Abstract: A sports helmet for providing a user with a protective sports helmet that would include features such as an mp3 player, a radio, and a cellular telephone. The sports helmet includes a body member that is adapted for receiving a portion of the head of the user. The body member is adapted for protecting the head of the user from impacts. A strap assembly is coupled to the body member. The strap assembly is adapted for extending around a chin of the user for securing the body member to the head of the user. A communication assembly is coupled within the body member. The communication assembly is adapted for providing audio signals to the user when the body member is positioned on the head of the user.

Abstract: A surround sound effect earphone, particularly an earphone structure that is designed for listening to modern music or films with multiple channel surround sound effects, in addition to conventional two-way channel music, comprising a front speaker and a rear speaker installed respectively at a front side and a rear side inside a left ear hood and a right ear hood of a headband earphone. The front and rear speakers are respectively connected with independent signal cords, which are then collected and connected to the earphone connector. The ear hood unit is optionally divided to include two units to accommodate the front and rear speakers, which can be turned outward or folded together. Or the front and rear speakers can be fixed on the ear hood units that are joined together, and by moving the positions of the ear hood units the user can change the distance between the front and the rear speakers.

Abstract: An earring for a headset comprising a speaker and possibly a transducer or microphone, is arranged to be worn on one ear of a user so that the earring surrounds the outer ear of the user, and is arranged so that the size of the earring is adjustable. With the object of providing simple adjustment to the size of the ear of the user, the earring is produced with a hard part and a soft part, where the second part can be introduced into the first part. The adjustment of the size of the earring is effected with an adjustment button being secured to the soft part, in that the button with the soft part can be displaced in a channel, which is provided longitudinally in the hard part. The channel is possibly configured by the hard part being configured with a closing part. With the invention an adjustment arrangement for an earring for a headset is thus provided, which is easy for the user to operate, also when the earring is placed on the ear of a user.

Abstract: A waterproof recreational audio device and method that transmits sound via transcutaneous bone conduction provides high fidelity musical signals to a user. The device can be worn on the head of a user and integrated into various types of headgear. The device is tunable for sound quality and comfort by adjusting and moving the sound transmitting transducers around the head of the user. The present invention uses commercially available transducers to produce sounds in the low, mid and high frequency ranges. A sound source for the musical signal can also be provided as part of the waterproof recreational audio device. Controls enable the user to select volume levels for the high, mid and low frequency ranges, while a volume limiter restricts the mid range to a preset maximum volume level to allow external ambient sounds to be heard via the ear canal and protects the hearing of the user.

Abstract: A holder to carry portable electronic equipment on the body of a user, include a cord loop adapted for carrying on the body of a user; the cord loop having a support to hold the electronic equipment and a connector adapted to normally maintain the cord loop and disconnect the cord loop the moment it is applied with a larger pulling force than a predetermined force.

Abstract: A headphone includes two earphones attached to a headband by flexible adjusting bands for properly positioning and orienting the earphones with respect to ears of a wearer. Each earphone has a casing inside which a front-position speaker, a rear-position speaker, a middle-position speaker between the front-position and rear-position speakers and a lower-position speaker below the front-position, rear-position and middle-position speakers are arranged. The headband forms a casing inside which two top-position speakers are mounted, respectively associated with the earphones. The speakers are arranged to generate a multi-channel surrounding sound. The headphone also forms a chamber inside which a fan is fixed for generation of airflow to remove heat from the wearer.

Abstract: The two-way communication earpiece is a small, inconspicious, and comfortable earpiece which fits behind the ear for sound delivery and pickup. The earpiece may be used with a variety of communication devices, such as telephones, cellular telephones, two-way radios, radios, tape players, CD players, and televisions. The earpiece is configured to be received behind the ear of a user with a sound delivery tube extending from behind the ear into the ear canal of the user. An eartip positioned on the sound delivery tube is preferably a non-occluding type eartip which allows ambient sound to enter the ear canal around the eartip. A microphone is positioned on the earpiece above the ear for voice pickup.

Abstract: An earmuff comprising a headpiece and a circuit. The headpiece supports the earmuff on the head of an individual. The circuit has an input device for receiving external sound energy and converting the external sound energy to electrical sound signals.

Abstract: An adjustable headphone comprising a pair of self-adjusting earpieces interconnected by a headpiece that includes a stiff resilient headband assembly and a soft flexible headstrap resting against a wearer's head. The headstrap is anchored at least at one end to a corresponding sliding block movably joined with the headband assembly having a bifurcated gear rack on its inner surface. The sliding block is equipped with at least one spring-loaded detent coming in contact with the gear rack. The headband assembly forms with at least one earpiece a hollow ball-and-socket joint where the spherical driver cup works as a ball part of the joint, and it mates to the arm's inner spherical surface which is a socket part of the joint. This joint provides the earpiece substantial angular motion in all directions thus enabling it to adjust to any ear shape.

Abstract: A light weight and comfortable ear mount for a personal audio-set is disclosed. The ear mount conforms with the anti-helix of a wearer's ear thereby operating substantially as a compression spring between the wearer's anti-helix and tragus to operably secure the personal audio-set in place. In a preferred embodiment, the ear mount is substantially kidney-shaped and includes an opening to prevent the total occlusion of the ear canal by the personal audio-set. Alternatively, the ear mount includes a loop of material sized to operably engage the anti-helix of the wearer's ear. The ear mount is preferably reversible to allow it to be placed in either the wearer's left or right ear.

Abstract: A personal audio set, such as a headphone, earphone, or headset, that includes a pivoting clip-type mounting portion is disclosed. A pair of arms are pivotally secured to the mounting portion to define a substantially c-shape for engaging the ear-base of a wearer's ear. Each arm is pivotally secured to the mounting portion preferably at a common first pivot, and biased to a neutral position with respect to each other. The arms move apart from each other about the pivot when being installed or removed from an ear, and seek to return to their neutral positions when placed on an ear, thereby securing the personal audio set on the base of a wearer's ear. Preferably, the mounting portion is also pivotally secured to the personal audio set at a second pivot hat is substantially perpendicular to the first pivot and biased to a neutral position such that the audio set is biased against the wearer's ear.

Abstract: A headset capable of being donned with one hand comprises a headband with a variety of possible hinges disposed between the edges of the headband. In response to flexing the hinge by bringing the edges of the headband towards each other, the headband opens up sufficiently to allow a user to place the headband comfortably over his head, releasing the hinge to provide a snug fit.

Abstract: To prevent the end of a tube that covers a band of a headphone apparatus from being exposed using a simple construction. Also, when a cord for transferring an audio signal or the like passes through the tube covering the band, to prevent the cord from becoming wound around the band. A headphone apparatus is equipped with a band 51 that is connected to left and right housings to which drivers are directly or indirectly attached and a tube that covers the band, and is constructed so that a through-hole 12b, into which the band and tube are inserted, is formed in each of the housings 12. The headphone apparatus includes a fixing members 13 that are inserted into ends 31 of the tube that have been inserted into the through-holes and press the ends of the band against the through-holes. Also, the tube 30 covering the band is constructed so that an internal space is partitioned in a lengthwise direction into two spaces 30b and 30c.

Abstract: An electroacoustic communication device (1) including a sensor, e.g. a microphone, and an earphone, and, suitable for use on protective headgear (30). The sensor and the earphone are arranged in a housing (4) and connecting means are provided for attaching the housing (4) to the headgear (30).

Abstract: The present invention relates to an earphone device for motorcycle rider and passenger, more particularly to an earphone having a main circuit board with major components such as an interactive mode switch, a mobile phone connector, and a speaker connector, and being coupled to a safety helmet that has a loudspeaker and a microphone on it, or any caps that have similar function and structure as those of a safety helmet; characterized in that by using the connection of separated connection lines of the handset of the mobile phone, and the loudspeaker and microphone of the safety helmet to the main circuit board. If the user rides on the motorcycle as a rider or a passenger and wants to use the mobile phone, the user can talk directly and easily to the caller or the receiver via the microphone and speaker of the phone that is connected to the safety helmet. It assures and enhances the driving safety since the rider does not need to hold the handset for communication.

Abstract: The present invention provides a headphone comprising at least three speakers wherein two of the speakers are held to the ears and the other speaker is in contact with parts of the head other than the ears so that sound from speakers is audible by the ears; a signal line having a conductor and a power line both coupled to each speaker so that external signals are sent to the speakers through the conductor and an external electrical power of source is applied to the speakers through the power line respectively. By utilizing this, a surround sound effect is obtained.

Abstract: A clampless mounting assembly for use with a helmet for attaching an internal headset to one of a plurality of different types of external electronic audio communications devices. External audio communications devices communicate with an internal headset by way of electrical conductors inherent in a mounting post. The mounting post is inserted through a hole in the helmet. The mounting post comprises a base on one end and a retainer on the other end to secure the headset to the helmet, eliminating the need for clamps or adhesives. The electrical conductors may be used in a variety of configurations for connecting the headset to one of a plurality of different types of audio communications devices. An external cable, connected to an external audio communications device, is inserted into an external connector inherent in the mounting post.

Abstract: A combination hat and headset device (the “hatset”) for improved comfort, hygiene, and consistent microphone placement. The headset is a combination of speaker(s) or microphone(s) for use in communicating with some other system, such as a telephone or computer system. The hat supports the weight of the headset and provides a buffer between the headset and the user. The hat is separable from the headset, so it can be washed independently of the headset. The hat and headset are easily separable, so the hat may be user-specific while the headset is shared among multiple users. The headset is specifically designed to be able to fit any head, with several independent adjustments available for variations in ear and mouth shape, size, and position, and head proportions. The microphone boom is designed to be temporarily movable away from the user's mouth, and then rapidly and accurately restored to a formerly selected position.

Abstract: A head strap for a set of headphones or hearing protector s with two ear members comprises two almost parallel wire arcs (18, 19) for connecting the two ear members. The two wire arcs (18, 19) are held together by a connecting member (20), wherein the connecting member (20) is a rigid plate. The rigid plate (20) comprises two recesses (22) extending in the longitudinal direction over the entire length of the plate, a wire arc section (18, 19) being fixed in the recesses, respectively.

Abstract: A microphone mounting structure for mounting a microphone to a respiratory mask and/or bubble suit through a hole therein. The microphone mounting structure is thus able to convert a conventional respiratory mask and/or bubble suit into a sound amplifying mask and/or bubble suit. The microphone mounting structure comprises a tubular plug and a tubular locking mechanism. The tubular plug has a closed end, an open end and a central portion disposed therebetween. The closed end of the tubular plug has a larger outer diameter than an outer diameter of the central portion. The open end has a plurality of resilient fingers defined by slots in the open end, the resilient fingers having finger tips which project radially outwardly with respect to the tubular plug. The microphone is dimensioned so as to fit coaxially inside the is tubular plug, and preferably, a grommet is provided around the microphone.

Abstract: A communication headset includes at least one dome structure for fitting over a user's ear, the dome structure comprising a rigid outer housing defining an earpiece cavity. A support structure supports the at least one dome structure in place covering the user's ear. An audio transducer is positioned within the cavity for converting electrical signals into audible signals. A suspension structure supports the transducer within the cavity without any rigid connection between the transducer and the rigid outer housing. Flexible wiring is passed between the transducer and an external connector structure, the wiring for carrying the electrical signals to the transducer.

Abstract: A telephone headset with an in-use or off-hook indicator light that uses a light source on or attached to the headband, ear hook, earpiece or boom components of the headset to indicate when the wearer of the headset is using the telephone. The telephone headset is configured for use with the headband type headset where the light source is at the end of an extension member attached to the headset, incorporated into the extension member or incorporated into the headset. The telephone headset is configured for use with the over-the-ear type of headset where the light source is at the end of the extension or incorporated into the extension attached to the ear hook or earpiece component. The extension member can be formed from a section of fiber optic cable. The light source can also connect to a microphone or microphone clip configured for hands-free telephone use.

Abstract: A system for voice communications is disclosed. The system includes a computer having a housing, a short-range transceiver operatively connected to the computer, a voice transceiver operatively connected to the computer, a handsfree voice communications unit in communication with the short-range transceiver, the computer adapted to receive voice sound information from the short-range transceiver, the computer adapted to receive voice sound information from the voice transceiver, the computer adapted to send voice sound information to the short-range transceiver, and the computer adapted to send voice sound information to the voice transceiver. The present invention also includes methods for voice communication. These include transceiving voice sound information between a handsfree voice communication unit and a computer over a short-range of first communications channel and transceiving voice sound information between a computer and a remote location over a second communications channel.

Abstract: An ear-hanging type speakerphone unit that allows users to listen to both sounds from the speaker and sounds from the outside environment, while suppressing leakage of the sounds emanating from the speaker to the outside environment, is provide for. A directional speaker is adjustably held with its speaker face being, for example, approximately 1 to 2 cm. away from the opening of an external auditory miatus, such that an open air space is formed between the speaker face and the opening of the miatus.

Abstract: Acoustic modules adapted to be worn on the head of a wearer, such as with a headband, or fastened to a hat or eyeglasses, are provided. The modules are situated on opposite sides of the wearer's head, adjacent the ears, and each contains a transducer, an outlet port and a vent port. The audio system is connected to, or in communication with, a conventional source of audio signals, such as a radio, tape player, CD player, cellular telephone, or the like.

Abstract: Radio interface apparatus in combination with a lapel mounted microphone and speaker and a radio and with or without a head-protective helmet, radio interface apparatus in combination with a lapel-mounted radio and with or without a head-protective helmet, and radio interface apparatus for being mounted to the nape device of a head-protective helmet.

Abstract: An aircraft headset includes a headset band, including a head element and a pair of ear cup supports slidably received in the head element, ear cups pivotally attached at one end of each ear cup support; and a microphone boom pivotally attached to one of the ear cups; an improved ear cup tensioning mechanism including a tongue extending laterally from each end of the headset band and a conformal tongue receiver located adjacent the other end of each ear cup support; wherein the tongue receiver is conformal with the tongue, and wherein the tongue and the tongue receiver are constructed and arranged to provide near-constant lateral pressure between the ear cups and a wearer's head.

Abstract: A surround sound headphones for enhancing a wearer's listening experience by providing a surround sound speaker configuration therein. The surround sound headphones includes a headband for wear on a user's head and a pair of earpieces coupled to the headband. Each of the earpieces has an open inner face which defines a cavity in the respective earpiece. Each earpiece may also have a generally circular shaped fabric covered shield covering the open inner face of the respective earpiece. The inner face of each of the earpieces has a center extent extending into the cavity of the respective earpiece. The center extent has a plurality of side faces each having at least one speaker mounted thereto.

Abstract: A headphone including a band for extending round the back of the neck of a user and having opposite ends, each of which is connected to the band by a swivel connection having a swivel axis. At least one speaker is connected to one end of the band by a hinge connection having a hinge axis extending substantially transversely of the swivel axes. The headphone includes a pair of hanger means provided at respective ends of the band for engaging respective ears of the user to support the overall headphone. The headphone is convertible through operation of the swivel and hinge connections between a first use configuration in which the speaker is on the left side and a second use configuration in which the speaker is on the right side.

Abstract: An enlarged earcup which occupies substantially all of the helmet eardome and provides greater attenuation of ambient noise, especially low frequencies. The speaker and earseal are mounted onto an adjustable assembly. The assembly is slideably mounted onto a flange which extends inwardly from the earcup's rim. The assembly includes a pair of parallel annular plates which sandwich the flange therebetween.

Abstract: Protective mask communication systems are provided for use in hazardous environments, e.g., firefighting and hazardous waste clean-up operations. The systems allow wearers of protective masks working in a hazardous area to readily communicate both with each other and with personnel and automated systems outside of the area. Preferred systems provide short range radio communication between mask wearers.

Abstract: A head-supported two-way communication system. The system combines a thin bstrate forehead or head-bone microphone, a noise filter embedding the microphone, a universal impedance matcher connecting the microphone to a two-way radio, an unobstructed and unfettered-access push-to-talk switch, and a pair of rigidly positionable noise protected speakers, all secured to a head-supported structure permitting proper location of the embedded microphone, the switch, and the speakers for a particular user and application.

Abstract: A self-contained helmet communication system is arranged to support oral communication by sending sound waves to and receiving sound waves from an unequipped person positioned near a helmet wearer. The helmet communication system includes a protective helmet having an external microphone and speaker mounted on the helmet. The external microphone, responsive to sound waves external to the helmet, provides signals that are coupled to an internal speaker or earphone to provide a representation of the external sound waves to the wearer. An internal microphone, which is responsive to speech of the helmet wearer, provides signals representative of the helmet wearer's speech that are coupled to an external speaker. Additionally included is a signal coupler with dual audio amplifier channels to couple signals representative of external sound waves from the external microphone to the internal speaker, and to couple signals representative of speech of the wearer from the internal microphone to the external speaker.

Abstract: A wearable personal audio apparatus includes one or more wearable U-shaped loop members adapted to fit an individual in a plurality of positions on the individual's body, particularly around the head and neck. The plurality of positions can include positions across the forehead, top or back of the head of the individual, and around the front or back of the neck of the individual. The loop member can have an eyewear receiving member which selectively receives an eyewear insert to provide protective or corrective eyewear when the loop member is worn on the front of the head of the wearer. In one embodiment, a plurality of sets of quick-connect interface ports are disposed around the loop member to selectively receive a plurality of external audio transducer modules. The quick-connect interface ports provide a respective communication path between each of the external audio transducer modules and an audio circuit which can be either external to the loop member or contained within the loop member.

Abstract: A motorcycle helmet formed from an impact resistant shell for covering and protecting the head of a user has audio receiver members mounted on the interior of the shell and has a microphone at one end of a boom within the helmet. The microphone is located for use by the user at the front of the helmet while the boom has an adapter on the end opposite the microphone. The microphone has conductors communicating with a connector which communicates with the electrical energy source and control cables. The adapter is receivable within a socket formed by a channel in an extension of one of the receiver housings so that the microphone and boom may be mounted totally within the helmet. The electrical power and control cables are connected to the microphone and the receivers by means of a quick-disconnect type connector and has a separate volume control for the microphone and for the receivers so that two motorcycle riders may adjust the audio system to their liking.

Abstract: A device with a speaker system and adapted to wear on the head of a wearer, such as a headband, is provided. Transducers are situated in a wearable device and positioned on opposite sides of the wearer's head, adjacent the ears. In one embodiment, the transducers share a common enclosure and are driven 180.degree. out of phase, so that back pressures cancel and low frequency response is enhanced. In another embodiment, two vented enclosures are provided, each with its own transducers. In other embodiments, acoustic concentrators can be incorporated to direct the audio more directly toward the wearer's ears. The speaker system is connected to or in communication with a conventional source of audio signals, such as a radio, tape player, CD player, cellular telephone or the like.

Abstract: A cap positionable over the head of the user having a tape playing apparatus, and at least one speaker positionable near the ear openings of the wearer for playing desired tapes in a comfortable fashion while the wearer is sleeping. The tape plying apparatus is positioned at the crown of the cap to allow the user to sleep comfortably when the cap is in use.