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Claims  |
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I claim:
1. A lightweight, adjustable headset for use with a communication device
comprising:
a generally cylindrical housing with one end thereof including a sound
port;
a receiver element disposed within the housing for converting electrical
signals into sound waves audible to the user;
a microphone boom, with the boom being generally L-shaped, with one end of
the boom being fixed to the end of the housing opposed to the sound port;
a microphone element, connected to the free end of the boom for converting
sound waves into electrical signals;
wire means providing discrete connections between the communications device
and the microphone and receiver elements respectively;
support means for holding said housing in a selected position relative to
the head of the user, with the support means being defined by a U-shaped
wire band connected to the housing and having dimensions substantially
corresponding to the user's head; and
cylindrical cushion means, with one end thereof being affixed to the end of
the housing having the sound port and configured to rest against the
user's ear, said cushion means including a channel aligned with said sound
port, said cushion means further including an elongated hollow plug
mounted in said channel to permit sound to pass from the housing to the
user's ear, with the cushion means having a diameter greater than the
diameter of the auditory canal of the user's ear such that the sound port
of the housing is spaced away from the auditory canal of the ear thereby
reducing the likelihood of infection and permitting dissipation of sound
surges, and wherein the diameter of the cushion means is small enough to
enable the cushion means to be received within the outer perimeter of the
user's earlap whereby the cushion means functions as a load bearing
support and as a pivot point to permit the adjustment of the position of
the headset relative to the user's head.
2. An adjustable headset as recited in claim 1 wherein said cushion means
is formed from a compressible material.
3. An adjustable headset as recited in claim 1 wherein the cushion means is
replaceably mounted to said housing such that when the headset is
transferred to another user, the cushion means may be readily replaced
thereby reducing the likelihood of infection.
4. An adjustable headset as recited in claim 3 wherein said cushion means
includes a snap ring connectible to a flange projecting from said housing
to define said replaceable mounting.
5. An adjustable headset as recited in claim 1 wherein said housing
includes a circumferential groove disposed intermediate its distal ends on
the exterior surface thereof, and wherein said wire band includes a
circular bracket member slidably engaged within the groove of the housing,
with the slidable mounting pemitting the rotational movement of the wire
band relative to the housing such that the position of the headset can be
adjusted thereby maximizing sound transfer and wearer comfort.
6. A lightweight adjustable headset as recited in claim 1 wherein the
microphone boom is generally cylindrical in cross-section and is slidably
mounted within a channel formed in said housing, said channel being
cylindrical in cross-section and extending in a radial direction, with the
slidable mounting of said boom permitting both a rotational and
translational movement of the boom relative to the housing.
7. An adjustable headset as recited in claim 6 further including a
generally cylindrical, soft plastic liner disposed within the channel
surrounding the boom.
8. An adjustable headset as recited in claim 1 wherein the wire means
includes a plurality of individual wires, with all the wires being encased
in a plastic sheath extending from the housing to the communication
device, with the wire means further including an intermediate flexible
metal sheath disposed within the plastic sheath and surrounding all the
wires thereby shielding the wires from radio frequency interference while
simultaneously strengthening and protecting the wires.
9. An adjustable headset as recieted in claim 8 wherein the flexible metal
sheath is formed from tinned copper.
10. An adjustable headset as recited in claim 2 wherein said sound boom is
generally L-shaped having a circular cross section, with one end of the
boom being slidably mounted within a channel formed in said housing in a
manner to permit both the rotational and translational movement of the
boom relative to the housing.
11. An adjustable headset as recited in claim 1 wherein said cushion means
is replaceably mounted to said housing, with said cushion means including
a snap ring connectable to a flange projecting from said housing to define
said replaceable mounting.
12. An improved clip for use with a headset to enable the headset to be
connected to eyeglass temples of various thicknesses, said clip
comprising:
bracket means for connecting said clip to said headset; and
an L-shaped spring member having first and second connected arms, the first
arm being connected to said bracket means and extending outwardly
therefrom away from the headset, with the second arm being disposed at an
acute angle relative to the first arm such that the free end thereof is
biased inwardly towards the headset, and with the second arm including two
outer braces and a central intermediate brace, the central intermediate
brace being connected only to the free end of the second arm and disposed
at an acute angle relative to the plane of the second arm such that the
free end of the central brace is biased inwardly towards the headset
whereby when the headset is mounted to the eyeglasses of the user, the
temple is inserted between the second arm and the headset, such that a
relatively thin temple is securely gripped between the central brace and
the housing, while a relatively thicker temple will tend to deflect the
central brace into coplanar relationship with the outer braces and be
gripped between the entire second arm and the headset.
13. An adjustable headset as recited in claim 12 wherein the second arm
further includes a pair of stop pins formed on the outer braces adjacent
to the first arm and extending towards the headset, the stop pins acting
to locate and stabilize the position of the temple relative to the clip.
14. An adjustable headset as recited in claim 12 wherein the free end of
the second arm is defined by a rail member that is flared outwardly away
from the headset to facilitate the mounting of clip on an eyeglass temple.
15. A lightweight adjustable headset for use with a communication device
comprising:
a housing including a sound port;
a receiver element disposed within the housing for converting electrical
signals into sound waves audible to the user;
a microphone element for converting sound waves into electrical signals;
an elongated sound boom connected to said housing and extending towards the
mouth of the user;
wire means providing discrete connections between the communications device
and the microphone and receiver elements, respectively;
support means for holding said housing in a selected position relative to
the head of the user, with the support means being defined by a U-shaped
wire band connected to the housing and having dimensions substantially
corresponding to the user's head; and
cushion means affixed to the end of the housing having the sound port and
configured to rest against the user's ear, said cushion means including a
channel aligned with said sound port, said cushion means further including
an elongated hollow plug mounted in said channel for transmitting sound
directly to the user's ear.
16. An adjustable headset as recited in claim 15 wherein the exterior
surface of said housing includes a circumferential groove, and wherein
said wire band includes a circular bracket member slidably engaged with
the groove of the housing.
17. An adjustable headset as recited in claim 15 wherein said cushion means
is larger than the diameter of the auditory canal of the user's ear and
small enough to be received within the outer perimeter of the user's
earlap.
18. An adjustable headset as recited in claim 15 wherein said microphone
element is affixed to the free end of said sound boom. |
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Claims |
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Description |
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The subject invention relates to an adjustable minature headset
particularly adapted for use with a telephone. The headset includes both
microphone and receiver elements which are connectable to a dual amplifier
circuit for boosting both incoming and outgoing signals. The headset is
relatively small and lightweight and may be readily adjusted for maximum
comfort of the wearer.
In the prior art, a variety of headsets were developed for use with
telephone systems. Presently, the primary users of headsets are
attendants, such as switchboard operators and reservation clerks, who
spend much of the day speaking on the telephone. By wearing a headset, the
attendant is free to use her hands for other tasks including message
taking, or typing on a keyboard. In addition, the attendant is not
required to press a heavy handset against her ear which can be both
uncomfortable and tiring.
Even though the prior art headsets had certain advantages over a standard
telephone handset, the market for headsets still remains fairly limited.
More specifically, the prior art headsets have various shortcomings which
prevent them from being more universally accepted in the business world.
As can be appreciated, there are many occupations where a significant
portion of the work day is spent on the telephone. It is an object of the
subject invention to provide a new and improved miniature headset which
overcomes the shortcomings of the prior art and which will be accepted in
a wide range of markets.
Examples of prior art headsets can be found in U.S. Pats. No. 3,548,118
issued Dec. 15, 1979, and U.S. Pat. No. 3,610,841 issued Oct. 5, 1971,
both to Hutchings. The headset disclosed in these patents includes a
housing having receiver and microphone transducers disposed therein. The
housing is configured with an arcuately shaped surface so that it may be
worn behind the user'ear. A voice tube is provided which is in
communication with the microphone transducer and extends to a point
adjacent the mouth of the wearer. Similarly, an ear tube is provided in
communication with the receiver transducer. An ear plug is connected to
the free end of the ear tube for insertion within the auditory canal of
the wearer's ear. In use, incoming electrical signals from the telephone
are converted into audible sound waves which are channeled through the ear
tube directly into the wearer's ear.
These types or prior art headsets were undesirable for a variety of
reasons. For example, the headsets are uncomfortable to wear for extended
periods of time. As can be appreciated, the full weight of the headset
must rest behind the ear of the wearer. Further, the fixed flat
configuration of the housing will not be optimal for all users, such that
pressure is placed on the mastoid process causing pain and headaches.
Other shortcomings of the prior art headsets relate to the use of the ear
plug, which is intended to be inserted within the auditory canal of the
wearer's ear. Frequently the continual use of an invasive ear plug gives
rise to infections of the ear. Further, infections are easily spread when
the headset is used by a number of different people.
Another shortcoming related to the use of an ear plug concerns the problems
associated with high voltage surges. More particularly, disturbances, such
as electrical storms, frequently cause a high voltage surge to be
introduced into the phone line. This surge will result in a relatively
high decibel level of sound being generated by the telephone. These surges
often are painful to the user and can even cause damage to an eardrum
since the entire force of the sound is channeled from the transducer
directly to the eardrum via the ear tube and ear plug which seals the ear
canal. Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide an improved headset
which is capable of channeling sounds to the user's ear without an
invasive ear plug thereby reducing the likelihood of infection and
preventing damage to the ear due to high voltage surges.
Another example of a prior art headset can be found in U.S. Pat. No.
3,184,556, issued May 18, 1965 to Larkin. The latter patent discloses a
headset which includes a spring clip for attaching the housing of the
headset to the side temple of an eyeglass-type frame. The spring clip
shown in the latter patent can only be used with a particular type of
temple having corresponding, complimentary dimensions. Other clips have
been developed which include a leaf spring compatible with temples having
dimensions that fall within a relatively limited range. Due to the
increasing variety of frame designs, it would be desirable to provide a
clip which can be utilized with many of the new styles.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
Accordingly, it is an object of the subject invention to provide a new and
improved adjustable headset for use with telephone systems.
It is a further object of the subject invention to provide a new and
improved headset which is extremely lightweight and comfortable to wear
for extended periods of time.
It is another object of the subject invention to provide an adjustable
headset which does not require an ear plug that invades the auditory canal
of the user thereby reducing the likelihood of infection and minimizing
the undesirable effects of voltage surges.
It is still a further object of the subject invention to provide a new
improved headset having a cushion means which functions to space the ear
plug from the user's ear.
It is still another object of the subject invention to provide a new and
improved headset having a cushion means which functions both as a weight
bearing support and a pivot point about which the headset can be adjusted.
It is still a further object of the subject invention to provide an
adjustable headset having a new and improved clip means to facilitate
attachment of the headset to a wide variety of eyeglass frames.
In accordance with these and many other objects, the subject invention
provides for new and improved lightweight adjustable headset particularly
adapted for use with telephone systems. The headset includes a generally
cylindrical housing having a receiver transducer disposed therein for
converting electrical signals into sound waves audible to the user. A
microphone boom is connected to the housing and includes an electret
condensor microphone located at its free end. The microphone is capable of
converting sound waves into electrical signals to be transmitted over the
phone lines. Wire means are provided for electrically connecting both the
microphone and receiver elements to the telephone. Preferably, a dual
receiver and microphone amplifier is interposed between the headset and
the telephone for boosting incoming and outgoing signals.
A support means is provided for maintaining the housing in a selected
position relative to the head of the user. In one preferred embodiment of
the subject invention, the support means is defined by a U-shaped wire
band connected to the housing and having dimensions substantially
corresponding to the user's head. In the latter embodiment, a cylindrical
cushion means is also provided which is affixed to one end of the housing
and is configured to rest against the user's ear. A sound port in the
housing enables audible sounds waves to travel from the receiver
transducer through the cusion means and into the user's ear. Preferably,
some form of ear plug is mounted within the cushion means to aid in
transmitting the sounds through the cushion.
In accordance with the subject invention, the cushion means is provided
with a diameter greater than the diameter of the auditory canal of the
user's ear such that the ear plug within the cushion is spaced away from
the user's inner ear. Thus, there is no invasion of the ear canal by a ear
plug thereby reducing the likelihood of infection and permitting the
dissipation of sound surges. In addition, the diameter of the cushion
means is small enough to permit the cushion means to be received within
the outer perimeter of the user's earlap. This configuration enables the
cushion means to function both as a pivot point, to facilitate adjustment
of the headset, and as a load bearing support. By this arrangement, the
weight of the headset is distributed between the wire band and the cushion
means such that the headset may be comfortably worn for extended periods
of time.
In a second embodiment of the subject invention, the support means includes
a new and improved clip for attachment to a pair of eyeglasses. The clip
is generally L-shaped in configuration having first and second arms. The
second arm is provided with a plurality of spring braces which enable the
clip to be readily mounted to eyeglass temples of various thicknesses.
In both embodiments of the subject invention, the support means for
affixing the housing to the wearer's head includes a circular bracket
member which is slidably mounted in a circumferential grove formed on the
housing. By this arrangement, the housing can be rotated relative to the
support means to facilitate adjustment of the position of the headset.
The microphone boom of the subject heaset is also mounted to facilitate
adjustment. More particularly, the housing is provided with an elongated
cylindrical channel extending in a radial direction. The boom is formed
with a generally circular cross-section such that one end thereof can be
slidably mounted within the channel of the housing. Preferably, a plastic
liner is interposed between the boom and the channel such that
interconnection therebetween is relatively stable while permitting both
the rotational and translational movement of the boom relative to the
housing.
As discussed more fully hereinbelow, the subject headset is adjustable in a
plurality of axes. More particularly, the microphone boom may be adjusted
both translationally and rotationally relative to the housing. In
addition, the support means is rotationally movable relative to the
housing. Finally, in the first embodiment of the subject invention, the
cushion means functions as a pivot point to provide a fourth axis
adjustment.
Further objects and advantages of the subject invention will become
apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction
with the drawings in which:
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the first embodiment of the new and
improved adjustable headset of the subject invention shown connected to a
telephone.
FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view, partially in section, of the first
embodiment of the new and improved adjustable headset of the subject
invention.
FIG. 3 is an exploded, fragmentary prespective view, partially in section,
of the housing of the subject invention.
FIG. 4 is a fragmentary perspective view of an alternate form of cushion
means.
FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view of the wires, interconnecting the headset
with the telephone, taken along the line 5--5 in FIG. 2.
FIG. 6 is a side elevational view illustrating the positioning of the
cushion in the ear of a user.
FIG. 7 is an elevational view taken from the right side of FIG. 6
illustrating the positioning of the cushion means within the user's ear.
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the adjustable
headset of the subject invention including the new and improved clip for
affixing the headset to the eyeglasses of a wearer.
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the new and improved clip used in the
second embodiment of the subjection invention.
FIG. 10 is a side elevational view of the clip illustrated FIG. 9.
FIG. 11 is an end elevational view of the clip of the subject invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring generally to FIGS. 1-3, there is illustrated the first embodiment
of the adjustable headset 10 of the subject invention. The headset 10
includes a housing 12 containing a receiver transducer 14. A boom 16
having a microphone 18 is mounted to the housing. A wire headband 20 is
also mounted to the housing for affixing the headset to the wearer. Wire
band 20 which is preferably formed from metal is generally U-shaped in
configuration having dimensions corresponding to the user's head. A
plastic sheath 22 may be placed around wire band 20 for sanitary reasons.
A plastic tip 23 is provided to facilitate adjustment of the wire band 20.
A set of wires 24, providing discrete connections to both the microphone 18
and the receiver 14, extend from the housing 12 to phone 26. Preferably,
an intermediate amplification module 30 is electrically interconnected
between the phone 26 and the headset 10. The amplification module 30
includes a dual amplification circuit powered by the D.C. current on the
phone line. The circuit raises the voltage of the signals generated by the
microphone to useable levels. In addition, an adjustable receiver
amplifier circuit, having a potentiometer control 32, is provided for
boosting the incoming signals thereby permitting clearer reception of the
party on the other end of the call. Since the subject headset 10 is
intended to replace the conventional handset 34, the latter may be
disconnected from the phone circuit as illustrated in FIG. 1.
The housing 12, which may be formed from a high impact styrene plastic, is
generally cylindrical in configuration, having dimensions sufficient to
contain a disc-shaped receiver transducer 14. The receiver transducer 14
is similar to those used in hearing aid applications. The receiver 14 is
capable of converting electrical signals, carried by wire set 24 into
sound waves. The sound waves are projected through opening 40 of the
transducer 14.
In order to permit the sound waves to travel directly to the wearer's ear,
one end of the housing 12 is provided with an open sound port 42, as
illustrated in FIG. 3. Housing 12 may be advantageously manufactured in
two sections, as illustrated in FIG. 2. The main body of the housing 12
defines a cavity 44 for mounting the receiver 14. Once the receiver is
mounted within the cavity 44 and electrically connected to wires 24, an
outer ring 46 may be snapfit over flange 48 to secure the receiver within
the housing. Preferably an adhesive is utilized to enhance the
interconnection between ring 46 and the main body of the housing.
A hollow stem 50 is formed integrally with housing 12, through which wire
set 24 may be mounted. Wire set 24 includes two pairs of wires with one
pair being connected to the receiver 14 while the other pair extends down
boom 16 and is connected to microphone 18. Wire set 24 is wrapped in a
plastic sheath 56 as illustrated in FIG. 5. Preferably, a metal sheath 58
is disposed within the plastic sheath, surrounding the wire set. Metal
sheath 58, which may be formed from tinned copper, is flexible and
provides shielding from radio frequency interference. Another advantage of
flexible metal sheath 58 is that is strengthens the wire set 24 for long
lasting durability. As illustrated in FIG. 2, a quick mount connector 60
can be provided intermediate the length of wire set 24 to permit the
headset to be rapidly connected to the phone.
In accordance with the first embodiment of the subject invention, a cushion
means 62 is provided. Cushion means 62 is preferably cylindrical in
configuration and is replaceably connected to the housing 12 covering
sound port 42. Cushion means 62 may be formed from a ployurethane
compressible foam having a central channel 64 defined therein. Preferably,
a hollow plug 66 is fitted within central channel 64. Plug 66 functions to
rigidify channel 64 to insure the transmission of sound therethrough.
Plug 66 is also utilized to replacebaly connect cushion means 62 to housing
12. Accordingly, the rear end of plug 66 includes a snap ring 68 which is
connectable to a flange 69 formed on the received 14. Thus, cushion means
62 may be readily removed and replaced. By this arrangement, when the
headset is used by more than one person, the cushion means can easily be
replaced thereby substantially minimizing the spread of infection.
As illustrated in FIG. 6 and 7, cushion means 62 is intended to rest
against the user's ear and is configured to overcome the shortcomings in
the prior art headsets. More particularly, the diameter D.sub.1 of cushion
means 62 is configured to be greater than the diameter D.sub.2 of the
auditory canal 70 of a user's ear. Thus, plug 66 must necessarily be
spaced away from the inner ear such that infections caused by an invasive
earplug are substantially diminished. Further, the discomfort associated
with the wearing of an invasive earplug for an extended period of time is
eliminated.
Another advantage obtained by the unique configuration of the subject
cushion means 62 relates to the dissipation of unexpected high voltage
surges. More particularly, and as is mentioned above, high voltage surges
caused by outside sources are converted into loud level noise by the
transducer. In the prior art, this noise was channeled directly into the
inner recess of the ear via the eartube and earplug. In contrast, due to
the configuration of cushion means 62, plug 66 is spaced from the auditory
canal permitting high levels of excess sound to bleed away from the ear
canal 70 thereby reducing the likelihood of ear damage. As can be
appreciated, the irregular shape of the human ear creates plurality of
channels or gaps between cushion means 62 and the ear (indicated at 72 in
FIG. 6) which provide pathways for excess sound surges to escape. In
addition, cushion means 62 may be constructed such that sound will pass
through the cells of the foam. Accordingly, while low volume sounds will
be channeled directly towards the ear, surges will tend to bleed out in
all directions through the foam thereby reducing the concussive impact on
the eardrum.
In accordance with the subject invention, the diameter D.sub.1 is intended
to be small enough to enable cushion means 62 to be received within the
outer perimeter of the user's earlap 76 . By defining the dimensions of
cushion means 62 within these limits additional advantages over the prior
art are obtained. More particularly, cushion means 62 will be received in
part within the cartilage structure of the ear, as shown at 78 in FIG. 6.
Accordingly, cushion means 62 functions as a load bearing support such
that the weight of the headset is distributed between the headband 20 and
cushion means 62. By distributing the weight, the headset may be
comfortably worn for extended periods of time.
Another significant advantage of cushion means 62 relates to the
adjustability of the headset. More particularly, cushion means 62 is
capable of functioning as a pivot point about which the entire headset can
be adjusted for maximum signal transfer and wearer comfort. This
capability may be achieved for two reasons. First, the diameter D.sub.1 of
cushion means 62 is less than the size of the earlap 76. By this
arrangement, and as illustrated in FIG. 6, a ball joint type relationship
is created with the ear. Secondly, cushion means 62 is compressible
enabling it to pivot while remaining in contact with the ear cartilage.
Accordingly, support is maintaining while movement is allowed. In use, the
headset can be adjusted by rotating wire bank 20 in the direction
indicated by arrows A in FIG. 1, about the pivot point defined by cushion
means 62.
Referring the FIG. 4, there is illustrated an alternate embodiment of
cushion means 62a of the subject invention. Cushion 62a is formed of a
soft, pliable plastic material and includes a central cavity 64a, for
channeling sound waves from the receiver to the wearer. In this
embodiment, snap ring 68a is formed integrally with the cushion means and
a plug 66 is not necessary. Similar to the foam cushion means 62, cushion
62a is intended to rest on the cartilage of the ear, thereby reducing the
likelihood of infection and permitting the dissipation of sound surges.
Further, the pliant characteristics of the plastic enable the headset to
be pivoted about the cushion means 62a during adjustment. It is to be
understood of course that any suitable material having pliant
characteristics, including liquid filled pads could be utilized to form
the cushion means 62 of the subject invention. Preferably, some form of
snap ring 68 is provided to facilitate the connection of the cushion means
to the headset. As mentioned above, use of the snap ring 68 enables a
plurality of user's to share a single headset by permitting the
replacement of the cushion means 62 thereby inhibiting the spread the
infection.
In addition to the adjustability provided by cushion means 62, the subject
headset has been provided with additional means for adjustment for
maximizing signal transfer and wearer comfort. For example, wire band 20
is rotatably mounted to housing 12. More particularly, housing 12 is
provided with circumferential groove 80 disposed intermediate the side
edges of the housing. One end of wire band 20 is defined by a generally
circular bracket member or loop 82 which is slidably engaged within groove
80. During the assembly of the housing 12, bracket 82 of headband 20 may
be mounted over flange 48, prior to the mounting of ring 46. When the
sections of the housing are assembled, pressure is exerted on the bracket
portion 82 to substantially stabilize the position of band 20 relative to
the housing. However, the metal to plastic interface permits the rotation
of the metal wire band 20 relative to the housing when desired, in the
direction indicated by arrows B in FIG. 3. In combination with the
pivoting action permitted by cushion means 62, the subject headset can
thus be adjusted in two axes.
Another means of adjustment is provided by the slideable mounting of boom
16. Microphone boom 16 is preferably L-shaped in configuration having a
circular cross-section, and is formed from nickel plated brass. One end of
boom 16 includes a housing 84 for containing microphone 18. Preferably
microphone 18 is an electret condensor type capable of converting sound
into electrical signals.
In accordance with the subject invention, housing 12 includes an open-ended
cylindrical channel 86 for mounting the boom. Channel 86 extends radially
with respect to cylindrical housing 12. One end of boom 16 is mounted
within channel 86 in a manner such that the position of the boom, relative
to the housing, is substantially stabilized, while permitting the
rotational and translational movement of the boom when desired. In order
to achieve this relationship, a soft plastic liner 88, having a
cylindrical configuration, is interposed between the boom 16 and the
channel 86. In the prefered embodiment of the subject invention, the
cross-sectional diameter of the boom is on the order of 0.127 of an inch
while the cross-sectional diameter of channel 86 is 0.187 of inch.
Cylindrical liner 88 is provided with an outer diameter of 0.187 of an
inch and an inner diameter of 0.125 of an inch. The interengagement
between the boom 16 and the liner is sufficient to stabilize their
relative positions. However, due to the plastic to metal interface between
liner 88 and the boom, it is possible to move the boom 16 relative to the
channel 86. More specifically, and as illustrated in FIG. 3, by placing a
torque on the boom, it can be rotated in the direction of arrows C.
Further, by pulling or pushing the boom, translational movement can be
achieved in the direction of arrows D. The adjustability of the boom
enables the wearer to position the microphone in the desired location.
Another advantage of the plastic liner is that it can compensate for
manufacturing irregularities. As can be appreciated, in practice, the
desired diameters of the boom 16 and channel 86 may be difficult to
achieve. Thus, by utilizing the compressible liner 88, the desired
frictional engagement can be achieved even when the boom and channel are
not manufactured to exact tolerances.
A headset formed in accordance with the above description is provided with
adjustability in four axes. More specifically, the microphone boom may be
adjusted both translationally and rotationally within channel 86. Further,
headband 20 may be rotationally moved with respect to the housing 12.
Finally, due to the unique construction of cushion means 62, the entire
placement of the headset can be altered utilizing cushion means 62 as a
pivot point. In practice, when only a single user will wear the headset,
the position of the boom and the rotational position of the housing are
adjusted only during the initial fitting. The stable mounting of these
components will prevent their unwanted shifting. The exact position of the
headset combination can then be adjusted for each subsequent use by
pivoting the headset about cushion means 62.
Referring now the FIGS. 8-11 there is illustrated the second embodiment of
the adjustable headset 110 of the subject invention. The second embodiment
is intended to be affixed to the eyeglasses of the wearer. The headset 110
includes a housing 112 having substantially the same configuration as in
the first embodiment. More particularly, a cylindrical housing 112 is
provided having a circumferential groove 180 extending therearound and
disposed intermediate the ends thereof. A radially extending channel 186
is provided for mounting the boom 116. The boom is mounted in a mannner
identical to the first embodiment and need not be further described.
Since the headset is to be mounted on a temple of a pair of eyeglasses,
direct transfer of the sound to the ear cannot be achieved. Accordingly, a
plastic ear tube 190 is provided which is connectable to the housing for
transmitting sound to the ear of the wearer. Tube 190 includes an ear plug
192 for insertion within the ear canal. Tube 190 is formed from a flexible
plastic to facilitate its positioning adjacent the ear. The rigid tube
segment 194 is connected to the housing and extends outwardly therefrom.
The interior end of tube segment 194 is in communication with the receiver
transducer (not shown). The opposed, exterior end of tube segment 194
includes a circumferential lip 196. During assembly, ear tube 190 is press
fit over the circumferential lip 196 of tube segment 194 to hold it
securely in place. It is envisioned that over the lifetime of the headset,
tube 190 will be replaced at regular intervals. Preferably, ear tube 19
will be replaced when the headset is transferred from one user to another.
The second embodiment of the headset 110 is intended to be connected to the
eyeglasses of the wearer via a new and improved clip 210. As discussed
above, in the prior art, clips have been used to affix a headset to the
temple of an eyeglass frame. The clip illustrated in U.S. Pat. No.
3,184,556 is connectible to a frame having a fixed size. Various other
clips have been developed in the prior art intended to achieve a similar
connection.
The most common clip found in the prior art included a single spring member
for clamping the temple of an eyeglass frame. The clip would generally be
formed from a plastic material and be configured to accommodate a limited
range of standard size frames. The latter clips, however, were ineffective
for gripping temples having relatively small cross sectional dimensions.
As can be appreciated, there is a wide variety of eyeglass frames being
marketed today, including metal frames, having relatively thin
cross-sectional dimensions. Accordingly, it is an object of the subject
invention to provide a clip which will accommodate not only the standard
size eyeglass frame but will also be effective to securely grip a
relatively thinner temple. The new and improved clip 210 includes a
bracket member 220 having a circular aperture 222 formed therein. The
bracket member is intended to be engaged within groove 180 of the housing
112 of the headset. As in the first embodiment, the housing is formed from
two sections (not shown) such that during assembly of the headset, the
bracket 220 may be interposed and locked between the two sections of the
housing.
Clip 210 further includes an L-shaped support member 226 formed from a
resilient plastic material. Support member 226 is defined by first and
second connected arms 228 and 230 respectively. The first arm 228 is
connected to bracket member 220 and projects perpendicularly outwardly
therefrom, an amount sufficient to extend beyond the end of the housing
112, as seen in FIG. 11. Second | | |
