JP2004266649A - Fully collapsible headset - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a collapsible headset assembly which is mounted on user's head to easily listen to acoustic signals while protecting the head from external noise and coldness. <P>SOLUTION: The 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. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a handset assembly that is set on a user's head to cover his ears, to protect against external noise or cold, and to facilitate listening to acoustic signals. More particularly, the present invention relates to a foldable headset assembly having an elastic hinge assembly for a folded position.
[0002]
[Prior art]
U.S. Pat. No. 1,571,471 discloses a headset but the headband is not adapted to the earphones and the headset cannot be in the folded position. This is because the headset is constituted by a flexible strap having a structure that cannot be stored in the folded position of the headset.
[0003]
U.S. Pat. No. 3,272,926 discloses a headset having a hinge between the earphone and the headband component. However, the headband parts cannot move with the hinges, preventing the handset from folding.
[0004]
U.S. Pat. No. 4,404,434 discloses a headset having a hinge that rotates the cup assembly component into a recess formed in the headband, but the hinge does not allow the headband to be in a folded position. Therefore, the cup assembly cannot push the pad portions against each other, and cannot reduce the occupied space. Moreover, the headband is not flexible.
[0005]
U.S. Pat. No. 4,571,746 discloses a headset with an intermediate hinge on the headband and an earphone or earpiece facing when folded. However, the earpiece has a support connected behind it to limit its rotation, and when folded out of the radial periphery of the headband. In addition, the head is free of elastic hinges that transition between the folded and open positions of the headband.
[0006]
GB 1218086 discloses a headset that includes hinged earphones that fold within a groove in the headband. The inflexible headband is not hinged but includes a groove therein for receiving the earpiece.
[0007]
DE 741692 discloses a headset in which hinged earphones are folded into the space formed by the headband. However, because of the large space required, the earphones cannot be folded face-to-face. In addition, the headband does not include flexible hinges.
[0008]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a foldable headset assembly that is worn on a user's head to protect against external noise and cold and facilitate listening to an acoustic signal.
[0009]
One object of the present invention is to provide a foldable earcup or earpiece headset in which the side arms of the head arm section substantially enclose the earpiece therein.
[0010]
Another object of the present invention is to provide a collapsible headset assembly in which the headband portion or parts thereof include hinge parts that include means for biasing the headband to a predetermined closed and open position. To provide. In the open position, the biasing means of the hinge part provides pressure for locking in the open position.
[0011]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The collapsible headset assembly includes a headband formed from side arms connected by flexible hinge parts. The flexible hinge component includes a resilient cam that is opposed to the open and closed positions of the hinged headband. In the closed position, the headband defines a space therein that is configured to receive an earcup or earpiece.
[0012]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
As shown in FIG. 1, the foldable headset assembly of the present invention comprises a headband 1 formed from two side arms 2, 3 and joined together by a flexible hinge assembly 4 at their proximal ends. I have. The headband 1 is basically flat and curved. The headset assembly has an earcup 5 connected to the headband 1 with a U-shaped fork 6. The bottom of the earcup 5 is hinged to the side arm tip 7 of the headband 1 to form an elastic second hinge assembly 8, which allows the headband 1 of the headset to fold and unfold in accordance with the present invention. .
[0013]
As shown in FIG. 5, each U-shaped fork 6 includes a slide runner 10 whose runner ends 11 and 12 are extended in a circular shape, and a fork-shaped fork arm 9. The tip of the third hinge assembly 13 is part of the earcup 5, but extends into the runner 10 and is retained therein. This allows the ear cup 5 to slide along the fork arm 9 of the fork 6 and to slide between the runner ends 11, 12 of the runner 10 and, in use, to position the ear cup 5 relative to the user's head. This allows the position to be determined and also allows the relative position of the earcups to be determined when the headset assembly is in the collapsed position, as shown in FIG.
[0014]
Although only one of the fork arms 9 of the U-shaped fork 6 is shown in FIG. 1, the other fork arm 9 having the same characteristics as the fork arm 9 shown in FIG. In the figure, it is hidden behind the corresponding ear cup 5. FIGS. 1 and 6 also show that the ear cup 5 has an annular pad frame 14 joined to the ear cup 5 by a washer frame 15 at the part in contact with the user's ear.
[0015]
FIGS. 2 and 3 show a series of operations between the fork 6 and the side arms 2 and 3 of the headband 1. As the second hinge assembly 8 moves the distance indicated by the arrow in FIG. 2, the ear cup 5 is aligned with the space defined by the side arms 2 and 3. At the same time, as shown in FIG. 3, the ear cup 5 slides in the runner 10 of the fork arm 9 of the fork 6 and is placed in the optimal position or alignment at the folded position of the headset.
[0016]
When the ear cups 5 are arranged in an aligned state as shown in FIG. 2, the side arms 2 and 3 of the headband 1 are folded in the directions indicated by the corresponding arrows in FIG. The space occupied by the headset assembly is significantly reduced. Further, the annular pad frame 14 is pressed together, contributing to the final size reduction of the folded headset assembly by occupying the initial space.
[0017]
The flexible hinge assembly 4 between the proximal ends of the side arms 2, 3 of the headband 1 and the second hinge assembly 8 of the U-shaped fork 6 allow the headset assembly to be folded and unfolded quickly and reliably. And at the same time it is possible to hold in a stable operating or folded position in each case when deployed and when folded.
[0018]
4 and 4a show a flexible hinge assembly 4 between the proximal ends of the side arms 2, 3. FIG. As shown in FIG. 1, the hinge assembly 4 is similar to the second hinge assembly 8 between the fork 6 and the side arm tip 7 opposite the side arms 2 and 3. The flexible hinge assembly 4 protrudes from the second side arm 3 of the headband 1 and has a coupling projection 16 which fits in a coupling recess 17 of the first side arm 2. The coupling recess 17 is defined between two side parts 18. A hinge pin 19 extends through the coupling projection 16 and the side 18. The protrusions 16, the coupling recesses 17 and the side portions 18 are structured so that an elastic relationship is established between the side arms 2 and 3 of the headband 1. This relationship causes the projection 16 and the lower edge of the side portion 18 to form a cam 20 which slides on the slide track 21 to effect a forced or biased movement of the resilient or flexible hinge assembly 4.
[0019]
The forced movement of the cam 20, as shown in FIGS. 4, 4a, 4b, 4c and 4d, releases the tension at two opposing positions. The first open end or operating position corresponds to an unfolded handset as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4b. The second end position corresponds to the folded position as shown in FIGS. 4a and 4d. Moving the cam 20 from both positions causes the headband 1 to open and fold. As shown in FIG. 4c, the elasticity provided by the elastic cam 20 causes the headband 1 to move to a desired position, either open or folded, without stopping at an intermediate position.
[0020]
The upper limit of the opening is set by an opening stop 22 located at the upper edge of the connection recess 17 and the connection protrusion 16. The sliding of the cam 20 along the sliding track 21 occurs at both the coupling projection 16 and the coupling recess 17. When the earcup 5 connected to the fork 6 is folded, the arms 2 and 3 of the headband 1 are also folded synchronously, the volume is reduced, and the headset is folded to the maximum.
[0021]
FIG. 5 shows that the ends 11, 12 of the sliding runner 10 of the fork arm 9 of the U-shaped fork 6 have an inner edge 23, from which the holding member 24 projects. This retaining member 24 can be elastically deformed, so that the head of the third hinge assembly 13 can be inserted.
[0022]
There is a sliding edge 25 along the sliding runner 10 to support and guide the third hinge assembly 13. An inner edge 23 defined between the ends 11, 12 of the slide runner 10 guides the body of the third hinge assembly.
[0023]
FIG. 6 shows the washer frame 15 made of a half-hard material at the periphery of the ear cup 5 and detachably connected by a peripheral connector 27 formed of complementary unevenness.
[0024]
The pad frame 14 is made of a layered material on the outside and a foam filler such as polyurethane foam inside, and is directly welded to the inside and / or outside of the connection edge 29 of the washer frame 15 by, for example, heat or ultrasonic waves. 15 and the pad frame 14 form a set as shown in FIG.
[0025]
In another embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 7, the side arms 2 and 3 of the headband 1 have external surfaces 2 'and 3', respectively, so that the headset can listen to music and wireless communications. An acoustic transducer is incorporated, and a connector groove 30 is arranged. The groove 30 has a fixture 31 for holding a wire 32 in the groove 30.
8 and 8a show a special embodiment of the earcups 5 of the headset according to the invention, in which a plurality of acoustic absorption cells of different sizes and depths on the inner surface of each earcup 5 are shown. 33 are arranged at regular intervals. 9 and 9a show a special embodiment of the washer frame 15, the inner surface of which also has a plurality of sound absorbing cells. The purpose of the cells 33, 34 is to protect the user's ear from high levels of noise that may be present in the environment using the headset assembly.
【The invention's effect】
One advantage of the present invention is that when the earcup is folded face-to-face, the pressure provided by the transition means presses against the padded frame, reducing the volume or occupied space of the folded headset or earcup.
[0026]
Yet another advantage of the present invention is that when the headset assembly is in the collapsed position, the earcups are facing each other, and while stored, the area is protected when applied to the user's head. It is. This advantage is particularly important in the case of headsets that listen to sound, such as music, radio, telephones, and the like. This is because, in the folded and stored position, the components inside the earcup are protected by facing the earcup.
[0027]
A further advantage of the present invention is that the headset assembly includes an earcup component that can be completely folded and stored in a pocket.
[0028]
Another advantage of the present invention is that the headset assembly is fully collapsed, reducing its volume and reducing packaging, shipping and storage costs.
[0029]
Still another advantage of the present invention is that the headset assembly can be worn in a rimless hat, hat, safety helmet, and military cap, and can replace a headset that is usually uncomfortable, bulky, and difficult to wear.
[0030]
A further advantage of the present invention is that the different parts of the headset assembly can be made primarily of plastic, can be easily replaced when broken, and have a reduced weight.
[0031]
Yet another advantage of the present invention is that the plastic material used in the headset assembly effectively provides electrical insulation, which is very important in factories where the user's head may be exposed to electrical discharge. It is.
[Brief description of the drawings]
For the sake of clarity and understanding of the objects of the invention, the device is represented in various figures by way of a non-limiting example of a preferred embodiment.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a foldable headset according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a side view of the present invention at a position where the earcup portion starts a folding operation.
FIG. 3 is a side view of the present invention showing a position where the headset section is folded.
FIG. 4 is a view of the invention showing the flexible hinge when the headband is in the open or operative position.
(A) is a perspective view of the present invention showing a flexible hinge when the headband is in the folded position.
(B) is a side view of the present invention showing the flexible hinge when the sidearm of the headband is in the open or operative position.
(C) is a side view of the flexible hinge showing the cam tension between the side arms of the headband when the hinge is moving between the open and folded positions.
(D) is a view of a flexible hinge showing the cam tension between the side arms of the headband when the headband is in the folded position.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the hinge of the earcup according to the present invention engaged with the slide runner.
FIG. 6 is a sectional view of an earcup according to the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a headset used for listening to an audio signal in the embodiment.
FIG. 8 is a front view of an earcup used in the noise protection embodiment. (A) is the ear cup shown in FIG.
FIG. 9 is a front view of an earcup used for listening to sound in accordance with the present invention. (A) is sectional drawing of the ear cup shown in FIG.
Reference numerals in the figure (1) headset headband (2) first sidearm (2 ') of headband 1 outer surface of first sidearm (3) second sidearm (3') of headband 1 ) The outer surface of the second side arm (4) a flexible hinge assembly between the proximal ends of the first and second arms (5) an ear cup (6) a U-shaped fork for attaching the ear cup (7) a side arm tip (8) Second hinge assembly between the side arm tip and the fork (9) Fork arm of the fork (10) Sliding runner of the third hinge (11) (12) End of the runner (13) Between the ear cup and the fork arm Third hinge assembly (14) pad frame (15) washer frame (16) coupling projection (17) coupling recess (18) projection surrounding side part (19) hinge pin (20) cam (2) ) Cam slide path (22) Opening stop of headband formed at upper end of cam (23) Inner edge of slide runner (24) Holding member of third hinge (25) Sliding edge (27) Ear cup, base, padded Frame peripheral connector (28) Filler (29) Coupling edge (30) Connector groove (31) Fixture (32) Wire (33) (34) Sound absorbing cell

Claims (12)

In a headset assembly that is worn on the user's head and ears, protects against noise and cold, and listens for acoustic signals,
The side band portion has a pair of side arms, each side arm has a proximal end and a distal end, the two side arms are connected at the proximal end by a first hinge assembly, and the distal end of the side arm is connected to the support portion. A second hinge assembly, wherein the support portion is configured to accommodate an earcup to be worn on the user's ear;
The earcup is connected to the support with a third hinge assembly,
A headset assembly wherein the first hinge assembly allows the side arms to clearly distinguish between the folded and operative positions, and wherein the first hinge includes a cam that selectively biases the headband between the operative and folded positions. The headset assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first hinge assembly includes a protrusion and a recessed hinged connection between the proximal ends of the side arms to provide a biased camming action for holding the headband in the collapsed position. . 3. The headset assembly according to claim 2, wherein the first hinge assembly further comprises a hinge pin at the proximal end of the side arm for pivoting the projection and the recessed hinge connection. The first hinge assembly includes an elastic cam comprising at least one hinge pin formed at a proximal end of the side arm and at least one protrusion, the protrusion applying force to the recess at the proximal end of the opposing side arm. 3. The headset assembly of claim 2, wherein the headset assembly is in contact. 2. The headset assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first hinge assembly has a resilient cam disposed at a proximal end of the side arm, and wherein the protrusion at the end of the opposing side arm is disposed to be received in the recess. The headset assembly according to claim 1, wherein the headband is made of plastic. 2. The headset assembly according to claim 1, wherein the side arms are curved to form a folded cavity of a structure that complements and accommodates both ear cups in the folded position. The headset assembly of claim 1, wherein the earcup includes a pad frame that can be elastically compressed in the folded position. The headset assembly according to claim 1, wherein the support of the second hinge assembly is a U-shaped fork, each of which is operatively connected to an earcup by a third hinge assembly. 10. The method of claim 9, wherein in the folded position, each U-shaped fork has a foot to define a groove in a structure that cooperates with the third hinge assembly to provide maximum fold. Headset assembly. The headset assembly according to claim 1, wherein the second hinge assembly includes a cam formed of a protrusion formed in a connection region between the support and the side arm tip. The headset assembly of claim 1, wherein the third hinge assembly is located between the earcup and the support of the second hinge assembly.

Images