Communications headset having a detachable receiver capsule and cable pivot

• US 5,450,496 A
• Filed: 07/30/1993
• Issued: 09/12/1995
• Est. Priority Date: 07/30/1993
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: ACS Wireless Incorporated (Alaska Communications Systems Group Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: ACS Communications, Inc. (Black Box Ltd.)
• Inventors: Linville, Larry R., Vitug, Joseph, Burris, Christine, Gattey, Phillip A.
• Primary Examiner(s): Kuntz, Curtis
• Assistant Examiner(s): Le, Huyen D.
• Application Number:
  US08/105,283
• Time in Patent Office: 774 Days
• Field of Search: 381/183, 381/187, 381/25, 381/68.6, 381/68.7, 381/68.3, 381/68, 379/430, 181/128, 181/129, 181/135
• US Class Current: 381/375
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/05 specially adapted for use on head, throat or breast
• CPC Class Codes: H04R 1/1008 Earpieces of the supra-aural or circum-aural type
• CPC Class Codes: H04R 1/1058 Manufacture or assembly
• CPC Class Codes: H04R 1/1066 Constructional aspects of the interconnection between earpiece and earpiece support earpiece support for monophonic headphones H04R1/105; earpiece support for stereophonic headphones H04R5/0335
• CPC Class Codes: H04R 2201/107 Monophonic and stereophonic headphones with microphone for two-way hands free communication
• CPC Class Codes: H04R 2201/109 Arrangements to adapt hands free headphones for use on both ears
• CPC Class Codes: H04R 2420/07 Applications of wireless loudspeakers or wireless microphones

Abstract

A communications headset is disclosed having a detachable receiver capsule rotatably and pivotally attached to a main body, and a cable pivot for allowing the headset connection cable to pivot with respect to the receiver capsule. This combination of features allows the headset to be configured for use on either ear, and allows the receiver capsule to be used in conjunction with a variety of main body assemblies. Stabilization of the headset on the wearer'"'"'s head is also increased by the cable pivot. The pivoting action of the cable allows the cable to exert a uniform force (from its own weight and tension) on a centrally balanced point on the headset regardless of the forward inclination of the wearer'"'"'s head, thereby greatly reducing the amount of unsettling force to the headset that typically accompanies movement of the wearer'"'"'s head.

Claims

1. A communications headset comprising:

main body for securing the headset in a fixed location relative to the wearer'"'"'s head;

a receiver capsule connected to the main body and located over the auditory canal of an ear of the wearer, the receiver capsule accommodating a receiver element for converting electrical signals into audible sound waves that are coupled with the auditory canal through sound port means;

a cable for electrically connecting the headset to external communications equipment; and

cable pivot means located on the receiver capsule and extending therefrom along a pivot axis substantially perpendicular to the plane of the ear, the pivot means being rotatable about the pivot axis, the cable extending from the pivot means in a radial direction from the pivot axis, thereby allowing the cable to remain hanging in a downward direction from the pivot means when the wearer'"'"'s head is inclined forward and back.

2. A communications headset according to claim 1, wherein the cable pivot is centrally located on a side of the receiver capsule opposite the sound port means.

3. A communications headset according to claim 2, further comprising a microphone boom having a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end being located adjacent the wearer'"'"'s mouth for picking up sound waves therefrom, the proximal end being attached to the side of the receiver capsule opposite the sound port means adjacent to the pivot means, thereby limiting the cable from pivoting one full revolution.

4. A communications headset according to claim 1, further comprising a microphone boom having a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end being located adjacent the wearer'"'"'s mouth for picking up sound waves therefrom, the proximal end being attached to the receiver capsule, wherein the receiver capsule is detachable from the main body and can be rotated about the pivot axis before being reattached, thereby allowing the headset to be worn on either ear with the microphone boom extending forward adjacent the wearer'"'"'s mouth and allowing the sound port means to face the wearer'"'"'s ear.

5. A communications headset according to claim 1, wherein the main body comprises at least one member that secures the headset around the back of the ear.

6. A headset as recited in claim 1 further including a microphone boom fixedly mounted to said receiver capsule.

7. A headset as recited in claim 6, wherein said the connection between said receiver capsule and the main body includes a wire, rotatably mounted about the circumference of the receiver capsule, permitting said receiver capsule to rotate.