Abstract: A microphone-speaker assembly includes a housing, a microphone, a speaker, and a push-to-talk switch. The housing supports the speaker for movement between a first position in which the switch is not activated and a second position in which the switch is activated. The switch is located in a water resistant chamber along with a circuit board. The speaker moves toward the circuit board when it moves from the first position to the second position. A seal supports the speaker for movement between the first and second positions. A method of activating a microphone in a microphone-speaker assembly includes the steps of applying force to a speaker of the assembly, and moving the speaker thereby to activate the switch thereby to activate the microphone. The speaker moves relative to a push to talk switch, deforming a resilient membrane that helps to form a water resistant chamber in the assembly.

Abstract: In one aspect the invention relates to apparatus comprising a personal protection device, a microphone and speaker on the device, a cell phone, and a cable for electrically connecting the microphone and the speaker with the cell phone. In another aspect the invention relates to apparatus comprising a personal protection device, a microphone and speaker on the device, and a cable for electrically connecting the microphone and the speaker with the cell phone. In still another aspect, the invention relates to a cable for electrically connecting the microphone and the speaker that are on a personal protection device, with a cell phone.

Abstract: A communications device for use with a protective helmet having a headband is provided. Generally, the communications device provides support member for a bone conduction microphone that is easily added to and removed from the protective helmet, allowing the communications device to be readily used with both new and existing protective helmets. While in use, support member positions the bone conduction microphone between the headband and a user's head, preferably between the napestrap and the center of the back of the user's head. The communications device can be used with any type of protective helmet, such as a fireman's helmet, a military helmet, a hard-hat, etc.

Abstract: A microphone-speaker assembly includes a housing, a microphone, a speaker, and a push-to-talk switch. The housing supports the speaker for movement between a first position in which the switch is not activated and a second position in which the switch is activated. The switch is located in a water resistant chamber along with a circuit board. The speaker moves toward the circuit board when it moves from the first position to the second position. A seal supports the speaker for movement between the first and second positions. A method of activating a microphone in a microphone-speaker assembly includes the steps of applying force to a speaker of the assembly, and moving the speaker thereby to activate the switch thereby to activate the microphone. The speaker moves relative to a push to talk switch, deforming a resilient membrane that helps to form a water resistant chamber in the assembly.

Abstract: A communications device for use with a protective helmet having a headband is provided. Generally, the communications device provides support member for a bone conduction microphone that is easily added to and removed from the protective helmet, allowing the communications device to be readily used with both new and existing protective helmets. While in use, support member positions the bone conduction microphone between the headband and a user's head, preferably between the napestrap and the center of the back of the user's head. The communications device can be used with any type of protective helmet, such as a fireman's helmet, a military helmet, a hard-hat, etc.