Interchangeable wearing modes for a headset
A headset system for interchangeable wearing styles is disclosed. A retention element is detachably coupled to an earpiece, allowing the headset to interchange between a headband, ear loop and neckband wearing style. The retention element comprises a security element that prevents rotation of the earpiece when coupled, providing a stable and ergonomic wearing experience.
1. An apparatus suitable for mounting a sound delivery device on a user's head, comprising:
a mounting element configured to support the apparatus on a user's head;
a retention element moveably coupled to the mounting element, comprising a body, the body comprising an arcuate portion having an outer surface, a first free end, a second free end, wherein:
the body is configured to retain a sound delivery device;
the retention element is pivotally coupled to an arcuate portion of the mounting element, so that the retention element may pivot about an axis that is generally parallel to a line intersecting the first free end and second free end;
the arcuate portion of the mounting element is arranged facing the outer surface of the body of the retention element; and
a first securing element is configured to resist movement of the sound delivery device relative to the retention element when retained by the retention element.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the arcuate portion of the mounting element is coupled to the retention element at a distance from the first free end and the second free end.
3. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the first securing element protrudes from the inner surface and is disposed between the first free end and the second free end.
4. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the retention element further comprises a second securing element for securing the sound delivery device to the retention element and wherein the sound delivery device comprises a recess for receiving the second securing element.
5. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the retention element further comprises a release element, the release element configured to decouple the retention element from the sound delivery device when the release element is engaged.
6. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the mounting element is a headband or an ear loop.
7. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the arcuate portion of the mounting element comprises a headband wire.
8. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the mounting element is a neckband.
9. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the retention element is detachably coupled to the mounting element.
10. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the first securing element prevents the sound delivery device from rotating about an axis generally parallel to a line stretched between the user's ears when the sound delivery device is retained by the retention element.
11. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the first securing element is a first retention tab disposed at the first free end and wherein the retention element further comprise a second retention tab disposed at the second free end.
12. An apparatus suitable for mounting a sound delivery device on a user's head, comprising:
a mounting element configured to support the apparatus on a user's head;
a retention element, comprising a body, the body comprising an arcuate portion having an inner surface, a first free end, a second free end, and wherein:
the body is configured to retain a sound delivery device;
the retention element is moveably coupled to the mounting element, so that the retention element may translationally move along an axis that is generally parallel to a line intersecting the first free end and second free end; and
a first securing element is configured to resist movement of the sound delivery device relative to the retention element when retained by the retention element.
13. The apparatus of claim 12 , wherein the mounting element is coupled to the retention element near the apex of the arcuate portion.
14. The apparatus of claim 12 , wherein the first securing element protrudes from the inner surface and is disposed between the first free end and the second free end.
15. The apparatus of claim 12 , wherein the retention element further comprises a second securing element for securing the sound delivery device to the retention element and wherein the sound delivery device comprises a recess for receiving the second securing element.
16. The apparatus of claim 12 , wherein the retention element further comprises a release element, the release element configured to decouple the retention element from the sound delivery device when the release element is engaged.
17. The apparatus of claim 12 , wherein the mounting element is a headband or an ear loop.
18. The apparatus of claim 12 , wherein the retention element additionally is pivotally coupled to the headband and the retention element may pivot about an axis that is generally perpendicular to a line intersecting the first free end and second free end.
19. The apparatus of claim 12 , wherein the mounting element is a neckband.
20. The apparatus of claim 12 , wherein the retention element is detachably coupled to the mounting element.
21. The apparatus of claim 12 , wherein the first securing element prevents the sound delivery device from rotating about an axis generally parallel to a line stretched between the user's ears when the sound delivery device is retained by the retention element.
22. The apparatus of claim 12 , wherein the first securing element is a first retention tab disposed at the first free end and wherein the retention element further comprise a second retention tab disposed at the second free end.