# US 5,708,724 A · Communications headset having a detachable receiver capsule and cable pivot > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 5,708,724 A - Document ID: US5708724A - Status: Granted - Kind: A - Application number: 08/526,414 - Filed: 1995-09-11 - Granted: 1998-01-13 - Earliest claimed: 1993-07-30 - Assignees: ACS Wireless, Inc. - Inventors: Christine Burris; Phillip A. Gattey; Joseph Vitug; Larry R. Linville - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US5708724A ## CPC - H04R 1/1058: {Manufacture or assembly} - H04M 1/05: specially adapted for use on head, throat or breast - H04R 1/1008: {Earpieces of the supra-aural or circum-aural type} - H04R 1/1066: {Constructional aspects of the interconnection between earpiece and earpiece support (earpiece support for monophonic headphones H04R1/105; earpiece support for stereophonic headphones H04R5/0335)} - H04R 2201/107: Monophonic and stereophonic headphones with microphone for two-way hands free communication - H04R 2201/109: Arrangements to adapt hands free headphones for use on both ears - H04R 2420/07: Applications of wireless loudspeakers or wireless microphones - H04R: LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; ELECTRIC HEARING AIDS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS (producing sounds with frequency not determined by supply frequency G10K) - H04M: TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION (circuits for controlling other apparatus via a telephone cable and not involving telephone switching apparatus G08) ## Abstract A communications headset is disclosed having a detachable receiver capsule rotatably and pivotally attached to a main body, and a cable pivot for allowing the headset connection cable to pivot with respect to the receiver capsule. This combination of features allows the headset to be configured for use on either ear, and allows the receiver capsule to be used in conjunction with a variety of main body assemblies. Stabilization of the headset on the wearer's head is also increased by the cable pivot. The pivoting action of the cable allows the cable to exert a uniform force (from its own weight and tension) on a centrally balanced point on the headset regardless of the forward inclination of the wearer's head, thereby greatly reducing the amount of unsettling force to the headset that typically accompanies movement of the wearer's head. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A method of reconfiguring a headset, comprising: providing a headset that includes: a receiver capsule accommodating a receiver element for converting electrical signals into audible sound waves; a first main body including securing means for securing the first main body to a first location relative to the wearer's head and further including a first capsule holder that detachably connects the receiver capsule to the first main body, the first capsule holder serving to position the receiver capsule over the auditory canal of an ear of a wearer such that the receiver element is acoustically coupled with the auditory canal; detaching the first main body from the receiver capsule; providing a second main body, the second main body including securing means different in structure from the first main body securing the second main body to a second, different location relative to the wearer's head and a second capsule holder similar in structure to the first capsule holder of the first main body; attaching the second main body to the receiver capsule. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) A method according to claim 1, wherein the receiver capsule houses electronic components and circuits that are self-contained from the first main body and the second main body, and wherein the capsule holders of the first main body and the second main body are each formed from a solid, resilient filament that attaches to the receiver capsule by at least partially encircling the receiver capsule. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) A method according to claim 1, wherein the first main body includes at least one member that secures the headset around the back of the ear, and the second main body includes a headband member that secures the headset to the head of the wearer. ### Claim 4 (depends on 1) A method according to claim 1, wherein the first main body includes a headband member that secures the headset to the head of the wearer, and the second main body includes at least one member that secures the headset around the back of the ear. ### Claim 5 A method of reconfiguring a headset, wherein the headset includes: a receiver capsule accommodating a receiver element for converting electrical signals into audible sound waves; and a first main body including securing means for securing the first main body to a first location relative to the wearer's head and further including a first capsule holder that detachably connects the receiver capsule to the first main body, the first capsule holder serving to position the receiver capsule over the auditory canal of an ear of a wearer such that the receiver element is acoustically coupled with the auditory canal, the method comprising: detaching the first main body from the receiver capsule; providing a second main body, the second main body including securing means different in structure from the first main body securing the second main body to a second, different location relative to the wearer's head and a second capsule holder similar in structure to the first capsule holder of the first main body; and attaching the second main body to the receiver capsule. ### Claim 6 (depends on 5) A method according to claim 5 wherein the receiver capsule houses electronic components and circuits that are self-contained from the first main body and the second main body and wherein the capsule holders of the first main body and the second main body are each formed from a solid, resilient filament that attaches to the receiver capsule by at least partially encircling the receiver capsule. ### Claim 7 (depends on 5) A method according to claim 5, wherein the first main body includes at least one member that secures the headset around the back of the ear, and the second main body includes a headband member that secures the headset to the head of the wearer. ### Claim 8 (depends on 5) A method according to claim 5, wherein the first main body includes a headband member that secures the headset to the head of the wearer, and the second main body includes at least one member that secures the headset around the back of the ear. ### Claim 9 A convertible headset system, comprising: a receiver capsule having a transducer for converting electrical signals into audio signals; a first support member configured to fit behind the ear of the user; a second support member configured to fit over the head of the user; and a universal connector configured to selectively and alternatively couple either one, but not both, of the first and second support members to said receiver capsule at one time. ### Claim 10 (depends on 9) A system as recited in claim 9 wherein said connector means includes a flexible arcuate holder configured to partially fit about the receiver capsule. ### Claim 11 (depends on 9) A system as recited in claim 9 wherein each of said first and second support members include said holder. ### Claim 12 (depends on 11) A system as recited in claim 11 wherein said second support member is a wire band and said holder is formed integrally at an end of said wire band. ### Claim 13 (depends on 12) A system as recited in claim 12 wherein said receiver capsule includes a circumferential groove for receiving said arcuate holder.