Patent Publication Number: US-7221771-B1

Title: Over-the-ear headset

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of Invention 
   This invention generally relates to headsets and, more particularly, to an “over-the-ear” type headset apparatus with improved wearing stability, universal fit, and sound quality. 
   2. Discussion of the Related Art 
   Headsets are gaining in popularity as more users either have jobs requiring that they spend a substantial amount of time on the telephone or simply desire to listen to audio or speak on the telephone with their hands free to perform other tasks. 
   One type of headset, which can incorporate one or two earphones for monaural or stereo listening, is known as an “over-the-ear” type headset, which employs an earhook attached to an earphone that can be disposed over the ear of a user. Such devices can be used for delivering audio, such as radio, stereo, two-way, and/or telephonic-type communications, to a user. 
   Unfortunately, over-the-ear style headsets often do not fit properly because of the large natural variation in the size, shape, and orientation of human ears. Thus, hands-free headsets which are placed over the ear must adapt to a wide variety of ear shapes and sizes in order to fit a large percentage of users. Comfort, stability, and high sound quality are key elements that must be met in order for a headset to be acceptable to the end user. However, different ear shapes and sizes make it difficult for a single design to both fit the ear correctly and stabilize the headset. Lack of good coupling to the ear results in unclear transmission of sound from the transducer and inability to block out external noise. Headsets including a microphone coupled by a boom cause additional complexity as these headsets need to support the weight and movement of the boom. 
   Therefore, there is a need in the art for an over-the-ear headset that is comfortable, stable on the ear, universally fitting for a wide variety of ear shapes, sizes, and orientations, and provides high sound quality. What is also needed is an over-the-ear headset that can be easily grasped, opened, and positioned on an ear with only one hand. 
   SUMMARY 
   The present invention provides an over-the-ear headset including an earhook, a bias structure, an extension member, and a movably-coupled receiver capsule that work in combination to allow for greater acoustic coupling with the outer ear. Advantageously, the present invention allows for improved comfort, sound quality, and positional stability. 
   According to one embodiment of the present invention, an over-the-ear headset is provided, including an earhook and a bias structure connected to the earhook. An extension member is connected to the bias structure, and a receiver capsule is connected to an end of the extension member. 
   According to another embodiment of the present invention, an over-the-ear headset is provided, including an earhook adapted to fit at least partially behind an ear in substantially a first plane to grasp the ear. The over-the-ear headset further includes a bias clamp that has a first arm and a second arm coupled by a spring. An end of the earhook is connected to the first arm of the bias clamp. An extension member is connected to the second arm of the bias clamp, and a receiver capsule is connected to an end of the extension member. 
   According to another embodiment of the present invention, an over-the-ear headset is provided, including an earhook and a bias structure with a forked section. The forked section includes a first projection and a second projection. An end of the earhook is connected to the first projection and an extension member is connected to the second projection. A receiver capsule is connected to a free end of the extension member. 
   According to another embodiment of the present invention, a method of donning an over-the-ear headset is provided, including providing force on the bias structure to move the receiver capsule away from the earhook. The earhook is positioned behind the ear and the receiver capsule is positioned over the ear. The method also includes removing the force on the bias structure to bias the receiver capsule against the ear. 
   Advantageously, the headset and donning method of the present invention allow a headset to fit ears of various sizes while providing enhanced sound quality and positional stability. 
   These and other features and advantages of the present invention will be more readily apparent from the detailed description of the embodiments set forth below taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1A  illustrates a perspective view of an over-the-ear headset in a closed or relaxed configuration in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 1B  illustrates a perspective view of the over-the-ear headset in an open or flexed configuration in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 1C  illustrates a perspective view of the over-the-ear headset mounted on a model ear in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 2A  illustrates a perspective view of an over-the-ear headset in a closed or relaxed configuration in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 2B  illustrates a side view of the over-the-ear headset of  FIG. 2A  in an open or flexed configuration in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 3A  illustrates a top view of an over-the-ear headset in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 3B  illustrates a side view of the over-the-ear headset of  FIG. 3A  in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
   

   Use of the same reference symbols in different figures indicates similar or identical items. It is further noted that the drawings may not be drawn to scale. 
   DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     FIGS. 1A–1C  illustrate perspective views of an over-the-ear headset  100  in a substantially closed or static configuration, an open or flexed configuration, and a mounted configuration, respectively, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
   Referring in particular to  FIG. 1A , over-the-ear headset  100  includes an earhook  110  and a receiver/transmitter assembly  112  in a closed or static configuration. 
   An example of an earhook  110  that may be used in accordance with the present invention, with no intent to limit the invention thereby, is a rigid earhook formed in an arcuate or crescent shape to fit behind the ear substantially along a first plane, similar to a temple of a pair of ordinary eyeglasses. Earhook  110  may be formed using any of a number of commercially available, high performance thermoplastics, such as ABS, propylene, Hytrel, Delrin, or nylon, all of which are well known to those skilled in the art. Many different materials with similar properties could also be used. 
   Another example of an earhook that may be used is the conformable earhook described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,449,374, issued on Sep. 10, 2002, to Skulley et al. for “Conformable Earhook For an Over-the-ear Headset,” which is commonly assigned and incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. 
   It is noted that the above described embodiments of an earhook are simply examples of an earhook that may be used in accordance with the present invention. Various other appropriate earhooks that are adapted to at least fit behind a ear may also be utilized within the scope of the present invention. 
   An end of earhook  110  is rigidly coupled to audio receiver/transmitter assembly  112 . Various methods may be used to join earhook  110  to audio receiver/transmitter assembly  112 , such as for example, by adhesive or welding. A joining end  111  of earhook  110  is shown in  FIGS. 1A–1C  for connecting earhook  110  to receiver/transmitter assembly  112 . 
   Receiver/transmitter assembly  112  includes a receiver capsule  120 , an extension member  130 , a bias structure  140 , and a transmitter boom  150 , in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
   Receiver capsule  120  houses a receiver or audio transducer (not shown) for transmission of sound to the user&#39;s ear based upon signals from an audio source  160  ( FIG. 1A ). The transducer can be any type of electromagnetic, piezoelectric, or electrostatic type of driving element, or a combination thereof, or another form of driving element, for generating sound waves from the output face of the transducer. 
   In one embodiment, receiver capsule  120  includes a hollow recess  124  for receiving a cable  162  that holds wires for transmitting electric signals from audio source  160  to the transducer housed in receiver capsule  120 . In one example, hollow recess  124  is located approximately at the center of a top surface of receiver capsule  120 , as shown in  FIG. 1A  but need not necessarily be positioned there. Instead, hollow recess  124  may be placed along various surfaces of receiver capsule  120  to effectively receive cable  162  without hindering movement of receiver capsule  120 . In another example, cable  162  may first be received through a portion of either bias structure  140  or extension member  130  and then received by hollow recess  124 . 
   Cable  162  is used to protect the wires and may be made from a non-conductive material, as is known in the art. The signals transmitted by cable  162  may be digital or analog in nature. The transducer converts the received electric signal to an audio signal and directs the audio signal toward the user&#39;s ear canal. In another embodiment, the transducer may receive signals through wireless communication channels, such as by Bluetooth™ protocols and hardware, in one example. In such an embodiment, cable  162  and wires held within cable  162  may no longer be necessary. 
   Receiver capsule  120  may be of various size and shape but preferably includes a circular faceplate (not shown) with a faceplate cushion  122 . Faceplate cushion  122  is made of soft material, such as a foam elastomer, that is capable of transmitting sound from the transducer while also providing contact comfort for the user&#39;s ear after donning of the headset. In one example, with no intent to limit the invention thereby, the diameter of the transducer housed within receiver capsule  120  is between about 22 mm and about 24 mm. However, it should be noted that various applicable receiver capsules, such as in-the-ear type earphones, may also be used within the scope of the present invention. 
   Receiver capsule  120  is operably connected to extension member  130 . Extension member  130  transfers a bias force from bias structure  140  to receiver capsule  120  for biasing of receiver capsule  120  against the user&#39;s ear in a direction substantially normal to the slope and/or orientation of the user&#39;s ear. Advantageously, such biasing of receiver capsule  120  against the ear in conjunction with earhook  110  allows for stable and enhanced acoustic coupling of the headset to the ear. 
   In one embodiment, extension member  130  is made of material that is sufficiently rigid to provide resistance to positional deformation and which allows for comfortable and safe biasing of receiver capsule  120  against the user&#39;s ear. For example, extension member  130  can be made from a non-abrasive material, such as a soft elastomer, plastic material, and the like. Many different materials with similar properties could be used within the scope of the invention. 
   In one embodiment, extension member  130  is shaped substantially as a fork with two projections  132 , as shown in  FIGS. 1A–1C . Receiver capsule  120  is movably coupled to the ends of projections  132 . In one example, receiver capsule  120  is movably coupled to projections  132  by a swivel joint such that receiver capsule  120  is capable of swiveling along an axis A—A ( FIG. 1A ) connecting the ends of projections  132 . Swiveling along such an axis will allow receiver capsule  120  to swivel in a direction substantially normal to the plane of earhook  110 . 
   Extension member  130  is coupled to bias structure  140 , which includes, in one example, two arms  141  and  142  coupled by a spring mechanism  143 . As shown in  FIGS. 1A–1C , in one embodiment, extension member  130  is coupled to arm  141  and earhook  110  is coupled to arm  142 . In one example, extension member  130  is movably coupled to bias structure  140  via a pin or screw mechanism such that extension member  130  is capable of swiveling along an axis substantially perpendicular to axis A—A. 
   Such a movably coupled extension member  130  together with the swivel joint coupling receiver capsule  120  to extension member  130  advantageously allows receiver capsule  120  to bias flush against the user&#39;s ear conforming to the ear&#39;s slope and orientation for enhanced coupling. 
   As shown in  FIG. 1B , when force is applied to bring together the free ends of arms  141  and  142  of bias structure  140 , for example by two digits of the user&#39;s hand, earhook  110  is moved apart from extension member  130  and thus, from connected receiver capsule  120 . This configuration constitutes an open or flexed configuration to allow for simple donning of over-the-ear headset  100  with one hand in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
   Advantageously, earhook  110 , bias structure  140 , extension member  130 , and movably connected receiver capsule  120  work in combination for enhanced acoustic coupling to the user&#39;s outer ear. In particular, over-the-ear headset  100  is able to closely conform to the shape and orientation of the user&#39;s ear to block out external noise while directing sound from the transducer to the eardrum. Excluding external sounds from the ear and providing increased coupling to the ear enhances the performance of over-the-ear headset  100  in a noisy environment. 
   Enhanced coupling is provided by transferring the bias from bias structure  140  (e.g., from spring mechanism  143 ), through extension member  130 , and to movably connected receiver capsule  120 , which allows for a biasing force substantially normal to the orientation of the user&#39;s ear. Simultaneously, earhook  110  is biased against the back area of the ear. Thus, receiver capsule  120  and earhook  110  “sandwich” the ear between them for enhanced positional stability. 
   Thus, earhook  110 , bias structure  140 , extension member  130 , and receiver capsule  120  movably coupled to extension member  130 , in accordance with the present invention, allow for biasing forces and orientation of receiver capsule  120  such that headset stability, acoustic coupling to the ear, and sound quality are greatly enhanced. 
     FIG. 1C  illustrates the positioning of over-the-ear headset  100  mounted on a model ear in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. After over-the-ear headset  100  is placed in an open or flexed configuration ( FIG. 1B ), earhook  110  is positioned behind the user&#39;s ear and receiver capsule  120  is positioned over the outer ear. 
   The force exerted on arms  141  and  142  of bias structure  140  is then removed so that receiver capsule  120  is biased against the outer ear with bias forces substantially normal to the orientation of the user&#39;s ear. Simultaneously, when the pressure on arms  141  and  142  is removed, earhook  110  will be biased against the back area of the ear toward receiver capsule  120 . Advantageously, earhook  110  and receiver capsule  120  work in combination to sandwich the ear and provide for greater headset stability and coupling. Thus, since over-the-ear headset  100  contacts the ear along the back of the user&#39;s ear and along several parts of the outer ear with receiver capsule cushion  122 , the multiple contact areas with the ear will distribute weight and pressure such that over-the-ear headset  100  is more stable on the ear, and the required contact force against the ear is reduced, which results in enhanced, long-term headset user comfort. 
   It is noted that earhook  110  may need to be flexed in order to be donned on the user&#39;s ear. The degree of angular flexure is dependent upon the size and shape of the user&#39;s ear. The general flexibility and resilience of earhook  110  in combination with bias structure  140 , extension member  130 , and receiver capsule  120 , advantageously allow over-the-ear headset  100  to automatically adjust to the size and shape of the user&#39;s ear so as to be universally-fitting while providing stability and comfort. 
   In headsets used for telephonic or similar type communications, a microphone may be positioned in the vicinity of the user&#39;s mouth, usually by a tubular extension, voice tube, boom, or in-line pod, for receiving the user&#39;s voice and transmitting it over a telecommunications line. 
   Referring again to  FIG. 1A , over-the-ear headset  100  may include a microphone  152  to enable two-way voice communication by the user in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In one embodiment, microphone  152  may be attached to a transmitter boom  150 , which is operably connected to bias structure  140 . Optionally, a movable joint, such as a swinging mechanism, may couple transmitter boom  150  to bias structure  140 , such that boom  150  may swing back and forth to the user&#39;s mouth and lock into a position as desired by the user. Alternatively, transmitter boom  150  may be fixedly coupled to bias structure  140  with an adhesive or other fastening method and structure. It is noted that over-the-ear headset  100  may exclude transmitter boom  150  and microphone  152  for applications not requiring two-way voice communication. In another embodiment, a microphone may be enclosed in a pod inline with cable  162  below receiver capsule  120  to allow the user to transmit voice signals as desired. 
   Over-the-ear headset  100  is used with an audio source  160  ( FIG. 1A ), which can include a variety of audio sources, such as a telephone handset, a cellular phone, a personal computer, a media player, or a communication network. However, the invention is not limited to receiving a signal from a specific audio source. Over-the-ear headset  100  may also be used for either monaural or stereo listening by applying over-the-ear headset  100  to one or each ear of a user. It will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that a headset may be manufactured and donned that mirrors headset  100  so as to allow for use on either ear of a user. 
   Furthermore, a connector may be used to operably connect over-the-ear headset  100  to audio source  160 . In one example, with no intent to limit the invention thereby, the connector is a 2.5 mm plug or a suitable adapter that allows coupling to the audio source device. 
     FIGS. 2A and 2B  show an alternative embodiment of the extension member in accordance with the present invention. In this embodiment, an extension member  210  of an over-the-ear headset  200  is shaped substantially as a beam and is used to operably connect receiver capsule  120  to bias structure  140 . Receiver capsule  120  is movably coupled to an end of extension member  210  by a ball-and-socket joint  220  such that receiver capsule  120  is capable of motion along various axes. Advantageously, a ball-and-socket joint allows for greater freedom of motion for receiver capsule  120  and thus allows for greater conformability to the shape and orientation of a user&#39;s ear resulting in enhanced acoustic coupling. One example of a ball-and-socket joint that may be used is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,761,298, issued on Jun. 2, 1998, to Davis et al. for “Communications Headset With Universally Adaptable Receiver and Voice Transmitter,” which is commonly assigned and incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. 
   Over-the-ear headset  200  is operably connected to audio source  160  via wires in a cable  162  that enter receiver capsule  120  through a hollow recess on receiver capsule  120 . In one embodiment, cable  162  may first be received through either bias structure  140  or extension member  210  and then be received by the hollow recess of receiver capsule  120 . In a further example, cable  162  may be received by receiver capsule  120  through or approximate ball-and-socket joint  220 . Over-the-ear headset  200  otherwise includes similar features and is donned in a similar manner as over-the-ear headset  100  described above. 
     FIGS. 3A and 3B  illustrate an over-the-ear headset  300  including another embodiment of a bias structure in accordance with the present invention. Over-the-ear headset  300  includes an earhook  310 , a receiver capsule  320 , an extension member  330 , a bias structure  340 , and a transmitter boom  350 , in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. 
   Similar to over-the-ear headset  100  described above, various earhooks that are adapted to curve behind a ear in substantially a first plane may be utilized within the scope of the present invention. 
   Receiver capsule  320  is similar to receiver capsule  120  described above in conjunction with over-the-ear headset  100  illustrated in  FIGS. 1A–1C  and includes similar features and advantages. 
   Receiver capsule  320  is movably coupled to an end of extension member  330  by a ball-and-socket joint  332  such that receiver capsule  320  is capable of motion along various axes. Extension member  330  and ball-and-socket joint  332  are similar to the extension member and joint described above in conjunction with over-the-ear headset  200  and includes similar features and advantages. 
   Extension member  330  is coupled to bias structure  340 , which includes in this embodiment a forked section with two projections  346  and  348 . As shown in  FIGS. 3A and 3B , in one embodiment, extension member  330  is coupled to projection  346  and earhook  310  is coupled to projection  348 . Two separation tabs  342  and  344  are also coupled to projection  348  but may alternatively be coupled to projection  346 . 
   Similar to bias structure  140  described above, bias structure  340  allows for simple donning of over-the-ear headset  300  with one hand in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. When force is applied to the outside surface of separation tabs  342  and  344 , for example by two digits of the user&#39;s hand, a part of each separation tab  342  and  344  is capable of being positioned between projections  346  and  348  to move the projections away from one another. Accordingly, over-the-ear headset  300  may be placed in an open or flexed configuration as earhook  310  is moved apart from extension member  330  and from connected receiver capsule  320 , which allows for simple donning of the headset. 
   In one embodiment, separation tabs  342  and  344  each include a separation structure such as a ball  345  (outline shown by dashed lines) that can wedge between projections  346  and  348 . Ball  345  is sized to move the projections away from one another and is made of a hard material that resists deformation. It should be understood that separation tabs  342  and  344  may have separation structures of various shapes and sizes based upon desirable separation parameters. 
   Separation tabs  342  and  344  are placed at a desired distance apart from the forked section where projections  346  and  348  meet. It is noted that as separation tabs  342  and  344  are placed closer to the forked section, projections  346  and  348  may be separated a larger distance from one another but more force may be required to wedge the separation structures between the projections. Hence, it should be understood that the separation tabs may be placed at various distances relative to the forked section based upon design considerations such as the shape and size of the separation structures. It is noted that only one separation tab may be necessary depending upon design considerations and parameters. 
   Enhanced coupling is provided by transferring the bias from bias structure  140  (e.g., from the shape, material, and resistance to flex of the forked section), through extension member  330 , and to movably connected receiver capsule  320 , which allows for a biasing force substantially normal to the orientation of the user&#39;s ear. Simultaneously, earhook  310  is biased against the back area of the ear. Furthermore, the movable joint connecting receiver capsule  320  to extension member  330  allows for receiver capsule  320  to be oriented substantially parallel to the orientation of the user&#39;s ear. Thus, receiver capsule  320  and earhook  310  are able to securely “sandwich” the ear for enhanced positional stability and acoustic coupling. 
   Over-the-ear headset  300  may optionally include a microphone  352  to enable two-way voice communication by the user in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In one embodiment, microphone  352  may be attached to a transmitter boom  350 , which is operably connected to bias structure  340 . 
   It is noted that earhook  310 , extension member  330 , projections  346  and  348 , separation tabs  342  and  344 , and boom  350  may be either separate components or formed as an integral component. 
   Over-the-ear headset  300  is operably connected to an audio source via a cable  162  and otherwise includes similar features and advantages and operates in a similar manner as over-the-ear headsets  100  and  200  described above. 
   The above-described embodiments of the present invention are merely meant to be illustrative and not limiting. Various changes and modifications may be made within the scope of this invention. Therefore, the appended claims encompass all such changes and modifications.