Telephone interface for mask
A telephone interface unit enables a user of a personal protection device, such as a mask, to speak and hear over a standard telephone, without removing the personal protection device.
1 . An interface unit for use with a personal protection device and a telephone;
the interface unit having a mounting portion adapted for mounting on the personal protection device; and
the interface unit including a microphone and a speaker adapted for use by a wearer of the personal protection device when the interface unit is mounted on the personal protection device;
the interface unit having a duplex output adapted for electrical connection with the telephone.
2 . Apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein the mounting portion of the interface unit is adapted for mounting over a speaker diaphragm.
3 . Apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein the output of the interface unit is a cable adapted for duplex connection with the amplifier.
4 . Apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein the interface unit includes a microphone that provides an electrical output signal that is indicative of the movement of a speaker diaphragm on the device.
5 . Apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein the interface unit includes an ear speaker on a boom.
6 . Apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein the interface unit includes an earbud.
7 . Apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein the interface unit includes an earmic.
8 . Apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein the interface unit is self-powered.
9 . Apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein the output of the interface unit is a wireless connection for transmission to an external device, such as an amplifier.
10 . Apparatus comprising:
a personal protective device;
an interface unit for mounting on the device; and
an amplifier for connecting the interface unit with a telephone;
the interface unit including a microphone and a speaker adapted for use by a wearer of the device when the interface unit is mounted on the device;
the interface unit also having an output for connection with the amplifier.
11 . Apparatus as set forth in claim 10 wherein the amplifier is operative to provide full duplex communication between the interface unit and the telephone.
12 . Apparatus as set forth in claim 10 wherein the personal protective device is a mask.
13 . Apparatus as set forth in claim 12 wherein the mask has a mechanical speaker diaphragm and the interface unit is mounted over the speaker diaphragm.
14 . Apparatus as set forth in claim 13 wherein the mask includes a ring holding the speaker diaphragm in place on the mask, the ring having an external connection capability for supporting the interface unit on the mask.
15 . Apparatus as set forth in claim 10 wherein the output of the interface unit is a duplex cable adapted for connection with the amplifier.
16 . Apparatus as set forth in claim 10 wherein the amplifier is a universal modular amplifier.
17 . Apparatus as set forth in claim 10 wherein the interface unit includes a microphone that provides an electrical output signal that is indicative of the movement of a speaker diaphragm on the device.
18 . Apparatus as set forth in claim 10 wherein the interface unit includes an ear speaker on a boom.
19 . Apparatus as set forth in claim 10 wherein the interface unit includes an earbud.
20 . Apparatus as set forth in claim 10 wherein the interface unit includes an earmic.
21 . Apparatus as set forth in claim 10 wherein the interface unit is self- powered.
22 . Apparatus as set forth in claim 10 wherein the output of the interface unit is a wireless connection for transmission to the amplifier.