Pivoting headset positioning assembly and headset interface with rotatable connector
The headset positioning assembly with a rotatable connector addresses the challenge of rapid attachment and detachment, and maintains electrical contact during pivoting, improving user convenience and functionality.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- JP2024226493
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2024-01-16
- Filing Date
- 2024-12-23
- Publication Date
- 2025-07-29
AI Technical Summary
Existing communication headsets for helmets lack efficient mechanisms for rapid attachment and detachment, as well as the ability to pivot between deployed and stowed positions while maintaining electrical contact.
A headset positioning assembly with a rotatable connector that includes a plug and socket system, allowing for easy attachment and detachment, and enabling pivotal movement between deployed and stowed positions while maintaining electrical contact through contact pins spanning across an annular contact ring.
Enables easy attachment and removal of headsets from helmets, facilitates pivoting between use and non-use positions, and maintains electrical connectivity during reorientation, enhancing user convenience and functionality.
Smart Images
Figure 2025110880000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] Cross - Reference to Related Applications This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 621,230, filed on January 16, 2024. The foregoing application is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety into this specification.
Background Art
[0002] The present disclosure relates to a communication headset, and more particularly, to a headset positioning assembly and a headset interface for rapid attachment and detachment of a related headset, and for a helmet - mounted headset that provides pivotal or rotational movement.
Summary of the Invention
[0003] A communication headset positioning assembly can be removably coupled to a modular helmet accessory attachment system or platform. The modular helmet accessory platform includes side shrouds and includes an electric headset attachment receptacle or socket. The attachment receptacle removably receives a complementary plug on the headset positioning assembly. The plug is configured such that movement of the headset assembly between a deployed position and a stowed position is enabled by rotational movement within the socket. The plug includes a plurality of contact pins configured to establish and maintain electrical contact with an annular contact ring disposed on a printed circuit board (PCB) housed within the side shroud. The contact ring functions as an electrical path for transmitting signals between a related headset on the headset positioning assembly and the modular helmet accessory platform. The contact pins maintain electrical contact with the contact ring by spanning across the ring during pivotal movement.
[0004] In another aspect, a rotatable headset positioning interface is provided.
[0005] One advantage of this development is that it enables the headset to be easily attached to and removed from the helmet.
[0006] Another advantage of this development is that it enables the headset to be easily pivoted between a deployed position above the user's ear when the headset is in use and a stowed position on the helmet when the headset is not in use.
[0007] Another advantage of this development is the ability to maintain electrical contacts between the headset and the helmet accessory attachment system when the headset positioning assembly is reoriented between the deployed and stowed positions.
[0008] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art by reading and understanding the following description of the preferred embodiments.
[0009] The present invention may take form in various components and arrangements of components, as well as in various steps and arrangements of steps. The drawings are only for the purpose of illustrating the preferred embodiments and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.
Brief Description of the Drawings
[0010]
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0011] Next, reference will be made in detail to the presently preferred embodiments of the present invention. One or more examples thereof are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Each example is shown for the purpose of explaining the present invention and is not a limitation of the present invention. The present invention can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein should not be construed as limiting, but rather as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching those skilled in the art to use the inventive concept in virtually any appropriately detailed structure in various ways. Further, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting, but rather are intended to provide an understandable description of the development. In fact, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art, changes and modifications can be made to the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the present invention. For example, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment may be used in another embodiment to yield still other embodiments. Therefore, the present invention is intended to cover changes and modifications that fall within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.
[0012] The term "a" or "an" as used herein is defined as one or more. The term "another" as used herein is defined as at least a second or more. The terms "including" and / or "having" as used herein are defined as comprising (i.e., open transition). The terms "coupled" or "operably coupled" as used herein are defined as being connected either indirectly or directly.
[0013] As used in this application, the terms "front", "rear", "upper", "lower", "above", "below", "left", "right", and other directional descriptors are intended to facilitate the description of exemplary embodiments (s) of the present invention and are not intended to limit the structure to any particular position or orientation.
[0014] All numbers in this specification are assumed to be modified by the term "about" unless otherwise stated. The recitation of numerical ranges by endpoints includes all numbers subsumed within that range (e.g., 1 to 5 includes 1, 1.5, 2, 2.75, 3, 3.80, 4, and 5).
[0015] Referring now to the drawings, like reference numerals refer to like or similar components throughout the several views, and FIG. 1 shows a helmet 104 to which a side accessory attachment shroud 108 is attached. The shroud 108 has a housing 110. Next, a headset assembly 112 is removably coupled to the shroud 108. Although the left side shroud 108 is shown, it will be recognized that the present development can be adapted for use with a right side shroud, or both a left side shroud and a right side shroud. The helmet 104 may be a military helmet, a bulletproof helmet, a field helmet, a tactical helmet, a combat helmet, an aviation helmet, or the like. In an embodiment, the side shroud 108 is a component of a helmet accessory attachment platform 100 as shown and described in U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 500,657, filed November 2, 2023, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 427,496, filed November 23, 2022, where the holders are common (see FIG. 15).
[0016] Referring now to FIG. 2 and continuing to refer to FIG. 1, the headset assembly 112 includes a headset positioning assembly 116 and an earpiece assembly 118. The earpiece assembly 118 includes an earpiece 122. In the illustrated embodiment, the earpiece 122 is an earcup, for example, an ear-covering earcup. The illustrated earpiece 122 is shown as an ear-covering earcup having a cushion 224 according to a preferred embodiment, but other types of headset earpiece devices are contemplated, such as on-ear headphones, supra-aural headphones, bone conduction headphones, open-back headphones, hearing protectors, noise cancellation devices, and the like.
[0017] The headset positioning assembly 116 includes an interface plug 120 that removably engages an interface receptacle or socket 124 on the shroud 108. The interface plug 120 cooperates with the interface socket 124 to define a headset assembly coupling interface 130 (see FIGS. 9-11). In the illustrated embodiment, the coupling interface 130 includes a bayonet coupling or an alignment and twist coupling.
[0018] As best seen in FIGS. 3-5 and continuing to refer to FIGS. 1 and 2, to couple the headset assembly 112 to the side shroud 108, the headset assembly 112 is generally inverted 180 degrees relative to the deployed position shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. When the headset assembly 112 is in the inverted position, the lugs 128a, 128b, and 128c are aligned with complementary notches or slots 132a, 132b, and 132c formed in the lock collar 136, respectively. In the illustrated embodiment, the lugs 128a, 128b, and 128c have different sizes to provide a keyed configuration. Since the sizes of each lug / slot pair are different, the interface plug 120 can be inserted into the interface socket in only one orientation. Other keyed mechanisms are also contemplated, such as providing different sizes of separate lugs and slots, keyed shapes, asymmetric angular spacing, and the like.
[0019] During operation, when the headset assembly 112 is in the inverted position shown in FIG. 3, when the interface plug 120 is inserted into the interface socket 124 on the shroud 108, the lugs 128a, 128b, and 128c move axially through their respective slots 132a, 132b, and 132c. Next, the headset assembly 112 pivots 180 degrees about the pivot axis 138 until the headset assembly 112 reaches the deployed position shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 5. In the deployed position, the lugs 128a-128c are captured behind the collar 136, providing a fixed connection of the headset assembly 112 to the side shroud 108. In certain embodiments, one or more alignment mechanisms may be utilized to achieve the desired deployed and stowed orientations. In certain embodiments, one or more alignment mechanisms include one or more detents that apply a spring load onto the interface plug 120 and are configured to engage one or more complementary features on the interface socket 124, or vice versa. Other alignment mechanisms include cam mechanisms, physical rotation stops, index pins, etc., and combinations thereof.
[0020] As best seen in FIG. 6 and continuing to refer to FIGS. 1-5, the headset assembly coupling interface 130 is configured to allow the headset assembly 112 to pivot to a stowed position that is intermediate the deployed position as seen in FIGS. 1, 2, and 5 and the inverted attachment / detachment position as shown in FIG. 4. The stowed position is advantageous for certain situations where it is desirable or advantageous to temporarily remove the headset earpieces, such as to better hear ambient or environmental sounds, verbal commands, potential threats, or information or communication from a teammate that has recently occurred to the user. The stowed position is also useful for liberation from overheating and discomfort associated with long-term use where removal of the headset assembly 112 from the helmet 104 is not desired, such as during long missions, periods of rest, and long-term use.
[0021] Continuing to refer to FIGS. 1-6, as best seen in FIGS. 7, 13, and 14, the shroud 108 houses the circuit board 140, and the circuit board is fixed by the screw component 142 passing through the clearance opening 144 in the circuit board 140 and through the clearance opening 148 in the housing 110 of the shroud 108. The screw component 142 engages a complementary tapped opening 152 in the interface socket bezel 154. The bezel 154 includes a central aperture 156 that is aligned with the aperture 148 in the housing 110. The bezel 154 holds a slotted or notched plug bayonet lock collar 136. The bezel 154 and the housing 110 cooperate to define an interface socket 124. The outward-facing surface of the circuit board 140 includes a plurality of concentric, for example, concentric circular electrical contacts 150a-150f that are aligned with the aperture 148 in the housing 110 and the aperture 156 in the bezel 154.
[0022] Referring now to FIG. 12 and continuing to refer to FIGS. 1-7, 13, and 14, the interface plug 120 includes a generally cylindrical stub 160 that defines a central bore 162 and has a flange portion 164 at or near its proximal end. The flange portion defines a counterbore 165 that is coaxially aligned with the bore 162. A lug collar 166 is disposed at or near the distal end of the stub 160 and holds the lugs 128a-128c.
[0023] The interface plug 120 further includes a pivotable earpiece interconnecting member 170 hinged thereto. A pair of opposed, spaced-apart outer arms 168 extend from the flange 164, and each arm 168 has a first pivot hole 172. From the body portion 174 of the interconnecting member 170, a pair of opposed, spaced-apart inner arms 176 extend, each having an internally aligned pivot hole 178. Each pair of pivot holes 172, 178 receives a pivot pin 181 (see FIG. 4) that defines a pivot axis 180. Each arm 168 further includes a second pivot hole 173 associated with an earpiece pressure adjustment mechanism as described below.
[0024] The electrical contact pins 182a - 182f pass through respective aligned openings 186 within a pin insulator 184 formed from an electrically insulating material. A pin gasket 188 is disposed over the pin insulator 184 and includes aligned openings 190 to permit each one of the electrical contact pins 182a - 182f to pass therethrough. The pin gasket 188 may be formed from an elastomeric material such as silicone, rubber, or other elastomeric polymers. In an embodiment, the openings within the pin gasket 188 form a seal around the pins 182a - 182f to provide environmental sealing against moisture, dust, or other potentially harmful elements. The pins 182a - 182f are positioned and aligned to establish electrical connections with the contact pads 150a - 150f, respectively. The contact pads 150a - 150f are then electrically coupled to associated subsystems or functions within the helmet accessory attachment platform.
[0025] In the illustrated exemplary embodiments, contacts 150a - 150f and respective pins 182a - 182f are configured to transmit power and data signals between the headset assembly 112 and the shroud 108. In certain embodiments, pins 182a - 182f are spring - loaded telescoping pins, such as pogo pins. In certain embodiments, contacts 150a - 150f and respective pins 182a - 182f correspond to Shield, CC, VBUS, D +, D -, and GND. The Shield serves the function of providing shielding against electromagnetic interference (EMI) and / or radio frequency interference (RFI). The CC (Configuration Channel) enables the device to negotiate power requirements and data roles, detect attachment, etc. The VBUS (Voltage Bus) carries the power necessary for the operation of the headset assembly 112. The D + (Data Positive) contact processes the transmission of positive data signals, and the D - (Data Negative) contact processes the transmission of negative data signals. The GND connection provides a path for current dissipation. In certain embodiments, the interface 130 complies with the Universal Serial Bus (USB) 2.0 protocol.
[0026] The pin cap 192 is disposed over pins 182a - 182f. A retaining spring clip fastener 194 is provided to retain the pin cap 192, pins 182a - 182f, pin insulator 184, and pin gasket 188 within the counterbore 165 of the interface plug 120. In an embodiment, the retaining spring clip fastener 194 is an internal spring clip received within a groove (not shown) formed within the counterbore 165.
[0027] Referring now to FIG. 8 and continuing to refer to FIGS. 1 - 7 and FIGS. 12 - 14, a headset assembly 112 with the earpiece 122 removed is shown. The yoke includes a pair of opposing legs 208 and a generally U - shaped fastening prong 209. The yoke 200 is fixed to the body portion 174 of the interconnecting member 170 by a screw component 204 passing through the prong 209. In an embodiment, the yoke 200 is formed from wire material, although other materials are contemplated.
[0028] The knob screw 212 is disposed within the main body 174 and provides an adjustment mechanism for selectively increasing or decreasing the pivot angle between the interface plug 120 and the interconnecting member 170, whereby the user can selectively increase or decrease the pressure of the earpiece 122 against the user's ear / head. The lower or distal end of each leg 208 includes an earpiece attachment member 222 for attaching the earpiece 122.
[0029] In a particular embodiment, as best seen in FIG. 4, the pivot adjustment mechanism includes a first pivot member 202 held on the main body 174 of the interconnecting member 170 and pivoting about a pivot axis 206 that is parallel to the pivot axis 180. A pivot pin 205 pivotally secures the first pivot member 202 to the interconnecting member 170 via an opening 175 (see FIG. 12). The first pivot member 202 includes an enlarged portion or boss 210 along its length and features a vertical bore for receiving the shaft of the knob screw 212. The vertical bore is designed to rotatably capture the knob screw 212.
[0030] A second pivot member 214 is held on the outer arm 168 of the interface plug 120 and pivots about a pivot axis 226 that is parallel to the pivot axes 180 and 206. The second pivot member 214 is pivotally attached to the outer arm 168 via a pivot pin 225 that engages an opening 173 (see FIG. 12).
[0031] The second pivot member 214 includes an elongated or protruding boss 218 and features a vertical bore for threadedly receiving the shaft of the thumb screw 212. When the thumb screw 212 is rotatably advanced within the boss 218, the distance between the shaft 206 and the shaft 226 decreases, causing the interconnecting member 170 to pivot about the pivot axis 180 towards the user's head, thereby reducing the pressure exerted by the earpiece 122 on the user's head. When the thumb screw 212 is rotatably retracted relative to the boss 218, the distance between the shaft 206 and the shaft 226 increases, causing the interconnecting member 170 to pivot about the pivot axis 180 away from the user's head, thereby increasing the pressure exerted by the earpiece 122 on the user's head. That is, when the thumb screw 212 is manually rotated in a first direction, the interconnecting member pivots about the pivot axis 180 towards the user's head, increasing the pressure of the earpiece 122 on the user's head. Conversely, when the thumb screw 212 is manually rotated in a second direction opposite to the first direction, the interconnecting member pivots about the pivot axis 180 away from the user's head, reducing the pressure of the earpiece 122 on the user's head.
[0032] Referring now to FIG. 9 and continuing to refer to FIGS. 1-8 and FIGS. 10-14, an enlarged view of the coupling interface 130 is shown when the headset assembly 112 is in the reverse attachment / detachment orientation shown in FIG. 4.
[0033] Referring now to FIG. 10 and continuing to refer to FIGS. 1-9 and FIGS. 11-14, an enlarged view of the coupling interface 130 is shown when the headset assembly 112 is in the deployed position shown in FIG. 2.
[0034] Referring now to FIG. 11 and continuing to refer to FIGS. 1-10 and FIGS. 12-14, an enlarged view of the coupling interface 130 is shown when the headset assembly 112 is in the deployed position shown in FIG. 6.
[0035] Referring now to FIG. 15 and continuing to refer to FIGS. 1 - 14, side shroud 108 includes circuit board 140 and an interface 127 to modular helmet accessory platform 100. Platform interface 127 communicates with a control unit 146, such as a microcontroller. Control unit 146 then communicates with operator interface 158. In certain embodiments, control unit 146 may also handle other functions of helmet accessory platform 100, such as a flashlight function.
[0036] Operator interface 158 may include one or more user - operable actuators, such as rotary encoder 196, button control 198, etc. Other types of actuators, such as magnetic encoders, are contemplated.
[0037] In an embodiment, a power negotiator circuit or subsystem 216 is coupled to control unit 146 to facilitate power management in headset assembly 112. In an embodiment, digital audio interface 220 is provided to receive an audio data stream, for example, from helmet - mounted accessory platform 100. The audio data is then transmitted to headset assembly 112 via the interfaces of headset positioning assembly 116 and plug 120 and socket 124. In an optional embodiment, RF antenna 228 is provided within side shroud 108. In an embodiment, antenna 228 is coupled to a wireless transceiver module located at a remote location on helmet accessory platform 100. In an embodiment, an optional high - speed, low - latency interface 246 is coupled to interface socket 124.
[0038] Referring now to FIG. 16 and continuing to refer to FIGS. 1-15, an exemplary headset communication system is shown. The illustrated communication systems and descriptions provided herein are intended for purposes of illustration and example only and it is expressly understood that the present development is not limited to the exact configurations and components depicted. Embodiments of the present disclosure are presented as exemplary implementations to enable those skilled in the art to understand and practice the principles of the invention.
[0039] The connector of interface plug 120 is coupled to circuit board 141 within headset assembly 112 and functions as the primary interface to shroud 108, enabling both digital audio transmission and power input from an external power source. The power source is advantageously a remote battery pack associated with a helmet accessory attachment system of which side shroud 108 is a part.
[0040] Interface plug 120 is operably coupled to a computer-based control unit 230 which may be a microcontroller, a microprocessor, etc. Control unit 230 manages and adjusts the functions of the headset. The term control unit 230 as used herein is intended to encompass a processing unit operably coupled to an associated memory which is configured to store and facilitate the execution of executable program instructions by control unit 230.
[0041] In an embodiment, a wireless communication interface 232, such as a Bluetooth module or other radio frequency (RF) transceiver module, is operably coupled to control unit 230 to facilitate wireless communication. In an embodiment, wireless communication interface 232 is a Bluetooth module to enable connecting the headset to a Bluetooth-enabled device. Wireless communication interface 232 includes an antenna 234.
[0042] In an embodiment, a digital signal processor (DSP) 236 is provided to improve audio quality by processing digital audio signals. In an embodiment, the DSP 236 is configured to provide one or more features such as noise reduction, noise cancellation, equalization, audio optimization, etc.
[0043] In an embodiment, the audio codec 238 converts the digital audio signal into an analog audio signal for output to the speaker 240, which then converts the analog audio signal into a human audible output. The headset assembly 112 may optionally include a microphone 242 that captures an acoustic input, converts it into an electrical signal, and transmits it to the audio codec 238. In an alternative embodiment, the microphone 242 is omitted and the acoustic input from the user is captured by an external microphone such as a microphone associated with a helmet communication system integrated with the helmet 104 or a microphone located elsewhere on the helmet accessory attachment platform.
[0044] In an embodiment, optional manual controls 244 are provided. The controls 244 may include one or more buttons, dials, or keys for controlling one or more settings of the headset assembly, such as increasing or decreasing the volume.
[0045] The functions described in this specification can be implemented using various techniques including hardware, software, and firmware. Hardware embodiments can include dedicated electronic circuits, processors, or programmable logic devices. Software embodiments may utilize computer-executable instructions executed by a processor, and firmware embodiments may include a combination of both hardware and software stored in non-volatile memory. The functions described in this specification may be implemented in common or separate hardware components. Embodiments of common hardware involve integrating multiple functions within a single physical device or system. Separate hardware embodiments may distribute functions across different components or devices, providing modularity and design flexibility.
[0046] The present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments (s). Upon reading and understanding the foregoing detailed description, modifications and changes will occur to others. The present invention is intended to be construed as including all such modifications and changes as long as they fall within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof.
Claims
**Claim 1** A headset attachment system, a side shroud configured to be attached to a side portion of a helmet, the side shroud including a mounting receptacle, and a headset assembly having a mounting plug, the mounting plug being configured to be removably coupled to the mounting receptacle, the mounting plug including a cylindrical stub having one or more lugs, the headset assembly, a retaining collar disposed within the mounting receptacle, the retaining collar having one or more slots formed therein, comprising, at least a portion of the mounting plug being configured to fit within the collar of the receptacle when the one or more lugs are aligned with the one or more slots, the plug being configured to rotate within the collar to secure the plug within the receptacle by engagement of the one or more lugs behind the collar, the headset attachment system. **Claim 2** The headset attachment system of claim 1, wherein the headset assembly includes a yoke having a proximal end coupled to the mounting plug and a distal end coupled to an earpiece. **Claim 3** The headset attachment system of claim 1, wherein the plug is pivotable about an axis disposed above the user's ear when worn by the user. **Claim 4** The headset attachment system of claim 3, wherein the plug is configured to rotate between a first position where the one or more lugs are aligned with the one or more slots and a second position in a deployed position at least partially covering the user's ear when the earpiece is worn by the user. **Claim 5** The headset attachment system of claim 4, wherein the plug is configured to rotate between the second position and a third position where the plug is received adjacent to a rear portion of the helmet generally above and behind the user's ear when the earpiece is worn by the user. **Claim 6** The one or more lugs include a first lug, a second lug, and a third lug, the one or more slots include a first slot, a second slot, and a third slot, the first lug is configured by a geometric shape complementary to the geometric shape of the first slot, the second lug is configured by a geometric shape complementary to the geometric shape of the second slot, and the third lug is configured by a geometric shape complementary to the geometric shape of the third slot. The headset attachment system according to claim 4.
7. The headset attachment system according to claim 1, further comprising a helmet structure configured to protect a user's head.
8. The headset attachment system according to claim 1, wherein the side shroud is a component of a helmet accessory attachment platform.
9. The headset attachment system according to claim 1, wherein the earpiece is an ear-covering earcup.
10. A circuit board received within the side shroud, the circuit board having a plurality of concentric electrical contacts disposed within the attachment receptacle; A plurality of electrical contact pins disposed within the attachment plug; Further comprising: Each electrical contact pin contacts and is positioned to traverse along a respective one of the concentric electrical contacts during pivotal movement of the attachment plug relative to the attachment receptacle. The headset attachment system according to claim 1.
11. The headset assembly includes: A pivotal interconnect member pivotally attached to the attachment plug; A yoke attached to the pivotal interconnect member; An earpiece attached to the yoke; Including: The pivotal interconnect member pivots the earpiece toward and away from the user's ear when the user is wearing it, about a first axis. The headset attachment system according to claim 1.
12. Further comprising a pivot adjustment mechanism, The pivot adjustment mechanism includes: A first pivot member pivotally attached to the pivotal interconnect member, the first pivot member pivoting about a second pivot axis and receiving a captured manually rotatable thumb screw. The first pivot member. A second pivot member pivotably attached to the attachment plug and pivoting about a third pivot axis parallel to the first pivot axis and the second pivot axis, the second pivot member having an elongated boss, comprising, The thumb screw includes a threaded rod that screws into a tapped opening in the elongated boss. Rotating the thumb screw in a first direction causes a pivoting motion of the pivot interconnecting member and reduces the pressure of the earpiece on the user when the user is wearing it. Rotating the thumb screw in a second direction opposite to the first direction causes a pivoting motion of the pivot interconnecting member and increases the pressure of the earpiece on the user when the user is wearing it. The headset attachment system according to claim 11.
13. The headset attachment system according to claim 1, wherein the headset assembly includes a computer-based control unit.
14. The headset attachment system according to claim 13, wherein the headset assembly further includes an audio codec operably coupled to the control unit and an audio speaker.
15. The headset attachment system according to claim 13, wherein the headset assembly further includes one or more of a digital signal processor, a wireless communication interface, one or more manual controls, and a microphone.
16. The headset attachment system according to claim 15, wherein the wireless communication interface includes a Bluetooth transceiver module.
17. In a helmet communication system, a headset attachment interface, a mounting receptacle, a mounting plug configured to be removably coupled to the mounting receptacle, the mounting plug including a cylindrical stub having one or more lugs, a retaining collar disposed within the mounting receptacle and having one or more slots formed therein, comprising, At least a portion of the attachment plug is configured to fit within the collar of the receptacle when the one or more lugs are aligned with the one or more slots. The headset attachment interface, wherein the plug is configured to rotate within the collar such that the one or more lugs engage behind the collar to secure the plug within the receptacle. **Claim 18** a plurality of concentric electrical contacts disposed within the attachment receptacle; a plurality of electrical contact pins disposed within the attachment plug; further comprising each electrical contact pin is positioned to contact and cross along each respective one of the concentric electrical contacts during pivotal movement of the attachment plug relative to the attachment receptacle, the headset attachment interface according to claim 17.