CA1300033C - Sound reduction headset - Google Patents
Sound reduction headsetInfo
- Publication number
- CA1300033C CA1300033C CA000565447A CA565447A CA1300033C CA 1300033 C CA1300033 C CA 1300033C CA 000565447 A CA000565447 A CA 000565447A CA 565447 A CA565447 A CA 565447A CA 1300033 C CA1300033 C CA 1300033C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- panel
- wearer
- headband
- sound reduction
- slide
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Lifetime
Links
Landscapes
- Headphones And Earphones (AREA)
Abstract
Abstract of the Disclosure An adjustable connector for connecting cups of a sound reduction headset to a headband. The connector includes an elastomeric slide that frictionally is held to the inner of two parallel end panels forming the terminal end portions of the headband. The outer panel shields the inner panel from the wearer's hair and thus serves to prevent the hair from catching in the slide's operation.
Description
~3~0~3 IMPROVED SOUND REDUCTION HEADSRT
Background and Obiects of the Invention This invention relates t~ a sound reduction headset and more particularly to an improved combination adjustment and connector device whereby the acoustical cups of such may be attached to the headband or other supporting element.
Headsets oE this type are generally utilized in various work or recreational environments where it is desirable to reduce the sound entering one' 6 ears. The no~nal headset includes a pair of acoustical cups which at least partially encircle or surround one's ears and supporting mechanisms whereby the acoustical cups may be maintained in the desired position such as a headband which encircles the wearer's head or a helmet or work hat from which a supporting member ~$~
~g ycc/~p -1-13~)33 extends so as to attach the cups in the clesired position. As used herein, the term headband includes not only the normal structure in the form of a somewhat semi-circular or C-shaped element but also structures which include an intermediate work hat or helmet from which elements which ultimately position the acoustical cups depend.
A recurrent pr~blem with such headsets is that the mechanisms utilized to obtain vertical adjustment of the acoustical cups so as to enable the headset to fit various sized and shaped heads of people is that the wearer's hair when worn long can contact such mechanisms and not only interfere with their operation but also catch one's hair and cause irritation or pain. In addition, sometimes it is sometimes necessary to r~move the head gear q~lickly, and should one's hair be caught in the adjustment mechanism, such would present difficulty in achieving such result.
It is, accordingly, an object of the present invention to present a sound reduction headset of the above generally described type which includes a combination adjustable connector means whereby the cups may be connected and supported for easy adjustment with respect to the wearer's ears and head yet be constructed in such a manner that the wearer's hair is not normally contacted or caught in the operational mechanism of such improved adjustable connector means.
ycc/~p ~ -2-~3~ 3 A further object of the present invention is the provision of an improved sound reduction headset which achieves the immediately aforesaid goal yet is of simple, relatively low cost construction, and easily operable.
These and other objects of the present invention are accomplished by providing a sound reduction headset of the type having a flexible headband adapted to overlie the wearer's head and texminating in ends adapted for disposition opposite the wearer's ears and wherein each end is in turn provided with an acoustical cup attached thereto for generally swivable movement with its respective end and adapted to at least partially enclose the wearer's ear; the improvement comprising an adjustable connector means for connecting the cups to their respective headband ends, said connector means including a longitudinally oriented outer end panel essentialIy forming the terminal end portion of each headband end and a longitudinally oriented inner end panel inwardly disposed from and generally parallel to said outer panel, and a slide member attached to said inner end panel and adapted for vertical adjustable movement thereon, said slide member having a body in contact with an inner surface of said inner end panel and from which a connector element inwardly extends for attaching said cup to said adjustable connector means, said inner panel of a lateral extent materially less than that of said outer end panel such that the outer end panel essentially shields said connector means from ycc/sp 3 ~3~D33 contact with the wearer's hair that may contact and overlie the outside surface of said outer end panel.
Other objects, features and advantages of the invention shall become apparent as the description thereof S proceeds when considered in connection with the accompanying illustrative drawing.
ycc/sp 4_ ~3~0033 Description of the Drawinq In the drawing which illustrates the best mode presently contemplated for carrying out the present invention:
Fig. 1 is an elevational view showing a sound 5reduction headset incorporating the prPsent invention positioned upon a wearer with long hair;
Fig. 2 is a partial perspective view of one of the end portions of the headband of Fig. 1 with the acoustical cup removed for clarity;
10Fig. 3 is an elevational view taken from the inside of the headband portion shown in Fig. 2 on an enlarged scale and showing the acoustical cup in dotted lines; and Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 4-4 of Fig. 2 and shows in particular the manner in which 15the slide engages the inner panel portion of the headband end shown in Fig.2.
ycc/sp -5-~3~ 33 Description of the Preferred Embodiment Turning now to the drawing and particularly Fig. 1, a sound reduction headset 10 in which the invention is utilized is shown in place upon a human wearer. Such headset 10 includes a headband 12 having a first portion 14 which partially encircles the head and is supported thereon and a pair of side extensions 16 downwardly dependent therefrom. The overall construction of the band 14 is semi-circular or C-shaped and includes opposed terminal end portions 18 to which acoustical cups 20 are positioned for both vertical adjustment with respect to the band ~4 and for relative rotation therewith such that the cups may be comfortably and properly positioned so as to envelop the ears of the wearer and thus provide the desired sound protection.
It should also be pointed out that the present invention as will hereinafter be more fully explained may also relate to a sound producing device such as a radio in which the acoustical cups 20 are provided with sound but the overall nature of the device is still that of protecting the ear from unwanted sounds from the surrounding environment. Thus the term "sound reduction headset" refers to device which accomplish such overall objectives regardless of their specific purpose.
Generally the band 14 is formed as by injection molding from a stiff yet flexible plastic material and the ends 16 thereof outwardly flex ~rom a more inward normal position to the position shown in ycc/sp -6-~3~1~t3133 Fig. 1 such that a modest inward force is applied to the cups 20 so that they are maintained in an effectively firm relationship to the sides of the wearer's head. Also the cups 20 are normally provided with an interior lining 22 formed from a soft compressible material such as foam rubber to better seal the ear from outside soundO As previously indicated, the band portion of the headband may also take the form of a helmet, work hat, or other intermediate member from which the side extensions 16 lo depend.
The adjustable connector means 24 which is the subject matter of the present invenkion is best shown by reference to Fig. 2 in which it may be seen that an outer generally flat panel 26 forms an extension or terminal end portion of the headband ends 18. An inner panel 28 is disposed parallel to and inwardly of the inner surface 30 of the outer panel ~6 and connected thereto by means of an intermediate web 31 preferably extending along the entire longitudinal extent of the inner panel 28 to provide rigidity thereto. A slida 32, as hereinafter will be more fully explained, is moved upwardly and downwardly on the panel 28 to provide for vertical adjustment of the cups 20.
The inner panel 28 is generally flat and is of a lateral extent materially less than that of the outer panel 26 and is generally centrally positioned with respect to the outer panel. Such positioning and extent, in effect, shields the inner panel 28 from ycc/~p -7-~L30(~033 contact with the wearer ~ halr. Most adjustment and acoustical cup supporting mechanisms w4ul d be positloned on the outer panel 26 and thus ~e able to catch the wearer s hair or otherwise interfere ~Ith the operation of the adjustment and supporting device. In the present device not onlY is the inner panel 2B
inwardly positioned with respect to the outer panel 26 but it is also of a substantially lesser width 50 a5 to provide for protected or sheltered positioning of the 0 51 ide 3~ in the intended manner so as to reduce or eliminate undesirable contact with the slide from the wearer s hair.
Such slide 32 includes a body ~4 and a pair of inwardly extending opposed fingærs 36 whlch are adapted to extænd Into a pair of slot~ 38 coopæratIvæly formed by the outer surface of the Inn~r pane1 289 thæ
web 31 and the inrer surface of the outer panel 26.
The 51 ide 32 is formed from 1 hard? yet flexible elastomeric material such as rubber but is dimensioned so as to rather tightly fit the Inner panel ~ 50 as to partially en~elop such and provide the- necessary friction such that the slide must be forciblY mo~ed from one position to another. In this waY then placement of the slide 32 with respect to the inner panel 28 ~ærtically positions thæ cups 20 in th~
desirecl hæight relationship and such relationship is assuredly maintained bY the aforesaid frIctional forces.
The s1ide 32 ~lso inclucies a ~onnector element 40 in the form of a post which inwardly 13~1Dal~3 upwardly extends fr~m the body ~4 ancl is pro~ided with a circular recess 42 in which the eclges of an opening 21 40rmed in the outer shell of the acoustlcal cup are adapted to extend and thus form the connection between the slide 32 and the CUp5 20. A 1ead in ramp 44 as well as a shelf 46 may be prouided on Qpposit2 sides of the recess 4~ to facilitate such action. It should be thus clear that the cup is not on1Y vertically adjustable with respect to the terminal portion of the headband 1~ by reason of its attachment to the slide 32 but it is also rotationally adjustaole thereto because of the aforementioned connection between the opening 21 and the recess 42. ~ccordingly a usable Yet simplY
constructed connector device has been provided such that the desired attachment of acoustical cups to the headband of sound reducti~n headsets mar be provided while simulSaneously reducing or eliminating the prcblem of having the wearer s hair catching therein or otherwise inter~ere with the desired obJects of the present invention.
While there is shown and described herein certain specific structure emQodying thi 5 invention it will be manifest to thQse s~illed in .the art that uarious modifications and rearrangements of the parts maY be made without departing from the spirit and sc~pe of the under1ying inventive concept and that the same is not limited to the particular forms herein shown ard described except insofar as indicated by the scope of the appended claims.
.
Background and Obiects of the Invention This invention relates t~ a sound reduction headset and more particularly to an improved combination adjustment and connector device whereby the acoustical cups of such may be attached to the headband or other supporting element.
Headsets oE this type are generally utilized in various work or recreational environments where it is desirable to reduce the sound entering one' 6 ears. The no~nal headset includes a pair of acoustical cups which at least partially encircle or surround one's ears and supporting mechanisms whereby the acoustical cups may be maintained in the desired position such as a headband which encircles the wearer's head or a helmet or work hat from which a supporting member ~$~
~g ycc/~p -1-13~)33 extends so as to attach the cups in the clesired position. As used herein, the term headband includes not only the normal structure in the form of a somewhat semi-circular or C-shaped element but also structures which include an intermediate work hat or helmet from which elements which ultimately position the acoustical cups depend.
A recurrent pr~blem with such headsets is that the mechanisms utilized to obtain vertical adjustment of the acoustical cups so as to enable the headset to fit various sized and shaped heads of people is that the wearer's hair when worn long can contact such mechanisms and not only interfere with their operation but also catch one's hair and cause irritation or pain. In addition, sometimes it is sometimes necessary to r~move the head gear q~lickly, and should one's hair be caught in the adjustment mechanism, such would present difficulty in achieving such result.
It is, accordingly, an object of the present invention to present a sound reduction headset of the above generally described type which includes a combination adjustable connector means whereby the cups may be connected and supported for easy adjustment with respect to the wearer's ears and head yet be constructed in such a manner that the wearer's hair is not normally contacted or caught in the operational mechanism of such improved adjustable connector means.
ycc/~p ~ -2-~3~ 3 A further object of the present invention is the provision of an improved sound reduction headset which achieves the immediately aforesaid goal yet is of simple, relatively low cost construction, and easily operable.
These and other objects of the present invention are accomplished by providing a sound reduction headset of the type having a flexible headband adapted to overlie the wearer's head and texminating in ends adapted for disposition opposite the wearer's ears and wherein each end is in turn provided with an acoustical cup attached thereto for generally swivable movement with its respective end and adapted to at least partially enclose the wearer's ear; the improvement comprising an adjustable connector means for connecting the cups to their respective headband ends, said connector means including a longitudinally oriented outer end panel essentialIy forming the terminal end portion of each headband end and a longitudinally oriented inner end panel inwardly disposed from and generally parallel to said outer panel, and a slide member attached to said inner end panel and adapted for vertical adjustable movement thereon, said slide member having a body in contact with an inner surface of said inner end panel and from which a connector element inwardly extends for attaching said cup to said adjustable connector means, said inner panel of a lateral extent materially less than that of said outer end panel such that the outer end panel essentially shields said connector means from ycc/sp 3 ~3~D33 contact with the wearer's hair that may contact and overlie the outside surface of said outer end panel.
Other objects, features and advantages of the invention shall become apparent as the description thereof S proceeds when considered in connection with the accompanying illustrative drawing.
ycc/sp 4_ ~3~0033 Description of the Drawinq In the drawing which illustrates the best mode presently contemplated for carrying out the present invention:
Fig. 1 is an elevational view showing a sound 5reduction headset incorporating the prPsent invention positioned upon a wearer with long hair;
Fig. 2 is a partial perspective view of one of the end portions of the headband of Fig. 1 with the acoustical cup removed for clarity;
10Fig. 3 is an elevational view taken from the inside of the headband portion shown in Fig. 2 on an enlarged scale and showing the acoustical cup in dotted lines; and Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 4-4 of Fig. 2 and shows in particular the manner in which 15the slide engages the inner panel portion of the headband end shown in Fig.2.
ycc/sp -5-~3~ 33 Description of the Preferred Embodiment Turning now to the drawing and particularly Fig. 1, a sound reduction headset 10 in which the invention is utilized is shown in place upon a human wearer. Such headset 10 includes a headband 12 having a first portion 14 which partially encircles the head and is supported thereon and a pair of side extensions 16 downwardly dependent therefrom. The overall construction of the band 14 is semi-circular or C-shaped and includes opposed terminal end portions 18 to which acoustical cups 20 are positioned for both vertical adjustment with respect to the band ~4 and for relative rotation therewith such that the cups may be comfortably and properly positioned so as to envelop the ears of the wearer and thus provide the desired sound protection.
It should also be pointed out that the present invention as will hereinafter be more fully explained may also relate to a sound producing device such as a radio in which the acoustical cups 20 are provided with sound but the overall nature of the device is still that of protecting the ear from unwanted sounds from the surrounding environment. Thus the term "sound reduction headset" refers to device which accomplish such overall objectives regardless of their specific purpose.
Generally the band 14 is formed as by injection molding from a stiff yet flexible plastic material and the ends 16 thereof outwardly flex ~rom a more inward normal position to the position shown in ycc/sp -6-~3~1~t3133 Fig. 1 such that a modest inward force is applied to the cups 20 so that they are maintained in an effectively firm relationship to the sides of the wearer's head. Also the cups 20 are normally provided with an interior lining 22 formed from a soft compressible material such as foam rubber to better seal the ear from outside soundO As previously indicated, the band portion of the headband may also take the form of a helmet, work hat, or other intermediate member from which the side extensions 16 lo depend.
The adjustable connector means 24 which is the subject matter of the present invenkion is best shown by reference to Fig. 2 in which it may be seen that an outer generally flat panel 26 forms an extension or terminal end portion of the headband ends 18. An inner panel 28 is disposed parallel to and inwardly of the inner surface 30 of the outer panel ~6 and connected thereto by means of an intermediate web 31 preferably extending along the entire longitudinal extent of the inner panel 28 to provide rigidity thereto. A slida 32, as hereinafter will be more fully explained, is moved upwardly and downwardly on the panel 28 to provide for vertical adjustment of the cups 20.
The inner panel 28 is generally flat and is of a lateral extent materially less than that of the outer panel 26 and is generally centrally positioned with respect to the outer panel. Such positioning and extent, in effect, shields the inner panel 28 from ycc/~p -7-~L30(~033 contact with the wearer ~ halr. Most adjustment and acoustical cup supporting mechanisms w4ul d be positloned on the outer panel 26 and thus ~e able to catch the wearer s hair or otherwise interfere ~Ith the operation of the adjustment and supporting device. In the present device not onlY is the inner panel 2B
inwardly positioned with respect to the outer panel 26 but it is also of a substantially lesser width 50 a5 to provide for protected or sheltered positioning of the 0 51 ide 3~ in the intended manner so as to reduce or eliminate undesirable contact with the slide from the wearer s hair.
Such slide 32 includes a body ~4 and a pair of inwardly extending opposed fingærs 36 whlch are adapted to extænd Into a pair of slot~ 38 coopæratIvæly formed by the outer surface of the Inn~r pane1 289 thæ
web 31 and the inrer surface of the outer panel 26.
The 51 ide 32 is formed from 1 hard? yet flexible elastomeric material such as rubber but is dimensioned so as to rather tightly fit the Inner panel ~ 50 as to partially en~elop such and provide the- necessary friction such that the slide must be forciblY mo~ed from one position to another. In this waY then placement of the slide 32 with respect to the inner panel 28 ~ærtically positions thæ cups 20 in th~
desirecl hæight relationship and such relationship is assuredly maintained bY the aforesaid frIctional forces.
The s1ide 32 ~lso inclucies a ~onnector element 40 in the form of a post which inwardly 13~1Dal~3 upwardly extends fr~m the body ~4 ancl is pro~ided with a circular recess 42 in which the eclges of an opening 21 40rmed in the outer shell of the acoustlcal cup are adapted to extend and thus form the connection between the slide 32 and the CUp5 20. A 1ead in ramp 44 as well as a shelf 46 may be prouided on Qpposit2 sides of the recess 4~ to facilitate such action. It should be thus clear that the cup is not on1Y vertically adjustable with respect to the terminal portion of the headband 1~ by reason of its attachment to the slide 32 but it is also rotationally adjustaole thereto because of the aforementioned connection between the opening 21 and the recess 42. ~ccordingly a usable Yet simplY
constructed connector device has been provided such that the desired attachment of acoustical cups to the headband of sound reducti~n headsets mar be provided while simulSaneously reducing or eliminating the prcblem of having the wearer s hair catching therein or otherwise inter~ere with the desired obJects of the present invention.
While there is shown and described herein certain specific structure emQodying thi 5 invention it will be manifest to thQse s~illed in .the art that uarious modifications and rearrangements of the parts maY be made without departing from the spirit and sc~pe of the under1ying inventive concept and that the same is not limited to the particular forms herein shown ard described except insofar as indicated by the scope of the appended claims.
.
Claims (4)
1. In a sound reduction headset of the type having a flexible headband adapted to overlie the wearer s head and terminating in ends adapted for disposition opposite the wearer's ears and each such end in turn provided with an acoustical cup attached thereto and having generally rotational movement with respect to the end to which it is attached and adapted to at least partially enclose the wearer's ear; the improvement comprising, an adjustable connector means for connecting the cups to the headband ends to which they are respectively attached, said connector means including a longitudinally oriented outer end panel essentially forming the terminal end portion of each headband end and a longitudinally oriented inner end panel inwardly disposed from and generally parallel to said outer panel, and a slide member attached to said inner end panel and adapted for vertical adjustable movement thereon, said slide member having a body in contact with an inner surface of said inner end panel and from which a connector element inwardly extends for attaching said cup to said adjustable connector means, said inner panel having a lateral extent materially less than that of said outer end panel such that the outer end panel essentially shields said connector means from contact with the wearer s hair that may contact and overlie the outside surface of said outer end panel.
2. The improved sound reduction headset of claim 1, said inner panel generally centrally superposed with relation to said outer panel.
3. The improved sound reduction headset of claim 2, including a longitudinal web disposed between said inner and outer panels and rigidly connecting said panels together, said web and said panels forming a pair of longitudinally extending slots between said panels, said slide having a pair of laterally opposed fingers forwardly disposed from said slide body and adapted to at least partially surround said inner panel by extending into said slots.
4. The improved sound reduction headset of claim 3, said slide being formed of a rigid, high friction elastomeric material such that it requires forcible movement for repositioning on said inner panel.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000565447A CA1300033C (en) | 1988-04-29 | 1988-04-29 | Sound reduction headset |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000565447A CA1300033C (en) | 1988-04-29 | 1988-04-29 | Sound reduction headset |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1300033C true CA1300033C (en) | 1992-05-05 |
Family
ID=4137931
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000565447A Expired - Lifetime CA1300033C (en) | 1988-04-29 | 1988-04-29 | Sound reduction headset |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1300033C (en) |
-
1988
- 1988-04-29 CA CA000565447A patent/CA1300033C/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
Similar Documents
| Publication | Publication Date | Title |
|---|---|---|
| US4670911A (en) | Attachable ear covering for sport activities | |
| US6456721B1 (en) | Headset with bone conduction speaker and microphone | |
| US4538034A (en) | Earphone assembly | |
| US5809574A (en) | Hearing protection device | |
| US6105714A (en) | Hearing protection device | |
| US5551090A (en) | Ear protecting apparatus | |
| US5179736A (en) | Combination headset and face mask device | |
| ES2248922T3 (en) | PROTECTION DEVICE BY PREVENTING THE APPEARANCE OF PAIN DURING THE USE OF HEADPHONES. | |
| US4791684A (en) | Ear held earmuff | |
| CA2363002A1 (en) | Suspension for protective headgear | |
| EP0870487A3 (en) | Headband with break-away cord attachment | |
| US3970082A (en) | Hard hat ear protector | |
| ES2090292T3 (en) | EARPHONE PROTECTIVE CASE FOR EARMUFFS OR TELEPHONE HELMETS. | |
| US20060213525A1 (en) | Earplug and headgear with the earplug | |
| US3915166A (en) | Earplug attached to an elastic band | |
| CA2276665A1 (en) | Ear held earmuff | |
| US4756028A (en) | Sound reduction headset | |
| JP2000235164A5 (en) | ||
| KR102276972B1 (en) | Ear covers for protection against the cold | |
| CA1300033C (en) | Sound reduction headset | |
| US6981569B2 (en) | Ear clip | |
| CA2178014A1 (en) | Ear protection device | |
| AU728919B2 (en) | A device having rotatable legs | |
| NL1022750C2 (en) | Mask. | |
| US3841326A (en) | Hard hat ear protector |
Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKLA | Lapsed |