Abstract:
An adjustable earpiece for a communications headset includes a hook, an arm to displaceably connect to the hook, a hinge to connect to the arm and to the communications headset, and a connection mechanism to adjustably prevent relative displacement of the arm and the hook.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   Implementations described herein relate generally to devices and, more particularly, to an adjustable earpiece for a communications headset. 
   2. Description of Related Art 
   A communications headset may include a flip hook (or earpiece) positioned above and behind an ear of a user to secure the headset to the user. The flip hook may be configured to rotate about an axis toward or away from the headset so that the communications headset may be alternatively worn on either ear of the user. The flip hook may be flipped open to allow the user&#39;s ear in between, and may pivot at a bottom portion to further adjust the communications headset. Thus, typical flip hooks may provide three axes of freedom relative to the headset: flipping, pivoting, and flipping and rotating at the same time. 
   Despite three axes of freedom, some users may not comfortably wear a communications headset with a typical flip hook due to the different sizes of users&#39; ears. For example, a headset with a typical flip hook may not properly rest on the ears of such users, or may press into or move away from the face of such users. 
   SUMMARY 
   According to one aspect, an earpiece for a communications headset may include a hook, an arm to displaceably connect to the hook, a hinge to connect to the arm and to the communications headset, and a connection mechanism to adjustably prevent relative displacement of the arm and the hook. 
   Additionally, the hook may include a junction that divides the hook into two portions and enables the hook to rotate relative to the communications headset. 
   Additionally, the hook may be shaped to substantially conform to an ear of a user. 
   Additionally, the hook may include at least one of natural rubber, synthetic rubber, plastic, or metal. 
   Additionally, the arm may include a ring and the hook may include a blade that is configured to engage the ring and prevent displacement of the arm relative to the hook. 
   Additionally, the ring may include a protrusion and the blade may include a hole configured to communicate with the protrusion of the ring to provide an indication of a position of the arm relative to the hook. 
   Additionally, the hook may include an opening that receives the arm and enables the arm to be displaced relative to the hook. 
   Additionally, the arm may be configured to be displaced relative to the hook a distance ranging from about zero millimeters to about 4.8 millimeters. 
   Additionally, the hinge may rotatably connect to the communications headset. 
   Additionally, the earpiece may include an elastically deformable coupling mechanism to connect to the hinge and to frictionally connect to a socket of the communications headset. 
   Additionally, the connection mechanism may include a nut provided around an outer surface of the hook and an outer surface of the arm. 
   Additionally, the nut may be configured to provide an inward radial force to fix a relative position of the hook to the arm. 
   According to another aspect, a communications headset may include a housing that includes at least one of a speaker or a microphone, and an earpiece to connect to the housing. The earpiece may include a hook, an arm to connect to the hook, a hinge to connect to the arm and to the housing, and a connection mechanism to connect the arm to the hook and configured to control displacement of the hook over a length of the arm. 
   Additionally, the communications headset may be configured to communicate with a device selected from at least one of a radiotelephone, a personal communications system (PCS) terminal, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a laptop computer, a global positioning satellite (GPS) device, a personal computer, a television, an MP3 player, or a pager. 
   Additionally, the housing may further include a socket that rotatably connects the hinge to the housing. 
   Additionally, the hook may include a junction that divides the hook into two portions and enables a first hook portion to rotate relative to the housing. 
   Additionally, the hook may be shaped to at least partially conform to an ear of a user. 
   Additionally, the arm may include a ring and the hook includes a blade to engage the ring and prevent displacement of the arm relative to the hook. 
   Additionally, the ring may include a protrusion and the blade may include a hole that is capable of communicating with the protrusion of the ring to provide an indication of a neutral position between the arm and the hook. 
   Additionally, the hook may include an opening that receives the arm and enables the arm to move towards and away from the hook. 
   Additionally, the arm may be capable of moving towards or away from the hook a distance ranging from about zero millimeters to about 2.4 millimeters. 
   According to yet another aspect, an earpiece may include a hook including an opening and configured to connect to an ear of a user, a blade provided within the opening of the hook, an arm capable of being displaced relative to the hook within the opening of the hook, a ring provided around an outer surface of the arm and configured to engage an inner surface of the blade, a hinge connected to the arm and configured to connect to a communications headset, and a nut connecting the arm to the hook and preventing displacement of the arm relative to the hook by causing the blade to engage and prevent movement of the ring. 
   According to a further aspect, a method may include loosening an adjustable nut connecting a hook and an arm of an earpiece, the earpiece being configured to connect to an ear of user, adjusting the displacement of the arm relative to the hook based on the size of the ear of the user, and tightening the adjustable nut to prevent displacement of the arm relative to the hook when the adjusting is determined. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate an embodiment of the invention and, together with the description, explain the invention. In the drawings: 
       FIG. 1  is a front elevational view of an exemplary communications headset including an exemplary earpiece according to an implementation consistent with principles of the invention; 
       FIG. 2A  is a front elevational view of the exemplary earpiece of  FIG. 1  with a telescoping arm in a neutral position; 
       FIG. 2B  is a front elevational view of the exemplary earpiece of  FIG. 1  with the telescoping arm in an in position; 
       FIG. 2C  is a front elevational view of the exemplary earpiece of  FIG. 1  with the telescoping arm in an out position; 
       FIG. 3A  is a front elevational view of hinge and arm portions of the exemplary earpiece of FIGS.  1  and  2 A- 2 C; 
       FIG. 3B  is a plan view of the hinge and arm portions of  FIG. 3A ; 
       FIG. 3C  is a side elevational view of the hinge and arm portions of  FIG. 3A ; 
       FIG. 4A  is a front elevational view of a hook portion of the exemplary earpiece of FIGS.  1  and  2 A- 2 C; 
       FIG. 4B  is a side elevational view of the hook portion of  FIG. 4B ; 
       FIG. 5A  is a front elevational view of a blade provided within the hook portion of the exemplary earpiece of FIGS.  1  and  2 A- 2 C; 
       FIG. 5B  is a side elevational view of the blade of  FIG. 5A ; 
       FIG. 6A  is a cross-sectional view, taken along line  6 - 6  of  FIG. 2A , of portions of the exemplary earpiece of FIGS.  1  and  2 A- 2 C, with the telescoping arm provided in an unlocked position; 
       FIG. 6B  is a cross-sectional view, taken along line  6 - 6  of  FIG. 2A , of portions of the exemplary earpiece of FIGS.  1  and  2 A- 2 C, with the telescoping arm provided in a locked position; 
       FIG. 7A  is a plan view, in partial cross section, of portions of the exemplary earpiece of FIGS.  1  and  2 A- 2 C, with the telescoping arm provided in a neutral position; 
       FIG. 7B  is a plan view, in partial cross section, of portions of the exemplary earpiece of FIGS.  1  and  2 A- 2 C, with the telescoping arm provided in a contracted position; 
       FIG. 7C  is a plan view, in partial cross section, of portions of the exemplary earpiece of FIGS.  1  and  2 A- 2 C, with the telescoping arm provided in an extended position; and 
       FIG. 8  is a flowchart of an exemplary process according to an implementation consistent with principles of the invention. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
   The following detailed description of the invention refers to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numbers in different drawings may identify the same or similar elements. Also, the following detailed description does not limit the invention. 
   Implementations described herein may provide an adjustable earpiece for a communications headset that may permit the headset to fit on the ears of most if not all users. For example, in one implementation, the earpiece may include a hook portion, an adjustable nut, an arm, and a hinge. The hook portion may rotate about an axis toward or away from the headset so that the communications headset may be alternatively worn on the left or right ear of the user. The hinge may connect to the arm, and may pivot about an axis to enable the earpiece to be flipped open to allow the user&#39;s ear in between and to further adjust the communications headset. The adjustable nut may enable the arm to telescope towards and away from the interconnected hook portion to further adjust the communications headset based on the size of a user&#39;s ear. 
   A “communications headset,” as used herein, may include headphones, earphones, earbuds, stereophones, headsets, any instrument capable of receiving an electrical signal from a device and converting the electrical signal into audible sound waves, any instrument capable of converting audible sound waves into an electrical signal and transmitting the electrical signal to a device, etc. 
   The communications headset may connect to (e.g., wired or wirelessly) and be used in conjunction with a device. As used herein, a “device” may include a radiotelephone; a personal communications system (PCS) terminal that may combine a cellular radiotelephone with data processing, a facsimile, and data communications capabilities; a personal digital assistant (PDA) that can include a radiotelephone, pager, Internet/intranet access, web browser, organizer, calendar, a Doppler receiver, and/or global positioning system (GPS) receiver; a laptop; a GPS device; a personal computer; a television; an MP3 player (e.g., an iPod); a pager; and any other device capable of utilizing one or more communications headsets. 
     FIG. 1  is a diagram illustrating an exemplary communications headset  100  consistent with principles of the invention. As shown in  FIG. 1 , communications headset  100  may include a housing  110  provided with a speaker  120 , a microphone  130 , and an adjustable earpiece  140 . Housing  110  may protect the components of communications headset  200  from outside elements. Speaker  120  may provide audible information to a user of communications headset  100  by converting electrical signals (e.g., from a device) into audible information. Speaker  120  may also protrude from housing  110  and may be positioned in a concha portion of the user&#39;s ear when communications headset  100  is worn by the user. Microphone  130  may receive audible information from the user and may convert the audible information into electrical signals for transmission (e.g., to a device). 
   Earpiece  140  may be positioned above and behind the ear when communications headset  100  is worn by the user. Earpiece  140  may connect to housing  110  via a socket  160 , and may pivot about socket  160  to enable earpiece  140  to be flipped open to allow the user&#39;s ear in between and to further adjust communications headset  100 . Earpiece  140  may also be displaced along a direction  170  to further adjust communications headset  100  based on the size of a user&#39;s ear. A portion of earpiece  140  may rotate about an axis toward or away from communications headset  100  so that communications headset  100  may be worn on either the left or right ear. 
   Although  FIG. 1  shows a variety of components for communications headset  100 , in other implementations, communications headset  100  may include fewer or more components. For example, communications headset  100  may include a keypad, a display for providing visual information to the user, control buttons  240  for permitting the user to interact with headset  100  to cause headset  100  to perform one or more operations, etc. 
   Exemplary Adjustable Earpiece 
     FIGS. 2A-2C  are exemplary diagrams illustrating an exemplary earpiece (e.g., earpiece  140 ). As shown in  FIG. 2A , earpiece  140  may include a hook  200 , an adjustable nut  210 , an arm  220 , a hinge  230 , and a coupling mechanism  240 . Hook  200  may include a junction  250  that divides hook  200  into two portions and enables hook  200  to rotate in a direction  260  about an axis A. Rotational direction  260  may enable an ear-engaging portion of hook  200  to be swung towards and away from housing  110 . In one implementation, for example, hook  200  may include a flip hinge or an indexing hinge at junction  250  that may include a spring mechanism that biases the ear-engaging portion of hook  200  towards a number of positions in relation to the stationary portion of hook  200 . Such an arrangement may enable the ear-engaging portion of hook  200  to rotate about axis A toward or away from communications headset  100  so that communications headset  100  may be used in the left or right ears of the user. Adjustable nut  210  may interconnect hook  200  to arm  220 , hinge  240  and coupling mechanism  240  in a manner such that arm  220  may telescope in direction  170  towards and away from hook  200 , as described below. Coupling mechanism  240  may pivotally couple hinge  240  and earpiece  140  to housing  110 , as described below. 
   Hook  200  may be a variety of sizes and shapes, for example, depending upon the size of one or more other components of communications headset  100 . For example, in one implementation, hook  200  may be shaped to conform to shape of a human ear, and/or may be C-shaped, etc. Hook  200  may be made from a variety of materials, including any of the materials used to make existing hooks for headset flip hooks. For example, in one implementation, hook  200  may include rubber (natural or synthetic), plastic, metal, combinations of the aforementioned materials, etc. Hook  200  may be connected to the remaining portions of earpiece  140  in a variety of ways. For example, in one implementation, hook  200  may connect to arm  220  via adjustable nut  210 . As described below, arm  220  may be moveably provided within hook  200  and may connect to hook  200  via tightening of adjustable nut  210 . In another implementation, hook  200  may connect to arm  220  using other similar adjustable connection mechanisms. 
   Adjustable nut  210  may be a variety of sizes and shapes, for example, depending upon the size of one or more other components of communications headset  100 . For example, in one implementation, nut  210  may be shaped to interconnect hook  200  and arm  220 , and/or may be circular, octagonal, pentagonal, etc. Adjustable nut  210  may be made from a variety of materials, including any of the materials used to make existing components for headset flip hooks. For example, in one implementation, nut  210  may include rubber (natural or synthetic), plastic, metal, combinations of the aforementioned materials, etc. Adjustable nut  210  may interconnect portions of earpiece  140  in a variety of ways. For example, in one implementation, arm  220  may be moveably provided within hook  200  and may interconnect to hook  200  via tightening of adjustable nut  210 , as described below. In another implementation, adjustable nut  210  may be replaced with other similar adjustable connection mechanisms. As described below, adjustable nut  210  may include an inner screw thread that engages a portion of hook  200 . Nut  210  may be turned a portion of a full turn (e.g., one quarter of a full turn, where a full turn is three-hundred and sixty degrees) to release the clamp on the telescoping arm  220 . The user may push arm  220  toward hook  200  or pull arm away from hook  200  to a desirable position. The user may fasten the telescoping arm  220  by turning adjustable nut  210  again (e.g., a portion of full turn). Hook  200  may provide the flipping action (e.g., via junction  250 ) whether or not adjustable nut  210  is tightened or loosened. 
   Arm  220  may be a variety of sizes and shapes, for example, depending upon the size of one or more other components of communications headset  100 . For example, in one implementation, arm  220  may be shaped to be received within adjustable nut  210 , and/or may be circular, octagonal, pentagonal, etc. Arm  220  may be made from a variety of materials, including any of the materials used to make existing components for headset flip hooks. For example, in one implementation, arm  220  may include rubber (natural or synthetic), plastic, metal, combinations of the aforementioned materials, etc. Arm  220  may interconnect to the remaining portions of earpiece  140  in a variety of ways. For example, in one implementation, arm  220  may be moveably provided within hook  200  and may interconnect to hook  200  via tightening of adjustable nut  210 , as described below. As shown in  FIG. 2A  and described below, arm  220  may be provided in a “neutral” or starting position. 
   As shown in  FIG. 2B , arm  220  may also be provided in a contracted or “pushed in” position by turning nut  210  a portion of a full turn (e.g., one quarter of a full turn) to release the clamp on the telescoping arm  220 . The user may push arm  220  toward hook  200  a distance  270  to place arm  220  in the contracted position. Distance  270  may be determined by comparing the distance between adjustable nut  210 A and hinge  230  in the neutral position (in  FIG. 2A ) and adjustable nut  210  and hinge  230  in the contracted position (in  FIG. 2B ). For example, in one implementation, distance  270  may be in the range of about zero millimeters (mm) to about 2.4 mm. The user may fix the telescoping arm  220  in the contracted position by tightening adjustable nut  210  (e.g., a portion of full turn). 
   As shown in  FIG. 2C , arm  220  may further be provided in an extended or “pulled out” position by turning nut  210  a portion of a full turn (e.g., one quarter of a full turn) to release the clamp on the telescoping arm  220 . The user may pull arm  220  away from hook  200  a distance  280  to set arm  220  in the extended position. Distance  280  may be determined by comparing the distance between adjustable nut  210 A and hinge  230  in the neutral position (in  FIG. 2A ) and adjustable nut  210  and hinge  230  in the extended position (in  FIG. 2C ). For example, in one implementation, distance  280  may be in the range of about zero millimeters (mm) to about 2.4 mm. The user may fix the telescoping arm  220  in the extended position by tightening adjustable nut  210  (e.g., a portion of full turn). 
   Whether a user sets arm  220  in the neutral, contracted, or extended positions may depend upon the size of the user&#39;s ear as well as how the user desires communications headset  100  to rest on the user&#39;s ear. The user may set the desired position of arm  220  once, and may not need to adjust arm  220  each time headset  100  is worn. Alternatively, the user may adjust the telescoping action of arm  220  any number of times. In other implementations, the user may adjust telescoping arm  220  any distance between the contracted or extended positions. Alternatively or additionally, the user may adjust telescoping arm  220  a distance greater the contracted or extended positions. 
   Hinge  230  may be a variety of sizes and shapes, for example, depending upon the size of one or more other components of communications headset  100 . For example, in one implementation, hinge  230  may be cylindrical-shaped and have an opening to receive coupling mechanism  240 , and/or may be circular, ring-shaped, doughnut-shaped, etc. Hinge  230  may be made from a variety of materials, including any of the materials used to make existing components for headset flip hooks. For example, in one implementation, hinge  230  may include rubber (natural or synthetic), plastic, metal, combinations of the aforementioned materials, etc. Hinge  230  may be connected to arm  220  in a variety of ways. For example, in one implementation, hinge  230  may be integrally formed with arm  220 . In other implementations, hinge  230  may connect to arm  220  using glue, adhesive, and/or other similar connection mechanisms. 
   Coupling mechanism  240  may be a variety of sizes and shapes, for example, depending upon the size of one or more other components of communications headset  100 . For example, in one implementation, coupling mechanism  240  may be cylindrical-shaped and have an opening to receive socket  160 , and/or may be circular, ring-shaped, doughnut-shaped, etc. Coupling mechanism  240  may be made from a variety of materials, including any of the materials used to make existing components for headset flip hooks. For example, in one implementation, coupling mechanism  240  may include an elastically deformable material (e.g., rubber (natural or synthetic), plastic, and/or combinations of the aforementioned materials), etc. Coupling mechanism  240  may connect to hinge  230  in a variety of ways. For example, in one implementation, coupling mechanism  240  may be force fit with hinge  230 . In other implementations, coupling mechanism  240  may connect to hinge  230  using glue, adhesive, and/or other similar connection mechanisms (e.g., via heating curing of coupling mechanism within hinge  230 ). By providing hinge  230  with coupling mechanism  240  a snap-coupling may be provided between socket  160  of housing  110  and hinge  230  since coupling mechanism  240  may permit socket  160  to be forced into coupling mechanism  240  by elastic deformation. Coupling mechanism  240  may also provide increased friction between socket  160  and hinge  230 , which may contribute to holding housing  110  in a preferred position on the user&#39;s ear, after adjustment of communications headset  100 . 
     FIGS. 3A-3C  provide front elevational, plan, and side elevational views, respectively, of arm  220  and hinge  230  of earpiece  140 . As shown in  FIGS. 3A-3C , a ring  300  with a protrusion  310 , and an extension  320  may cooperate with arm  220 . Ring  300  may be provided around the outer surface of arm  220 , and arm  220  may freely rotate within ring  300 . Ring  300  may be a variety of sizes and shapes, for example, depending upon the size of one or more other components of communications headset  100 . For example, in one implementation, ring  300  may be cylindrical-shaped and have an opening to receive arm  220 , and/or may be circular, ring-shaped, doughnut-shaped, etc. Ring  300  may be made from a variety of materials, including any of the materials used to make existing components for headset flip hooks. For example, in one implementation, ring  300  may include rubber (natural or synthetic), plastic, metal, and/or combinations of the aforementioned materials, etc. In another implementation, ring  300  may be free molded (also known as “in mold assembly”) from an elastomeric material. Protrusion  310  may extend away from an outer surface of ring  300  may be a variety of shapes and sizes. For example, protrusion  310  may be sized and shaped to provide an indication of various position settings (e.g., the neutral position) of earpiece  140 , as described below. 
   Extension  320  may be a variety of sizes and shapes, for example, depending upon the size of one or more other components of communications headset  100 . For example, in one implementation as shown in  FIG. 3B , extension  320  may be cylindrical-shaped and may have a recessed portion  330 , and/or may be cylindrical-shaped without a recessed portion, etc. Extension  320  may be made from a variety of materials, including any of the materials used to make existing components for headset flip hooks. For example, in one implementation, extension  320  may include rubber (natural or synthetic), plastic, and/or combinations of the aforementioned materials, etc. Extension  320  may connect to arm  220  in a variety of ways. For example, in one implementation, extension  320  may be integrally formed with arm  220 . In other implementations, extension  320  may connect to arm  220  using glue, adhesive, and/or other similar connection mechanisms. 
     FIGS. 4A and 4B  are front and side elevational views, respectively, of hook  200 . As shown in  FIG. 4A , hook  200  may include a bearing portion  400  with a window  410  provided therein and an outer thread  420  extending away from an outer surface of bearing portion  400 . A blade  430  for locking telescoping arm  220  (as described below) may be provided within bearing portion  400 , and a portion of blade  410  may be seen in window  410  of bearing portion  400 . As further shown in  FIG. 4A , an opening  450  may be provided within bearing portion  400  for receiving telescoping arm  220 , as described below. The outer surface of a part of bearing portion  400  may be surrounded by nut  210 , as shown in  FIG. 4A . 
   As shown in  FIG. 4B , nut  210  may include an inner thread (described below in connection with  FIGS. 6A and 6B ) that may be interrupted by axial grooves or recesses  440 . Outer thread  420  of bearing portion  400  may be interrupted by a slit  460 . Outer thread  420  may communicate with the inner thread provided in nut  210 . That is, outer thread  420  may be sized and shaped to conform to the size and shape of the inner thread of nut  210 . One axial recess  440  may communicate with a part of blade  430  via slit  460  provided in bearing portion  400 , as further shown in  FIG. 4B . Blade  430  may be provided within and conform to the shape of an inner surface of bearing portion  400 . 
     FIGS. 5A and 5B  are front and side elevational views, respectively, of blade  430  shown in  FIGS. 4A and 4B . As shown in  FIGS. 5A and 5B , blade  430  may include a C-shaped portion  500 , an abutment portion  510 , and a cylindrical body  520  integrally formed together. Blade  430  may further include a hole  530  that may communicate with protrusion  310  or ring  300  to indicate various position settings (e.g., the neutral position) of earpiece  140 , as described below. Blade  430  may be a variety of sizes and shapes, for example, depending upon the size of one or more other components of communications headset  100 . For example, in one implementation, blade  430  may be cylindrical-shaped and include hole  530  to receive protrusion  310 . Blade  430  may be made from a variety of materials, including any of the materials used to make existing components for headset flip hooks. For example, in one implementation, blade  430  may include rubber (natural or synthetic), plastic, metal, and/or combinations of the aforementioned materials, etc. Blade  430  may provide a locking mechanism for telescoping arm  220 , as described below. 
     FIG. 6A  is a cross-sectional view, taken along line  6 - 6  of  FIG. 2A , of portions of earpiece  140 , with telescoping arm  220  provided in a moveable or “unlocked” position. As shown in  FIG. 6A , a portion of arm  220  may be surrounded by ring  300 , blade  430  may surround ring  300 , and a part of bearing portion  400  may surround blade  430 . In the unlocked position, protrusion  310  of ring  300  may be received in hole  530  of blade  430 . As further shown in  FIG. 6A , nut  210  may include threads  600 A,  600 B,  600 C, and  600 D (collectively referred to as threads  600 ), and may be rotated in a direction  610  to lock or unlock telescoping arm  220 . Threads  600  and nut  210  of  FIG. 6A  may be provided in an unlocked position so that telescoping arm  220  may be adjusted. In the unlocked position, nut  210  (e.g., threads  600  of nut  210 ) may not provide an inward radial force on bearing portion  400 . In turn, bearing portion  400  may not apply an inward radial force on blade  430 , and blade  430  may not apply an inward radial force on ring  300 . Thus, arm  220  may telescope towards or away from hook  200 . 
     FIG. 6B  is a cross-sectional view, taken along line  6 - 6  of  FIG. 2A , of portions of earpiece  140 , with telescoping arm  220  provided in a fixed or “locked” position. Nut  210  may be rotated a portion of a full turn (e.g., one quarter of a turn) so that threads  600 A,  600 B,  600 C, and  600 D may be aligned as shown in  FIG. 6B . In the locked position, nut  210  (e.g., threads  600  of nut  210 ) may provide an inward radial force on blade  430 , and blade  430  may apply an inward radial force on ring  300 . Thus, arm  220  may be prevented from telescoping towards or away from hook  200 , but may rotate freely within ring  300 . 
     FIG. 7A  is a plan view, in partial cross section, of portions of earpiece  140 , with telescoping arm  220  provided in the neutral position. As shown in  FIG. 7A , a part of arm  220 , ring  300 , and extension  320  may be received in opening  450  of bearing portion  400 . Opening  450  may be sized to accommodate extension  320  as arm  220  is moved towards and/or away from bearing portion  400  of hook  140 . 
     FIG. 7B  is a plan view, in partial cross section, of portions of earpiece  140 , with telescoping arm  220  provided in the contracted position. As shown in  FIG. 7B , nut  210  may be loosened (e.g., by partially turning nut  210 ), and arm  220  may pushed in towards bearing portion  400  a predetermined distance. For example, in one implementation described above in connection with  FIG. 2B , the user may push arm  220  toward hook  200  a predetermined distance (e.g., distance  270 ) to set the arm in the contracted position. Distance  270  may be in the range of about zero millimeters (mm) to about 2.4 mm. If arm  220  is provided in the contracted position, extension  320  may extend further into opening  450  of bearing portion  400  than it does in the neutral position. 
     FIG. 7C  is a plan view, in partial cross section, of portions of earpiece  140 , with telescoping arm  220  provided in the extended position. As shown in  FIG. 7C , nut  210  may be loosened (e.g., by partially turning nut  210 ), and arm  220  may pulled away from bearing portion  400  a predetermined distance. For example, in one implementation described above in connection with  FIG. 2C , the user may pull arm  220  away from hook  200  a predetermined distance (e.g., distance  280 ) to set the arm in the extended position. Distance  280  may be in the range of about zero millimeters (mm) to about 2.4 mm. If arm  220  is provided in the extended position, extension  320  may extend less into opening  450  of bearing portion  400  than it does in the neutral position. 
   Although  FIGS. 7A-7C  show arm  220  telescoping towards and/or away from bearing portion  400  a predetermined distance, in other implementations, arm  220  may move towards and/or away from bearing portion  400  a larger distance than the predetermined distance described above. Furthermore, in other implementations, arm  220  may include an opening that receives bearing portion  400  rather than bearing portion  400  receiving arm within opening  450 . 
   Exemplary Process 
     FIG. 8  is a flowchart of an exemplary process  800  according to an implementation consistent with principles of the invention. As shown in  FIG. 8 , process  800  may loosen an adjustable nut from a ring of an arm of an earpiece (block  810 ). For example, in one implementation described above in connection with  FIGS. 2A-2C , nut  210  may be turned a portion of a full turn (e.g., one quarter of a full turn) to release the clamp on telescoping arm  220 . In another implementation described above in connection with  FIG. 6A , in the unlocked position, nut  210  (e.g., threads  600  of nut  210 ) may not provide an inward radial force on bearing portion  400 . In turn, bearing portion  400  may not apply an inward radial force on blade  430 , and blade  430  may not apply an inward radial force on ring  300 . Thus, arm  220  may telescope towards or away from hook  200 . 
   As further shown in  FIG. 8 , process  800  may adjust arm towards and/or away from a hook of the earpiece based on a size of a user&#39;s ear (block  820 ). For example, in one implementation described above in connection with  FIGS. 2B and 2C , the user may push arm  220  toward hook  200  or pull arm  220  away from hook  200  a predetermined distance (e.g., distance  270  or  280 ) to set the arm in the contracted or extended positions. Whether a user sets arm  220  in the neutral, contracted, or extended positions (or at other shortened or elongated positions) may depend upon the size of the user&#39;s ear as well as how the user desires communications headset  100  to be provided on the user&#39;s ear. In another implementation described above in connection with  FIGS. 7A and 7B , if arm  220  is provided in the contracted position, extension  320  may extend further into opening  450  of bearing portion  400  than it does in the “neutral” position. If arm  220  is provided in the extended position, extension  320  may extend less into opening  450  of bearing portion  400  than it does in the “neutral” position. 
   Process  800  may tighten the adjustable nut on the ring of the arm when the adjusted size is determined (block  830 ). For example, in one implementation described above in connection with  FIGS. 2B and 2C , the user may lock the telescoping arm  220  in the extended or contracted positions (or at other positions) by turning adjustable nut  210  (e.g., a portion of full turn). In another implementation described above in connection with  FIG. 6B , nut  210  may be rotated a portion of a full turn (e.g., one quarter of a turn) in direction  610  so that threads  600 A,  600 B,  600 C, and  600 D may be aligned as shown in  FIG. 6B . In the locked position, nut  210  (e.g., threads  600  of nut  210 ) may provide an inward radial force on blade  430 , and blade  430  may apply an inward radial force on ring  300 . Thus, arm  220  may be prevented from telescoping towards or away from hook  200 , but may rotate freely within ring  300 . 
   CONCLUSION 
   Implementations described herein may provide a one-size-fits-all earpiece for a communications headset that may permit the headset to fit comfortably on the ears of most if not all users. For example, in one implementation, the earpiece may include a hook portion, an adjustable nut, an arm, and a hinge. The hook portion may rotate about an axis toward or away from the headset so that the communications headset may be worn on either ear. The hinge may connect to the arm, and may pivot about an axis to enable the earpiece to be flipped open to accommodate the user&#39;s ear and to further adjust the communications headset. The adjustable nut may enable the arm and the interconnected hook portion to be displaced relative to each other along the telescoping arm. The earpiece may prevent the communications headset from pinching into or moving away from the user&#39;s face. 
   The foregoing description of preferred embodiments of the invention provides illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings or may be acquired from practice of the invention. For example, while series of acts have been described with regard to  FIG. 8 , the order of the acts may be modified in other implementations consistent with principles of the invention. Further, non-dependent acts may be performed in parallel. 
   It should be emphasized that the term “comprises/comprising” when used in the this specification is taken to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof. 
   No element, act, or instruction used in the present application should be construed as critical or essential to the invention unless explicitly described as such. Also, as used herein, the article “a” is intended to include one or more items. Where only one item is intended, the term “one” or similar language is used. Further, the phrase “based on” is intended to mean “based, at least in part, on” unless explicitly stated otherwise.