Abstract: One aspect of the invention provides an earpiece having an interchangeable end portion. Another aspect of the invention provides a method for replacing part of an earpiece.

Abstract: A ear set for a cellular phone has a hollow body, an ear hook, an electric wire, a plug and a clip. The body has an earphone, a microphone, a pocket clip, a cap and a switch. One end of the pocket clip is attached to one end of the body. A protruding ball is mounted on the other end of the pocket clip above a hole through the body. The hole is located over a switch mounted inside the body so the protruding ball will contact and activate the switch when the pocket clip is pressed. This makes turning on or turning off the ear set easier and more convenient than pressing a discrete switch.

Abstract: A headphone with an automatic reeling device for a jack wire has a headband with two earphones, a reeling device installed inside one of the two earphones and a jack wire. The reeling device has a stationary disk, a rotating disk with a wire reel rotatably abutting the stationary disk, a coil spring mounted between the stationary disk and the rotating disk and a push button detachable engaging the rotating disk. The jack wire is wound around the wire reel on the rotating disk. By pressing the push button, the rotating disk is released, and the coil spring provides a restitution force to rotate the rotating disk and retract the jack wire into the earphone.

Abstract: An ergonomic headset assembly having increased comfort and convenience of use is provided. In accordance with one embodiment a headset assembly is provided which includes a first headpiece pivotally coupled to a second flexible headpiece. The headset assembly further includes means for limiting the pivotal movement of the flexible headpiece with respect to the first headpiece. This allows the tension of the headset assembly to be suitable adjusted to the head size of the wearer. In accordance with another embodiment a headset assembly which includes a headband and an electronics housing pivotally coupled to the headpiece is provided. The pivotal coupling of the electronics housing with respect to the headband allows the electronics housing to be swung away from a user's ear and provides additional comfort to the user. In accordance with yet another embodiment a headset assembly having an electronics housing coupled to a clip member is provided.

Abstract: A helmet headset system for use with an audio system and a helmet. The helmet headset system comprises a mount for mounting to the helmet, and first and second audio signal conduits, e.g. each comprising a coil cord, and each having first and second ends. The first end of the first audio signal conduit is coupled to the mount. The first end of the second audio signal conduit is detachably coupled to the second end of the first audio signal conduit, and the second end of the second audio signal conduit is detachably coupled to the audio system. In a related aspect, the system may comprise a single, detachable audio signal conduit. Related methods also are provided.

Abstract: A headset and a method for using a headset, to communicate with two separate devices. The headset comprises a mounting member for mounting and holding the headset on the head of a wearer, at least a first speaker, and means for connecting the speaker to the mounting member for holding the speaker adjacent an ear of the wearer. The headset further comprises first and second microphones, and a boom member connecting the microphones to the mounting member for holding the microphones adjacent the mouth of the wearer. A signal conducting circuit is provided for transmitting input communication signals from at least the first device to the first speaker, and for transmitting output communications from the first and second microphones to the first and second devices respectively.

Abstract: In a neckband type headphone device there is provided a band onto which speaker units are connected at both ends thereof. These speaker units are worn on the left and right ears. The band has a shape wherein the area close to the connecting part between both speaker units forms a curve and passes on one of a position above and below the ears of the listener when it is wound in a circular shape and extended. The band is formed from an elastic material into a shape that presses down at the approximate center on the rear of the head of the listener.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide a fastening device formed at a cable of an earphone, the fastening device comprising a first half member and a second half member, both of the two members having a clipping end at one end, a holding end at the other end and a central hinge disposed therebetween with a shaft passing therethrough and a spring put on the shaft, the spring having both ends urged against the first half member and the second half member; wherein the first half member further comprises a recess for fitting a receiver of the earphone therein and a fastening element for securing the receiver in the recess.

Abstract: The electric cord of a regular earphone often gets tangled and twisted when it is routinely used. That leads a user to make an effort to ravel it out more often than not. The electric cord of the Fixable-Cord earphone presented here is capable of being fixed to any shape because of the special iron wire embedded in the electric cord. Since the iron wire embedded can be modified to any shapes and maintained as it is, the users do not have to make an effort to unravel the tangled wire every time when they use it. They can keep it neat just by winding the electric cord on a tape recorder. This property provides another advantages also.

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 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: To both ends of a frame constituting a lateral pressure structure of headphones, support sections functioning as fine adjustment members for performing fine adjustments to the lateral pressure structure are attached. Paddings are provided on one of the ends of the support sections. When the headphones are worn, the paddings come into contact with a user's head. Earphone arm support sections are provided towards the tip of both ends of the frame, and earphone arms are rotatably connected to each of the earphone arm support sections. Earphone capsule sections are provided at the ends of the earphone arms. When external sounds need to be heard temporarily, the earphone capsule section can be released from the user's ear by rotating the earphone arm while the headphones are still worn on the head.

Abstract: The present invention teaches a retainer in the form of a removable compliant polymer sheath. The present invention further teaches a wireless headset reduced in size to an earpiece, in which the comfort and sanitation of the user and the life span of the device may in increased by providing a replaceable compliant polymer sheath for the sound tube which is inserted into the ear canal: friction between the ear canal and the sheath retains the wireless headset in the ear canal. In alternative embodiments, the sheath and ear canal may mechanically cooperate to retain the wireless headset in the ear canal. The sheath may be easily removed and replaced so as to adapt the length and diameter of the device for the needs and comfort of different users. In addition, the replaceable polymer sheath allows safe and sanitary use of one wireless device by more than one user.

Abstract: An apparatus for affixing a headset to the ear of a user includes a first member having a first end and a second end. The first end is rotatably connected to the headset. A second member also includes a first end and a second end, and the first end of the second member rotatably connects to the second end of the first member. The second member contacts at least a portion of the ear of the user assisting in affixing the headset to the ear 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: The present invention relates to a compact audio speaker assembly for a portable computer. The portable computer has a lower housing having a first opening on a side surface, a upper housing having a second opening corresponding to the first opening and coupled to the lower housing to form an internal space, and a speaker assembly installed in the internal space and held by the lower housing and the upper housing. An end surface of the speaker assembly is exposed outwardly through the first opening and the second opening.

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: In order to construct a headphone composed of a housing which holds a driver unit and an arm attached to the housing easily and favorably, a driver unit 101 driven by an inputted audio signal, a housing 110 that therein accommodates the driver unit and has on its periphery a first flange portion 112 for attaching an ear pad 140 on the outside and an arm 130 connected to the housing 110 are provided. Then, a second flange portion 133 that is connected to the first flange portion on the housing side is provided so that both the flange portion 112 on the housing side and the flange portion 133 on the arm side function as a flange for attaching an ear pad 140 and also both the flange portions 112 and 133 hold the driver unit 101 when the arm 130 is joined to the housing.

Abstract: A device (8) which includes an electroacoustic transducer (7) for the acoustic reproduction of sound signals to an ear (14) of a user (2) who assumes a user position at the device. The transducer is optimized for the acoustic reproduction of speech-signal sound waves and is equipped with arrangement means (25) for realizing a distinct directivity for the speech-signal sound waves emitted by the transducer. As a result of its directivity, the transducer directs the speech-signal sound waves which it emits preferentially to the ear of a user who is in the user posture.

Abstract: An ear warming article that can be comprised of a C-shaped resilient band, an outer sleeve and a speaker or other electronic device is described. The outer sleeve is dimensioned to contain the resilient band, and includes two insulating, ear-receiving portions as well as a first opening through which the resilient band can be inserted or removed to yield an assembled or disassembled article, respectively. In a preferred embodiment, the article includes an electronic device having one or more speakers located at the ends of the resilient band; additional openings in the outer sleeve may exist for any control functionality associated with the electronic device(s). The outer sleeve can be comprised of a washable fabric material, particularly suitable as a means for interchangeable advertising (team logo, branding, etc.). In other embodiments, the ear warming article includes additional advertising and/or securing features.

Abstract: A fully collapsible headset assembly includes a headband portion formed by side arm members articulated together by a flexible hinge member. The flexible hinge member includes an elastic cam member, the force of which is released to maintain the assembly in either an operating or collapsed position, as desired. In the collapsed position, the tension of the cam member maintains a permanent pressure and the headband assembly forms a cavity in which the facing ear-cups are retained.

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: An apparatus for affixing a headset to the ear of a user includes a first member having a first end and a second end. The first end is rotatably connected to the headset. A second member also includes a first end and a second end, and the first end of the second member rotatably connects to the second end of the first member. The second member contacts at least a portion of the ear of the user assisting in affixing the headset to the ear of the user.

Abstract: A structure of earphone hanger comprising: a connector on a base of an earphone, an arciform hanging rod connecting the connector, an elastic belt connecting both ends of the hanging rod, of which the elastic belt contacts the flesh surface of the root portion on the back side of an ear firmly but makes it feel cosy, the earphone is fixed in the hole of the ear. Wherein, the connector can allow the hanging rod and the earphone to pivotally adjust their angular positions in hanging on an ear, and can allow changing position of the hanging rod for hanging on the other ear of the person, and cosiness both in wearing on the left ear and the right ear can be increased.

Abstract: A headset is described for use in connection with either mobile telephones, conventional landline telephones or personal computers. When used with wireless applications, the headset is housed in a generally elongated casing having an ear bud, having a speaker therein, and a battery pack extending therefrom which are used in conjunction with one another to secure the headset against a user's ear. The battery pack includes a lip that is designed to cradle the helix of a user's ear against the casing and is positioned distal of the ear bud such that the battery pack is located behind a user's ear when the headset is in its operating position. The battery pack and the ear bud are further positioned on the casing to counterbalance the end of the casing opposite the ear bud and to equally distribute the weight of the headset about the ear bud and prevent unnecessary movement of the headset about ear during operation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a ear transceiver comprising: an ear hanger, a transceiver mounted on another end of front stand of an ear hanger, and an electrical connecting means connected to the transceiver; the ear hanger is provided with: a front stand, a rear stand and a supporting tube connected to the front stand and rear stand, another end of the front stand connected to a microphone supporting rod, both ends of the microphone are connected to a microphone and an earphone respectively, the front stand has a plurality of supporting rods, a pair connecting is means in provided between various supporting rods and between the microphone supporting rod and end of the front stand, and the connecting part of the microphone supporting rod and earphone has plug-in pieces of electric connection. The ear hanger adapts to various sizes of human ears, both left and right ears can wear a same hanger, and the distance and height between a microphone and a mouth being adjustable and convenient in replacement.

Abstract: An industrial hearing protection and communication assembly including a frame having a front frame member that includes a substantially transparent shatterproof eye panel disposed to shield a wearer's eyes, and at least one protective ear insert structured to be fitted into a wearer's ear in order to substantially muffle exterior noise. The assembly further includes a speaker head to audibly communicate an audio signal received by a receiver disposed on the frame to the wearer. The speaker head is structured to be inserted into a bore defined in the protective ear insert, and as such, into one of the wearer's ears so that the audio signal is audible and clear to the wearer in a loud environment even though the exterior noise is muffled by the protective ear insert and the speaker head is shielded from contact with the wearer and from perspiration or other body contaminants of the wearer.

Abstract: An improved structure of a receptacle for earphone wire is disclosed. The present receptacle for an earphone wire is characterized in that the front shell contains a switching button, an interconnection rod urged against the switching button and a swinging rod which can actuate the rolling disc, and a pulling rod passed through the front shell capable of triggering the interconnection rod is provided to the clipping hook, the earphone seat is provided with a pushing rod pivotally mounted at the front shell, and the pushing rod passes through the front shell and interconnects with the swinging rod to swing, thereby the withdrawing out or inserting in the earphone can control the switching button of the earphone or the rotating of the rolling disc so that the earphone can be automatically switched ON or switched OFF.

Abstract: A headphone capable of preventing foreign substances, dust and the like from entering a housing and of enhancing acoustic characteristics in which a hanger of a headband in a housing having a speaker unit is of a storage type and the housing can be swung in a driving direction or a twist direction with respect to the headband, includes an opening provided between the housing and the headband that is blocked by a shielding plate formed on one side of the hanger and a protruded portion formed on the side opposite to the shielding plate.

Abstract: An improved earphone transfer coupling apparatus includes a transfer element and a clip element. After the transfer element is fastened to the clip element, the transfer element may be coupled with an earphone to allow the transfer coupling apparatus inserted in user's ear or clipped on user's ear auricle.

Abstract: Disclosed is a multi-function actuator comprising: a case having an internal space; a vibrating coil installed in the case for generating vibration; a diaphragm for generating sound with an outer end being fixed to the upper end of the case; a voice coil fixedly installed in the bottom of the diaphragm for generating sound according to a sound source and having an notch filter; a vertically magnetized magnet; an upper plated attached to the magnet for constituting a magnetic circuit; a yoke for constituting the magnetic circuit together with the magnet; a weight for constituting a vibrator body together with the magnet, the upper plate and the yoke; and a suspension spring for supporting the vibrator body. In generating sound, sound quality is improved without influencing sound while vibration is reduced.

Abstract: An earphone comprises a main body and an ear hanger. The main body is to be placed at an entrance of an external auditory meatus of an ear of a user. The main body includes a loudspeaker received therein. The ear hanger is connected to the main body. The ear hanger is adapted to be mounted on the ear. The ear hanger has a curved shape. The ear hanger comprises a core and a sheathing member for surrounding at least part of the core so as to provide a dual structure. The core is formed of hard material and the sheathing member is formed of elastic material.

Abstract: Headphones of various designs and types of construction, in particular also closed headphones, have been known for a long time. Headphones of the type mentioned above should have the desired frequency response in all frequency positions and, in particular, this frequency response should be as linear and uniform as possible in the lower frequency range in order to allow good transmission in low frequencies as well. It is the object of the invention to simplify the damping of the fundamental resonance of transducer systems, to improve quality and to save costs. Closed headphones with an acoustic transducer with a diaphragm system which separates a front volume from a rear volume, the rear volume being so small that it does not act as a spring in the range of the fundamental resonance of the transducer system.

Abstract: An earphone jack is fixed on a printed circuit board by soldering as well as a first holding rib and a second holding rib for holding in the horizontal direction and a third holding rib for holding in the perpendicular direction with respect to the printed circuit board are provided on a shield case. The shield case is held in the perpendicular direction with respect to the printed circuit board by a fourth holding rib provided on the case.

Abstract: An apparatus for affixing a headset to the ear of a user includes a first member having a first end and a second end. The first end is rotatably connected to the headset. A second member also includes a first end and a second end, and the first end of the second member rotatably connects to the second end of the first member. The second member contacts at least a portion of the ear of the user assisting in affixing the headset to the ear of the user.

Abstract: An ear mounted earphone includes a speaker housing for positioning a speaker at the entrance to the auditory canal of an ear of a user. An elongate boom extends from the speaker housing and through a sleeve at one end of an earpiece so that the boom may be moved longitudinally and rotationally within the sleeve for adjustment purposes and will be frictionally held in adjusted position by the sleeve during use. A microphone arm with microphone may be rotatably mounted on the speaker housing to provide a microphone when the earphones are used with a communication system. The rotatability of the microphone arm allowing the same earphone and microphone arm to be adjusted for use with either the right or left ear of a user. An earpiece may be conveniently integrally molded as a single piece with a slit formed therein intermediate its length so the wire to the speaker and microphone can be positioned within the earpiece. The speaker may be waterproofed by a thin waterproof material such as mylar.

Abstract: A headset includes earpieces for attaching to ears of an operator. A band has opposite ends that connect to the two earpieces and extends in a forward direction from the two earpieces. The band then either extends downwardly below the chin or extend backwards in back of the neck. In one implementation, the headset is used for two-way communications with one earpiece containing a microphone and the other earpiece containing a speaker.

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 head supported communication assembly including a a head support member shaped and dimensioned to conform to the outer periphery of a human ear is disclosed. A speaker is pivotally and releasably secured to the head support member for positioning adjacent the auditory canal of a human ear.

Abstract: A headphone. The headphone includes at least three speakers. 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 are 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.

Abstract: A holder-ring for an earphone plug is provided. The holder-ring has a main cylindrical body. A flange is integrally formed at the upper end and extends outward and downward therefrom. The flange is spaced from the outer surface of the main cylindrical body by a predetermined distance so that a space opened at its lower end is provided therebetween. The flange has at its upper end a plurality of small through holes.

Abstract: A transducer assembly for use with an apparatus comprising a sound transmitting earpiece comprises a sound transmitting element (1) adapted to be worn between such an earpiece and the ear, a sound transducer (3), to be located remote from the earpiece and a hollow tube (2) for acoustically coupling the sound transmitting element (1) to the transducer (3).

Abstract: An acoustic earmuff device is provided comprising a rigid cup, including inner and outer surfaces, a sound channel means disposed through said cup shaped portion, and a plate means operatively associated with said sound channel means, such that when the plate means is in a first orientation, sound attenuation through the plate means is greater than when the plate means is in a second orientation.

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 hand-free apparatus having improved portability is disclosed. The apparatus includes an apparatus body including a transmitter and a receiver, an input/output cable connected with the transmitter and the receiver and extending outside from the apparatus body, a cable case incorporating a cable spool capable of taking up the cable and a retaining member capable of detachably retaining the apparatus body on the cable case. The apparatus body when retained by the retaining member extends along a peripheral face of the cable spool.

Abstract: A microphone bearing slider on a diagonal seatbelt member, together with a tethering tape that is positioned along the diagonal seatbelt, from a seatbelt hanger member to the buckle with attachment to the slider, in combination, operate to position the microphone at the same precise location for vocal transmission at each deployment, and to return the assembly to a storage position with no addition attention being required on the part of the communicating person.

Abstract: A telephone headset apparatus is disclosed. This headset apparatus includes a body having a microphone at one end and a transducer at the opposite end, an earhook, for attaching the apparatus to the ear of the operator, and a mechanism, contained within the body in a movable engagement, for holding the earhook in a frictional engagement that allows for movement of the earhook, with three degrees of freedom. The mechanism is located at a point within the body where upon adjustment of the earhook by the operator (i.e., rotated, tilted, pivoted) the headset apparatus remains properly balanced and within the sound envelope of an operator, for uninterrupted operation.

Abstract: Stereo apparatus having angled speakers so as to direct sound at a desired angle relative to the ears of the listener. The disclosed arrangements enhance the stereo sound effect and provide accurate stereo imaging, as well as sound stage expansion, through the proper placement and orientation of speaker units relative to the ears of a listener. The speaker units may be positioned at optimum angles of incidence and distances relative to the ears of a listener. Adjustable positioning means are provided to enable control over the horizontal spatial dimension of the stereo sound. The speaker units may be fixed at a preset orientation, or pivotally mounted for positional adjustment by the listener. Speaker units and releasable mounts may be provided for attachment to eyeglass-style temple pieces for added convenience and comfort. A number of mounting arrangements for simplifying selection of the desired earphone angle are disclosed.

Abstract: A wireless hanging type earphone formed by two lobes of casings is disclosed. An inner side of the earphone body has a speaking portion at a position with respect to the ear cavity. A lower end thereof has a microphone. The position between the hook and the earphone body is adjustable by a pivotal shaft for searching for an orientation in communication. An inner part of the earphone body is installed with a receiving and transmitting circuit so that signals of a mobile phone are transferred to the earphone by wireless transmission. The water drop type wireless hanging type earphone has an antenna in the hook so that the receiving of signal retains the power without reduction due to decrement of a volume. In the present invention, by a water drop shape and the design of the inner circuit board, the microphone with a portion extending to the mouth is reduced. Furthermore, the sound receiver and transmitter are concentrated on the earphone structure.

Abstract: An ear mounted earphone includes a speaker housing for positioning a speaker at the entrance to the auditory canal of an ear of a user. An elongate boom extends from the speaker housing and through a sleeve at one end of an earpiece so that the boom may be moved longitudinally and rotationally within the sleeve for adjustment purposes and will be frictionally held in adjusted position by the sleeve during use. A microphone arm with microphone may be rotatably mounted on the speaker housing to provide a microphone when the earphones are used with a communication system. The rotatability of the microphone arm allowing the same earphone and microphone arm to be adjusted for use with either the right or left ear of a user. An earpiece may be conveniently integrally molded as a single piece with a slit formed therein intermediate its length so the wire to the speaker and microphone can be positioned within the earpiece. The speaker may be waterproofed by a thin waterproof material such as mylar.