具体实施方式：
[0038]Example embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0039]The inventor hereof has recognized that it would be beneficial to allow coworkers in an open office environment to collaborate and work together, while also allowing them to speak on a telephone as though in a private office without the surrounding noise of fellow coworkers in the open office environment. For example, coworkers in an open office environment need to be able to communicate with each other, while also being able to talk on the phone without the person on the other end of the line hearing the chatter in the background. The individual also needs to be able to concentrate while adjacent coworkers are on the phone. Similar to the open office environment, it can also be difficult to have visual and/or acoustic privacy in other open environments, such as in schools, restaurants, cafeterias, airport terminals, testing centers, libraries, home offices, etc.
[0040]Accordingly, the inventor has developed and discloses herein exemplary embodiments of apparatus or devices including visual and/or acoustic privacy features that can provide a user with at least some privacy and isolation from others in the open environment. For example, exemplary embodiments are disclosed that include visual and/or acoustic privacy features for furniture (e.g., office chair, desk, table, cubicle, etc.). For example, the visual and/or acoustic privacy features (e.g., pads, screens, pads, blinders, panels, walls, wings, flaps, non-electronic elements, other means for providing visual and/or acoustic privacy features, etc.) may be releasably attachable or mountable to, fixedly attached to, integral to, supported by, etc. a support surface of a piece of furniture, floor, ceiling, canopy, etc. Or, for example, the visual and/or acoustic privacy features may be a free standing device, e.g., free standing device on a support surface (e.g., desktop, floor, etc.) without being mounted or attached to the support surface.
[0041]The visual and/or acoustic privacy features may be movable relative to the user and/or furniture between at least a first configuration and a second configuration. In the first configuration, the visual and/or acoustic privacy features are not being used to provide visual or acoustic privacy (e.g., not disposed adjacent, along, or around the user's head, etc.) such that they do not inhibit the user from interacting with others. For example, the visual and/or acoustic privacy features may be stowed and/or out of the way such that they are spaced apart from (e.g., not generally over, adjacent, or in front of, etc.) the user's ears, eyes, and/or mouth, etc. But in the second configuration, the visual and/or acoustic privacy features are deployed for use (e.g., disposed generally over, adjacent, and/or in front of the user's ears, eyes, and/or mouth, etc.) so as to provide the user with at least some visual and/or acoustic privacy and isolation from others, such as by acoustically dampening of incoming and/or outgoing sound and/or by providing visual blinders. Accordingly, the first configuration may also be referred to as a stowed, non-use, non-operational, or interaction configuration, while the second configuration may also be referred to as a deployed, in-use, operational, or privacy configuration.
[0042]In some embodiments, the visual and/or acoustic privacy features may be movable relative to the user and/or furniture into a third configuration. For example, the visual and/or acoustic privacy features may be moved into a third configuration in which they may be positioned generally upright and above a computer monitor to thereby offer a hood effect to help control light (e.g., block or shield incoming light, etc.). The position of the visual and/or acoustic privacy features may provide visual cues to co-workers. For example, the visual and/or acoustic privacy features may be positioned in a certain configuration (e.g., above the user's head, etc.) to indicate that the user is open for conversation. As another example, the visual and/or acoustic privacy features may be positioned adjacent or around the user's head to indicate that the user is tasking and does not wish to be disturbed.
[0043]With reference now to the figures, FIGS. 1 through 11 illustrate an exemplary embodiment 100 including first and second (or left and right) visual and/or acoustic privacy features 104, 108 embodying one or more aspects of the present disclosure. As shown in FIGS. 1 through 3, the visual and/or acoustic privacy features 104, 108 are mounted to and/or supported by a desk 112 in this example. Alternatively, the visual and/or acoustic privacy features 104, 108 may be mounted to and/or supported by other support surfaces, e.g., chairs, tabletops, etc.
[0044]In this example embodiment, the visual and/or acoustic privacy features 104, 108 are usable and reconfigurable between a plurality of configurations, including a first configuration (FIG. 1), a second configuration (FIGS. 2, 4A, and 4B), and a third configuration (FIG. 3). In the first configuration shown in FIG. 1, the visual and/or acoustic privacy features 104, 108 are not disposed adjacent the user's ears or along opposite side of the user's head, such that the user may easily and readily interact with others. Also in the first configuration, the visual and/or acoustic privacy features 104, 108 may provide the user with visual privacy by creating a wall or blinder in front of the desk, which, in turn, may help the user to better concentrate and not be distracted by on goings in front of the desk.
[0045]In the second configuration shown in FIGS. 2, 4A, and 4B, the visual and/or acoustic privacy features 104, 108 are deployed for use (e.g., disposed generally over, adjacent, and/or in front of the user's ears, eyes, and/or mouth, etc.) so as to provide the user with at least some visual and/or acoustic privacy and isolation from others. As shown in FIG. 4A, the visual and/or acoustic privacy features 104, 108 are disposed generally around the user's head so as to cover the user's ears and eyes from the side. In the second configuration shown in FIG. 4A, the visual and/or acoustic privacy features 104, 108 acoustically dampen incoming and/or outgoing sound and provide visual blinders. Accordingly, the features 104, 108 may thus provide means for acoustically dampening incoming and/or outgoing sound and providing visual blinders.
[0046]In the third configuration shown in FIG. 3, the visual and/or acoustic privacy features 104, 108 are positioned vertically upright so as to be at least partially above the user's eyes and computer monitor. The visual and/or acoustic privacy features 104, 108 may thus offer a hood effect to help control light when in the third configuration.
[0047]Additionally, or alternatively, any one of various configurations of the visual and/or acoustic privacy features 104, 108 may be used to provide visual cues to co-workers. For example, the visual and/or acoustic privacy features 104, 108 may be positioned in a certain configuration (e.g., above the user's head (FIG. 3), etc.) to visually indicate that the user is open for conversation. As another example, the visual and/or acoustic privacy features 104, 108 in the second configuration (FIG. 4A) may visually indicate that the user is tasking and does not wish to be disturbed.
[0048]FIG. 6 illustrates the various components of the visual and/or acoustic privacy feature 104 according to an exemplary embodiment. As shown, the visual and/or acoustic privacy feature 104 includes a panel or screen element 116 supported by a frame 118. The frame 118 is coupled to a support arm or member 120 via a first rotatable joint or connection 124 (e.g., 360 degree ball joint, etc.). The first joint 124 preferably allows the frame 118 to be rotated or pivoted 360 degrees relative to the support arm 120.
[0049]The support arm 120 is coupled to a base 128 via a second rotatable joint or connection 132. The second joint 132 preferably allows the support arm 120 to be rotated or pivoted clockwise or counterclockwise 180 degrees relative to the base 128.
[0050]The base 128 may be mountable to the desk top 112 via a bracket 136 and clamping mechanism 140. The clamping mechanism 140 may be mechanically fastened (e.g., with screws, etc.) to the bracket 136. Then, the thumb screw portion of the clamping mechanism 140 may be rotated to thereby create a clamping force between the clamping mechanism 140 and bracket 136 for mounting to the desk top 112. Alternative embodiments may include different means for supporting or mounting the visual and/or acoustic privacy features 104, 108.
[0051]The visual and/or acoustic privacy feature 108 may include the same or similar components as the visual and/or acoustic privacy feature 104. Accordingly, the visual and/or acoustic privacy feature 108 may also include a panel or screen element 116, frame 118, support arm 120, first rotatable joint or connection 124, base 128, second rotatable joint or connection 132, bracket 136, and clamp 140.
[0052]A wide range of materials may be used for various components of the visual and/or acoustic privacy features 104, 108. By way of example, the movable acoustic and/or visual privacy panels or screens 116 may comprise mesh fabric, metal, plastic, wood, acrylic (e.g., frosted acrylic, etc.), vinyl, resin, nylon, marker board, monitor screen, sound soaking material, fabric, mesh, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polypropylene, thermoplastic and/or 3D printed material, etc. In exemplary embodiments, the panels or screens 116 are not electronic, e.g., not electronic computer display screens or monitors, etc. The frame 118, support arm 120, base 128, joints 124 and 132 may each be made of the same material or made of different materials from each other and/or the panels or screens 116. For example, the frame 118, support arm 120, base 128, joints 124 and 132 may be made of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), plastic, polypropylene, metal, aluminum, stainless steel, wood, acrylic, vinyl, resin, nylon, thermoplastic and/or 3D printed material, etc.
[0053]The panels 116 may also be made out of a material that provides sound soaking ability but not necessarily, as the speakers 117 (e.g., wireless speakers, hardwired speakers, other sound producing means, etc.) provide the ability to add sound masking at the individual. The panels 116 are configured to provide visual privacy and thereby limit visual distraction. In this illustrated embodiment, the panels 116 comprise mesh, which allows the user to at least partially see through the panels 116. In other exemplary embodiments, the panels 116 comprise other materials that are clear, transparent, or translucent materials and/or configured (e.g., perforated, include one or more cut-out portions or openings, etc.) to allow the user to be at least partially visible therethrough.
[0054]FIG. 5 shows wires 144, 148 passing through holes in the base 128. In this example, the wire 144 is connected to an external device, e.g., a smartphone with music to be played by speakers 117. The wire 148 connects the speakers 117 together. There may also be a charging means (e.g., an AC adapter port, a jack hole, etc.) on either or both of the visual and/or acoustic privacy features 104, 108 for charging an electronic device (e.g., a Bluetooth device, etc.) when applicable. In this example, the speakers 117 are shown hardwired to each other and to a smartphone. In other exemplary embodiments, the speakers may be wirelessly connected to each other and/or to the smartphone, e.g., via Bluetooth, etc.
[0055]Additionally or alternatively, either or both visual and/or acoustic privacy features 104, 108 may be configured to be operable as a docking station for computer equipment, such that smartphones, tablets, etc. may be plugged in for power and/or stereo speakers may be run wirelessly or wires may be run under the desktop, table, countertop, or other surface supporting the visual and/or acoustic privacy features 104, 108.
[0056]Accordingly, the visual and/or acoustic privacy features 104, 108 may thus be usable akin to headphones but which are not placed directly on the user's head. This advantageously allows the user to be aware of the surroundings, while also allowing visual and/or acoustic privacy. For example, the movable panel or screen elements 116 reduces visual distractions to the user, allows the user to focus better (e.g., on a computer monitor, etc.), and/or provide sound masking and/or music (e.g., via built in speakers 117, etc.) when positioned accordingly. The user also has the ability to selectively adjust the positioning of the movable panel or screen elements 116 into any number of different positions (e.g., to perhaps avoid a claustrophobic feeling of being closed in, etc.) while still having freedom of motion. The movable screens or panels 116 have an acoustic nature and can act as speakers/headphones without being applied to the head, such that the user is able to have privacy.
[0057]In some exemplary embodiments, movable pads may be mounted to a support surface via flexible conduits or members that allow the movable pads to be movable or positionable generally about the user's head so as to act as a visual screen, where the pads may also have white noise and/or speaker capability. The pads may have a microphone and a speaker such that the pads are usable as or with a phone device, which pads also offer visual privacy. The moveable pads may provide sound masking and/or personal music selection. Unlike a loud speaker sitting on a desk that disrupts others nearby, the inventor's visual and/or acoustic privacy features may allow a user to listen to music without disrupting others nearby. The inventor's visual and/or acoustic privacy features may thus provide visual and acoustic privacy as well as telephone operation in some exemplary embodiments. In some exemplary embodiments, the inventor's visual and/or acoustic privacy features may comprise one or more pads that are operable as visual blinders as well as a speaker “floating” or suspended from a flexible conduit. The movable pads may allow the user to have and create a personal, more private environment in the open office setting.
[0058]Exemplary embodiments are also disclosed herein of chairs having visual and/or acoustic privacy features configured to acoustically dampen, muffle, or deaden both incoming sound (e.g., surrounding sound from coworkers conversations, paper shuffling, typing, etc.) and outgoing sound (e.g., the chair user's voice when speaking on the telephone, etc.). The visual and/or acoustic privacy features may comprise a visual screen having white noise and speaker capability.
[0059]In some exemplary embodiments, the chair is reconfigurable between at least a first configuration and a second configuration. In the first configuration, the chair's visual and/or acoustic privacy features are not visible (e.g., removed, retracted, stowed, etc.) such that the chair may appear as a typical or conventional chair (e.g., wingback chair, traditional office or task chair, etc.) without any visible visual and/or acoustic privacy features. But in the second configuration, the chair's visual and/or acoustic privacy features are visible and usable (e.g., attached, extended, deployed, etc.) for acoustically dampening incoming and outgoing sound.
[0060]By way of example, the visual and/or acoustic privacy features may comprise wings, flaps, covers, panels, and/or portions at the ear level and mouth level. The visual and/or acoustic privacy features may be fully and/or partially retractable, pivotable, slidable, hinged, foldable, pliable, nesting, adjustable, removable from and reattachable to a chair or other furniture piece, fixedly attached to the chair or other furniture piece, etc. Accordingly, additional aspects of the present disclosure relate to fold away, retractable, removable, or slidable visual and/or acoustic privacy features that provide audible privacy (e.g., acoustic dampening, etc.) and visual privacy to a user. For example, an exemplary embodiment includes fully retractable visual and/or acoustic privacy features coupled to a chair headrest such that the visual and/or acoustic privacy features can be slid, pivoted, or folded away behind, inside, concealed by, or “blend” in with the chair headrest when not in use.
[0061]Some exemplary embodiments may also include a mouth piece or acoustic dampening portion at the mouth level as an option to offer more sound deadening characteristics. Alternative exemplary embodiments, however, may not include this mouth piece option and/or may include one or more visual and/or acoustic privacy features fixedly attached and not readily removable from the chair or other furniture piece.
[0062]A wide range of materials may be used for the visual and/or acoustic privacy features in exemplary embodiments, such as fabric, foam, plastic, leather, plexiglass, vinyl, metal, mesh, wood, acrylic, resin, nylon, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polypropylene, thermoplastic and/or 3D printed material, etc., which materials may be clear or transparent, frosted or translucent, or opaque, etc. For example, the interior of the visual and/or acoustic privacy features may include a suitable sound dampening or redirecting material (e.g., a sound soaking foam, fabric, perforated metal, acrylic, other suitable materials, etc.). An exterior of the visual and/or acoustic privacy features may comprise the same material (e.g., leather, vinyl, etc.) that is used to make the chair headrest, seat, backrest, arms, etc. so that the visual and/or acoustic privacy features may blend in as just another option on a seating line.
[0063]In some embodiments, the visual and/or acoustic privacy features may be made of a clear or transparent acrylic or plexiglass material such that the user remains visible even when after the visual and/or acoustic privacy features are closed and in the second configuration. Or, for example, the visual and/or privacy features may be other clear, transparent, or translucent materials and/or configured (e.g., perforated, include one or more cut-out portions or openings, etc.) to allow the user to be at least partially visible therethrough. These exemplary embodiments may allow a boss or supervisor to see through the visual and/or acoustic privacy features when closed, for example, to visually confirm that the user is working on company business and not surfing the internet, etc. Additionally, or alternatively, the visual and/or acoustic privacy features may be made of a soft or cushioned material for user comfort when the user's head is laying there against it, e.g., taking a nap, etc.
[0064]FIGS. 12A and 12B illustrate an exemplary embodiment 200 including a chair having visual and/or acoustic privacy features 204, 208 embodying one or more aspects of the present disclosure. The visual and/or acoustic privacy features 204, 208 comprise movable pads that are mounted to the chair via flexible conduits or members 215 that allow the movable pads to be movable, positionable, or reconfigurable generally about the user's head between at least a first configuration (FIG. 12A) and a second configuration (FIG. 12B).
[0065]In the first configuration, the pads are adjacent and/or nest with the headrest 205, such that the pads may become or function as part of the chair's headrest 205. In the second configuration, the movable pads are adjacent the user's head and thus may operate as visual screens or blinders, e.g., for better screen concentration, etc.
[0066]The flexible conduits 215 may also allow the pads to be positioned up in the air above the headrest. The flexible conduits 215 (e.g., or wire, glide hardware, etc.) may be mounted via universal clips or be integrated into the chair design.
[0067]The pads may also have white noise and/or speaker capability. For example, Bluetooth wireless or hard wired speakers 217 may be coupled to or in the pads. The speakers 217 may function in stereo to act as speakers, a phone device, and/or provide individual sound masking. The sound system may be user controlled, controlled by an overriding system with safety precautions, etc.
[0068]The movable pads may comprise fabric, plastic, vinyl, glass, plexiglass, metal, mesh, foam, leather, acrylic, resin, nylon, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polypropylene, thermoplastic and/or 3D printed material, etc. Signage or labels may be applied at either or both sides to offer brand identification. The color, shape, texture, etc. of the pads may vary.
[0069]FIGS. 13A and 13B illustrate an exemplary embodiment 300 including a chair having visual and/or acoustic privacy features 304, 308 embodying one or more aspects of the present disclosure. The visual and/or acoustic privacy features 304, 308 comprise movable pads that are mounted to the chair via flexible conduits 315 that allow the movable pads to be movable, positionable, or reconfigurable generally about the user's head between at least a first configuration (FIG. 13A) and a second configuration (FIG. 13B).
[0070]In the first configuration, the pads are adjacent and/or nest with the headrest 305. In the second configuration, the movable pads are adjacent the user's head and thus may operate as visual screens or blinders, e.g., for better screen concentration, etc.
[0071]The pads may also have white noise and/or speaker capability. For example, Bluetooth wireless or hard wired speakers 317 may be coupled to or in the pads. The speakers 317 may function in stereo to act as speakers, a phone device, and/or provide individual sound masking.
[0072]FIGS. 14A and 14B illustrate an exemplary embodiment 400 including a chair having visual and/or acoustic privacy features 404, 408 embodying one or more aspects of the present disclosure. The visual and/or acoustic privacy features 404, 408 comprise movable pads that are mounted to the chair via flexible conduits 415 that allow the movable pads to be movable, positionable, or reconfigurable generally about the user's head between at least a first configuration (FIG. 14A) and a second configuration (FIG. 14B).
[0073]In the first configuration, the pads are adjacent and/or nest with the headrest 405, such that the pads may become or function as part of the chair's headrest 405. In the second configuration, the movable pads are adjacent the user's head and thus may operate as visual screens or blinders, e.g., for better screen concentration, etc.
[0074]The flexible conduits 415 may also allow the pads to be positioned up in the air above the headrest. The flexible conduits 415 (e.g., or wire, glide hardware, etc.) may be mounted via universal clips or be integrated into the chair design.
[0075]The pads may also have white noise and/or speaker capability. For example, Bluetooth wireless or hard wired speakers 417 may be coupled to or in the pads. The speakers 417 may function in stereo to act as speakers, a phone device, and/or provide individual sound masking. The sound system may be user controlled, controlled by an overriding system with safety precautions, etc. The movable pads may comprise fabric, plastic, vinyl, glass, plexiglass, metal, foam, leather, mesh, wood, acrylic, resin, nylon, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polypropylene, thermoplastic and/or 3D printed material, etc.,
[0076]FIGS. 15A and 15B illustrate exemplary embodiments 500, 600 including chairs having visual and/or acoustic privacy features 504, 508, 604, 608, respectively, embodying one or more aspects of the present disclosure. The visual and/or acoustic privacy features 504, 508, 604, 608 comprise movable pads that are mounted to or adjacent the chair via flexible conduits 515, 615 that allow the movable pads to be movable, positionable, or reconfigurable generally about the user's head between at least first and second configurations.
[0077]FIG. 16 illustrates visual and/or acoustic privacy features 704, 708 that are mounted to and/or supported by a desk according to an exemplary embodiment 700 embodying one or more aspects of the present disclosure. The visual and/or acoustic privacy features 704, 708 comprise movable pads that are mounted to or adjacent the chair via flexible conduits 715 that allow the movable pads to be movable, positionable, or reconfigurable generally about the user's head between at least first and second configurations.
[0078]The user may affect the visual privacy and sound masking by simply moving the user's head. Or, the pad can be moved completely out of the way if not needed for periods of time.
[0079]The flexible conduit or post 715 may be mounted via a grommet attachment, clamp, or table top stand rest or a combination of a docking unit. The pads may swivel about the connection to modify the speaker 717 location depending upon the mount location.
[0080]FIG. 17 illustrates exemplary embodiments 800, 900, 1000, 1100, 1200, 1300, and 1400 that include visual and/or acoustic privacy features embodying one or more aspects of the present disclosure. As shown, the size of the visual and/or acoustic privacy features may be similar in size to the size of an adult human hand, which size is sufficient to offer a blinder for the eyes and muffle or dampen sounds at the ears. Or, for example, the size of the visual and/or acoustic privacy features may be smaller than or larger than the size of an adult human hand or Ping-Pong paddle in other embodiments. For example, another exemplary embodiment includes visual and/or acoustic privacy features comprising small puck-shaped elements and/or small speakers on the ends of long conduits for delivering sound. The visual and/or acoustic privacy features may be positioned at each side of a computer monitor to provide speaker capability located at ear level for better acoustics as compared to speakers that are merely sitting on a desk top far below ear level.
[0081]The visual and/or acoustic privacy features may come in various shapes (e.g., circular 800 or 1400, lima bean shaped 1000, elliptical 1100 or 1200, trapezoidal 1300, rectangular, etc.). For example, the lima beam shape 1000 allows the speaker to be at the ear while the bulk of the shape acts as a visual screen and also provides a good location for mouth pick up for phone use. The positioning of the visual and/or acoustic privacy features 1000 may also operate as a visual cue. For example, a balloon position in which the visual and/or acoustic privacy features are positioned vertically or above the user may indicate that the user is open for conversation. As another example, a heads down position in which the visual and/or acoustic privacy features are positioned adjacent the user's head may indicate that the user is tasking and does not wish to be disturbed. As a further example, an exemplary embodiment disclosed herein may include one or more lights (e.g., light emitting diodes (LEDs), etc.) for decorative purposes and/or to provide visual cues (e.g., do not disturb, open for conversation, etc.).
[0082]The visual and/or acoustic privacy features may be rotatable to allow for various configurations. The mounting assembly (e.g., universal mount, clamp 800, 1000, 1100, desk top stand 900, 1200, etc.) may be provided with an AC adapter or other charging device, e.g., for charging an electronic device (e.g., a Bluetooth device, etc.) when applicable. The visual and/or acoustic privacy features may be configured to swivel at the base to provide sound masking to the space, e.g., for a private conversation. For example, an exemplary embodiment of the visual and/or acoustic privacy features may be configured to send or transmit sound from the user's space to thereby scramble the user's voice and produce white noise. In this exemplary embodiment, the visual and/or acoustic privacy features may thus provide a reversible system in which the user is isolated and has privacy from others and the user's actions (e.g., telephone conversations, etc.) are isolated and private (e.g., inaudible, imperceptible, etc.) from others.
[0083]FIG. 18 illustrates an exemplary embodiment 1500 that includes visual and/or acoustic privacy features 1504, 1508 mounted to and/or supported by a desk according to an exemplary embodiment embodying one or more aspects of the present disclosure. The visual and/or acoustic privacy features 1504, 1508 comprise movable pads that are mounted to or adjacent the chair via flexible conduits 1515 that allow the movable pads to be movable, positionable, or reconfigurable generally about the user's head between at least first and second configurations. In the second configuration, the front extended portion of the pads may operate as visual blinders to cut down the peripheral visual distractions.
[0084]The flexible conduits or supports 1515 may be mounted via universal clips, post grommets, desk top pedestals, etc. Alternatively, the flexible conduits or supports 1515 may be an integral part of a furniture piece, wall tool bars, etc.
[0085]FIG. 19 illustrates an exemplary embodiment 1600 including a chair having visual and/or acoustic privacy features 1604, 1608 embodying one or more aspects of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 19, the visual and/or acoustic privacy features 1604, 1608 comprise curved or arcuate acoustic wings or panels that are retractable (e.g., slidable into a head rest sleeve 1605, etc.) such that the chair can function and appear as a normal task chair. Alternatively, either or both of the acoustic wings may be foldable out of the way via hinged connections or be fixed and not movable relative to the chair or relative to each other, etc.
[0086]In this illustrated embodiment, the visual and/or acoustic privacy features 1604, 1608 comprise a sound acoustic panel portion 1609 at the ear level and a sound acoustic panel portion 1611 at the mouth level. The sound acoustic panel portion 1611 at the mouth level is positionable over or adjacent to the user's mouth for covering the user's mouth to muffle speaking. For example, the sound acoustic panel portion 1611 may be moved in front of the user's mouth when on the telephone.
[0087]The sound acoustic panel portion 1611 at the mouth level may also be movable out of the way, for example, to allow the user better viewing of a computer monitor, desktop, etc. Accordingly, the user may choose whether or not to use the visual and/or acoustic privacy features 1604, 1608. In addition to having the ability to move the mouth cover away from the user's mouth to provide better viewing, the acoustic wings may also be tiered in this illustrated embodiment to allow a better field of vision.
[0088]The visual and/or acoustic privacy features 1604, 1608 shown in FIG. 19 (and/or in other exemplary embodiments disclosed herein) may be made from a wide range of materials such as fabric, foam, plastic, leather, vinyl, metal, etc., which materials may be clear or transparent, frosted or translucent, or opaque, etc. For example, the interior of the sound acoustic panels 1609, 1611 may be made from a sound soaking foam, fabric, perforated metal, acrylic, mesh, other suitable materials, etc. An exterior of the sound acoustic panels may comprise the same material (e.g., leather, vinyl, etc.) that is used to make the chair headrest, seat, backrest, arms, etc.
[0089]FIG. 20 illustrates another exemplary embodiment 1700 of a chair having visual and/or acoustic privacy features 1704, 1708 embodying one or more aspects of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 20, the visual and/or acoustic privacy features 1704, 1708 are acoustic screen panels, wings, or flaps that are retractable (e.g., slidable into a head rest sleeve, foldable out of the way via hinged connections, etc.) such that the chair can function and appear as a normal task chair.
[0090]FIG. 20 illustrates one acoustic panel 1708 retracted into an opening in the headrest 1705, and the other acoustic panel 1704 fully extended after being slid out of the opening in the opposite side of the headrest. Alternatively, either or both of the acoustic panels may be fixed and not movable relative to the chair or relative to each other.
[0091]In this illustrated embodiment, the visual and/or acoustic privacy features 1704, 1708 comprise a sound acoustic portion 1709 at the ear level and a sound acoustic portion 1711 at the mouth level. The sound acoustic portion 1711 at the mouth level is hinged to the sound acoustic portion 1709 at the ear level. Thus, the sound acoustic portion 1711 at the mouth level can be hingedly mov