, provided that the convenience of the
use and the like for the rucksack carrier 30 is ensured.
[0104] Operation of the Rucksack of the Present Embodiment
[0105] At the rucksack main body 2 of the rucksack 1 shown in FIG.
1, the lengths of straps 5 provided at the shoulder belt 3 and
straps 6 for fixing which extend from the bottom, are adjusted by
communicating hardware 7. The shoulder belt 3 is fastened tightly
in the lengthwise direction to the front surface of the body of the
rucksack carrier 30, and is carried on the back of the rucksack
carrier 30.
[0106] The portions of the shoulder belt 3 around the waist can be
tightly fastened to the waist of the rucksack carrier 30 by
fastening a waist strap 8 by a buckle 9.
[0107] By adjusting the length of an inclined strap 10 at the front
surface of the body of the rucksack carrier 30, the shoulder belt 3
can be fastened tightly to the front surface of the body of the
rucksack carrier 30.
[0108] Accordingly, the rucksack carrier 30 can put the rucksack 1
on his/her body, and can use the rucksack 1 for various activities
out in the open air and in cities.
[0109] Note that the shoulder belt 3 shown in FIGS. 1, 3, 4 is not
provided with an accommodating portion for control instruments such
as the remote controller 11 and the like.
[0110] FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate a state in which the rucksack
carrier 30 has tightly fastened the shoulder belt 3 to his/her
entire body and carries the rucksack main body 2 on his/her
back.
[0111] The rucksack carrier 30 of FIGS. 3 and 4 listens, with both
ears, to the sounds of the plane waves (refer to the arrows in FIG.
4) which directly advance upwardly from the speaker units 4
disposed at regions directly beneath the both ears. At the same
time, the rucksack carrier 30 listens, with both ears, to ambient
noise which advances or is propagated from the lateral directions,
the front and back directions, and the like.
[0112] Accordingly, even if the rucksack carrier 30 is walking on a
city street where there is much ambient noise, the rucksack carrier
30 can hear traffic signals such as audible traffic signals and the
like needed for navigation through the city, and can also hear
desired music or the like.
[0113] In particular, the speaker units 4 are disposed at positions
near the ears of the rucksack carrier 30, and output plane waves
having an excellent ability to advance straight forward and having
less attenuation. Thus, sounds from the speaker units 4 can be
heard clearly even without raising the volume. Therefore, even if
noise is caused by air flowing past the ears of the rucksack
carrier 30 when the carrier 30 is moving at a high speed, for
example, when skiing, riding a bicycle or the like, the sounds from
the speaker units 4 can be heard clearly by the rucksack carrier
30.
[0114] Further, the speaker unit 4 of the present embodiment is
equipped with the diaphragm 54 which is planar. Thus, the speaker
unit 4 can be formed to be thinner than speaker units of other
structures such as conical speaker units or the like, and can
easily be embedded even in the shoulder belt 3 which is relatively
thin.
[0115] FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing the ability of the
plane waves (including the composite plane wave) to advance
straight forward.
[0116] The main part of the sound flux by the plane waves is a
sound flux main body 64 (the portion marked by the diagonal lines
in FIG. 8). However, diffusion regions 66, in which the sound waves
spread outwardly, are substantially generated. Here, the diffusion
region is a region in which the drop in sound pressure with respect
to the sound pressure measured on a perpendicular line HL of the
diaphragm 54 is 3 dB or less. Note that the sound pressure is
measured at a constant distance from the sound generating
region.
[0117] If an angle .alpha. (the angle with respect to the
perpendicular line HL of the diaphragm 54) of the diffusion region
66 of plane waves is large, it is difficult to create a sound field
which can be heard clearly.
[0118] Although the angle .alpha. of the diffusion region 66 is
difficult to define by an exact numerical value, an angle of
30.degree. or less (and preferably 25.degree. or less) is
suitable.
[0119] There are no constraints on the number, the arrangement, and
the like of the speaker units 4, provided that radiation of plane
waves toward the ears or the vicinities of the ears of the rucksack
carrier 30 is possible.
[0120] Further, the speaker units 4 may be disposed at the shoulder
belt 3 such that plane waves are radiated in a direction other than
toward the ears or the vicinities of the ears, e.g., toward the
front of the rucksack carrier 30.
[0121] Further, the number, the arrangement, and the configuration
of the coils 62 is not limited to those described above, provided
that the speaker unit 4 can generate plane waves.
[0122] At the speaker unit 4, the respective coils 62 may be made
to be electrically independent, and different electric signals may
be applied to the respective coils 62. In this way, different
sounds can be radiated from the respective coils 62 of the
diaphragm 54.
[0123] For example, one speaker unit 4 may be disposed behind the
neck of the rucksack carrier 30, and may be configured such that
the plane wave radiating surface thereof is directed toward the
both ears of the rucksack carrier 30 (i.e., in two directions). For
example, as shown in FIG. 9, by bending or the like an elongated
speaker unit 4, effects which are the same as those achieved by
using two speaker units 4 can be achieved by one speaker unit
4.
[0124] Note that the arrows in FIG. 9 show the directions of
radiation of the plane waves.
[0125] The speaker unit 4 is not limited to the above-described
structure, and known speakers which radiate plane waves may be
used. Or, a speaker having a new structure which outputs plane
waves may be designed, manufactured, and used.
[0126] When the rucksack 1 is used, the speaker units 4 are
typically provided so as to be fixed at predetermined positions so
that the plane waves are radiated toward the ears or vicinities of
the ears of the rucksack carrier 30. However, the speaker units 4
may be provided so as to be detachable or movable with respect to
the rucksack 1, and can be fixed at predetermined positions when
the rucksack is used.
[0127] The rucksack 1, at which the speaker units 4 are provided so
as to be movable, is illustrated in FIG. 10.
[0128] Speaker accommodating members 70 are provided slidably at
the shoulder belts 3.
[0129] As shown in FIG. 11, the speaker accommodating member 70 is
equipped with a main body 72 made of fabric and in which the
speaker unit 4 is built-in, and a belt 74 made of fabric which is
provided integrally with the main body 72.
[0130] The belt 74 has a first belt member 74A extending from one
end side of the main body 72, and a second belt member 74B
extending from the other end side of the main body 72. Note that a
portion of the second belt member 74B overlaps on the first belt
member 74A.
[0131] A vicinity of the distal end of the first belt member 74A is
folded-over and sewed to the intermediate portion of the second
belt member 74B. The shoulder belt 3 is inserted through the region
between the main body 72 and the belt 74.
[0132] Further, Velcro tapes 76 (surface fasteners) are attached to
a portion of the outer side surface of the first belt member 74A
and a portion of the inner side surface of the second belt member
74B. When the Velcro tapes 76 are separated from one another, the
belt 74 is loosened, and the speaker accommodating member 70 can be
easily moved along the shoulder belt 3.
[0133] When the second belt member 74B is pulled in the direction
of arrow A and fastens the belt 74 and the Velcro tapes 76 are
adhered together, the speaker accommodating member 70 is fixed to
the shoulder belt 3.
[0134] A speaker fixing member 78 is embedded in the main body 72.
The material of the speaker fixing member 78 is, for example,
urethane foam, synthetic resin, rubber, or the like. The material
is not particularly limited provided that the speaker fixing member
78 can fix the speaker unit 4.
[0135] A spot facing 80 is formed at the speaker fixing member 78.
The speaker unit 4 is mounted to this spot facing 80.
[0136] Further, a punch metal plate 82, for preventing leakage of
magnetism and for protecting the diaphragm 54, is disposed at the
main body 72 at the front surface side of the speaker unit 4 at a
constant distance from the diaphragm 54. A net 84, which is for
preventing the entry of sand and dust, is disposed at the front
surface side of the punch metal plate 82.
[0137] Cases can be conceived of in which the speaker units 4 are
not oriented toward the ears or the vicinities of the ears of the
rucksack carrier 30, depending on the body type of the rucksack
carrier 30 or the positions of the rucksack main body 2 and the
shoulder belts 3. However, as shown in FIG. 10, because the
positions of the speaker accommodating members 70 along the
shoulder belts 3 can be changed, the speaker units 4 can be
directed toward the ears or vicinities of the ears of the rucksack
carrier 30.
[0138] Further, the speaker accommodating members 70 can be
disposed at the front side of the rucksack carrier 30, and the
plane waves from the speaker units 4 can be radiated toward the
region in front of the rucksack carrier 30.
[0139] For example, if a microphone and an amplifier are connected
to the speaker units 4, they can be used as a loudspeaker.
[0140] The rucksack 1 of another form in which the speaker units 4
are movable is illustrated in FIGS. 12 and 13.
[0141] Structures which are the same as those of the rucksack 1
illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11 are denoted by the same reference
numerals, and description thereof is omitted.
[0142] A rail 86, which has a substantially C-shaped
cross-sectional configuration and which is formed from a synthetic
resin or the like, is embedded in the shoulder belt 3 of FIG. 12
along the longitudinal direction of the shoulder belt 3.
[0143] A slider member 88, having a substantially T-shaped
cross-section, is fit-together with the rail 86 so as to be freely
slidable.
[0144] The main body 72 of the speaker accommodating member 70
shown in FIG. 11 (but without the belt 74) is mounted to the slider
member 88 via a plate member 90.
[0145] The Velcro tapes 76 (surface fasteners) are attached to the
slider member 88 and to the shoulder belt 3. When the Velcro tapes
76 are separated from one another, the main body 72, in which the
speaker unit 4 is built-in, can be easily moved along the shoulder
belt 3.
[0146] Further, when the Velcro tapes 76 are adhered to one
another, the main body 72, in which the speaker unit 4 is built-in,
is fixed to the shoulder belt 3.
[0147] The rucksack 1 of another form provided with active
sub-woofers 92 at the waist strap 8, is illustrated in FIG. 14.
[0148] As shown in FIG. 14, the active sub-woofer 92 is formed by
the speaker unit 94, and an unillustrated amplifier and an
unillustrated separate power source (batteries).
[0149] A diaphragm 96 of a speaker unit 94 used in the active
subwoofer 92 has a larger area than that of the diaphragm 54 of the
speaker unit 4 provided at the shoulder belt 3, and has an
excellent ability to reproduce low tones.
[0150] A low-pass filter (not shown), through which only acoustic
signals of a low region can pass, is provided between the acoustic
signal generator 22 and the amplifier of the active sub-woofer 92,
or between the amplifier and the speaker unit 94.
[0151] By adding such active sub-woofers 92, music can be enjoyed
even more pleasurably.
[0152] Here, an example is given in which the active sub-woofers 92
are provided at the waist strap 8. However, the present invention
is not limited to the same, and the active sub-woofers 92 may be
provided at the shoulder belts 3, the rucksack main body 2, or
other members forming the rucksack 1.
[0153] Rucksack
[0154] The word "rucksack" means "a bag to be carried on the back
for holding food or equipment", and is derived from the German word
Rucken for "back" and the German word for bag.
[0155] All structures in which an accommodating main body is
carried on the back by belts for shouldering are to be treated as
falling in the scope of rucksacks, even though they may be called
by other names.
[0156] The "rucksack" of the present invention is used in the
broader sense of the word (i.e., means all structures in which an
accommodating main body is carried on the back by belts for
shouldering), and is used in the sense of encompassing all meanings
including rucksacks, rucks, sacks, backpacks, daypacks, knapsacks,
attack packs, and the like.
[0157] There are no limitations on the size, the form and the like
of the rucksack of the present invention. It suffices for the
rucksack to have the function of being able to accommodate the
acoustic signal generating device 22 and to have the function of
accommodating and carrying goods.
[0158] Note that the rucksack of the present invention encompasses
diverse concrete examples other than those described above. Several
other examples are as follows.
[0159] (a) The speaker units 4 may be disposed at an incline at the
shoulder belt 3, and radiate plane waves to vicinities of the ears
of the rucksack carrier 30 from below at an incline.
[0160] (b) Shoulder pads may be incorporated into the shoulder belt
3.
[0161] (c) The shoulder belt 3 may be structured such that the
regions at which the speaker units 4 are disposed have the ability
to retain their form (e.g., have the form retainability of a hard
plastic molded product), and the speaker units 4 are positioned
correctly with respect to the ears of the rucksack carrier 30.
[0162] (d) The width of the shoulder belt 3 may be either wide or
narrow.
[0163] (e) The rucksack main body 2 and the shoulder belt 3 may be
formed from materials other than water-resistant cloth
materials.
[0164] (f) The fundamental article accommodating mechanism of the
rucksack main body 2 may have an arbitrary accommodating
region.
[0165] (g) A portion, or the majority, of the rucksack main body 2
may be formed of a material other than cloth, for example, may be
formed as the molded product of a light-weight, hard material
(e.g., a plastic molded body, FRP, a metal molded body, or the
like).
[0166] Note that improvements on the present invention and partial
changes and additions to the present invention are arbitrary and
fall within the scope of the present invention, provided that the
objects of the present invention are achieved and the effects of
the present invention are not deteriorated.
[0167] In accordance with the rucksack of the present invention,
various effects, such as those of following (i) through (vi), are
obtained.
[0168] (i) The rucksack carrier can clearly hear the sounds of the
speaker in a natural state without using headphones or the like,
and can clearly and naturally hear, in the same sound field,
ambient noise of the surroundings.
[0169] (ii) The value of use of the rucksack, which is used in
various outdoor activities such as mountain climbing, hiking, and
the like, markedly improves.
[0170] (iii) The value of use of the rucksack, which is used in the
city where the amount of traffic and noise are extreme, markedly
improves.
[0171] (iv) Even if noise is caused by air flowing past the ears of
the carrier when the carrier is skiing or riding a bicycle or the
like and moving at a high speed, the sound from the speaker can be
clearly heard.
[0172] (v) A rucksack to which a new acoustic function is added can
be obtained without limiting the structure, form, or the like of
the rucksack.
[0173] (vi) The fundamental function of the rucksack (i.e., the
function of accommodating objects and the like) is maintained, and
the applications of the rucksack can be diversified.
[0174] In the rucksack of the present invention, because the
speaker is a planar speaker having a planar diaphragm, the speaker
can be easily embedded even in a thin shoulder belt. Further,
sounds can be clearly transmitted to the ears of the rucksack
carrier without raising the sound volume.
[0175] Further, because the positions of the speakers can be
adjusted, the speakers can be directed toward the ears of or the
vicinities of the ears of the rucksack carrier, regardless of the
body type of the rucksack carrier or the position at which the
rucksack is carried.
[0176] Moreover, sounds of lower frequencies which cannot be
reproduced by the speakers at the shoulder belt can be heard.
[0177] In addition, the operability of control instruments and/or a
microphone is improved.
* * * * *