Patent Publication Number: US-11044547-B2

Title: Interchangeable wearing modes for a headset

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/033,764 titled “Interchangeable Wearing Modes for a Headset,” filed Sep. 23, 2013, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Headphones and headsets may be configured in various forms for mounting the device to a user&#39;s head. Typically the device will by mounted on the user&#39;s head using an ear loop, ear bud, headband, neckband or other structure suitable for a head-worn device. Users may choose a particular headset for its mounting form, preferring one form over to another. The user&#39;s preference may be due to comfort, ergonomics, or convenience. For example, a user that wears glasses may prefer a headband so that he or she can wear the headset and glasses simultaneously. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     A headset system for interchangeable wearing styles is disclosed. The following description is presented to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the invention. Descriptions of specific embodiments and applications are provided only as examples and various modifications will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. 
     In one embodiment, an apparatus suitable for mounting a sound delivery device on a user&#39;s head comprises a mounting element and a retention element. The mounting element is configured to support the apparatus on a user&#39;s head. For example, the mounting element may take the form of a headband, ear loop, or neckband. 
     The retention element may be moveably coupled to the mounting element. The retention element comprises a body configured to retain a sound delivery device and a first securing element configured to resist movement of the sound delivery device relative to the retention element when retained by the retention element. 
     In another embodiment, the first securing element protrudes from the inner surface and is disposed between the first free end and the second free end. The first securing element may prevent the sound delivery device from moving when the sound delivery device retained by the body. For example, the first securing element may prevent the sound delivery device from rotating about an axis generally parallel to a line stretched between the user&#39;s ears when the sound delivery device is retained by the retention element. 
     The body may have an arcuate portion having an inner surface, a first free end, and a second free end. According to one aspect of the invention, the mounting element is coupled to the retention element near the apex of the arcuate portion. 
     In another embodiment, the first securing element is a first retention tab disposed at the first free end. The retention element may also comprise a second retention tab disposed at the second free end. The apparatus may also further comprise a release element. The release element may be configured to decouple the retention element from the sound delivery device when the release element is engaged. For example, the apparatus may comprise a first release tab disposed at the first free end and a second release tab disposed at the second free end. The user may press or pull either release element to decouple the retention element from the sound delivery device. 
     In another embodiment, the retention element may further comprise a second securing element for securing the sound delivery device to the retention element. The sound delivery device may comprise a recess for receiving the second securing element. 
     In the embodiment where the mounting element is a headband, the retention element is pivotally coupled to the headband and the retention element may pivot about an axis that is generally parallel to a line intersecting the first free end and second free end. The retention element may also be pivotally coupled to the headband such that the retention element may pivot about an axis that is generally perpendicular to a line intersecting the first free end and second free end. 
     In the embodiment where the mounting element is an ear loop, the retention element is pivotally coupled to the ear loop and the retention element may pivot about an axis that is generally parallel to a line intersecting the first free end and second free end. In the embodiment where the mounting element is a neckband, the retention element is may be detachably coupled to the neckband. 
     According to another embodiment of the invention, a headset system comprises a first mounting element having a first retaining element and a second mounting element having a second retaining element. The first mounting and second mounting elements are each configured to be mounted on a user&#39;s head. 
     The headset system also comprises an earpiece configured to be interchangeably coupled with at least the first mounting element and the second mounting element. The earpiece may have a recess for receiving the first mounting element and second mounting element. The first retaining element may be configured to prevent movement of the earpiece relative to the first securing element when the first retaining element and earpiece are coupled. 
     The first mounting element may be in the form of a headband, ear loop, or neckband while the second mounting element may be in the form of an ear loop. The second mounting has a different form factor than the first mounting element. For example, if the first mounting element is a neckband, then the second mounting element may take the form of a headband or ear loop. Additionally, when the first mounting element is a neckband, the first retaining element may be detachably coupled to the neckband. 
     According to another embodiment of the invention, a headset comprises a sound delivery device, a first mounting means for mounting the headset a sound delivery device, a first mounting means for mounting the headset onto a user&#39;s head, a retaining means for detachably coupling the first mounting means to the sound delivery device and a securing means for securing the sound delivery device to the retaining means. The securing means may prevent rotation of the sound delivery device relative to the retaining means. For example, the securing means may prevent the sound delivery device from rotating about an axis generally parallel to a line stretched between the user&#39;s ears when the sound delivery device is coupled to the retaining means. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1A  illustrates a retainer element and earpiece capsule. 
         FIG. 1B  illustrates the retainer element and earpiece capsule of  FIG. 1A  when coupled. 
         FIG. 1C  is a schematic cross-sectional view of the retainer element and earpiece capsule of  FIG. 2B . 
         FIG. 2A  illustrates a retainer element in the form factor of a headband according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 2B  illustrates the headband of  FIG. 2A  coupled with an earpiece capsule. 
         FIG. 2C  is a schematic cross-sectional view of the headband and earpiece capsule of  FIG. 2B . 
         FIG. 3A  illustrates a retainer element in the form factor of an over-the-ear loop according to another embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 3B  illustrates the headband of  FIG. 3A  coupled with an earpiece capsule. 
         FIG. 3C  is a schematic cross-sectional view of the headband and earpiece capsule of  FIG. 3B . 
         FIG. 3D  is a schematic rear view of the headband and earpiece capsule of  FIG. 3B . 
         FIG. 4A  illustrates a retainer element in the form factor of a neckband according to another embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 4B  illustrates the headband of  FIG. 4A  coupled with an earpiece capsule. 
         FIG. 4C  is a schematic cross-sectional view of the headband and earpiece capsule of  FIG. 4B . 
         FIG. 4D  is a schematic rear view of the headband and earpiece capsule of  FIG. 4B . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     While the exemplary embodiments of the present invention are described and illustrated herein, it will be appreciated that they are merely illustrative and that modifications can be made to these embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, the scope of the invention is intended to be defined only in terms of the following claims as may be amended, with each claim being expressly incorporated into this Detailed Description of the Drawings as an embodiment of the invention. 
     As used herein, the term “earpiece” or “earpiece capsule” refers to any object that can be deliver sound to a user&#39;s ear. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the reference to said terms may include in-the-ear, over-the-ear, and/or on-the-ear earpieces without limitation to a specific form factor, and can be, or be part of, a headset, headphone, wearable video camera, wearable computer etc. Furthermore, the earpiece may transmit or receive audio through a wire or wirelessly. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1A , shown is a system  100  comprising a retainer element  110  and ear capsule  130  according to one embodiment of the invention. The earpiece capsule  130  comprises a housing  131 , a speaker (not shown), recess  132 , outer recesses  134   a / 134   b , retention tab recesses  136   a / 136   b , and key recess  138 . Optionally, the earpiece capsule  130  may also comprise a microphone boom  142  and wire  114  for transmitting audio. The microphone boom  142  includes a microphone at the end thereof and is rotatable, about the Z-axis (i.e. the axis perpendicular to the X and Y axes shown in  FIG. 1C ) which enables the earpiece to be reversible; it can be used on either the left or right ear. The housing  131  may also contain components commonly known in the art for communication earpieces such as a microphone, PCB board, transceiver, a sensor for detecting if the earpiece is donned, battery, memory, processor and a user interface. 
     The housing  131  is generally cylindrical and defines recess  132  in an outer surface thereof. The recess  132  comprises a center recess  133 , outer recesses  134   a / 134   b , retention tab recesses  136   a / 136   b , and key recess  138 . 
     The retainer element  110  comprises an inner surface  111 , retention tabs  116   a / 116   b , and release tabs  118   a / 118   b . In this embodiment, the body of the retainer element  110  is arcuate with two free ends  115   a / 115   b , resembling a C-shaped clamp. The inner surface  111  comprises a rail  113  defined by surrounding shoulders  112   a / 112   b . The key element  114  is disposed at the inner surface  111  between free ends  115   a / 115   b , preferably at the apex of the arc. Retention tabs  116   a / 116   b  are also disposed at the inner surface  111  near free ends  115   a / 115   b  respectively. Release tabs  118   a / 118   b  are disposed on the outer surface of retainer element  110  near the free ends  115   a / 115   b.    
     The inner surface  111  is shaped and configured to be complimentary to recess  132  so that when coupled, the retainer element  110  securely retains the earpiece capsule  130 . For example, key recess  138  is shaped and configured to receive key element  114 . Likewise outer grooves  112   a / 112   b  and outer recesses  134   a / 134   b  are complimentary; rail  113  and center recess  133  are complimentary. Retainer element  110  and housing  131  and their respective elements may be formed from a single piece of material but may also be formed from separate parts and/or materials. 
       FIG. 1A  shows the retainer element and earpiece capsule when decoupled.  FIG. 1B  and  FIG. 1C  shows the retainer element and earpiece capsule of  FIG. 1A  when coupled. To couple retainer element  110  and earpiece capsule  130  together the user aligns inner surface  110  with recess  130  and forces them together (see arrow AA). The retainer element  110  will engage and “snap” onto the earpiece capsule  130 . 
     Retainer element  110  securely retains the earpiece capsule  130  between free ends  116   a / 116   b . In this embodiment, retainer element  110  retains the earpiece capsule  130  such the apex of earpiece capsule  130  is aligned along center line P. The wire  144  protrudes from the earpiece capsule  144  at the opposite side of the apex, along center line P. To retain the earpiece capsule  130 , the retainer element  110  is configured such that free ends  116   a / 116   b  extend beyond the centerline Q as seen in  FIG. 1C . Furthermore, the radius of the retainer element  110  may be appropriately selected to ensure the retainer element  110  sufficiently encompasses housing  131 . For example, the radius of the retainer element&#39;s arc may be less than or equal to the radius of the housing&#39;s radius (see  FIG. 1C , radius r). Hence, the retainer element&#39;s shape provides compression between free ends  116   a / 116   b  when coupled to the earpiece capsule  130 . This compression is partly responsible for resisting the inadvertent decoupling of the retainer element  110  and earpiece capsule  130 , and the also keeps the retention tabs  116   a / 116   b  located in the retention tab recesses  136   a / 136   b  in use. 
     In an alternative embodiment, the retainer element  110  may also retain the earpiece capsule  130  with other fasteners for detachable coupling. For example, system  100  may utilize a magnetic latch system; retainer element  110  and earpiece  130  may comprise magnetic material, preferably at the engaging surfaces. The system  100  may also utilize a traditional button/latch system. 
     The earpiece capsule  130  is further retained by the key element  114  and key recess  138 . When engaged, the key element  114  and key recess  130  prevents the earpiece capsule from rotating about the Z-axis. Furthermore, the key element  114  and key recess  130  may be configured to prevent the retainer element  110  and earpiece capsule  130  from being coupled incorrectly. In one embodiment, the key element  114  and key recess  130  may be offset relative to the longitudinal center of rail  113  and longitudinal center of center recess  138  respectively. For example, the key element  114  may protrude from a portion of the rail  113  and a portion of outer groove  112   b  such that the key element  114  is further away from the user&#39;s ear (as seen in  FIG. 3D  and  FIG. 4D ). Alternatively, the shape and dimensions of key element  114  and key recess  130  may be non-symmetrical. Furthermore, although one key element/recess combination is shown, it can be appreciated that two or more key element/recess combinations can be used to secure the earpiece capsule. 
     The retention tabs  116   a / 116   b  in combination with retention tab recesses  136   a / 136   b  also secures the earpiece capsule  130  to the retainer element  110  and prevents rotation about the Z-axis. Although two pairs of retention tabs and tab recesses are shown, it can be appreciated that three or more pairs of retention tabs and tab recesses can be used to secure the earpiece capsule. Furthermore, the pairs may be located anywhere on the engaging surfaces of the retainer element and earpiece capsule. 
     As discussed above, retainer elements and key elements prevent the retainer element  110  from rotating about the Z-axis when coupled to the ear capsule  130 . The prevention is particularly useful when the user rotates the microphone boom  142  about the Z-axis; the microphone boom can to be rotated about the Z-axis while the retainer element and ear capsule are fixed relative to the user&#39;s ear. 
     The surface, shape and dimension of the retainer member  110  may be configured to compliment the earpiece  130  to provide a pleasing and consistent aesthetic when earpiece capsule  130  and retainer element  110  are coupled. For example, referring to  FIG. 1B , the retainer element&#39;s surface is flush with the surface of the earpiece  130 , giving the appearance the module is a single piece unit. 
     To decouple or detach the earpiece capsule  130  and retainer element  110 , the user pulls or pushes release tabs  118   a / 118   b  away from the housing  131  and moves the retainer element in the opposite direction to arrow AA in  FIG. 1A . The user may push or pull on both release tabs  118   a / 118   b  at the same time, but it is sufficient that only one release tab is pushed or pulled. Once decoupled, the user may then interchangeably connect another retainer element unit to the earpiece capsule  130 . Retainer element may be coupled to various head mounting devices to provide the user with a system of interchangeable wearing modes as described below. 
     Referring to  FIG. 2A-D , a system  200  for an interchangeable headset is shown according to one embodiment of the invention wherein the wearing mode is a headband. The system  200  comprises a headband  250 , a retainer element  210 , and speaker capsule  130 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 2A , the headband  250  comprises a band  255 , headband wire  257  and collar  259 . In this embodiment, the band  255  is a standard over-the-head band. The length of the band  255  can be adjusted to accommodate various head sizes. On the opposite side of the band  255  (not shown) a similar retainer element for retaining another sound delivery device (if the device is binaural) or a pad (if the device is monaural) is coupled. 
     The collar  259  is coupled to the band  255  at one end. On the opposite end, the wire  257  is rotatably coupled to collar  259  such that the wire  257  may rotate about the Y-axis. The wire  257  is coupled to the retainer element  210  at two opposite ends  257   a / 257   b.    
     The retainer element  210  is similar to retainer element  110  and may differ from structure to facilitate coupling to headband  250 . For example, in this embodiment the retainer element  210  comprises a pair of retention holes  220   a / 220   b . At ends  257   a / 257   b , the wire is threaded through each retention holes  220   a / 220   b ; end  257   a  is threaded through retention hole  220   a  and end  257   b  is threaded through retention hole  220   b . After each hole is threaded, each end  257   a  and  257   b  are curved in order to rotatably latch onto retainer element  210  (see  FIG. 2C ). When coupled to the wire  257 , the retainer element  210  is rotatable about the Q-axis. 
     Once attached together as shown in  FIG. 2B  and  FIG. 2C , the headband  250  and ear capsule  130  act as a conventional headset or headphone. The ear capsule  130  may pivot about two axes: the P line and Q line (see  FIG. 2C ). Pivoting about two axes is advantageous as the ear capsule  130  is self-centering when worn in headband mode while conforming to various anatomies. Furthermore, the Q axis may be moved by adjusting the location of the retention holes  220   a / 220   b  and corresponding ends  257   a / 257   b  in order to balance the ear capsule when coupled to the headband. For example, if the ear capsule&#39;s center of gravity is located along an axis below center line O (see  FIG. 2C ), then location of the retention holes  220   a / 220   b  and corresponding ends  257   a / 257   b  may be extended below the center line O such that the Q-axis would be at or near the ear capsule&#39;s center of gravity. 
     Referring to  FIG. 3A-D , a system  300  for an interchangeable headset is shown according to another embodiment of the invention wherein the wearing mode is an over-the-ear loop. The system  300  comprises an ear loop  360  a retainer element  310 , and speaker capsule  130 . The retainer element  310  is similar to retainer element  110  and further comprises a neck  320 . 
     The neck  320  extends a distance D from the retainer element  310 &#39;s body and is oriented toward the −Z axis. The distance D allows the connection point to the ear loop  360  to be further away from the earpiece capsule  130  (see  FIG. 3D ). This geometric relationship provides a secure fit without compromising the comfort of the device. The neck  320  is located at or near the apex of the retainer element  310  on the opposing surface of the key element (see  FIG. 3C ). In an alternative embodiment, the neck may extent in other directions and be located anywhere on the retainer element&#39;s surface. 
     At one end of the neck is a post  365  that is pivotally coupled to the ear loop  360  such that the ear loop  360  may rotate about the Y-axis. The angle of rotation of the ear loop  360  about the post is restricted to ensure ease of donning and proper/correct fitting. Furthermore, the ear loop  360  may frictionally pivot about the post to ensure stability of the device. 
     Once attached together as shown in  FIG. 3B  and  FIG. 3C , the ear loop  360  and ear capsule  130  act as a conventional headset or headphone. Like the headband embodiment shown in  FIGS. 2A-C , the ear loop  360  and earpiece capsule  130  is reversible for left ear and right ear use. Switching between a right ear and left ear configuration is achieved by rotating the ear loop  360  and the microphone boom. 
     Referring to  FIG. 4A-D , a system  400  for an interchangeable headset is shown according to another embodiment of the invention wherein the wearing mode is a neckband. A neckband typically supports a device on a user&#39;s head, such as an earpiece, using a band mounted on the back of a user&#39;s neck. The system  400  comprises a neckband  469 , retainer element  410 , and speaker capsule  130 . 
     The neckband  469  comprises a band  470  made of plastic, two free ends  474  and mechanical stops  476 . The each free ends  474  of the neckband  469  may be made of or covered by a different material than the band  470 . In this embodiment, the free ends  474  are rubber. In an alternative embodiment, both the band  470  and free ends  474  are made from a single piece of material. Disposed on each free end  474  are mechanical stops  476  in the form of a protrusion. Mechanical stops  476  prevent the attachment collars  425  from moving beyond the recommended ergonomic area for the neckband  469 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 4A , the retainer element  410  comprises a neck  420 , an attachment collar  425 , and post  472  in addition to other elements previously discussed. The attachment collar  425  is shaped and configured to receive the neckband&#39;s free ends  474 . According to the embodiment of  FIG. 4A , the attachment collar  425  is an oval shaped aperture. To attach the retainer element  410  to the neckband  469 , a free end  474  is threaded through attachment collar&#39;s aperture. The attachment collar  425  may then frictionally slide across the longitudinal length of the free end (see direction L). To ensure stability attached, the materials comprising free ends  474  and attachment collar  425  would be selected to promote frictional engagement. Also, the attachment collar&#39;s inner surface may comprise ribs to increase friction when engaged with a free end  474 . To detach the retainer element  410  from the neckband  469 , the attachment collar  425  is forced toward the free end in direction L of the neckband  469  until removed. 
     Similar to retainer element  310 , retainer element  410  comprises a neck  420 , coupled to the attachment collar  425 , which moves the connection point to the neckband  470  away from the earpiece capsule  130  (distance E; see  FIG. 4A, 4D ). Furthermore, the retainer element  410  comprises a post  472  pivotally coupled to the neck  420 . The post  472  is located at or near the apex of the retainer element  310  on the opposing surface of the key element and extends in the Y direction. In an alternative embodiment, the post  472  may extent in other directions and be located anywhere on the retainer element&#39;s surface. 
     The neck  420  is pivotally coupled to the post  474  such that the neck  420  may pivot about the Y-axis. Consequently, when the neckband  469  is coupled to the retainer element  410 , rotating the neck  420  about the Y-axis also rotates the neckband  469  about the Y-axis. Furthermore, the neck  720  may frictionally pivot about the post  472  to ensure stability of the device. 
     Once attached together as shown in  FIG. 4B  and  FIG. 4C , the neckband  469  and ear capsule  130  act as a conventional headset or headphone. Like the headband and ear loop embodiments discussed above the neckband is suitable for left ear and right ear use. Switching between a right ear and left ear configuration is achieved by removing the retainer element  410  from one free end  474  and placing it on the other free end  474 , then rotating the microphone boom in the appropriate direction. 
     The embodiments disclosed above provide an interchangeable wearing mode system for a sound delivery device such as a headset. The system provides a user the ability to interchangeably use either a headband, ear loop, or neckband with an earpiece unit. It will be appreciated that any head or body mounting device can be used in conjunction with the retainer element to provide the user with various mounting options. Additionally, the interchangeable systems a consistent and foolproof ergonomic experience in all wearing modes. The ergonomic consistency between all three wearing modes provides tremendous advantage for acoustic and sensor tuning.