Communication Headset Adapter

Abstract

A communication headset includes an earcup including a communication port configured to receive one of a plurality of adapters. Each of the plurality of adapters has a headset end and a cable end. The headset end of each adapter is configured to engage with the port on the earcup and the cable end is configured to engage with a different communication connector cable. The plurality of adapters are each selectively interchangeable with one another and with a port plug by a user.

Description

TITLE

[0001] Communication Headset AdapterCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 661,981 filed June 20, 2024 entitled “Communication Headset Adapter”, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present disclosure generally relates to a communication headset adapter and, in some embodiments, to a communication headset adapter that allows a headset, such as a helmet mounted headset, to be compatible with a plurality of cables having different connectors.SUMMARY

[0004] In one embodiment, there is a communication headset including an earcup including a communication port configured to receive one of a plurality of adapters. In some embodiments, each of the plurality of adapters has a headset end and a cable end, the headset end of each adapter configured to engage with the port on the earcup and the cable end configured to engage with a different communication connector cable. In some embodiments, the plurality of adapters are each selectively interchangeable with one another and with a port plug by a user. In some embodiments, the communication headset further includes the port plug, wherein the port plug extends into and blocks the port of the earcup in an earcup stowage position.

[0005] In some embodiments, the earcup is a right earcup and the communication headset further includes a left earcup. In some embodiments, each of the right and left earcups includes a communication port. In some embodiments, the right earcup can engage with one of the plurality of adapters while the left earcup engages with a different one of the plurality of adapters.

[0006] In some embodiments, the communication headset further includes the plurality of adapters. In some embodiments, each of the plurality of adapters has a rectangular shape. In some of the embodiments, the plurality of adapters is recessed in the port of the earcup. In some embodiments, at least 50% of a length of the adapter extends inside the port.

[0007] In some embodiments, the communication connector cable can be a Fischer, MPU5, U174, ICS Airframe, Amphenol, or Amphenol monaural connector.

[0008] In some embodiments, the headset end of each of the plurality of adapters has a distal seal and a proximal seal, the proximal seal having a diameter and the distal seal having a diameterlarger than that of the proximal seal. In some embodiments, both the proximal seal and distal seal engage with the port on the earcup. In some embodiments, the cable end of each of the plurality of adapters has a seal configured to engage with the communication connector cable.

[0009] In some embodiments, the port plug has a seal configured to engage with the port on the earcup. In some embodiments, each of the plurality of adapters has an onboard printed circuit board that can translate signals from a radio to the headset.

[0010] In another embodiment, there is a communication headset including a right earcup and a left earcup, each of the right and left earcups includes a communication port, a plurality of adapters, each of the plurality of adapters having a headset end and a cable end, the headset end of each adapter configured to engage with the port on each earcup and the cable end configured to engage with a different communication connector cable; and first and second port plugs, the first port plug extending into and blocking the port of the right earcup in a right earcup stowage position, and the second port plug extending into and blocking the port of the left earcup in a left earcup stowage position. In some embodiments, each of the plurality of adapters has a headset end and a cable end, the headset end of each adapter configured to engage with the port on each earcup and the cable end configured to engage with a different communication connector cable. In some embodiments, the headset end of each of the plurality of adapters has a distal seal and a proximal seal, the proximal seal having a diameter and the distal seal having a diameter larger than that of the proximal seal, wherein both the proximal seal and distal seal engage with the port on the earcup. In some embodiments, the plurality of adapters are each selectively interchangeable with one another and with the first and second port plugs by the user. In some embodiments, the right earcup can engage with one of the plurality of adapters while the left earcup engages with a different one of the plurality of adapters.

[0011] In another embodiment, there is a method of using a communication headset including electrically connecting a first adapter to a communication port on an earcup of the headset to electrically connect a first cable to the headset and disconnecting the first adapter from the communication port to electrically connect a second adapter to the earcup to connect a second cable to the headset. In some embodiments, the second cable has a different connector end from the first cable.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of embodiments of the communication headset adapter, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings of exemplary embodiments. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.

[0013] In the drawings:

[0014] Fig. l is a side view of a headset with an adapter inserted into a communication port in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0015] Fig. 2 is a perspective view of an earcup of the headset of Fig. 1 shown with a port plug;

[0016] Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the earcup of Fig. 2 illustrating insertion of the port plug into the communication port;

[0017] Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the headset of Fig. 1 mounted to a headband illustrating one earcup engaged with a port plug while the other earcup is engaged with an adapter;

[0018] Fig. 5 A is a bottom view of an adapter of the headset of Fig. 1;

[0019] Fig. 5B is a perspective view of the headset of Fig. 1 illustrating the port plug is interchangeable with the adapter; and

[0020] Fig. 5C is a top view of an adapter of the headset of Fig. 1 illustrating the end of the adapter that engages with a communication connector cable.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] Communication headsets, such as over the ear headsets with a padded earcup, can be critical in numerous applications; for example, communication headsets that provide both protection and communication is particularly important for defense forces, emergency responders, and industrial personnel operating in high-performance environments. These communication headsets are often mounted to a helmet or a headband for wearing beneath the helmet or without a helmet. To provide users with audio communication, headsets and helmet mounted headsets often interface with standard Push-To-Talk (PTT) cables, used to connect the headset to radios / intercom systems, power cables, and / or an ear-to-ear cable used to connect the earcups together.

[0022] Referring to the drawings in detail, wherein like reference numerals indicate like elements throughout, there is shown in Figs. 1-5C a communication headset, generally designated 100, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The communication headset 100, allows users to reconfigure the headset to connect to a different communicationconnector cable 108 as needed using an adapter 106. For example, users may need to switch from one radio communicating between units to another radio communicating with an aircraft or drone. If either radio features a different connector 108 than what the headset is configured to, users may need to switch headsets entirely as they move from one environment and radio to another. For example, a soldier may transition from the field to a tank requiring different cables. Therefore, the communication headset 100 allowing the user to selectively interchange the PTT cables with one another would be beneficial when the user is required to switch radios / intercom systems. The communication headset 100 allows the user to quickly switch out the communication connector 108 without needing to change headsets entirely. Due to harsh environments and critical applications where these communication headsets 100 may be deployed, it may be critical that the adapter 106 be rugged and maintain secure connection with the headset 100 to avoid accidental detachment from the headset or breakage.

[0023] Additionally, the communication headset 100 may streamline manufacturing by allowing for a single headset unit or SKU to be manufactured. The current manufacturing process for headsets requires multiple production flows to develop multiple different headsets, each with a specific communication cable configuration. The communication headset 100 simplifies manufacturing to one production flow as the single configurable headset shell can be used with various communication cables 108.

[0024] Referring to Fig. 1, the communication headset 100 may include an earcup 102 and a communication port 104 on the earcup 102. In one embodiment, the earcup 102 is configured to provide at least one-way audio communication between the user and an external device such as a radio or intercom system. In another embodiment, the earcup 102 is configured to restore natural hearing with the outside environment for improved situational awareness while also providing hearing protection. The earcup 102 may be a circumaural earcup. In another embodiment, the earcup 102 may be a supra-aural earcup that rests on the user’s ear without completely encompassing the ear. In the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 1, the earcup 102 is coupled to a mount arm that attaches to a helmet. In other embodiments, the earcup 102 may be coupled to a headband 118 (see Fig. 4). In another embodiment, the earcup 102 and headset 100 may be integrally formed into the helmet. In some embodiments, the earcup 102 may be selectively attachable between mount arms for attaching to a helmet and a headband for use under or separately from the helmet.

[0025] The earcup 102 may include a cushion 114 that is configured to contour the geometry of the user’s head and provide a better seal and proper attenuation. Earcup 102 may include a microphone 110. In one embodiment, earcup 102 may include a boom arm 112 that may be flexiblesuch that the user can bend the boom arm 112 and place the microphone 110 a desired distance from the user’s mouth. In one embodiment, the communication port 104 on the earcup 102 is configured to receive a plurality of adapters 106. In another embodiment, the communication port 104 is configured to receive a port plug 116. The communication port 104 may be positioned at a desired location on the earcup 102 for receiving the communication connector cable 108. As illustrated in Fig. 1, the communication port 104 is positioned along the bottom of the earcup 102. However, in other embodiments, the communication port 104 may be positioned on the side of the earcup 102 or at different locations on the earcup 102. In some embodiments, the communication port 104 may be a different size and / or shape to correspond to the size and / or shape of the adapter 106 as discussed below. For example, the communication port 104 illustrated in Fig. 1 is rectangular in shape. In another embodiment, the communication port 104 may be cylindrical in shape.

[0026] In the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 1, the earcup 102 may be configured to receive one of a plurality of adapters 106. Each of the plurality of adapters 106 may have a headset end 126 that engages with the communication port 104 on the earcup 102 and a cable end 128 configured to engage with a specific or particular communication connector cable 108. By using the adapter 106, a single earcup 102 can be used with a variety of specific cable types. The headset end 126 of the adapter 106 may be positioned in the communication port 104 when the earcup 102 is in use and the cable end 128 of adapter 106 may be connected to a communication connector cable 108 that is plugged into a radio / intercom providing audio transmission. The headset end 126 of the adapter 106 may contain interior pins 120 that engage with the communication port 104, forming a connection between the adapter 106 and the earcup 102 (see Fig. 5A). The interior pins 120 of the adapter 106 may be comprised of any suitable material. For example, the interior pins 120 may be gold-covered aluminum housing.

[0027] Each adapter of the plurality of adapters 106 is configured to engage with a specific or particular communication connector giving the user the ability to reconfigure the headset, by replacing one adapter 106 with another, as they move from one environment to another. In some embodiments, the communication connector cable 108 can be any suitable connector. For example, the communication connector cable 108 may be a Fischer, MPU5, U174, ICS Airframe, Amphenol, or Amphenol monaural connector. Each adapter 106 has a specific cable end 128 configuration corresponding to one of the communication connector cables 108. For example, the adapter 106 with a Fischer receptacle on the cable end 128 connects with a Fischer communication connector cable 108. The user, as needed, can switch out the adapter 106 with another and connect to a specific or particular communication connector cable 108 and radio / intercom system.

[0028] In some embodiments, the cable end 128 of each of the plurality of adapters 106 may have a seal configured to engage with the communication connector cable 108. In the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 1, the cable end 128 protrudes from the adapter 106. However, in other embodiments, the cable end 128 can be covered by the adapter 106 housing or sit recessed in the earcup 102. In some embodiments, each of the plurality of adapters 106 may have an onboard printed circuit board for level translation or signal conversion when interfacing with a communication connector cable 108. In some embodiments, each of the plurality of adapters 106 may be the same shape and size as the communication port 104. For example, the adapter 106 illustrated in Fig. 1 is rectangular in shape corresponding to the shape of the communication port 104. In one embodiment, having the adapter 106 be rectangular in shape may help to prevent the adapter 106 from twisting relative to the earcup 102 thereby resulting in a sturdier connection. In another embodiment, each of the plurality of adapters 106 may be a different shape or size depending on the shape of the communication port 104.

[0029] In one embodiment, adapter 106 may have a keyed arrangement allowing only one insertion configuration so that the interior pins 120 properly align with the communication port 104. In one embodiment, the keyed configuration is a protrusion 132 on one side that engages with a groove in the communication port 104 (see Fig. 5B). The protrusion 132 may be rectangular in shape. In some embodiments the protrusion 132 may be a different shape.

[0030] Referring to Fig. 1, at least a portion of the adapter 106 may sit recessed in the communication port 104. In some embodiments, the adapter 106 sits recessed with at least 50%- 60%, at least 60%-70%, at least 70%-80%, at least 80%-90% or at least 90%-100% of the length of the adapter 106 housing, defined as length L, extending inside the communication port 104 (see Fig. 5B). The length L may be at least 0.5-0.75 of an inch. The adapter 106 sitting recessed in the communication port 104 may prevent accidental disconnection of the adapter 106 and help create a sturdier and / or more waterproof connection. The adapter 106 may be comprised of any suitable material. For example, the adapter 106 may be comprised of plastic.

[0031] Referring to Figs. 2-3, the earcup 102 may be configured to receive a port plug 116. The port plug 116 protects the communication port 104 from environmental conditions (e.g., dirt, water) when the communication port 104 is not being used. In the embodiment illustrated by Fig. 3, the port plug 116 extends into the communication port 104 on the earcup 102 and blocks the communication port 104 in an earcup 102 stowage position. The port plug 116 may be positioned in the communication port 104 when a communication connector cable 108 is not plugged into the communication port 104. The headset 100 may be provided with one or more port plugs 116. Theport plug 116 may contain interior pins 120 that engage with the communication port 104, forming a connection between the port plug 116 and the earcup 102 and providing information to the headset 100 that a port plug 116 is in the communication port 104. The interior pins 120 of the port plug 116 may be comprised of any suitable material. For example, the interior pins 120 may be gold-covered aluminum housing. The port plug 116 may have a seal to engage with the communication port 104. The port plug 116 may be removably coupled to the communication port 104. In some embodiments the port plug 116 may be the same shape and size as the communication port 104. For example, the port plug 116 illustrated in Fig. 2 is rectangular in shape corresponding to the shape of the communication port 104. In another embodiment, the port plug 116 may be a different shape or size depending on the shape of the communication port 104. The port plug 116 may be comprised of any suitable material. For example, the port plug 116 may be comprised of plastic and rubber. In another embodiment, the port plug 116 may include pins that provide information to the earcup 102 that a port plug 116 is in the communication port 104.

[0032] Referring to Fig. 4, the headset may be coupled to a headband 118. As illustrated in Fig. 4, one of the earcups 102 may be engaged with one of the plurality of adapters 106 while the other earcup 102 is engaged with a different one of the plurality of adapters 106 or a port plug 116. This allows users to connect more than one communication connector cable 108 to the headset 100 at the same time and configure the headset 100 between single or dual connection. In the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 4, one earcup is engaged with a port plug 116 in an unused stowage position while the other earcup is engaged with an adapter 106 in a use position. When both earcups 102 are in a stowage position, the communication ports 104 on both earcups may be engaged with a port plug 116. When both earcups 102 are in use, the communication ports 104 on both earcups may be engaged with a different one of a plurality of adapters 106 and connected to different communication connector cables 108.

[0033] Referring to Figs. 5A-5B, the plurality of adapters 106 may be selectively interchangeable with one another and with a port plug 116 by the user. The headset ends 126 of the plurality of adapters 106 and the port plugs 116 have the same form factor and are each compatible with the communication port 104 on the earcup 102. As the user moves from one environment to another, they can replace the adapter 106 with another, different adapter 106 and reconfigure the headset 100 to connect with a different radio / intercom. The adapter 106 may be interchangeable with a port plug 116 that will take the place of the adapter 106 in the communication port 104 in an earcup 102 stowage position. In the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 5 A, the headset end 126 of each of the plurality of adapters 106 has a distal seal 122 and a proximal seal 124 where the distal seal122 has a diameter larger than that of the proximal seal 124. Both the distal seal 122 and proximal seal 124 on each of the plurality of adapters 106 engages with the communication port 104 on the earcup 102. In the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 5B, the cable end 128 may contain a flange 130. The flange 130 may be positioned between the cable end 128 and the earcup 102 to provide support and to strengthen the adapter 106 when it is connected to the earcup 102. The distal seal 122 may be positioned on the side of the flange 130 so that the distal seal 122 sits between the flange 130 and the earcup 102. The proximal seal 124 may be positioned within the headset end 126. In some embodiments, the flange 130 sits in the communication port 104 so that it is flush with the outer surface of the earcup 102.

[0034] Referring to Fig. 5C, the cable end 128 may contain pinholes 134 that act as receptacles for the corresponding pins 136 on the communication connector cable 108. In the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 5C, the cable end 128 is configured to receive a communication connector cable 108 similar to a Fischer cable. However, in other embodiments, the cable end 128 may have different configurations to receive different communication connector cables 108 such as MPU5, U174, ICS Airframe, Amphenol, or Amphenol monaural.

[0035] In another embodiment, the plurality of adapters 106 may be used with a Push-To-Talk (PTT) device. PTT devices, such as a two-way radio, operate on a half-duplex system where only one party can transmit audio at a time. Similar to helmet 100, PTT devices often interface with a variety of standard communication cables each having different configurations. The PTT may include a communication port 104 to receive one of the plurality of adapters 106 described herein. By using the plurality of adapters 106, the PTT can be used with a variety of specific communication cable types.

[0036] In another embodiment, there is a method of using a communication headset in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the method includes electrically connecting a first adapter to a communication port on an earcup of the headset to electrically connect a first cable to the headset. For example, one of the plurality of adapters 106 may be connected the communication headset via the communication port 104. A communication connector cable 108 may then be connected to the adapter 106. In some embodiments, the method includes disconnecting the first adapter from the communication port to electrically connect a second adapter to the earcup to connect a second cable to the headset. For example, adapter 106 may be switched out with another adapter 106 by the user. In some embodiments, the second cable has a different connector end from the first cable. In someembodiments, the method includes disconnecting a port plug from the communication port prior to electrically connecting the first adapter.

[0037] The term “about” or “approximately” is used herein to provide literal support for the exact number that it precedes, as well as a number that is near to or approximately the number that the term precedes. In determining whether a number is near to or approximately a specifically recited number, the near or approximating unrecited number may be a number, which, in the context in which it is presented, provides the substantial equivalent of the specifically recited number. It should be appreciated that all numerical values and ranges disclosed herein are approximate values and ranges, whether “about” is used in conjunction therewith. It should also be appreciated that the term “about,” as used herein, in conjunction with a numeral refers to a value that may be ±0.01% (inclusive), ±0.1% (inclusive), ±0.5% (inclusive), ±1% (inclusive) of that numeral, ±2% (inclusive) of that numeral, ±3% (inclusive) of that numeral, ±5% (inclusive) of that numeral, ±10% (inclusive) of that numeral, or ±15% (inclusive) of that numeral. It should further be appreciated that when a numerical range is disclosed herein, any numerical value falling within the range is also specifically disclosed.

[0038] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes could be made to the exemplary embodiments shown and described above without departing from the broad inventive concepts thereof. It is to be understood that the embodiments and claims disclosed herein are not limited in their application to the details of construction and arrangement of the components set forth in the description and illustrated in the drawings. Rather, the description and the drawings provide examples of the embodiments envisioned. The embodiments and claims disclosed herein are further capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways.

[0039] Specific features of the exemplary embodiments may or may not be part of the claimed invention and various features of the disclosed embodiments may be combined. Unless specifically set forth herein, the terms “a”, “an” and “the” are not limited to one element but instead should be read as meaning “at least one”. Finally, unless specifically set forth herein, a disclosed or claimed method should not be limited to the performance of their steps in the order written, and one skilled in the art can readily appreciate that the steps may be performed in any practical order.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A communication headset comprising: an earcup including a communication port configured to receive one of a plurality of adapters, wherein each of the plurality of adapters has a headset end and a cable end, the headset end of each adapter configured to engage with the port on the earcup and the cable end configured to engage with a different communication connector cable, and wherein the plurality of adapters are each selectively interchangeable with one another and with a port plug by a user.

2. The communication headset of claim 1 further comprising: the port plug, wherein the port plug extends into and blocks the port of the earcup in an earcup stowage position.

3. The communication headset of claim 1, wherein the earcup is a right earcup and the communication headset further including a left earcup, wherein each of the right and left earcups includes a communication port.

4. The communication headset of claim 3, wherein the right earcup can engage with one of the plurality of adapters while the left earcup engages with a different one of the plurality of adapters.

5. The communication headset of claim 1 further comprising: the plurality of adapters, wherein each of the plurality of adapters has a rectangular shape.

6. The communication headset of claim 5, wherein each of the plurality of adapters is recessed in the port of the earcup, wherein at least 50% of a length of the adapter extends inside the port.

7. The communication headset of claim 1, wherein the communication connector cable can be a Fischer, MPU5, U174, ICS Airframe, Amphenol, or Amphenol monaural connector.

8. The communication headset of claim 1, wherein the headset end of each of the plurality of adapters has a distal seal and a proximal seal, the proximal seal having a diameter and the distal seal having a diameter larger than that of the proximal seal, wherein both the proximal seal and distal seal engage with the port on the earcup.

9. The communication headset of claim 1, wherein the cable end of each of the plurality of adapters has a seal configured to engage with the communication connector cable.

10. The communication headset of claim 1, wherein the port plug has a seal configured to engage with the port on the earcup.

11. The communication headset of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of adapters has an onboard printed circuit board that can translate signals from a radio to the headset.

12. A communication headset comprising: a right earcup and a left earcup, wherein each of the right and left earcups includes a communication port; a plurality of adapters, each of the plurality of adapters having a headset end and a cable end, the headset end of each adapter configured to engage with the port on each earcup and the cable end configured to engage with a different communication connector cable; and first and second port plugs, the first port plug extending into and blocking the port of the right earcup in a right earcup stowage position, and the second port plug extending into and blocking the port of the left earcup in a left earcup stowage position,wherein each of the plurality of adapters has a headset end and a cable end, the headset end of each adapter configured to engage with the port on each earcup and the cable end configured to engage with a different communication connector cable, wherein the headset end of each of the plurality of adapters has a distal seal and a proximal seal, the proximal seal having a diameter and the distal seal having a diameter larger than that of the proximal seal, wherein both the proximal seal and distal seal engage with the port on the earcup, wherein the plurality of adapters are each selectively interchangeable with one another and with the first and second port plugs by the user, and wherein the right earcup can engage with one of the plurality of adapters while the left earcup engages with a different one of the plurality of adapters.

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