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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a transceiver for hanging on an ear and more
particularly to an improved transceiver that can be worn on the body of an
individual.
In many instances, there are cases when it is desirable to permit an
individual to wear a transceiver directly on his body. Such applications
are particularly useful in outdoor sports such as water or snow skiing,
hunting or the like. Although the advantages of body worn transceivers are
many, in order to be practical, the device must be not only comfortable
but must also be mounted in such a way that it or parts of it cannot be
easily disengaged from the body of the user during these sporting
activities.
For example, it is possible to have the earphone mounted in a position to
register with the auditory canal so as to permit good hearing. In
addition, the microphone can be mounted either in proximity to the
individual's mouth or in contact with a part of has body such as his head
in order to pick up the sound waves emanated by his speaking and transmit
them. In addition, an amplifier receiver arrangement should be
incorporated that will receive, amplify and transmit signals to and from
the transceiver. It is important that all of these components can be
mounted conveniently and yet securely. Also in sporting use such as skiing
or the like, it is important that wind noises not adversely affect
performance. The prior art devices proposed for this purpose have not been
as convenient or as foolproof as is desired.
It is, therefore, a principal object of this invention to provide an
improved body worn transceiver, particularly adapted for sporting use.
It is a further object of this invention to provide an improved arrangement
for mounting either or both the earphone and/or microphone of a
transceiver on the head of an individual in a comfortable and yet secure
manner and which will reduce noise interference.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A first feature of this invention is adapted to be embodied in a
transceiver for use by an individual and adapted to be worn on the
individual's person. The transceiver comprises an earphone that is adapted
to emit sound and means for mounting the earphone in registry with the
auditory canal of the individual. The mounting means is comprised of a
first portion that extends across the outer portion of the outer ear and
which carries the earphone directly. A second portion is connected to the
first portion and is adapted to extend across the back portion of the
outer ear for retaining the earphone in registry with the auditory canal.
A microphone is also carried by the mounting means and is held in
engagement with a portion of the head of the individual for picking up
sounds emanated when the individual speaks.
In accordance with another feature of the invention, the microphone is held
in engagement with rear portion of the individual's head to be shielded
from external wind noise.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an individual wearing a transceiver
constructed in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of the microphone, earphone portion
of the transceiver and its mounting arrangement.
FIG. 3 is a rear elevational view showing the mounting of the embodiment on
the individual's ear.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view, in part similar to FIG. 2, showing another
embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 5 is a side elevational view showing another embodiment of the
invention.
FIG. 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along the line 6--6 of
FIG. 5 and shows the mounting of the microphone of this embodiment.
FIG. 7 is a rear elevational view, in part similar to FIG. 3, showing how
this embodiment is mounted on the user's ear.
FIG. 8 is a top plan view looking in the direction of the arrow 8 in FIG.
5.
FIG. 9 is a view generally similar to FIG. 8 but shows another embodiment
of the invention and way for deadening extraneous sounds.
FIG. 10 is a rear elevational view of this embodiment and showing the
resilient biasing of the microphone when the device is not being worn.
FIG. 11 is a rear elevational view, in part similar to FIG. 10, showing the
deflection of the resilient mounting when being worn by a user.
FIG. 12 is a side elevational view of another embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 13 is a side elevational view of this embodiment shown as being worn
by a user.
FIG. 14 is a top plan view looking in the direction of the arrow 14 in FIG.
13.
FIG. 15 is a rear elevational view looking in the direction of the arrow 15
in FIG. 13.
FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing another embodiment of the invention
operating in stereo.
FIG. 17 is a side elevational view of a transceiver constructed in
accordance with another embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 18 is a side elevational view of the transceiver of FIG. 17 mounted on
the head of an individual.
FIG. 19 is a top plan view of this embodiment taken in the direction of the
arrow 19 in FIG. 18.
FIG. 20 is a rear elevational view taken in the direction of the arrow 21
in FIG. 19.
FIG. 21 is a top plan view showing how the location of the microphone on
the head of the user can reduce extraneous noises.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring first to FIG. 1, an individual is depicted as wearing a
transceiver constructed in accordance with an embodiment of this
invention, which transceiver is identified generally by the reference
numeral 31. The transceiver 31 includes a combined receiving and sending
unit 32 which is, in the illustrated embodiment, adapted to be affixed to
a life jacket 33 worn by the user by means of detachable fasteners 34
which may be of the hook and loop type, snap type or any other type. The
receiver, transmitter 32 can be of any known type and basically its
construction and operation forms no part of the invention. Alternatively
to the mounting on the life jacket 33, the transmitter, receiver 32 may be
mounted on an arm of the wearer by means of a holder 35 and belt 36. Such
an alternative mounting arrangement is shown is phantom lines in FIG. 1.
The invention deals particularly with the earphone and microphone portions
of the transceiver 31, which are comprised of an assembly indicated
generally by the reference numeral 37 and which is adapted to be mounted
on the ear 38 of the user in a manner to be described. The assembly 37
includes an earphone 39 that is mounted in registry with the auditory
canal of the user and a microphone 41 that is adapted to be held in
engagement with the head of the user so as to pick up sound waves
emanating from the vibration of the head generated during talking. The
microphone 41 and earphone 39 are connected to the transmitter, receiver
32 by respective conductors 42 and 43 so that the spoken words will be
transmitted by the transmitter, receiver 32 and received messages will be
made audible to the wearer by the earphone 39.
Referring now is greater detail to FIG. 2 and 3, the mounting device will
be described in detail. This mounting device is comprised of a pair of
resilient members including a first generally arcuate shape member or arm
44 which may be formed of a wire core with a surrounding protective
elastic material. The earphone 39 has a mounting portion 45 that is
slidably supported upon the arm 44 so that the operator may position the
earphone 38 in registry with his auditory canal. The resilient arm 44
includes a second portion or arm 46 that is adapted to lie on the rear
side of the wearer's ear 38 with the biasing of the arms 44 and 46 being
such that the earphone will be held in close registry with the wearer's
outer ear and specifically has auditory canal. It should be noted that the
arm 44 overlies the wearer's outer ear and specifically the outer surface
of it as does the mounting arrangement for the earphone 39. As a result,
the device will be comfortably and yet snugly held to the wearer's ear.
There is provided a connecting member 47 at the juncture between the arms
44 and 46 from which a third arm 48 extends. The third arm portion 48 is
also resilient and is biased inwardly toward the side of the wearer's
head. The microphone 41 is carried at the outer end of the arm 48 and will
be pressed against the rider's skull through the skin so as to provide
good pickup of sounds emanated when the weaver speaks. The wires 42 and 43
pass through the arms 48 and 44 so as to transmit electrical signals
between the microphone 41, earphone 39 and transmitter, receiver 32 for
transmitting the sounds.
FIG. 4 shows another embodiment of the invention which is similar to the
embodiment of FIG. 1 through 3 and only differs in the method of mounting
the microphone 41 on the end of the arm 48. Because of the other
similarities of this embodiment to the previously described embodiment,
those components which are the same have been identified by the same
reference numerals and will not be described again, except insofar as may
be necessary to understand the construction and operation of this
embodiment.
In this embodiment, the arm 48 has affixed to its end a generally annular
member 51 that is complementary in configuration to the microphone 41. The
microphone 41 is carried by the annular member 51 by means of an elastic
or sponge like cylindrical body 52 so as to be continuously pressed
against the wearer's head. Thus, the element 52 adds to the resilience of
the arm 48 and insures a good and yet unobjectionable contact, The elastic
member 52 will also dampen any unwanted sounds from external sources.
FIG. 5 through 8 show another embodiment of the invention which is
generally similar to the previously described embodiment but differs in
respects which will be described. In this embodiment, the head assembly is
indicated generally by the reference numeral 61 and includes a mounting
portion, indicated generally by the reference numeral 62, and which may be
formed from a molded resilient plastic. This portion has a first arm 63
that carries an earphone 64 in proximity to the auditory canal 65 of the
wearer's ear 38 (FIG. 8). a further arm 66 is disposed on the rear side of
the wearer's outer ear, as clearly shown in FIG. 7, and serves to operate
with the arm 63 so as to hold the unit in place and still be comfortable
to the wearer.
There is provided a further arm 67 that extends somewhat parallel to the
arm 66 but is offset so as to hold a microphone 68 carried by the arm 67
in a manner to be described against the wearer's head.
Referring to FIG. 6, it will be noted that the arm 67 is provided with an
aperture 70 in which a pin 69 affixed to the microphone 68 is slidably and
tiltably received. The pin 69 has a headed portion 71 and a coil
compression spring 72 engages the arm 67 and urges the microphone 68
outwardly into engagement with the wearer's head. The construction is such
that the microphone 68 be moved in and out in the direction A indicated in
FIG. 6 and may also pivot in a universal manner about the arc B.
In order to prevent the transmission of noises from air flow during
sporting movements or other occurrences, there is provided an air flow
shield 73 that is affixed to the arm 63 in an appropriate manner and which
overlies the earphone 64 as clearly shown in FIG. 8. As shown in this
figure, the air flow C will be deflected by the air shield 73 and reduce
extraneous noises. In this embodiment, the earphone 64 is mounted directly
from the air shield 73.
FIG. 9 shows another embodiment of the invention which is generally similar
to the embodiment of FIG. 5 through 8 and and differs from it only in the
manner in which the earphone 64 is mounted. For that reason, only this
portion of the construction has been illustrated and will be described.
This embodiment generally bear the same relationship to FIGS. 5 through 8
as the embodiment of FIG. 4 bears to the embodiment of FIGS. 1 through 3.
That is, in this embodiment, the earphone 64 is resiliently biased against
the open end of the auditory canal by means of a resilient elastomer
element 81 in addition to the biasing of the arm 63. As with the
previously described embodiment, the earphone 64 is actually carried by
the air shield 73 which is, in turn, carried by the arm 63. In all other
regards, this embodiment is the same and further description of it is not
believed to be necessary.
FIG. 10 and 11 shows how the resilience of the arm 67 is useful in
maintaining the bias of the microphone 68 against a side 91 of the user's
head 92. It will be noted that in the unstressed condition before the user
places the unit 61 on his head, the arm 67 forms an angle X with the arm
66. When, however, the user places the unit 61 on his head, the arm 67
will be deflected and will only make the angle Y with the arm 66.
Therefore, the arm is under a resilient bias and will hold the microphone
68 against the wearer's head. The mounting arrangement shown in FIG. 6
will add still further to the resiliency to insure a good fit relationship
and insure that the sound waves created by the rider's speaking will be
transmitted to the microphone 68, the rearward placement is also effective
in reducing interference from external sources, as will become apparent.
In the embodiments of the invention as thus far described, the microphone
has been positioned below and slightly to the rear of the wearer's
auditory canal. Although this arrangement is particularly useful, it may
in some instances desirable to mount the device in such a way that the
microphone will be positioned in contact with the wearer's cheekbone.
FIGS. 12 through 15 show such an embodiment wherein the headpiece is
identified generally by the reference numeral 101. The mounting of the
earphone and the construction of it may be substantially the same as the
embodiment of FIG. 5 through 8 and of FIG. 9 and, for that reason, these
components of the assembly have been identified by the same reference
numerals and reference may be had to the foregoing description for their
construction and operation.
In this embodiment, the arm 63 has a forwardly extending portion 102 from
which the microphone 66 may be mounted either directly or by means of a
construction as shown in FIG. 6. The arm portion 102 may extend downwardly
as shown in solid lines in this figure or forwardly as shown in phantom
lines. Actually, the configuration of the arm portion 63 may be such so as
to permit the microphone 66 to be positioned at the appropriate area to
engage the desired portion of the wearer's head.
In order to provide further stability with this embodiment, there is
provided a further arm 103 which resiliently engages the lower portion of
the wearer's head or neck.
In all of the embodiments as thus far described, the headsets have been
monaural and have been designed to operate only with a single ear of the
user. It should be obvious, however, that a stereo arrangement may be
possible and FIG. 16 shows such an arrangement. In this embodiment, there
are provided two headsets 121 and 122 which may be identical to each
other, except that only one of them need carry the microphone. The
construction of the individual headsets may be the same as any of the
previously described embodiments and FIG. 16 shows headsets that are the
same as the embodiment of FIG. 5 and through 8. However, only the headset
122 carries a microphone, indicated by the reference numeral 68. In all
other regards, this embodiment is the same as the previously described
embodiment and, for that reason, the components which are the same have
been identified by the same reference numeral.
A headphone constructed with yet another embodiment of the invention is
illustrated in FIG. 17 through 21 and is identified generally by the
reference numeral 151. In accordance with this embodiment, the mounting
piece, indicated generally by the reference numeral 152 may be formed from
a molded plastic and has a first arm portion 153 from which the earphone
154 is mounted in any of the previously described methods. The arm 153
depends from a forwardly extending arm 155 that is biased and curved so as
to engage the head of the user so as to add stability.
There is also provided a further resilient are 156 that underlines the ear
38 of the user so as to hold the earphone 151 in position with the
auditory canal of the user in the manners previously described.
In this embodiment, there is provided a further resilient arm 157 that
engages the user's head beneath his ear 38. This arm 157 does not directly
carry the microphone 158. Rather, the microphone 158 is connected to the
arm 157 by means of a wire 159 so as to transmit the signal to the cable
42. However, in this embodiment, the microphone 158 is connected to a
strap or belt 161 by some form of detachable connector. The strap 161 may
be worn around the neck of the user and by rotating it, the location of
the microphone 158 can be adjusted. Preferably, the microphone 158 should
be disposed to be rearwardly of a line 162 which separates the front of
the user's head from the rear. In this way, the wind noise will be
shielded form the microphone as shown in FIG. 21.
Referring to FIG. 21, this figure illustrates how the placement of the
microphone on the user's head (either the head per se 201 or the neck
202). As to the head per se 201, there is a line 203 behind which the
natural shape of the head provides a shield from air flow indicated by the
arrows 204. There is a similar shield line 205 for the neck per se 202. If
the microphone is placed in contact with the head per se 201 behind the
line 203 or the neck per se 202 behind the line 205, the shape of the head
(head per se and/or neck) will provide protection from extraneous air
noise.
It should be readily apparent from the foregoing description that a number
of embodiment of the invention have been illustrated and described, each
of which will provide a very convenient and easily worn headpiece
including the microphone and earphone, the microphone and earphone will be
held in firm contact with the user but the device is light in weight and
not at all objectionable. Although a number of embodiments of the
invention have been illustrated and described, various changes and
modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of
the invention, as defined by the appended claims.
* * * * *
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