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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to communications headsets, in particular to
improving stability and versatility of lightweight headsets used in
conjunction with voice communications.
2. Discussion of the Prior Art
A typical prior art headset, designed for use with a telephone, has at
least one receiver element for converting electrical signals from the
phone into sound waves directed into a headset wearer's ear or ears. The
headset also has a microphone, typically mounted on the end of a
microphone boom adjacent the wearer's mouth, for converting the wearer's
voice into electrical signals going to the communication system. A cable
typically is used to connect the headset to an amplifier or directly to a
communication system, such as a phone system.
Communications headsets for use with telephones are currently manufactured
in a wide variety of configurations to accommodate different user
preferences. For example, binaural headsets have a receiver for each ear,
usually connected by a band over the top of the wearer's head, whereas
monaural headsets have a single receiver worn over one ear. Monaural
headsets can be secured by a band over the top of the head, or can be
secured in a number of ways on or around just one ear. A few of these
versions include headsets that balance on top of the hook over and behind
the ear, wrap around the ear or a portion of it, clip onto the ear, or fit
partially inside the ear. Headset models are also available for eyeglass
wearers that leave the top and back of the ear unobstructed for eyeglass
frames.
Some prior art headsets have an ear tube that is placed inside the ear
canal for directing sound from the receiver into the ear, while others
have the receiver located directly over the outside of the ear. Some
headset configurations have a microphone located at the end of a boom
while others have a hollow boom that directs the wearer's voice up to a
microphone transducer located inside the main body of the headset. More
recently, headsets have been developed which include a microphone which is
mounted behind the ear that picks up the wearer's voice directly from the
mastoid. Some newer headsets are cordless, and communicate with a phone
through radio transmission. Many of the above headset models have separate
configurations for wearing on the left or the right ear. Because all of
these configurations each have their own advantages and drawbacks (such as
reduced comfort, stability or convenience), it is unrealistic to have a
"universal" headset that satisfies the needs and desires of all potential
wearers. When a headset manufacturer produces a larger number of
configurations, the consumer's cost tends to be higher. This is due to
lost economies of scale, increased costs associated with stocking more
headsets and parts, and headset customers having to buy multiple headsets
instead of having employees share the use of a headset (such as employees
on different shifts) or not being able to pass headsets along to future
users.
Some styles of prior art headsets are capable of being worn on either ear,
as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,917,504, for example. In the latter device, a
receive housing is pivotally mounted (in a non-releasable fashion) to the
main body of the headset. When the device is switched from one ear to the
other, the receiver housing is rotated about the pivot connection.
Although the receiver housing can be rotated more than half way around, it
is not possible to configure the headset so that the same side of the
housing is properly aligned with either ear. Consequently, in this
approach, it is necessary that both sides of the receiver housing be
provided with sound ports so sound will reach the user's ear regardless of
which ear it is worn on. This reduces the privacy of the phone
conversation because sound is always broadcast away from the wearer's ear
as well as towards it.
Another disadvantage to prior art headsets is caused by the cable that
connects the headset to the communications equipment. A headset is
typically used instead of a standard telephone handset to free up the
hands of the wearer and to allow him or her greater mobility. The headset
needs to remain relatively secure on the wearer's head to maintain good
acoustical coupling between the receiver element and the ear, and to
maintain the proper positioning of the end of the microphone boom relative
to the wearer's mouth. The cable on prior art headsets tends to upset the
balance of the headset when the wearer tilts his or her head or moves
around. This problem reduces the wearer's mobility and or decreases the
performance and comfort of the headset.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Broadly stated, the present invention, to be described in greater detail
below, is directed to a communications headset having a detachable
receiver capsule and a cable that is pivotally connected to the receiver
housing.
In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a common detachable
receiver capsule can be used interchangeably with a variety of headset
bodies, thereby allowing multiple configurations and reducing cost by
facilitating manufacture, stocking, repair and upgrading the headset to
new or different models.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a pivotable
receiver capsule allows a single headset to be configured for use on
either the left or the right ear without the disadvantage of having sound
broadcast from both sides of the receiver capsule.
In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, a pivotable
cable connection reduces the unbalancing effects of the cable, thereby
providing a more stable and comfortable headset.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a side elevation view showing the preferred embodiment of the
inventive headset configured for use on the left ear.
FIG. 2 is a side elevation view showing the preferred embodiment of the
inventive headset with the receiver capsule removed.
FIG. 3A is a partial side, exploded view of the receiver capsule assembly
and detachable cushion.
FIG. 3B is a partial plan view of the receiver capsule assembly.
FIG. 3C is a partial plan view of the receiver capsule assembly showing the
range of motion of the cable pivot.
FIG. 4 is a side elevation view showing the preferred embodiment of the
inventive headset configured for use on the right ear.
FIG. 5 is a side elevation view with the receiver capsule removed, an
opposite view of FIG. 2 and a mirror image thereof.
FIG. 6 is an enlarged side elevation view of one half of the main body,
showing details of the ball joint.
FIG. 7A is a partial, exploded, side view of the outer portion of the
receiver capsule, showing details of the cable pivot joint.
FIG. 7B is a partial plan view of the inside of the outer portion of the
receiver capsule, showing details of the cable pivot joint.
FIG. 8 is a exploded perspective view of an alternative embodiment showing
the receiver capsule attached to a wire headband.
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment showing a
boomless headset.
FIG. 10A is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment showing a
wireless headset.
FIG. 10B is a side elevation view of the receiver capsule of FIG. 10A.
FIG. 11A is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment showing a
boomless and wireless headset.
FIG. 11B is a side elevation view of the receiver capsule of FIG. 11A.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
The limitations of the detailed embodiments below are provided for example
only, with the scope of the invention set forth by the appended claims. In
the preferred and alternate embodiments which follow, and in the
accompanying drawings, like reference numbers refer to similar structures.
Referring to FIG. 1, the preferred embodiment of the present invention is
shown configured for use on the left ear. The main body 10 of the
inventive headset 12 has an arcuate surface 14 which is designed to fit
over the top of the ear with the main body extending around the back of
the ear. The main body 10 includes a stabilizing arm 16 which is rotated
up against the bottom of the ear to stabilize the headset on the wearer's
head. A detailed description of the stabilizing arm 16 and how it
cooperates with the main body 10 to comfortably secure the headset 12 is
disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,260,997, issued Nov. 9, 1993, assigned to the
assignee herein and incorporated by reference. Receiver capsule 18 located
over the wearer's ear and produces sound which is directed into the ear.
Microphone boom 20 is mounted to receiver capsule 18 and contains a
microphone 22 at its distal end which is positioned near the wearer's
mouth to pick up his or her voice. Internal wiring (not shown) connects
the microphone 22 and receiver element 23 (FIG. 7B) inside the receiver
capsule 18 to cable 24, which in turn connects the headset 12 to external
communications equipment (not shown). In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1,
there are no electronics located in the main body 10, but rather all the
components and circuitry are located in the self contained receiver
capsule 18 (and attached boom 20 and cable 24).
Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, capsule holder 26 detachably connects
receiver capsule 18 to the main body 10, and positions receiver capsule 18
so that it is directly over the auditory canal of the wearer's ear. FIG. 2
shows the headset 12 with the receiver capsule 18 removed. In the
preferred embodiment, a ball and socket joint 28 is used to connect the
capsule holder 26 to the main body. This pivot joint allows the receiver
capsule 18 to rotate, pivot forward and back, and pivot in and away from
the wearer's head, thereby comfortably conforming to the orientation of
the outer surface of the ear.
FIG. 6 shows details of the ball and socket joint 28. In the preferred
embodiment, the main body 10 is split along a vertical center plane with
each half formed by a plastic shell 29, each shell 29 being substantially
a mirror image of the other. A ball 28a is formed on the proximal end of
the capsule holder 26. An elastomer friction element 28b, such as of
Santoprene (registered trademark of Monsanto Company, St. Louis, Mo.), is
used to form the top half of the socket to provide resistance to ball
rotation in order to keep the receiver capsule 18 in place once it has
been adjusted by the user. The bottom portion of the ball joint socket is
provided by spherically shaped contact points 28c formed in plastic shell
29. Cone shaped relief 28d is provided beneath the ball and socket joint
28 to allow the capsule holder 26 and receiver capsule 18 to rotate 45
degrees in any direction away from the axis of the joint 28. Two notches
28e (only one shown) are also provided which permit the capsule holder 26
to rotate 90 degrees away from the axis in two positions, allowing the
receiver capsule to be lifted completely away from either ear.
Capsule holder 26 is preferable made from a steel wire, so that the capsule
holder 26 is able to flex outwardly, as shown by arrow A in FIG. 2, and
then spring back when the receiver capsule 18 is attached or detached.
Capsule holder 26 encircles the receiver capsule roughly two thirds around
its circumference. This allows a sufficient length of wire at the distal
end 30 of the capsule holder 26 to retain the receiver capsule 18, but not
so great a length wire as to prevent the receiver capsule from being
easily detached.
As seen in FIG. 3A, a continuous groove 32 is provided around the
circumference of receiver capsule 18 for engaging the capsule holder 26.
Because the groove is continuous, receiver capsule 18 can be rotated with
respect to the capsule holder 26, but is held in the desired orientation
by an inward spring force exerted by the capsule holder 26 and/or friction
between the receiver capsule 18 and the capsule holder 26. Because the
microphone boom 20 is attached to the receiver capsule 18, this adjustable
rotation allows the microphone 22 to be properly oriented adjacent the
wearer's mouth. Preferably, the boom 20 is also formed from a flexible
material to permit further adjustments.
The inward surface 34 of capsule 18 contains a plurality of sound ports 36
to allow sound waves generated by the receiver element (not shown) to pass
through the receiver capsule 18 into the auditory canal of the wearer's
ear. The remaining surfaces of the receiver capsule, including the
opposite outward surface 38, are sealed. This ensures that substantially
all of the sound from the receiver element is directed into the wearer's
ear and not out into the surrounding environment. A removable and
replaceable foam cushion 40 with a frame 42 fits over the inward surface
34 to provide a more comfortable and sanitary fit for the wearer and a
better acoustical seal with the ear. Also, foam cushion 40 can be replaced
with a variety of different types and shapes of cushions, depending on the
user's preference.
Referring now to FIGS. 1, 3B and 3C, the inventive headset 10 further
includes a cable pivot 44 between the cable 24 and the receiver capsule
18. Cable pivot 44 allows cable 24 to pivot about an axis perpendicular to
the surface of the wearer's ear, as shown by arrow B in FIG. 3C. This
pivoting action of the cable 24 allows the cable 24 to exert a uniform
force (from its own weight and tension) on a centrally balanced point on
the headset 12 regardless of the forward inclination of the wearer's head,
thereby greatly reducing the amount of unsettling force to the headset 12
that typically accompanies movement of the wearer's head. In use, the
cable tends to hang straight down and pivots as the wearer's head is
tilted, so that it remains pointing down and exerts a force about a
central fulcrum point. With this inventive feature, quick movements of the
head are not accompanied with sharp yanks from the cable on the headset
which might disrupt the performance of the headset and even require the
headset to be repositioned on the wearer's head. The cable pivot 44
eliminates the torque that is exerted on conventional headsets when the
cable extends back and exerts a downward force on an increased lever arm,
thereby unbalancing the headset.
As shown in FIG. 3C, the rotation of the cable 24 is limited by the
proximal end of the microphone boom 20 where it is attached to the
receiver capsule. Limiting the rotation in this way prevents damage to the
cable wiring that would occur if the cable 24 were wound predominantly in
one direction. In the preferred embodiment, the range of cable rotation
(shown by arrow B in FIG. 3C) is limited to approximately 300 degrees.
FIGS. 7A and 7B show details of the cable pivot 44. Cable 24 enters cable
pivot 44 through a radial end 44a, makes a right angle turn and exits the
cable pivot 44 at its axial end 44b and continues into the receiver
capsule 18 (only the outer half of the receiver capsule 18 is shown).
Segmented flange 44c rotatable secures the cable pivot 44 onto the
receiver capsule 18. Because the flange 44c is segmented and can be flexed
inwardly, the axial end 44b of the cable pivot 44 can be snapped into a
complementary hole (not shown) in the center of the outside shell of the
receiver capsule 18 and is captivated by flange 44c. A loose fit is
provided between relief 44d and the complementary hole to ensure minimal
resistance to cable pivot rotation. A strain relief 44e is located inside
the receiver capsule 18 to prevent cable 24 from being pulled out.
The rotatable and releasable manner in which the receiver capsule 18 is
held by the capsule holder 26, in combination with the cable rotation
provided by cable pivot 44 and capsule rotation provided by ball and
socket joint 28, allows the inventive headset 12 to be configured by the
wearer for use on either ear, as described below. In the preferred
embodiment, the entire headset excluding the receiver capsule 18 is
symmetrical about a vertical center plane. Also, the receiver capsule 18
is symmetrical about an axis passing through its center and through the
center of ball and socket joint 28.
FIG. 1 shows the headset 12 configured for use on the left ear. Headset 12
can be reconfigured for the right ear with or without removing the
receiver capsule from the capsule holder 26. To reconfigure the headset 12
for use on the right ear, as shown in FIG. 4, without disengaging the
receiver capsule 18, the capsule holder 26 and receiver capsule 18 are
rotated about one half revolution by spinning ball joint 28 about a nearly
vertical axis (an axis through the straight portion 45 of capsule holder
26.) The microphone boom 20 will then be on the opposite side of the
headset 12 and extending rearward. To change the orientation of microphone
boom 20 so that it is properly extending forward, the receiver capsule 18
is rotated within the capsule holder 26. Cable pivot 44 allows cable 24 to
continue to extend down when the orientation of the receiver capsule 18 is
changed. After these two rotations, the headset 12 is configured for use
on the right ear, as shown in FIG. 4. With the headset in place on the
right ear, the wearer can rotate the receiver capsule 18 within in the
capsule holder 26 to adjust the microphone boom 20 to the desired
orientation.
User changeability and product line uniformity is also greatly increased by
the novel features of present invention. The receiver capsule 18 can be
detached from a behind the ear main body 10 shown in FIG. 1, and attached
to a variety of other types of headsets. For example, the receiver capsule
18 can be attached to a wire headband model, shown as 112 in FIG. 8. In
this embodiment, a standard over the head, wire headband 110 is provided
with a flexible capsule holder 126 at one end thereof. If the user prefers
to switch to a headband support, the capsule merely has to be attached to
the capsule holder 126 of wire band 110 in the manner described above with
respect to the first embodiment. In this alternate embodiment, the user
can change ears simply by rotating the capsule so that the boom faces in
the proper direction.
FIGS. 9 to 11 illustrate alternate embodiments which utilize the most
current advances in headset technology such as mastoid microphones and
cordless communication circuitry. As noted above, communication headsets
are becoming ever smaller, lighter, more mobile and transparent to the
wearer. The use of a removable and replaceable receiver capsule 18 lends
itself to the new headset configurations that are being developed. New
features can be added to the manufacturing process more easily, and
customers can upgrade or change configurations simply by unsnapping one
receiver capsule and swapping it with another.
FIG. 9 shows a headset 412 wherein a mastoid microphone 46 is used instead
of a more traditional microphone boom. The mastoid microphone 46 is
mounted in the main body 410 to pick up the wearer's voice directly from
the mastoid process below and behind the user's ear. The receiver capsule
18 is replaceably mounted to capsule holder 26 in the manner described
above. In this embodiment, wires running from the mastoid microphone to
the cable 24 must pass from the main body to the receiver capsule. It is
envisioned that this connection will be made by an external cable (not
shown) bridging the main body and receiver capsule near the ball joint. A
rotation stop (not shown) should be employed to keep this cable from
winding around the capsule holder when the capsule holder is rotated about
the ball joint. In order to make the receiver capsule detachable, a plug
or disconnect device (not shown) should also be provided.
FIGS. 10A-10B show a headset 512 having a conventional microphone boom and
a transceiver 48 instead of a cable to communicate with external
communications equipment. An on board battery 50 powers the headset and is
inserted through a battery door 52. A slide control 54 is mounted on the
receiver capsule 518 to adjust the volume. An "on/off hook" push button 56
is also mounted on the receiver capsule 518. FIGS. 11A-11B show a headset
612 that is both wireless and boomless combining the advanced features of
both the embodiments in FIGS. 9 and 10.
It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the
sole embodiments described above and illustrated herein, but encompasses
any and all variations falling within the scope of the appended claims.
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