as) United States
`a2) Patent Application Publication co) Pub. No.: US 2008/0152182 Al
`
` Bevirtet al. (43) Pub. Date: Jun. 26, 2008
`
`
`US 20080152182A1
`
`(54) HEADSET WITH INTERCHANGEABLE EAR
`PIECES
`
`(60) Provisional application No. 60/849,554, filed on Oct.
`4, 2006.
`
`(76)
`
`Inventors:
`
`Joeben Bevirt, Santa Cruz, CA
`(US); David Eliot Scheinman,
`Woodside, CA (US); Fred Italo
`Polito, Santa Cruz, CA (US)
`
`Correspondence Address:
`MICHAELA. GUTH
`2-2905 EAST CLIFF DRIVE
`SANTA CRUZ, CA 95062
`
`(21) Appl. No.:
`(22)
`Filed:
`:
`
`11/650,302
`Jan. 5. 2007
`5,
`
`Related U.S. Application Data
`
`(63) Continuation-in-part of application No. 11/488,957,
`filed on Jul. 19, 2006.
`
`Publication Classification
`
`(51)
`
`Int. Cl.
`(2006.01)
`HOAR 21/00
`(52) US. CD. eee ceceeectesesenscneecessescneneeansenees 381/371
`
`ABSTRACT
`(57)
`A headset with removable ear pieces such that a user may
`interchange between ear gels and mushroom typeearpieces,
`or other pieces. The earpieces may be removably attached to
`the headset using a circular snap in some embodiments. An
`ear gel consisting of two types of elastomer of differing
`hardness, allowing for a soft elastomer to be in contact with
`the user’s ear, giving greater comfort andbetter fit, the soft
`elastomer overmoldedonto a firmer elastomerused to snap to
`the headset.
`
`152~{\
`
` 151
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`158
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`153
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`1
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`APPLE 1027
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`1
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`APPLE 1027
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`FIGURE 1
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`FIGURE 2
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`202
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`FIGURE 3
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`SS
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`201
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`FIGURE 4
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`210
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`211
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`FIGURE 5
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`FIGURE 6
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`FIGURE 7
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`FIGURE 8
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`9
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`FIGURE 10A
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`)
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`FIGURE 10B
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`FIGURE 10C
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`307
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`308
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`FIGURE 10D
`FIGURE 10E
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`FIGURE 11
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`FIGURE 12
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`FIGURE 13
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`402
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`401
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`FIGURE 14A
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`400
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`403
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`FIGURE 14B
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`FIGURE 14C
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`14
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`FIGURE 15B
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`FIGURE 15A
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`FIGURE 15C
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`FIGURE 15D
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`FIGURE 15E
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`FIGURE 16A
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`FIGURE 16C
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`HEADSET WITH INTERCHANGEABLE EAR
`PIECES
`
`CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED
`APPLICATIONS
`
`[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S.
`patent application No. 11/488,957 to Bevirt et al., filed Jul.
`19, 2006, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its
`entirety. This application also claims priority to U.S. Provi-
`sional Patent Application No. 60/849,554, filed Oct. 4, 2006,
`to Bevirt etal.
`
`required the user to settle on a pre-determined balance of
`these factors. A headset which allows for the switching of
`earpieces of differing types would present a distinct improve-
`ment overthe prior art. A user may select the earpiece best
`suited to their need while having needed to purchase only a
`single headset.
`[0009] Whatis neededis a headset that allows for the easy
`removal and replacement of earpieces such that differing
`types andsizes of earpieces, such as gel caps and mushroom
`caps, can be selected and installed by the user. What is also
`neededis a gel cap earpiece which is both soft and able to be
`removed and replaced.
`
`BACKGROUND
`
`SUMMARY
`
`[0010] A headset with easily removable and replaceable ear
`pieces suchthat a user may interchange betweenear gels and
`mushroom type ear pieces, or other pieces. The earpieces may
`be removably attachedto the headset using a circular snap in
`some embodiments. An ear gel consisting of two types of
`elastomerofdiffering hardness, allowing for a soft elastomer
`to be in contact withthe user’s ear, giving greater comfort and
`better fit, the soft elastomer overmolded onto a firmer elas-
`tomerused to snap to the headset.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`1. Field of the Invention
`[0002]
`[0003] This invention relates to headsets, and more specifi-
`cally to headsets with differing types of earpieces.
`[0004]
`2. Description of Related Art
`[0005]
`Personal
`two way communications devices are
`becoming ever more popular. The use ofcellular telephonesis
`becoming more and morea part of everyday life, and the use
`of cordless telephone devices continuesto increase. Also, the
`introduction of family radio services two wayradios into the
`marketplace has greatly increased the popularity and usage of
`two wayradios.
`[0006]
`It has long been known in the industry to use a
`FIG. 1 illustrates a headset according to some
`[0011]
`headset for receiving sound from such two way communica-
`embodiments of the present invention.
`tions devices. Such headsets may contain small speakers
`[0012]
`FIG. 2 illustrates a headset according to some
`placed on ornear oneor both ears of the user for allowing the
`embodiments of the present invention.
`user to hear audio signals produced by the communications
`[0013]
`FIG. 3 illustrates an ear engaging body and speaker
`device. Such headsets may be used with a separate detached
`cap according to some embodimentsof the present invention.
`microphone, or may be used with a microphone attached
`[0014]
`FIG.4 illustrates an ear engaging body and speaker
`thereto. The most commonconfiguration for attached micro-
`cap according to some embodimentsof the present invention.
`phonesis to place the microphone on a boom arm such that
`[0015]
`FIG. 5 is an explodedview of an earpiece according
`the microphoneis near the mouth ofthe user. However, other
`to some embodimentsof the present invention.
`configurations are knownin theart, such as placing the micro-
`[0016]
`FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of an earpiece
`phone on a cord hanging from the speaker portion, or other-
`according to some embodiments of the present invention.
`wise connecting the microphoneto the headset mechanism.
`[0017]
`FIG. 7 is an exploded view of an earpiece according
`[0007] While many of the prior art headset devices have
`to some embodimentsof the present invention.
`adequately produced sound to the user and received sound
`[0018]
`FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of an earpiece
`which is produced by the user, anyone who has used such
`according to some embodiments of the present invention.
`devices knowsthat the ideal solution has yet to be produced in
`
`[0019] FIG.9isa sketch of anear listing portions ofthe ear.
`the prior art. Among the problems that have existed in the
`[0020]
`FIGS. 10A-E are views of an ear engaging body
`prior art are the fact that the sound producing devices of the
`according to some embodiments of the present invention.
`headset often completely occlude the earor ears ofthe user,
`[0021]
`FIG. 11 illustrates an ear and headset according to
`thus inhibiting the user from hearing outside sounds. This can
`some embodiments of the present invention.
`be inconvenientin certain situations. Another problem is that
`[0022]
`FIG. 12 illustrates an ear and headset according to
`there can be cross talk between the speakers and the micro-
`some embodiments of the present invention.
`phone. This is a particular problem where the speaker devices
`[0023]
`FIG. 13 illustrates an ear and headset according to
`are non-occluding. In such arrangements the amount of sound
`some embodiments of the present invention.
`escaping from the speaker devices is often sufficiently great
`[0024]
`FIGS. 14A-C illustrate a speaker cap and a speaker
`that it can be picked up by the microphone.
`cap with differing ear engaging bodies.
`[0008] An additional problem with prior art devices is that
`[0025]
`FIGS. 15A-E illustrate an ear engaging body
`while a user may select a headset based on its technical
`according to some embodiments of the present invention.
`specifications, it may be limited in the size and typeofear-
`[0026]
`FIG. 16A-C illustrates an ear and headset according
`piece thatit is equipped with. Some users may wantto use an
`to some embodimentsof the present invention.
`earpiece ofa particular type, size, shape, or softness, and they
`mayalso want to vary between types of earpieces depending
`upon the operating environment in which they are using the
`headset. Thus, a user maydesire to have higher quality sound
`and to hear less backgroundnoise,yet in othersituations may
`desire to hear more oftheir environment. One type of earpiece
`may provide more outside soundisolation and another may
`provide less outside sound isolation. Prior art devices have
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION
`
`FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a headset according to some
`[0027]
`embodiments of the present invention. The main body 151
`may consist of an inner housing 153 and an outer housing
`152. An earpiece 159is attached to the main body 151. One or
`more buttons 151, 154 may bepositioned on the outer hous-
`19
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`ing 152 of the main body 151 and maybeused to implement
`functionalities of the headset 150. An LED panel 155 may
`indicate function. A microphone 156 is seen. The main body
`maycontain the electronics for the headset or wireless head-
`set.
`
`In some embodiments, the microphone may be a
`[0028]
`deployable microphonethat deploys with the use of a micro-
`phone boom. The microphone boom may be stowedinto the
`main body 151. Although the present invention has been
`disclosed using embodiments of wireless headsets, other
`types of headsets including wired headsets maybe utilized in
`other embodiments.
`
`[0029] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the earpiece 159 consists
`of an earpiece base 157 and an ear engaging body 158. The
`earpiece 159 maybe attached to the main body 151 with a
`flexible joint. The flexible joint may allow therelative posi-
`tion and angle of the main body of the headset and the ear-
`piece to be adapted for users with differing ear shapes and
`geometries. The ear engaging body 158 may be adaptedtofit
`into the ear canal of the user, and may be adapted to support
`the headseton the user’s head without additional attachments
`in some embodiments.
`
`FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate aspects of removable and
`[0030]
`interchangeable ear engaging bodies according to some
`aspects of the present invention. In FIG. 3, a gel cap 206 is
`seen in exploded view witha speaker cap 201. The gel cap 206
`may be made ofan elastomerwith a hardness of shore A40-50
`durometer. The speaker cap 201 providesthe interface portion
`ofthe earpiece base to the gel cap 206. The speaker cap 201 is
`seen with holes 203 which allow for the transmission of sound
`through the speaker cap 201. A grip rim 202 presents a raised
`rim to which the gel cap 206 is removably attached to the
`speaker cap and thus the earpiece base. The gel cap 206 has an
`inner recess adapted to engage the grip rim 202. The elas-
`tomerof the gel cap 206 is soft enough stretch over the grip
`rim as it is attached to the grip rim, yet stiff enough to remain
`affixed with the forces encountered with typical use of the
`headset, including the support ofthe headset by theear via the
`gel cap. The removable nature of the gel cap 206 allows the
`user to substitute a cap of a size or shape more suited for the
`particular geometry of the user, or of a differing type of
`construction that may enhanceorlimit the ability ofthe ear in
`use to hear other sounds, or of a different hardness more
`suited to the comfort of the user. A gel cap typically does not
`seal the ear canal of the user. The user maypreferthis type of
`ear engaging body, trading off the somewhat reduced sound
`quality for other concerns. Although someusers mayactually
`received an enhanced sound quality with a leaky gel cap. For
`those users, the sealed ear bud maycreate a diminished sound.
`[0031]
`In some embodiments of the present invention, as
`seen in exploded view in FIG. 4, a mushroom cap 200 is
`shown. The mushroom cap 200 is a different type of ear
`engaging body from the gel cap shown in FIG. 3. The mush-
`room cap 200 includes a circular cap 205 mounted onto a
`pyramid base 204 which is then removably attached to the
`speaker cap 201. A flange 207 on the pyramid base 204 is
`inserted into a mating feature on the underside of the mush-
`room cap 205to attach the two pieces. The mushroom cap 200
`typically substantially seals off the ear canal of the user. This
`results in reduced outside noise and enhanced sound quality.
`[0032]
`FIG. 5 illustrates an exploded view of an earpiece
`according to some embodimentsof the present invention. An
`earpiece base 211 provides a cavity and enclosure for the
`speaker 210. The speaker cap 201 is affixed to the earpiece
`
`base 211 and covers and protects the speaker 210, whichsits
`ina well 221 within the top ofthe earpiece base 211. A gel cap
`206 is removably attached to the speaker cap 201, which is
`affixed to the earpiece base 211. In some embodiments, the
`earpiece base is connected to the main body of the headset
`with a flexible joint. In some embodiments, the flexible joint
`is a ball and socket joint. In some embodiments, the speaker
`may be on the main body side of the flexible joint and the
`sound may be channeled through the joint to the ear of the
`user. In some embodiments, the grip rim may be mounted on
`the headset, and the ear engaging bodies maybethusdirectly
`mounted to the headset.
`
`FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of an earpiece
`[0033]
`according to some embodiments ofthe present invention. The
`earpiece base 211 is seen with a socket receiving cavity 212
`adapted to receive a socket to form a flexible joint with the
`main body of the headset. An internal lip 214 is adapted to
`function as a mechanical stop to prevent over-rotation of the
`socket, which may be hollowedout to allow the internallip
`214 to reside within the hollow, thus allowing only a prede-
`termined range ofrotation. A hole 213 through the base 211
`allows for the routing of wires to a speaker(or other type of
`audio driver). In some embodiments, the speaker may be on
`the headset side of the joint, and the hole 213 may be adapted
`to channel sound across the joint. A speaker 210 resides
`within a cavity in the upper portion of the earpiece base 211.
`The speaker cap 201 is attachedto the earpiece base 211, and
`provides both a physical interface to the ear engaging body, as
`well as a protective coverfor the speaker. The gel cap 206 has
`a recess 215 adapted to engage the grip rim 202, and an
`extension 216 adapted to clip under the grip rim 202.
`Althougha circularprofile is illustrated, other shapes may be
`used. The bottom surface 214 of the gel cap 206 may overlay
`in part the top of the speaker cap 201 in some embodiments.
`A through channel 222 is adapted to channel sound through
`the gel bud 206. In some embodiments, the gel cap 206 is of
`a TPE material, with a durometer of shoreA 10-50. In some
`embodiments, the gel cap 206 is of a TPE material, with a
`durometer of shore 25.
`
`FIG. 7 illustrates an exploded view of an earpiece
`[0034]
`according to some embodiments of the present invention. An
`earpiece base 211 provides a cavity and enclosure for the
`speaker 210. The speaker cap 201 is affixed to the earpiece
`base 211 and covers and protects the speaker 210, whichsits
`ina well 221 within the top ofthe earpiece base 211. A gel cap
`220 is removably attached to the speaker cap 201, which is
`affixed to the earpiece base 211. In some embodiments, the
`earpiece base is connected to the main body of the headset
`with a flexible joint. In some embodiments, the flexible joint
`is a ball and socket joint. In some embodiments, the speaker
`may be on the main body side of the flexible joint and the
`sound may be channeled through the joint to the ear of the
`user. In some embodiments, the grip rim may be mounted on
`the headset, and the ear engaging bodies maybethusdirectly
`mounted to the headset.
`
`[0035] The gel cap 220 has an outer section 218 and an
`inner section 217. The use ofa two or multi part gel cap allows
`for a softer, potentially much moreversatile and comfortable,
`gel cap. The outer section 218 maybeof softer material, such
`as a TPE with shoreA 10-25 durometer. The inner section 217
`
`may be of a somewhat firmer material, such as a TPE with
`shoreA 40-50. The softer outer section may be adapted for the
`comfort andfit ofthe user. The firmer inner section allows for
`
`sufficientrigidity such that the gel cap can be snapped on and
`
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`off of the earpiece base, and of sufficient rigidity to stay
`snapped onto the earpiece base, when usedin an interchange-
`able scenario according to some embodimentsofthe present
`invention. The gel cap 218 may be manufactured using an
`overmolding process that results in a unitary piece with the
`two materials as shown.
`
`end 312 to accommodate differing ear canal 333 locations for
`users of different ear geometry, and to allow the gel cap to be
`usedin either ear. The groove andflare allow more flexibility
`in the channeling of sound into the ears of different users,
`enhancing sound transmission. In some embodiments, the
`through hole may be routed out to the end 307 ofthe gel cap
`within the cap itself, obviating the need for a groove.
`FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of an earpiece
`[0036]
`[0040]
`FIGS. 14A-C illustrate a speaker cap according to
`according to some embodiments ofthe present invention. The
`some embodimentsof the present invention. The speaker cap
`earpiece base 211 is seen with a socket receiving cavity 212 to
`400 is adapted to provide audio signal to a user. The main
`receive a socket to formaflexible joint with the main body of
`body 401 of the speaker cap 400 may have a speakeror other
`the headset. In some embodiments, the speaker may be on the
`type of audio driver or device within it. An ear piece base 402
`headset side of the joint. A speaker resides within a cavity in
`is attachedto orpart of the main body 401 of the speaker cap
`the upper portion of the earpiece base 211. The speaker cap
`400. The ear piece base 402 is adapted to allow for the inter-
`201 is attached to the earpiece base 211, and provides both a
`changeofdifferent ear engaging bodies with the speaker cap
`physical interface to the ear engaging body, as well as a
`400.
`protective cover for the speaker. The gel cap 220 has a recess
`adapted to engagethe grip rim 202, and an extension adapted
`to clip underthe grip rim 202. The bottom surface ofthe gel
`cap 220 may overlay in part the top of the speaker cap 201 in
`some embodiments. A through channel is adapted to channel
`sound through the gel cap 220. In some embodiments,the gel
`cap 220 is oftwo types ofTPE material. The outer section 218
`maybe ofa first material, and the inner section 217 may be of
`a second material. The outer section 218 may be of softer
`material, such as a TPE with shoreA 10-25 durometer. The
`inner section 217 may be of a somewhatfirmer material, such
`as a TPE with shoreA 40-50. The softer outer section may be
`adapted for the comfort and fit of the user. The firmer inner
`section allowsfor sufficient rigidity such that the gel cap can
`be snapped on andoff of the earpiece base, and of sufficient
`rigidity to stay snapped onto the earpiece base, when used in
`an interchangeable scenario according to some embodiments
`of the present invention.
`[0037]
`FIG. 9 is a sketch of a human ear with numerous of
`its features labeled. This sketch helps the reader to understand
`some of the terms used below.
`
`FIGS. 15A-E illustrate a two piece gel cap accord-
`[0041]
`ing to some embodimentsof the present invention.
`[0042]
`FIGS. 16 A-Cillustrate a mushroom cap engaged in
`to the ear of a user according to some embodiments of the
`present invention.
`[0043]
`In some embodiments, the speaker cap 400 may be
`a wireless device adapted to receive signal from anotherelec-
`tronic device. In some embodiments, the speaker cap may
`have electronics within it adapted to receive a wireless signal
`and to route it to the enclosed speaker. In some embodiments,
`the speaker cap may be a wired device. The speaker cap may
`be wired to another electronic device, such as a wireless
`headset, cellular telephone, entertainment device, or another
`type of device.
`[0044]
`FIGS. 14B and 14C illustrate the speaker cap 400
`with differing ear engaging bodies according to some
`embodimentsof the present invention. FIG. 14B showsa gel
`cap 403 attached to the speaker cap 400. The gel cap 403 is
`easily removable andattachable to the speaker cap 400. FIG.
`14C shows a mushroom cap 406 attached to the speaker cap
`400. The mushroom cap 406 mayconsist of a circular cap 404
`and a pyramid base 405. Priorart circular type caps typically
`have a permanently affixed base which only allows the
`replacementof one type of circular cap with another, but does
`not allow replacement with a gel type cap as described herein.
`[0045] As seen, the differing caps may be easily removed
`and replaced onto the speaker cap, allowing the user the
`flexibility of choosing which type of ear engaging body to
`use, depending upon personal preference or specific need,
`while maintaining the use of a single speaker cap.
`[0046] As evident from the above description, a wide vari-
`ety of embodiments may be configured from the description
`given herein and additional advantages and modifications
`will readily occur to those skilled in the art. The invention in
`its broader aspects is, therefore, not limited to the specific
`details and illustrative examples shown and described.
`Accordingly, departures from such details may be made with-
`out departing from the spirit or scope of the applicant’s gen-
`eral invention.
`
`Weclaim:
`1. A wireless headset comprising:
`a main body;
`an ear piece base, said ear piece base attachedto said main
`body with a flexible joint; and
`an easily removable and replaceable ear engaging body
`attachedto said ear piece base.
`2. The wireless headset of claim 1 wherein said flexible
`
`jointis a ball and socket type joint.
`
`21
`
`FIGS. 10A-E illustrate a gel cap 300 according to
`[0038]
`some embodiments of the present invention. The gel cap 300
`is an ear engaging body adapted to be removably attached to
`an ear piece base as described above. As seen in FIG. 10A,the
`gel cap maybeofan elliptical shape 301. The view of FIG.
`10A is a top view downparallel to Plane A of FIG. 10D. The
`gel cap 300 mayconsist ofa lowersection, or neck 302, which
`has a through hole 305 for the channeling of sound from the
`speakerto the ear of the user. The gel cap 300 has a recess 306
`adapted to fasten the gel cap 300 to the grip rim of the ear
`piece base. The neck 302 expands into an elliptical upper
`section 303 which may havea flared edge 310. A groove 304
`is seen extending from the through hole 305 towards the
`raised end 307 of the gel cap 300 along the majorelliptical
`axis. The bottom 309 of the neck may be substantially flat.
`[0039] As seen in FIG. 11, the major axis of the elliptical
`shape 301 is aligned when in use such that one end 307 is
`narrowedand pointed towardthe ear canal, resting under the
`traqus 330, and the opposite end 308 rests behind the anti-
`helix 331. The minoraxisoftheellipse is secured between the
`Crusandthe antitraqus 332. The crus is not labeled on the ear
`drawing. It is just below the crus helicus and is more orless
`horizontal across the mid part of the ear. The gel cap 300 is
`adapted to protrude intothe ear canal but does not enter the ear
`canal and is not adaptedto provide an ear seal. The groove 304
`is provided in the surface of the gel cap facing the meatus
`extuemusand cavum conchae. The groove, whichis designed
`in part to create a controlled soundleak, 304 is flared at its far
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`US 2008/0152182 Al
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`Jun. 26, 2008
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`3. The wireless headset ofclaim of claim 1 wherein said ear
`reA hardness scale, and wherein said second hardnessis a
`hardnessin the range of 10-25 durometer value using a sho-
`piece base comprises a speaker.
`reA hardness scale.
`4. The wireless headset of claim 1 wherein said earpiece
`15. The gel cap of claim 13 wherein said inner section
`base comprises a lip, and wherein said ear engaging body
`comprises an interior recess adapted to clip ontoalip.
`comprises a recess adaptedto clip onto said lip.
`16. The gel cap of claim 13 wherein said gel cap is of a
`5. The wireless headset of claim 4 wherein said lip is
`circular.
`material comprising a thermoplastic elastomer.
`17. The gel cap of claim 12 further comprising a base
`adapted to snap onto a mating unit, said base comprising a
`recess.
`
`18. The gel cap of claim 15 wherein said lip is circular.
`19. A mushroom cap adapted for engagingthe ear of a user
`comprising:
`a pyramid base; and
`acircular cap, wherein said circular cap is easily removable
`from said pyramid base.
`20. The mushroom cap of claim 19 wherein said pyramid
`base is adapted to be easily attached to and removed from a
`headset.
`21. The mushroom cap of claim 20 wherein
`22. A speaker cap comprising:
`a body comprising receiving electronics;
`an earpiece base, said ear piece base attachedto said; and
`an easily removable and replaceable ear engaging body
`attachedto said ear piece base.
`23. The speaker cap of claim 22 wherein said body further
`comprises an audio speaker.
`24. A method for replacing an ear engaging body on a
`wireless headset, said method comprising:
`removinga first ear engaging body from an ear piece base
`of a headset; and
`attaching a second ear engaging bodyto said ear piece base
`of the headset.
`
`6. A kit comprising:
`a wireless headset comprising:
`a main body;
`an ear piece base, said ear piece base attached to said
`main body;
`a first ear engaging body, said first ear engaging body
`comprising a mushroom cap, said first ear engaging
`body adapted to substantially seal the ear canal ofa user,
`said first ear engaging bodyeasily attached and removed
`from said ear piece base; and
`asecondear engaging body,said second ear engaging body
`comprising a gel cap, said second ear engaging body
`adapted to not substantially seal the ear canalof a user,
`said second ear engaging body easily attached and
`removed from said ear piece base.
`7. The kit of claim 6 wherein said earpiece base comprises
`a lip, and wherein saidfirst ear engaging body and said second
`ear engaging body comprise a recess adapted to clip onto said
`lip.
`8. The kit of claim 7 wherein said lip is circular.
`9. A gel cap comprising:
`a base; and
`a gel portion extending upward from said base, said gel
`portion comprising:
`a hole up through its mid-section from said base to the
`25. The method of claim 24 whereinsaidfirst ear engaging
`top of said gel portion;
`body comprises a mushroomcap, said first ear engaging body
`a first side extending upwardafirst distance; and
`adapted to substantially seal the ear canal of a user, said first
`a secondside extending upward a seconddistance, said
`ear engaging bodyeasily attached and removed from said ear
`second distance greater than saidfirst distance.
`piece base, and said second ear engaging body comprises a
`10. The gel cap of claim 9 further comprising a sound
`gel cap, said second ear engaging body adapted to not sub-
`channel, said sound channel in said gel portion, said sound
`stantially seal the ear canal ofa user, said second ear engaging
`channel running from said hole along the top of said gel
`body easily attached and removed from said ear piece base.
`portion towards said secondside of said gel portion.
`26. The method of claim 24 whereinsaid ear piece base has
`11. A gel cap adapted for engaging the ear of a user com-
`a lip adapted for the attachment of an ear engaging body.
`prising:
`27. The method of claim 26 wherein said removinga first
`an innersection ofa first hardness; and
`ear engaging body comprises unsnappingsaidfirst ear engag-
`an outer section of a second hardness.
`ing body from the lip ofthe ear piece base.
`28. The methodof claim 27 wherein said attaching a sec-
`ond ear engaging body comprises snapping said second ear
`engaging bodyto the lip of the ear piece base.
`29. The method of claim 26 wherein saidlip is circular.
`uf
`uf
`uf
`uf
`uf
`
`12. The gel cap of claim 11 wherein saidfirst hardness is
`harder than said second hardness.
`
`13. The gel cap of claim 12 wherein said outer section is
`adapted to engagethe ear of a user.
`14. The gel cap of claim 13 wherein saidfirst hardness is a
`hardnessin the range of 40-50 durometer value using a sho-
`
`22
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`22
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