Abstract:
An ear-hook microphone headset device including a distinct microphone housing, an extension boom and ear-hook member for replacing handheld microphone systems. The microphone housing is designed to provide better sound quality and is rotatably secured to the extension boom. The ear-hook member of the invention is adjustable in size to provide support for the headset while accommodating users with different size ears and includes a recess to accommodate eyeglasses frames. Specifically, the ear-hook microphone headset is designed be secured to either the left or right ear of a user since the microphone housing can be rotated 180 degrees.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The invention relates to an ear-hook boom microphone which hooks around a user&#39;s ear to allow for hands-free communication. 
     2. Description of the Prior Art 
     Conventional citizen band (CB) radios, often used in motor vehicles, are hand operated units with a handheld microphone. As the number of vehicles on the road increases each day, it is critical that drivers stay focused on driving and keep both hands on the steering wheel. Those familiar with driving in traffic can appreciate that it is difficult and dangerous for the driver to be constantly reaching down to their CB unit to retrieve the handheld microphone. Various devices have been proposed to facilitate a solution to this problem, but such devices have not proved completely satisfactory. 
     Current ear-hanging headsets are generally a unitary piece of metal or plastic having a microphone element placed at the end of a boom, or extension, proximate the user&#39;s mouth. However, these prior art units fail to address some basic problems including, but not limited to, ambient noise interference and the use of microphone headsets with eyeglasses. 
     As ambient noise from the surrounding environment is picked up by the microphone, the clarity of the conversation is reduced. Currently, microphone elements are simply attached to the end of the boom and are covered by a foam shield to minimize the ambient noise. This design is only partially effective in reducing ambient noise. 
     Further, the current ear-hanging headsets are designed with a solid curved piece shaped to conform to the pinna of a human ear and fail to provide any accommodation to users that wear eyeglasses (i.e., prescription glasses, sunglasses, etc.). The curved pieces are usually built to provide adequate strength and support and are, therefore, made from rigid materials. As such, it is difficult for a user to wear these conventional headsets in connection with their eyeglasses. In one instance, the frames of the eyeglasses must lay on top of the rigid material which causes improper optical alignment for the user. Alternately, the frame must be sandwiched next to the rigid material and in the small space between the user&#39;s ear and the user&#39;s head. This may cause irritable rubbing and may become very painful and annoying. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide a novel ear-hook microphone device that can accommodate a variety of users while increasing audio detection. 
     In one embodiment, an ear-hook microphone is comprised of a hollow angled tubular housing, a boom extension and an ear-hook. The housing being formed at a 90 degree angle defines first and second legs which receive a microphone element. The boom connects the housing to the ear-hook allowing the housing to be placed proximal the user&#39;s mouth. The ear-hook includes an inner side shaped and dimensioned to conform to the outer periphery of the pinna of a human ear providing support for the device. 
     In another embodiment, the microphone housing is rotatably secured to the boom allowing the device to be positioned over the right or left ear of a user. 
     In another embodiment, the headset device is formed from separate elements connected together. Specifically, the housing includes a portion that is sized to provide a secure friction fit within the internal diameter of one end of the boom. At the opposite end, the boom includes an opening sized to securely accommodate an end of the ear-hook. 
     In another embodiment, the microphone includes a novel housing which contains a microphone element and an associated microphone cord. The housing is in the form of a 90 degree angled tube with first and second legs having first and second ends. The housing includes a microphone element seat in the first leg for maintaining the relative positioning of the microphone element within the housing. Further, four voice entry ports are located, at approximately 90 degree intervals around the circumference of the housing, between the location of the element seat and the housing apex. The housing includes various internal barriers sized to reduce ambient noise. The housing is formed in two halves which are hinged together and include a latching means allowing for opening and closing of the housing to enable replacement of the microphone element if necessary. 
     In another embodiment, the housing includes a plurality of fins, each positioned on opposite sides of the outside of the first leg of the housing, for assisting in maintaining a open cell foam wind screen on the unattached end of the first leg of the housing. 
     In alternate embodiment, the ear-hook incorporates a recess formed on the outer side which is sufficiently sized and positioned so as to be capable of receiving an eyeglass frame. This enables a user, who is wearing eyeglasses, to wear the ear-hook with the eyeglasses frames being received in the recess. 
     In another embodiment, the ear-hook includes an auditory canal seat formed in an inner side of the ear-hook, sized and positioned so as to provide a secure fit between the ear-hook and the auditory meatus of a user&#39;s ear. 
     In an alternate embodiment, the ear-hook includes an auditory canal seat adapter enabling adjustment in size of the ear-hook depending on the varying sizes of different user ears. 
     In another embodiment, the ear-hook is formed as two distinct pieces detachably secured to one another. 
     Other objects, advantages and salient features of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, which taken in conjunction with the annexed drawings, discloses a preferred, but non-limiting, embodiment of the subject invention. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a fragmentary exploded view embodying the present invention; 
     FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the entire housing with a microphone element positioned within; 
     FIG. 3 is an elevational view, partly broken away to show the details of construction of one embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 4 is an elevational view, partly broken away to show the details of construction of an alternative embodiment of present invention; 
     FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the present invention in use; 
     FIG. 6 is a front left side perspective view of the ear-hook including an alternative embodiment of the present invention; and, 
     FIG. 7 is a front left side exploded view of the ear-hook shown in FIG.  6 . 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The detailed embodiment of the present invention is disclosed herein. It should be understood, however, that the disclosed embodiment is merely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, the details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limited, but merely as the basis for the claims and as a basis for teaching one skilled in the art how to make and/or use the invention. 
     With reference to FIGS. 1,  3  and  4 , an ear-hook boom microphone device  10  is illustrated in three distinct sections including a microphone element housing  12 , an elongated boom  14  and an ear-hook  16 . A microphone cord  18  of sufficient length runs from a microphone element  20  positioned inside the housing  12 , through the boom  14  to the ear-hook  16  and connects to an associated audio in port (not shown) via a plug  22 . Though three distinct sections have been disclosed, the device can be formed as a unitary piece or in any number of segments without departing from the spirit of the invention. The device can also be used with a cordless microphone element or with the cord extending out through other ports in the system (not shown). 
     The housing  12 , boom  14  and ear-hook  16  sections are made from injection molded plastic. The boom  14  is made from a pliable material that allows the user to bend or adjust the device for maximum comfort and operation. The weight of the boom microphone is a high priority, and must remain extremely light since it does not utilize a head-band over the user&#39;s head for stability. As such, plastic is the preferred material used to make the boom microphone because it is inherently durable, however, other materials can be used without departing from the scope of the invention. 
     As illustrated, the housing  12  is shaped substantially as a right angle tubular piece wherein the legs of the right angle are designated as a first leg  24  and a second leg  26 . In one illustrative embodiment, a portion of the first leg  24  is covered by a foam wind screen  28 . 
     The foam wind screen  28  is selected from standard open cell foam material ensuring that the material does not substantially interfere with sounds directed into the housing  12 . The foam wind screen  28  is formed as a unitary piece with a cavity  30  positioned in its surface. The cavity  30  is sized to accept the first leg  24  of the housing  12  while forming a secure friction fit over the first leg  24 . This reduces the ambient noise reaching the microphone element  20  while preventing the foam wind screen  28  from coming loose. To assist in maintaining the foam wind screen  28  in place, two pairs of fins  31  are formed on the outer surface of the first leg  24  of the housing  12 . Each of the pair of fins  31  is formed on an opposite side of the housing  12  and the individual fins are longitudinally spaced along the first leg  24  to provide adequate grasping of the foam wind screen  28 . The fins  31  can be formed in varying shapes including, but not limited to, multi-sided pyramids, barbs and hooks so long as the fins  31  assist in maintaining the foam wind screen  28 . 
     The elongated boom  14  is formed as a hollow tubular member generally five inches in length having a proximal end  32  and a distal end  34 . While the boom  14  is disclosed as a hollow tubular member to accommodate the microphone cord  18 , the boom  14  could be constructed or molded as a solid piece with the microphone cord  18  affixed within the mold without departing from the spirit of the invention. The boom also can be formed without any consideration for a microphone cord if a wireless element is employed or if the cord exits the housing  12  at any other location. It is also possible to vary the length of the boom  14  to accommodate different users. 
     In the illustrative embodiment, a portion of the second leg  26  of the housing  12  has an outer diameter sized to frictionally fit within the inner diameter of the boom  14 . 
     The ear-hook piece  16  is formed from a support member sized and shaped to be conformable to the outer periphery of a human ear&#39;s pinna. Specifically, the ear-hook piece  16  is designed with an upper piece or pinna hook  36  that starts from a position partially in front of the upper area of the ear concha. The ear-hook  16  continues into a mid-section  38  forming a loop around the pinna and advancing to a lower end  40  which extends adjacent to the earlobe. This design for the ear-hook  16  provides increased comfort allowing the user to wear the ear-hook headset  10  for longer periods of time than allowed by previous ear-hook type headsets. 
     Positioned adjacent the lower end  40 , at a point that would be approximately beneath the auditory meatus or auditory canal of the user&#39;s ear and on the inner side  42  of the ear-hook  16 , is a rise or auditory canal seat  44  for contacting the ear. The auditory canal seat  44  is shaped and positioned to increase surface contact between the ear and the ear-hook  16 . Further, this arrangement assures a more secure fit while reducing the likelihood of the housing  12  moving out of position. Also, the auditory canal seat  44  reduces potential ear irritation by preventing the ear-hook  16  from rubbing or sliding around. 
     On the outer side  46  of the ear-hook  16 , approximately opposite the auditory canal seat  44 , is a microphone cord clamp  48 . The microphone cord clamp  48  is in the form of a channel sized to provide a secure friction fit for the microphone cord  18 . It should be noted that there are alternative positions along the ear-hook  16  where the microphone cord clamp  48  can be placed without departing from the spirit of the invention. 
     The ear-hook  16  also incorporates a passageway  50  sized to accommodate the microphone cord  18 . The passageway has two spaced apart openings  51  and  52  providing an entrance and exit for the microphone cord  18  to be admitted to the passageway  50 . Further, the passageway  50  extends from the lower end  40  at opening  51  up to opening  52 , a point proximate, but not exceeding, the microphone cord clamp  48 . In an illustrative embodiment, the passageway  50  is a bore of sufficient diameter to pass the microphone cord  18  therethrough. The microphone cord clamp  48  and the passageway  50  prevent the microphone cord  18  from getting in the user&#39;s way by providing for attaching behind the user&#39;s ear. 
     The lower end  40  of the ear-hook  16  and the inner diameter of the boom  14  are sized to form a friction fit connection as previously discussed with regard to the connection of the housing to the boom. Further, the lower end  40  is telescopically fitted inside the distal end  34  of the boom  14  in a similar fashion as the housing  12  and aligned such that the passageway  50  and opening  51  are positioned within the boom  14  to receive the microphone cord  18 . However, it should be noted that other connections can be fashioned between these two sections so long as the proper alignment is maintained. 
     Further, while the ear-hook  16  and boom  14  have been described as two separate pieces, they can be formed as a single integral unit, shaped to conform and be supported by the pinna while extending outwardly from the user&#39;s face and mouth. Alternately, the ear-hook  16  can be formed of multiple segments providing for interchangeable piece construction. Alternately, FIG. 4 illustrates a pin  53  positioned in the lower piece of the ear-hook  16  and a pin receiving means  54  positioned in the upper piece of the ear-hook  16 . The pin  53  and the pin receiving means  54  are sized accordingly to provide a pivotal engagement between upper and lower pieces of the ear-hook  16 . Specifically, the pivotal engagement is limited to movement, between the upper piece lower piece of the ear-hook  16 , in one planar direction. This permits the upper piece to hinge back and forth allowing for use of the ear-hook  16  with users having ears of different sizes. In one preferred embodiment, the hinging of the upper piece with respect to the lower piece has a maximum range of 10 degrees forwards or backwards off the vertical axis. 
     Another feature of the ear-hook  16  is a recess  56 . The recess  56 , positioned in the outer side  46  of the ear-hook  16 , extends from a position adjacent the pinna hook  36  at the top portion above a user&#39;s ear. Further, the recess  56  tapers off at a point before the microphone cord clamp  48 . The recess  56  acts as a comfort channel sized to accommodate the frame or ear portion  58  of a standard pair of eyeglasses without interfering with the normal positioning of the eyeglass frames  58  on the user&#39;s body. 
     While multiple sections of the device  10  have been disclosed as being secured to one another by telescopic friction fitting or alternative methods, the rotational movement of each of the elements, with respect to each other, is unrestricted. Therefore, the housing  12  can rotate, while secured to the boom  14 , allowing the device  10  to be used with either the right or left ear. 
     FIG. 2 is illustrative of the microphone element housing  12 . The housing  12  is formed as two halves wherein the inner portion of each half is substantially a mirror images of the other. 
     The housing  12  is viewed as being in a closed position when the halves are folded along an axis seam or hinge area  62 . In its closed position, the housing  12  forms a unitary tubular structure with an angle, of approximately 90 degrees, having an apex in the mid-region which defines the first and second legs  24 ,  26 . The tubular structure is partially closed off at its two defined ends, wherein a first end  64  is located in the first leg  24  and a second end  66  is located in the second leg  26 . In a preferred embodiment, the length of the housing measured from either of the two ends  64  or  66 , to the apex inner portion  118  is approximately 0.75 inches (0.191 centimeters). Further, the radius (R) of the external portion of the tubular housing  12  is approximately 0.1565 inches (0.3975 centimeters). The cavity  30  positioned in the foam wind screen  28  is approximately 0.75 inches (0.191 centimeters) deep having a radius of 0.3 inches (0.76 centimeters) to securely accommodate the first leg  24 . 
     Within the housing  12 , a pair of posts  68 ,  70 , and respectively positioned post receiving holes  72 ,  74 , are positioned in a lip  60  at the first end  64 . Further, these associated pairs of posts  68 ,  70  and post receiving holes  72 ,  74  are formed on opposite sides of the tubular halves at the first end. This arrangement, between the posts and holes, provides maximum alignment and a secure closure of the tubular housing  12  and maintaining the precision noise canceling capability of the housing  12 . 
     To assist in maintaining the secure closure of the housing  12 , a pair of latches  76 ,  78  are also provided. Each of the pair of latches  76 ,  78  is formed along or adjacent, and extends from, the lip  60  of one of the halves. Further, each of the latches  76 ,  78  connects to a respectively positioned latch receiver  80 ,  82  on the other open half when the housing  12  is in its closed position. In the illustrative embodiment, the latches  76 ,  78  are formed in the first leg  24  of the housing  12  and are positioned on the same side of the open housing  12 . The latch receivers  80 ,  82  are also formed in the first leg  24  of the housing  12  and are positioned on the same side of the open housing as each other, but opposite the latches  76 ,  78 . The importance of this latch arrangement is to allow for replacement of the microphone element  20 , if need be, without having to replace the entire ear-hook boom microphone device. 
     While two pairs of each of the posts, holes, latches and receivers are disclosed, alternative numbers of pairs with differing relative positions and different types of connections could be used to align and secure the housing  12  in a closed position without departing from the spirit of the invention. 
     To provide a way for audible sounds to be picked up by the microphone element  20 , the housing  12  has a first voice entry port  84  located in the center of the first end  64  of the housing  12  where the foam wind-screen  28  is to be positioned. As shown in FIG. 2, the first voice entry port  84  appears as a cutout semicircle in the edge formed at the first end  64  in each of the two halves. In an illustrative embodiment, the first voice entry port has a radius (R) of approximately 0.019 inches (0.048 centimeters). 
     Inside each of the halves of the housing  12  are two pairs of projections  86 ,  88 ,  90  and  92 . The arrangement of these projections form a seat  94  for the microphone element  20  when positioned therein. In one illustrative embodiment, one half of the first leg  24  of the housing  12  has the first pair of projections  86  located closest to the first end while the second pair of projections  88  is positioned away from the first pair of projections  86  by a distance sufficiently sized to receive and maintain a secure fit on the microphone element  20 . To establish optimal noise reduction, the seat  94  is sized to have a width of 0.135 inches (0.342 centimeters) as measured between the first pair of projections  86  and the second pair of projections  88 . Further, the seat  94  is optimally placed within the housing  12  to enhance the noise reduction properties of the housing arrangement. 
     The third pair  90  and the fourth pair  92  of projections are positioned in the other half of the open housing  12 , opposite the first and second pairs of projections  86 ,  88 , and form the other half of the securing seat  94  when the housing is closed. As with the first and second pairs of projections  86 ,  88 , the third and fourth pairs of projections  90 ,  92  are spaced 0.135 inches (0.343 centimeters apart. 
     In order to provide optimal clarity and reception of a user&#39;s voice, four voice entry ports,  96 ,  98 ,  100  and  102  circumscribe the tubular housing  12  and are positioned equidistant downstream from the seat  94  towards the apex. Further, the voice entry ports  96 ,  98 ,  100  and  102  are formed and positioned substantially in 90 degree intervals around the circumference of the tubular housing. Two of the voice entry ports  96 ,  98  are formed in the middle of each of the open halves while the other two voice entry ports  100 ,  102  are formed as semicircles in the lip  60  and seam  62  such that when the housing  12  is placed in a closed position, the voice entry ports  100 ,  102  are formed. In an illustrative embodiment, each of the voice entry ports is formed as a circle having a radius (R) of 0.035 inches (0.089 centimeters). 
     The relative positioning and sizes of the voice entry ports  96 ,  98 ,  100  and  102  circumscribing the tubular housing  12  is calculated to provide for maximum noise impedance. Specifically, any changes in the positioning of these four voice entry ports or the voice entry port at the end of the housing will dramatically change the noise canceling and modulation characteristics of the completed housing  12 . 
     Further, the placement of the microphone element  20  within the housing  12  is at a precise location gauged to achieve optimal background noise reduction while maintaining voice clarity in a single or unidirectional voice pattern. The microphone element  20  will only pick up or hear in the direction that the housing  12  is pointed at the end of the boom  14 . 
     A first microphone cord channel or first sound barrier  104  is positioned downstream from the four voice entry ports  96 ,  98 ,  100  and  102  towards the apex. The first sound barrier  104  is formed with a first aperture opening  106  sized to provide a tight seal on the microphone cord  18 . In an illustrative embodiment, the first aperture opening  106  is formed as a circle having a radius of 0.049 inches (0.124 centimeters). This is accomplished by forming the first aperture opening  106  out of two solid semicircle pieces, each positioned in a half of the tubular housing  12 . Further, the semicircle pieces are formed with small semicircles removed from the center of the diameter line. By aligning the semicircle pieces within the halves such that when the housing  12  is closed, the first aperture opening  106 , has a diameter just smaller than the diameter of the outer insulation sheath of the microphone cord  18 . This arrangement improves reception of the microphone element  20  by minimizing the detection of interfering external noises not directed into a voice port. 
     While multiple distinct elements have been disclosed in the housing, the housing is formed by simple injection molding of plastic with the aforementioned elements being formed from the mold as part of the housing structure. 
     The second leg  26  of the housing  12  is divided into a distal portion  108  and a proximal portion  110  relative to the apex in the housing  12 . The distal portion  108  has an approximate length of 0.625 inches (1.588 centimeters) while the proximal portion  110  has an approximate length of 0.125 inches (0.318 centimeters). Further, the distal portion  108  is of lesser internal and external diameter than the proximal portion  110  having an internal diameter of 0.160 inches (0.410 centimeters) and an external diameter of 0.234 inches (0.594 centimeters). Furthermore, the outer diameter of the distal portion  108  is approximately the same as the inner diameter of the boom  14 . This configuration provides a secure friction fit between the housing  12  and the boom  14 . Also, the outer diameter of the proximal portion  110  is approximately the same as the outer diameter of the boom  14  providing a flush external fit between the outer diameters of the boom  14  and housing  12  when they are connected. Such a firm fit between these components prevents inadvertent detachment while allowing for easy assembly. Alternately, if a piece is damaged or the microphone element needs to be replaced, friction fit connections allow the user to disassemble the device, repair or replace the damaged portion and reassemble the device with ease. 
     A second microphone cord channel or second sound barrier  112  is located at the second end  66  of the housing  12 . The second sound barrier  112  is formed with a second aperture opening  114  sized to provide a tight seal on the microphone cord  18 . In an illustrative embodiment, the second aperture opening  114  is formed as a circle having a radius of 0.049 inches (0.124 centimeters). This is accomplished by forming the second aperture opening  114  in the same manner as the first aperture opening  106  wherein two solid semicircle pieces are each positioned in a half of the tubular housing  12 . Further, the semicircle pieces are formed with small semicircles removed from the center of the diameter line. The semicircle pieces are aligned within the halves such that when the housing  12  is closed, the second aperture opening  114 , having a diameter just smaller than the diameter of the outer insulation sheath of the microphone cord  18 , is formed. In as much as the first sound barrier  104 , the second sound barrier  112  prevents unwanted extraneous noise from reaching the microphone element  20 . 
     FIG. 5 illustrates the ear-hook boom microphone device  10  in use. As shown, the user is wearing eyeglasses wherein the frame and ear portion of the eyeglasses is accommodated by the recess  56  in the ear-hook. Further, a microphone cord clip  116  is used to prevent the cord  18  from getting tangled with the user. This is an important safety device for anyone using the device  10  while operating machinery to prevent the microphone cord  18  from getting tangled with the machinery. Also, this may prevent the cord  18  from getting caught on something and causing the device  10  to get pulled off the user&#39;s head and get damaged. 
     In an alternative embodiment, FIG. 6 illustrates the auditory canal seat  44  with an auditory canal seat adapter  130  removably positioned over top. The auditory canal seat adapter  130  is a removable attachment, formed with a recess sized to accept the auditory canal seat  44 , which clips into a pair of holes  132  formed in the ear-hook  16 . As illustrated in FIG. 7, the holes  136  are positioned on each side of the ear-hook  16 . The auditory canal seat adapter  130  includes a pair of extensions  134  which are spaced apart approximately the same dimension as the width of the ear-hook  16  at the position of the holes  132 . The pair of extensions  134  include a pair of pins  136  with one on each extension and sized to securely fit in the holes  132  on the ear-hook  16 . This arrangement allows the auditory canal seat adapter  130  to be clipped onto the ear-hook  16  and freely swing down to a resting position over top of the auditory canal seat  44  accommodating a person with very small ears. 
     The auditory canal seat adapter  130  includes a pair of molded notches  138 , formed on opposite sides inside of the auditory canal seat adapter  130 , provide further adjustment of the relative positioning of the auditory canal seat adapter  130 . Upon swinging the auditory canal seat adapter  130  down over the auditory canal seat  44 , the molded notches  138  can be snapped into one of several receiving holes  140 ,  142  positioned on each side of the auditory canal seat  44 . The receiving holes  140  and  142  are spaced along the swing path of the auditory canal seat adapter molded notches  138  allowing for locking of the adapter  130  in various selected heights with respect to the auditory canal seat  44  and thereby increasing the comfort fit for the user. Though three auditory canal seat adapter positions have been disclosed: resting the auditory canal seat adapter  130  on the auditory canal seat  44 , and the two selected heights, multiple more positions can be designed without departing from the spirit of the invention. 
     While various preferred embodiments have been shown and described, it will be understood that there is no intent to limit the invention by such disclosure, but rather, is intended to cover all modifications and alternate constructions falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.