Adjustable ear canal retention transceiver/receiver
View Patent ↗The present invention is a wireless headset having a removable compliant polymer sheath that is retained in the ear of a user via friction. The wireless headset is reduced in size to earpiece, in which the comfort and sanitation of the user and the life span of the device may in increased by providing a replaceable compliant polymer sheath for the sound tube which is inserted into the ear canal. In alternative embodiments, the sheath and ear canal may mechanically cooperate to retain the wireless headset in the ear canal. The sheath may be easily removed and replaced so as to adapt the length and diameter of the device for the needs and comfort of different users, allow safe and sanitary use of one wireless device by more than one user, and allow for easy repairs and refurbishments.
1. A wireless headset device adapted for positioning in a wearer's ear canal, comprising:
a. a body having a first surface;
b. an elongated sound tube having a first predetermined length the majority of which is adapted for insertion into the wearer's ear and a predetermined cross-sectional dimension that is smaller than said first predetermined length, said sound tube extending outwardly from said first surface and along a first longitudinal axis, wherein said sound tube is pivotally attached to said body by a ball-and-socket joint comprising:
a hollow ball fixedly attached to said body and including an opening formed therethrough;
and a speaker housing including inner surface defining a cavity therein, wherein said inner surface is positioned in covering relation to said hollow ball; and
c. an elongated sheath having a second predetermined length that is about the same as the first predetermined length, said sheath being releasably attached to said sound tube and extending co-linearly therewith, said sheath having a predetermined exterior dimension sufficient for frictionally engaging the canal of the wearer's ear, whereby said frictional engagement securely retains said sheath in said ear canal and the headset device in proximity to the wearer's ear.
2. The device of claim 1 , wherein said hollow ball includes longitudinal slots formed therein.
3. The device of claim 1 , wherein a speaker is positioned within said hollow ball and said speaker housing.
4. The device of claim 1 , further comprising circuitry housed in said body for transmitting and receiving signals.
5. The device of claim 4 , wherein said body includes a port formed therein in alignment with said opening of said hollow ball.
6. The device of claim 5 , wherein said speaker is electrically interconnected to said body through said opening in said hollow ball and said port in said body.
7. The device of claim 6 , wherein said body further includes a microphone, an antenna, and a battery electrically interconnected to said circuitry.