Headband folding mechanism allowing two axis folding directions

A method for using a hearing protection headset, wherein the headset comprises a headband and two earmuffs, the headband comprising:

• a first axis configured to allow a first terminal portion of the headband having a first of the two earmuffs attached thereto to rotate axially with respect to a central portion of the headband;
• and
• a second axis configured to allow a second terminal portion of the headband having a second of the two earmuffs attached thereto to rotate axially with respect to the central portion of the headband, the method comprising:
• wearing the headset for a substantial period of time during a work shift for hearing protection;
• placing the headset around the neck of a wearer;
• axially rotating the earmuffs about the first axis and the second axis of the headband from a first position to a second position, wherein axial rotation of the earmuffs about the first axis and second axis allows inner surfaces of the earmuffs to lay flat against the wearer's chest when the headband is worn around the neck of the wearer, wherein, when the inner surfaces of the earmuffs lay flat against a wearer's chest, the earmuffs are out of the way of movement of the wearer's head and neck;
• removing the headset from around the neck of the wearer;
• axially rotating the earmuffs about the first axis and the second axis from the second position to the first position;
• and
• rotating the earmuffs about a third axis and a fourth axis of the headband from the first position to a third position, wherein rotation about the third and fourth axis allows the inner surfaces of the earmuffs to fold toward the headband for compact storage.

A hearing protection headset comprising:

• a headband comprising at least four rotational axes along the length of the headband, the four rotational axes including:
• a first axis configured to allow a first terminal portion of the headband having a first of the two earmuffs attached thereto to rotate axially with respect to a central portion of the headband;
• and
• a second axis configured to allow a second terminal portion of the headband having a second of the two earmuffs attached thereto to rotate axially with respect to the central portion of the headband;
• and
• two protective earmuffs attached to either end of the headband, wherein the headband holds the earmuffs against the ear of a wearer,
• wherein:
• axially rotating a first earmuff about the first axis allows an inner surface of the first earmuff to lay flat against a wearer's chest when the headband is worn around the neck of a wearer;
• axially rotating a second earmuff about the second axis allows an inner surface of the second earmuff to lay flat against a wearer's chest when the headband is worn around the neck of a wearer;
• rotating the first earmuff about a third axis allows the first earmuff to fold toward the headband for compact storage;
• and
• rotating the second earmuff about a fourth axis allows the second earmuff to fold toward the headband for compact storage.