Electrical audio signal processing systems and devices – Electro-acoustic audio transducer – Plural or compound reproducers
Reexamination Certificate
1999-09-21
2002-10-15
Kuntz, Curtis (Department: 2643)
Electrical audio signal processing systems and devices
Electro-acoustic audio transducer
Plural or compound reproducers
C381S370000, C381S375000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06466681
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a sound-attenuating communication headset useful in voice communications in a variety of settings.
2. Discussion of the Prior Art
Typical prior art sound-attenuating communications headsets incorporate an assemblage of components, generally including: at least one ear cup assembly including a speaker, a headband, a communications cable with a plug connector for connection to a source of electronic audio signals, a microphone boom assembly and, if there are two ear cups, an ear cup to ear cup connecting cable. Amplifier circuitry may be incorporated to provide electronic boosting of the electronic audio signal generated by the microphone. In addition, an inline push-to-talk (PTT) switch is sometimes incorporated in the communications cable. Typically, the various components are permanently fixed to other components of the headset or attached in a manner that requires the use of tools to separate them. Thus, for example, the microphone boom is typically mechanically clamped or glued to the ear cup in a permanent or not easily removable manner. Similarly, the communication cable is typically fixed in a more or less permanent manner to one of the ear cups. Within the ear cup, the speaker, as well as the circuit components, such as a printed circuit board, are generally connected by soldered junctions. Generally the repair or replacement of parts in such units must be done at a workbench rather than in the field. The microphones as well as the speakers, used in communications headsets, are generally susceptible to deterioration when exposed top water or water vapor, such as during use in adverse weather conditions. Typically, microphones and speakers are covered by a fine metallic screen or a plate with a series of small holes for the transmission of sound. The small openings in such covers may inhibit the passage of liquid water (not water vapor). However, water may form a film over the small openings and interfere with the transmission of sound.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,562,451 discloses a microphone and headset for use in aqueous environments and constructed with waterproof connections.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,875,233 discloses a communication headset having an earpiece assembly mounted on one end of a headband and a microphone retained thereon by an adjustably moveable boom.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,993,065 discloses an accessory communication device for telephone sets wherein a harness, to be worn around the user's neck, has a microphone unit and a pair of earphones detachably fixed thereto.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,369,857 discloses a method of making a telephone headset wherein the headband and the microphone boom are formed by extruding a thermoplastic while simultaneously feeding two wires through the extrusion die. The resultant extrusion comprises two parallel lengths of solid conductive wire embedded in a thermoplastic extrusion. The wires serve to stiffen the extrusion and serve as electrical conductors.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,450,496 discloses a communications headset having a detachable receiver capsule rotatably and pivotally attached to a main body, and a cable pivot for allowing the headset connection cable to pivot with respect to the receiver capsule.
There remains a need for an improved sound attenuating communications headset suitable for use under varying environmental conditions and conveniently repairable or reconfigurable under field conditions.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved communications headset of modular construction that permits convenient repair or reconfiguration under field conditions by simple replacement of modules or components with similar or alternate modules or components, as necessary, without the need for tools.
It is a further object to provide a communications headset that is sufficiently water resistant to permit use in adverse weather conditions.
It is a still further object to provide a communications headset suitable for sharing in use between more than one user that can be hygienically cleansed by a simple procedure.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The above and other objects are achieved in accordance with the present invention, which provides a weather resistant sound attenuating communications headset comprising an assemblage of replaceable modules including:
a) a primary ear cup receiver module comprising an ear cushion, an ear cup membrane, an ear cup cushion plate, an ear cup foam sound barrier, an ear cup speaker, a printed circuit board assembly, and an ear cup shell;
b) a termination cable module adapted at one end for removable connection to said ear cup assembly and at another end for removable connection to a unit for the transmission and reception of electrical communication signals;
c) a headband module adapted for removable attachment on one end thereof to said first ear cup assembly module for securing and positioning said ear cup assembly module to engage a user's ear;
the ear cup membrane being replaceably attached over the foam cover, speaker, and printed circuit board assembly to provide an hygienic and protective cover therefor.
The communications headset of this invention may be constructed as a monaural headset, that is, having a single ear cup receiver assembly module, or, preferably as a binaural headset wherein a second ear cup receiver assembly module is removably attached to a second end of the headband module to provide audio reception for each ear of the user. In the binaural headset embodiment, an additional module—a headband cable module—is included for the transmission of electronic signals from the termination cable module attached to the primary ear cup receiver module to the second ear cup receiver module. The headband cable module may be removably attached to the headband module and conformable thereto. For the transmission of electronic signals, the headband cable module may have a connector, such as a coaxial connector, on each end, for removable connection, in a known manner, to each ear cup receiver module.
The present communications headset is well suited for a variety of uses, particularly for uses in outdoor settings where adverse weather conditions and rough treatment are encountered. For example, in use by an airport ground crew, the termination cable may be plugged into a receptacle near the front of an airplane to provide a communications link to the cockpit. In a hurried disconnect, the end of the terminations cable is sometimes dropped and dragged on the ground and damaged as a result. Because of the modular construction of the present headset, the cable may be quickly and easily replaced in the field without the need for tools.
For use in two way communication, the communications headset of this invention may include a microphone, preferably a noise canceling microphone, held in a microphone boom module adapted for positioning the microphone at a suitable position with respect to a user's mouth. The microphone boom module includes a flexible boom adapted at one end for removable connection to the primary ear cup receiver module. The connection provides a mechanical attachment to the ear cup as well as an electrical connection to the speaker within the ear cup. The microphone is held within a microphone housing at the other end of the boom. The microphone housing is covered with a microphone cover assembly comprising a protective membrane sealed within the microphone cover. The microphone cover assembly is removably attached to the microphone housing, for example by a “snap fit” onto the microphone housing. The flexible metal boom is preferably covered with a protective sleeve to provide additional water resistance. The protective sleeve is preferably a thin plastic or elastomer, such as heat shrinkable plastic cover or elastomeric tubing or sleeve.
The protective membrane sealed within the microphone cover is waterproof and serves to protect the microphone from the environment. The microphone cover assembly, including the membrane can be easily removed and replaced with no tools required. This off
Siska, Jr. William D.
Sopko Timothy J.
Comprehensive Technical Solutions, Inc.
Cookfair Arthur S.
Dabney P.
Kuntz Curtis
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