Patent Description:
<CIT> describes a headset that includes two earcups that overlie and seal around the wearers ears. Its headset includes a system for suspension of the earcups on a helmet, as well as a speaker enclosure that provides increased structural strength without taking up additional space on the board.

The headset of the present invention includes a system for suspension of the earcups on a helmet, and a speaker enclosure, for mounting on a PC board that provides increased structural strength without taking up additional space on the board.

The inventive features include a battery compartment that can accommodate two different sizes of batteries and still provide electrical operability to the headset. For reference, a prior art headset as disclosed in <CIT> includes a battery compartment with a pivotally hinged lid that flips up and down on a body and that is secured closed by a separate screw-type fastener. The body has a cross-sectional configuration defining a chamber that is sized to accommodate two AAA batteries side by side. There are two separate terminals at the bottom end of the body, inside the chamber, to be engaged by the two bottom ends (plus and minus) of two AAA batteries. At the top end of the compartment, the lid has a U-shaped contact that when the lid is closed engages the upper ends of the two AAA batteries to put them in series. The compartment can alternatively accommodate a CR-<NUM> battery, which requires the use of a separate tray that receives the CR-<NUM> battery, because of the size difference between the batteries. The tray is a separate physical element not permanently attached to the body. The CR-<NUM> battery is first put into the tray, then the tray is put into the body. The bottom end wall of the tray has two terminals on its outer end surface that directly engage the two inner body terminals on the inside of the body, when the tray is inserted into the body. These two outer tray terminals receive electrical power from the CR-<NUM> battery, and provide it to the two inner body terminals.

The present invention is defined by claim <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates an earcup suspension assembly <NUM> ("assembly"). The assembly <NUM> is shown supported on a helmet <NUM>. The helmet <NUM> could be of any configuration, and could be any head covering device. The particular helmet <NUM> that is illustrated does not have ear covering portions, thus allowing the assembly <NUM> to support an earcup on an ear at a location outside of the enclosure of the helmet. The drawings show the helmet <NUM> as viewed from the left side; the right side is a mirror image, typically. Two earcup suspension assemblies <NUM> are commonly used with one helmet <NUM>. Thus, the drawings focus on a left side earcup suspension assembly <NUM> that supports a left earcup <NUM>; a right side earcup suspension assembly 10a is a mirror image and is shown only partially in <FIG>, supporting a right earcup <NUM>.

The helmet <NUM> is shown as supporting a left side rail <NUM>. The particular rail <NUM> that is illustrated is a standard ARC rail, but other types of rails are usable. Alternatively, an earcup suspension assembly <NUM> can be supported on a different intermediate member or directly on a helmet <NUM>. Thus, the term "rail" as used herein is intended to refer usually to that structure to which the earcup suspension assembly <NUM> is connected. The term "rail connector" can mean the portion of the assembly <NUM> that is fixedly supported on the helmet <NUM>, either directly or through an intermediate piece such as a rail <NUM>.

The assembly <NUM> includes a rail connector <NUM> that is configured for fixedly engaging the rail <NUM>, to support the assembly on the rail. The assembly also includes a main arm <NUM> that extends from the rail connector <NUM>. The main arm <NUM> includes a wireform element <NUM> that is slidable in and out to adjust the length of the main arm. The outer end <NUM> of the wireform element <NUM> is configured as two pins <NUM> that extend laterally toward each other into a disc <NUM> that forms part of the assembly <NUM>. The disc <NUM> pivotally supports a bracket <NUM> that is secured to the earcup <NUM> itself. As a result, the earcup <NUM> is supported on the main arm <NUM>.

The main arm <NUM> is supported on the rail connector <NUM> by two joints for movement in two different degrees of freedom. A first joint <NUM> (<FIG>) between the main arm <NUM> and the rail connector <NUM> allows for a flipping motion, of the main arm relative to rail connector, about an axis <NUM>. The first joint <NUM> comprises structure on the main arm <NUM> that engages structure on the rail connector <NUM>. Thus, the main arm <NUM> can be flipped in and out relative to the rail <NUM> and the <NUM> helmet, about the axis <NUM>; the drawings show several such positions.

The assembly <NUM> includes a spring (not shown) that biases the main arm <NUM> about the first axis <NUM>, in a direction toward the ear, thus to keep earcup pressure on the user's head as needed. A release switch <NUM> on the main arm <NUM> controls the movement of the first joint <NUM>. One or more ribs <NUM> on the main arm <NUM> are engageable in grooves <NUM> on the rail connector <NUM>, to control the flipping motion and to set certain positions. This detent structure both limits the range of motion and avoids undesirable spinning of the earcup <NUM>.

For example, <FIG> illustrates a position in which the earcup <NUM> is against the ear, and <FIG> illustrates a position in which the earcup is flipped back up out of the way.

A second joint <NUM> in the assembly allows for pivotal (swinging) movement of the main arm <NUM> relative to the rail connector <NUM> and thus relative to the rail <NUM> and the helmet <NUM>). The second joint <NUM> is located between the main arm <NUM> and the rail connector <NUM>. The second joint <NUM> comprises structure on the main arm <NUM> that engages structure on the rail connector <NUM> that define a pivot axis <NUM>. The pivot axis <NUM> extends generally normal into the plane of the rail connector <NUM>. The main arm <NUM> is thus pivotable about the axis <NUM> between a plurality of different positions, for example as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>.

A third joint <NUM> in the assembly <NUM> provides for a third degree of freedom of movement. The third joint <NUM> is located between the main arm <NUM> and the disc and comprises structure on the main arm <NUM> engaging structure on the disc. Specifically, the two pins <NUM> of the wireform element <NUM> of the main arm are received in opposite sides of the disc <NUM> to provide for pivoting motion about an axis <NUM> that extends between the two pins. The third joint <NUM> thus supports the disc <NUM>, as well as the earcup bracket <NUM> and the earcup <NUM> itself, for pivotal (flipping) movement relative to the main arm <NUM> about this axis <NUM>.

A fourth joint <NUM> in the assembly <NUM> provides for a fourth degree of freedom of movement. The fourth joint <NUM> is located between the disc <NUM> and the bracket <NUM> and comprises structure on the disc engaging structure on the bracket. The bracket <NUM> is movable on the disc <NUM> in a pivoting motion about an axis <NUM> that extends normal to the plane of the disc and thus into the earcup <NUM>. The fourth joint <NUM> thus supports the earcup bracket <NUM> and the earcup <NUM> itself for pivotal movement relative to the main arm <NUM> about this fourth axis <NUM>.

As a result of the various joints and degrees of motion, the earcups <NUM> are movable relative to the helmet <NUM> in a variety of ways and to a variety of different positions, as shown in the drawings. The earcups <NUM> can be held snugly on the ears to maintain a tight seal against the user's head and thus provide good audio communication, even when the helmet <NUM> moves relative to the user's head.

The electrical connection to the earcups <NUM> is separate, via wires not seen, perhaps under the helmet padding inside the helmet shell. The earcups may include buttons shown schematically at <NUM> that control the electronics and audio.

In alternative embodiments not forming part of the invention, earcups are suspended not on a rail or helmet. For example, <FIG> shows two earcups suspended via an assembly, on a webbing strap system <NUM>. <FIG> shows two earcups suspended via an assembly, on a rigid but bendable plastic band <NUM>. An earcup suspension assembly may also be used to support earcups inside a helmet such as a firefighter's helmet that covers the ears.

Each earcup includes two speakers <NUM> (<FIG>) mounted on a printed circuit (PC) board (<FIG>) that is incorporated in the earcup. The two speakers <NUM> are, in the illustrated embodiment, identical to each other in physical configuration and size, for economy of manufacture. In other embodiments, the two speakers <NUM> could be different, and could have two different electronic components. Other earcups may use only one speaker.

Each speaker <NUM> includes a plastic housing <NUM>. A circular central portion <NUM> of the housing <NUM> encloses the electrical components (not shown) of the speaker. The front or top face (<FIG>) of the central portion <NUM> has openings <NUM> for sound to be emitted. The back or bottom face (<FIG>) of the speaker <NUM> has contacts <NUM> adapted to electrically connect the speaker with the PC board.

The speaker has two mounting portions <NUM>. The mounting portions <NUM> are located diametrically opposite each other, on the outer periphery <NUM> of the central portion <NUM>. The mounting portions <NUM> extend or project from the circular central portion <NUM>. The mounting portions <NUM> are mirror images of each other.

Each mounting portion <NUM> has a fastener opening <NUM> for receiving therethrough a fastener, typically a screw, to fasten the speaker to the PC board. The fastener openings <NUM> are located on a centerline <NUM> of the speaker <NUM>.

Each mounting portion <NUM> has an outer edge surface <NUM> that extends from the circular outer periphery <NUM> of the central portion <NUM> as a continuation of the outer periphery of the central portion. The outer edge surface <NUM> includes a first segment 106a that extends from the outer periphery <NUM> in a direction parallel to the centerline <NUM> and just past the fastener opening <NUM>. A second segment 106b of the outer edge surface <NUM> of the mounting portion <NUM> is formed as a circular arc extending from the first segment 106a and around to the opposite side of the fastener opening <NUM>. A third segment 106c of the outer edge surface <NUM> of the mounting portion <NUM> extends in a straight line from the second segment 106b back to the central portion periphery <NUM>. The third segment 106c lies tangent to the circular outer periphery <NUM> of the central portion <NUM>.

As a result of this configuration, each mounting portion <NUM> of the speaker <NUM> effectively has two sections <NUM> and <NUM>, on opposite sides of the centerline <NUM> of the speaker. The first section <NUM>, which is bounded by the first edge surface segment 106a, is relatively small. The second section <NUM>, which is bounded by the third edge surface segment 106c, is much larger in area and mass than the first section <NUM>.

Because of the extra area and mass of the second section <NUM>, the speaker <NUM> has significantly greater structural strength in its mounting portions <NUM>, as compared to the prior art speaker <NUM> (<FIG>) which includes only two first sections. As a result of this increased mass and structural strength of the speaker mounting portions <NUM>, there is less chance that they will crack if assembled improperly, if the mounting screw is overly tightened, for example.

This increase in strength does not affect usability in an environment that calls for two speakers <NUM> mounted side by side on a PC board, such as the earcup <NUM>. Because the extra structure is present on only one side of the speaker centerline <NUM> rather than both, there are various possibilities for placing two speakers <NUM> close together without interference. Two such two possibilities are shown in <FIG>.

In accordance with another feature of the invention, each earcup <NUM> can accept either one of two different sizes (types) of commonly used batteries-in this case, AAA batteries or CR-<NUM> (photocell) batteries. As a result, the earcup <NUM> is more likely to be usable with whatever batteries the user happens to have on hand. AAA batteries are about <NUM> long and about <NUM> in diameter. A CR-<NUM> battery is about <NUM> long and about <NUM> in diameter. This feature of the invention is also usable with other types and sizes of batteries.

There is an openable cover <NUM> (<FIG>) on the earcup <NUM> that forms one end of a chamber <NUM> in the earcup. First electrical contacts (not shown) are on the inner surface of the cover. At the end of the chamber <NUM> opposite the cover <NUM> are a set of second electrical contacts (not shown). The first and second electrical contacts are spaced apart from each other by a distance that is substantially equal to the distance between the terminals on opposite ends of a AAA battery. The chamber <NUM> can accept two AAA batteries <NUM> side by side extending the length of the case. The first and second electrical contacts are electrically connected to the electrically powered components of the earcup <NUM>. Thus the AAA batteries <NUM> can power the earcup.

The compartment can alternatively accept one CR-<NUM> (photocell) battery <NUM> extending in the same direction as the two AAA batteries <NUM> would extend. To accomplish this, another set of contacts (not shown) projects inward from the chamber end wall and from the cover <NUM> to accommodate the shorter battery <NUM>. Therefore, when this single battery <NUM>, which is wider but shorter than the AAA batteries <NUM>, is inserted into the compartment, the single battery can power the earcup <NUM>. Alternatively, the battery or batteries can be placed in a removable battery case that is placed in a compartment in the earcup <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrate a battery compartment <NUM> that is another embodiment of this feature of the invention. Either one or both earcups <NUM> could have a battery compartment <NUM> for providing electrical power to the components of the headset <NUM> that are electrically operated, including the speakers <NUM>. Because the headset <NUM> is portable, that electric power comes from one or more batteries that are carried in or on the headset <NUM>. The battery compartment <NUM> can provide such power.

The compartment <NUM> is illustrated as a physically separate assembly that is inserted into and fixed in the earcup <NUM> during manufacture of the headset <NUM>, and that is hard wired into the earcup. Alternatively, the battery compartment <NUM> could be portions of the earcup <NUM> structure itself rather than a separate element. The compartment <NUM> may if desired be configured to be removable for repair or replacement; such a construction technique is known and will not be described herein. Still further, the battery compartment <NUM> may not be hard wired in but rather designed to be removed for battery replacement. The present invention covers all such instances.

The particular compartment <NUM> shown in the illustrated embodiment is configured to accept either a CR-<NUM> battery <NUM> or a pair of AAA batteries <NUM>. The term "accept", as used herein, means to physically accommodate the battery or batteries in an electrically operable manner. This does not simply mean that the compartment <NUM> physically has room to hold one or more batteries of one or more different types. Rather, the headset <NUM> must be electrically operable in both cases--when the single battery of the first size is inserted and, alternatively, when the pair of batteries of the second size is inserted-with the battery or batteries providing suitable electric power for the electrical components of the headset <NUM>.

The compartment <NUM> includes as its main component parts a body <NUM>, a lid <NUM>, and a lock arm or lock <NUM>. All these parts are preferably made from an electrically insulating plastic material, for example, the body <NUM> may be made from Delrin 500P NC <NUM> plastic. The lock <NUM> and the lid <NUM> may be made from the same material plus <NUM> percent of glass material.

The compartment <NUM> has a closed inner end (to the bottom as viewed in <FIG>) and an openable outer end. The compartment <NUM> is positioned in the earcup <NUM> so that its open outer end is the end of the compartment that is exposed on the exterior of the earcup <NUM>, to enable insertion and removal of batteries from the compartment and thus from the earcup <NUM>. The outer end of the compartment <NUM> is selectively openable and closable, as described below in detail.

The body <NUM> as preferably manufactured includes a side wall element <NUM> centered on an axis <NUM> and a separate inner end wall element <NUM> that are screwed or otherwise fastened together. For convenience, those two elements <NUM> and <NUM> are not described separately herein, but rather are described as being one.

The body <NUM> (described below in detail) has a tubular configuration including a side wall <NUM> as described below and, at the inner end of the side wall, an inner end wall <NUM>. The inner end wall <NUM> of the body <NUM> has an inner surface <NUM>, presented toward the lid <NUM>. The inner end wall <NUM>, and thus the inner end surface <NUM>, is not flat. Rather, the inner end wall <NUM> is specifically configured to provide spaces and positions for electrical contacts that can engage terminals of two different types (lengths, diameters) of batteries <NUM> or <NUM>.

The body side wall <NUM> and the inner end wall <NUM> together define a chamber <NUM> in the compartment <NUM>. The chamber <NUM> receives the selected battery or batteries for powering the electrical components of the headset <NUM>.

In the illustrated embodiment, the two different types of batteries are a CR-<NUM> battery <NUM> and a AAA battery <NUM>. A CR-<NUM> battery <NUM> (or "CR battery") is cylindrical, and is shorter and wider than a AAA battery <NUM>. A AAA battery <NUM> is also cylindrical but is taller (longer) and narrower than the CR battery. Two of the AAA batteries <NUM> are used to provide the same voltage and power as a single CR battery, the power that is required for the electrical components of the headset <NUM>. Thus, the battery compartment <NUM> needs to be adapted and configured to accommodate and accept these two physically different types of batteries.

To that end, the inner end wall <NUM> includes two raised platforms <NUM> that are <NUM> degrees circumferentially apart from each other about the axis <NUM>. On each one of the raised platforms <NUM> is an electrical contact <NUM>, denoted herein as a "CR-negative contact". The lateral distance between these two contacts <NUM> is selected so that when a CR battery <NUM> is inserted into the chamber <NUM> and moved down to the inner end wall <NUM>, both of the CR-negative contacts <NUM> are engaged by the single negative terminal on the CR battery.

Each one of the two CR-negative contacts <NUM> is configured as a "pogo pin". This is a spring-loaded metal pin that is resiliently movable vertically relative to the platform. The spring bias of the pin <NUM> provides a constant upward (away from the inner end wall <NUM>) force on the pin, thus pushing up toward the compartment lid <NUM>. These pins are available from SFENG Professional Pogo Pin Supplier company, among others. As a result, whenever a CR battery <NUM> is loaded in the compartment <NUM>, it is constantly being urged upward, toward the lid <NUM>.

Each CR-negative contact's pogo pin <NUM> is connected with a respective lead wire <NUM> that extends from the outside of the compartment <NUM> inner end wall <NUM>. The lead wires <NUM> are a part of a wiring harness <NUM> that extends from the battery compartment <NUM> to the electrical components of the headset <NUM>. Two of the pins <NUM> are used to help provide even (balanced) pressure on the battery compartment lid contacts and the lid lock. This helps to eliminate poor electrical contact and angular pressure on the lid lock.

The two remaining major areas <NUM> of the inner end wall <NUM> other than the raised platforms <NUM> are adapted and configured for being engaged by the AAA batteries <NUM> when they are inserted. Each one of these two end wall portions <NUM> is positioned to receive the end of a AAA battery <NUM> that is accommodated in the compartment <NUM>.

On each one of these major areas <NUM> of the inner end wall <NUM> there is located an electrical contact <NUM>, denoted herein as a "AAA contact". Like the CR-<NUM> contacts <NUM>, the AAA contacts <NUM> are pogo pins from which extend lead wires <NUM> that are part of the wiring harness <NUM> that extends from the battery compartment <NUM> to the electrical components of the headset <NUM>. The AAA contact pogo pins <NUM> press upward with a spring force. One AAA contact <NUM> is a positive (+) contact and the other AAA contact <NUM> is a negative (-) contact.

As best seen in <FIG>, for clarity and ease of battery insertion, the areas of the four battery contacts <NUM> and <NUM> on the inner end wall may be marked as shown with "+" and "-" markers and/or similar markings.

Because the CR-negative contacts <NUM> are located on the raised portions of the inner end wall <NUM> of the compartment <NUM>, the axial (vertical) location of the CR-negative contacts in the compartment is different from that of the AAA contacts <NUM>. Specifically, the CR-negative contacts <NUM> are closer to the open (outer) end of the compartment <NUM>, than are the AAA contacts <NUM>; this configuration is provided because the CR battery <NUM> is shorter than the AAA batteries <NUM>. These axial locations are selected so that when the battery compartment <NUM> is loaded, the outer end terminal of a CR battery <NUM> is at roughly the same vertical (axial) location in the compartment <NUM> as are the outer end terminals of the AAA batteries <NUM>, so that both can make electrical contact with the lid <NUM>, as described below.

The side wall of the compartment <NUM>, like the inner end wall of the compartment <NUM>, is also specially configured to accommodate either a CR battery <NUM> or a pair of AAA batteries <NUM>. Specifically, the side wall is not cylindrical but rather is oval, with (<FIG>) a minor axis <NUM>, and with major axis <NUM> that is longer than the minor axis. The length of the compartment's minor axis <NUM> is selected to be approximately the width of the CR battery <NUM>, so that the compartment side wall <NUM> thus supports the CR battery laterally in the compartment <NUM>. Similarly, the length of the compartment <NUM> major axis <NUM> is selected to be approximately the width of the two AAA batteries <NUM> side by side, so that the compartment side wall <NUM> supports and positions the two AAA batteries laterally in the compartment <NUM>. The two raised platforms <NUM> also help to support and position the inner end portions of the two AAA batteries <NUM> laterally in the compartment <NUM>.

As noted above, the outer end wall of the compartment <NUM> is formed by the lid <NUM>. The lid <NUM> is preferably made from the same plastic material as the body <NUM> but with an addition of <NUM> percent of glass material for strength and durability. The lid <NUM> is a separate physical element that is movable relative to the body <NUM>. Specifically, the lid <NUM> is supported on the body <NUM> for pivotal movement relative to the body <NUM> about a pivot axis <NUM>. The pivot axis <NUM> is defined by a pivot pin <NUM> which, in the illustrated embodiment, is made from stainless steel. The pin <NUM> is fixed vertically in the body <NUM> by a snap ring <NUM> but may be rotatable within the body <NUM>.

The lid <NUM> is rotatable on the pin <NUM>. The lid <NUM> is also movable vertically on the pin <NUM>. Thus, as described below in detail, the lid <NUM> can be moved (raised up) to clear the body <NUM> and swing into and out of position relative to the outer end of the body <NUM>. The lid <NUM> can be dropped down when in position over the outer end of the body <NUM> to close the compartment <NUM>.

The lid <NUM> has an oval configuration that mirrors that of the open outer end of the body <NUM>, so that when the lid <NUM> is closed it covers the outer end of the body <NUM>. The lid <NUM> has a peripheral rim <NUM> that is dimensioned to fit inside the side wall <NUM> of the body <NUM> when the lid drops into place vertically on the body <NUM>. This engagement helps to hold the lid <NUM> laterally in place on the body <NUM>.

On the inner surface <NUM> of the lid <NUM> (facing the inner end wall <NUM> of the compartment <NUM>) there are provided several electrical contacts. A first one of these electrical contacts is a AAA connector contact <NUM>. The AAA connector contact <NUM> has a U-shaped configuration to engage and electrically interconnect the terminals on two AAA batteries <NUM> that are in the compartment <NUM>.

A second one of these electrical contacts on the lid <NUM> is a CR+ contact <NUM>. The CR+ contact <NUM> is configured and positioned to engage the positive terminal on a CR battery <NUM> that is loaded in the compartment <NUM>. The CR+ contact <NUM> has a hook-shaped arm portion <NUM> that extends to the outer periphery of the lid <NUM>, near the pivot pin <NUM>. This arm portion <NUM> is continuously engaged by a fifth pogo pin <NUM> that is fixed in the compartment body <NUM> near the outer end of the compartment body. That is, the contact arm portion <NUM> is engaged by the pin <NUM> when the lid <NUM> is swung out to an open position, swung in to a closed position, or anywhere in between. This fifth pogo pin <NUM> is connected to a lead wire <NUM> that runs down the outside of the body <NUM> and into the wiring harness <NUM>. As a result, the CR+ contact <NUM> on the lid <NUM> is electrically connected with the electrical components of the headset <NUM>.

The opposite outer surface <NUM> of the lid <NUM> is configured to lockingly engage with the lock <NUM>. Specifically, the outer surface <NUM> of the lid <NUM> includes a raised wall <NUM> surrounding a circular cavity or detent <NUM>, at or near the center of the lid <NUM>.

The lock <NUM> is a separate element that is located axially outside of the lid <NUM>; thus, the lid <NUM> is positioned between the lock and the body <NUM>. The lock <NUM> is pivotable on the pivot pin <NUM> about the pivot axis <NUM>. The lock <NUM> is preferably not vertically movable on the pivot pin <NUM>. The lock <NUM> has a protrusion or ball <NUM> near its outer end, on its inner surface that is adjacent to the lid <NUM>. This ball <NUM> is dimensioned to fit into the detent <NUM> in the lid <NUM>.

The lock <NUM> is not completely rigid but rather is slightly bendable along its length. Specifically, the outer end of the lock <NUM>, which carries the ball <NUM>, can be raised or bent up relative to the inner end of the lock, which engages the pivot pin <NUM>. This flexibility allows the lock <NUM> to releasably engage with and disengage from the lid <NUM>, to close and open the compartment <NUM>, as described below in detail.

When it is desired to power the headset <NUM> with two AAA batteries <NUM>, the lock <NUM>, if not already open, is opened by manually pivoting it relative to the body <NUM> and the lid <NUM>. As the lock <NUM> swings, the ball <NUM> on the lock <NUM> is urged up out of the detent in the lid <NUM>, riding up and over the lid wall. To enable this, the lock <NUM> deforms by bending, with its outer end moving up relative to the inner pivot end. When the lock <NUM> is swung far enough over, the lid <NUM> can be raised up off the body <NUM> and pivoted away from the body <NUM>, like the lock <NUM>. The chamber <NUM> in the compartment <NUM> is thus exposed.

Two AAA batteries <NUM> are inserted into the chamber <NUM>, one with the positive end up and one with the negative end down. The negative terminal <NUM> on one of the batteries <NUM> engages one of the two pogo pin AAA contacts <NUM> on the inner end wall <NUM> of the body <NUM>. The positive terminal <NUM> on the other AAA battery <NUM> engages the second one of the two pogo pin AAA contacts <NUM> on the inner end wall <NUM> of the body <NUM>.

The lid <NUM> is then swung closed to a position over the chamber <NUM>, and dropped down onto the body <NUM>. The rim <NUM> of the lid <NUM> engages inside the side wall of the body <NUM>, which engagement keeps the lid <NUM> in place laterally.

When the lid <NUM> is thus in place, the AAA contact <NUM> on the underside of the lid <NUM> engages the two outward facing terminals on the AAA batteries <NUM>, one negative and the other positive. The two batteries <NUM> are thus placed in series by the AAA contact <NUM>. Because the opposite (inner) ends of the AAA batteries <NUM> are in engagement with the terminals <NUM> on the inner end wall of the compartment <NUM>, the AAA batteries are electrically connected with the electronic components of the headset <NUM> and can power the headset <NUM>.

Next, the lock <NUM> is swung to its closed position, over the lid <NUM>, to secure the battery compartment assembly with the two AAA batteries <NUM> inside. As the lock <NUM> swings inward, the ball on the underside of the lock <NUM> engages the wall on the outside of the lid <NUM>. This engagement, as the lock <NUM>'s swinging movement continues, causes the lock <NUM> to flex or bend upward, and the ball travels over the wall and drops into the detent on the lid outer surface.

The positioning of the lock <NUM> over the lid <NUM>, with the lock not being movable axially away from the body <NUM> (because it is fixed vertically on the shaft which is fixed vertically on the body), holds the lid <NUM> down on the body to keep the assembly closed. The lock <NUM> would need to be deformed, or pivoted out of the way, to open the lid <NUM>.

The engagement of the ball <NUM> in the detent <NUM> secures the lock <NUM> in position on the lid <NUM>, both axially and laterally. Because the lid rim <NUM> secures the lid <NUM> in position on the body <NUM> laterally, the lid is thus secured both axially and laterally on the body <NUM>. This securing by the lock <NUM> and lid <NUM> maintains the batteries <NUM> in position in the chamber <NUM> of the compartment <NUM>, and maintains the electrical connection of the batteries in the headset <NUM>. The headset <NUM> is thus electrically operable via the power from the two AAA batteries <NUM>.

The force of the spring-loaded pogo pins helps to maintain the compartment <NUM> assembly closed. Specifically, the four pogo pins <NUM> and <NUM> at the inner end of the compartment <NUM> are spring loaded to provide an upwardly-directed force. When the two AAA batteries <NUM> are in place, the pins <NUM> push them upward against the lid <NUM>. This upward force on the lid <NUM> helps to hold the lid in tight engagement with the lock <NUM>. Similarly, when the single CR battery <NUM> is loaded, the pins <NUM> push the CR battery upward against the lid <NUM>, which helps to hold the lid in tight engagement with the lock <NUM>. Finally, the fifth pogo pin <NUM>, which is at the top of the body <NUM> and which engages the CR-positive contact <NUM> on the underside of the lid <NUM>, continuously pushes upward on the lid <NUM>. This upward force on the lid <NUM> helps to hold the lid in engagement with the lock <NUM> and thus secure the entire assembly.

When it is desired to power the headset <NUM> with one CR-<NUM> battery <NUM>, the AAA batteries <NUM>, if present, are removed. The CR-<NUM> battery <NUM> is inserted into the chamber <NUM>, with the negative end down and the positive end up. The negative terminal on the CR-<NUM> battery <NUM> engages the two pogo pin CR-negative contacts <NUM> on the inner end wall <NUM> of the body <NUM>.

The lid <NUM> is then swung to a position over the chamber <NUM>, and dropped down onto the body <NUM>. The rim <NUM> of the lid <NUM> engages inside the side wall of the body <NUM> to keep the lid in place laterally. The CR-positive contact <NUM> on the underside of the lid <NUM> engages the positive terminal <NUM> of the CR battery <NUM>. Because the fifth pogo pin <NUM> is continuously in engagement with the hook portion <NUM> of the CR positive contact <NUM>, the CR battery <NUM> is thus electrically connected with the electronic components of the headset <NUM> and can power the headset <NUM>.

The lock <NUM> can then be swung to its closed position, over the lid <NUM>, to secure the battery compartment <NUM> with the single CR battery <NUM> loaded inside. The lock <NUM> swings into locking engagement with the lid <NUM>. The lid <NUM> is thus secured axially and laterally on the body <NUM>. This securing maintains the CR battery <NUM> in position in the chamber <NUM> of the compartment <NUM>, and maintains the electrical connection of the battery in the headset <NUM>. The headset <NUM> is thus electrically operable via the power from the single CR battery <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A headset (<NUM>) for receiving and sending radio communications, comprising:
left and right earcups (<NUM>) each including electrical components of the headset (<NUM>) including one or more microphones and one or more speakers (<NUM>) and
in one of the left and right earcups (<NUM>), a battery compartment (<NUM>) that is configured to accept a power source (<NUM>, <NUM>) that is either (i) a single one of a first size of battery or (ii) a pair of a second size of battery that is a different length from the first size of battery;
the electrical components in the headset (<NUM>) being electrically operable via power from the power source (<NUM>, <NUM>) in the battery compartment (<NUM>) when the single one of the first size of battery is loaded in the battery compartment (<NUM>), and also being electrically operable when the pair of the second size of batteries is loaded in the battery compartment (<NUM>);
the compartment (<NUM>) including:
a body (<NUM>);
a lid (<NUM>) that is supported on the body (<NUM>) for pivotal movement relative to the body (<NUM>) between an open position and a closed position; and
a lock (<NUM>) that is a separate element supported on the body (<NUM>) for pivotal movement relative to the lid (<NUM>) and to the body (<NUM>) between an open position and a locking position, the lid being positioned between the lock and the body;
the lid (<NUM>) having electrical contacts (<NUM>, <NUM>) which are configured to engage the two different battery sizes when the lid (<NUM>) is in the closed position, the lock (<NUM>) when in its locking position resiliently engaging the lid to secure the lid (<NUM>) and thus the batteries in the compartment (<NUM>).