Pivotable earpiece assembly
US6256386A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 5, 1998 |
| Grant date | Jul 3, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 5, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04R2201/107
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An earpiece assembly includes an earbud that is pivotably mounted to a stem. In the use position, the earpiece assembly is preferably generally L-shaped with the face of the earbud being generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the stem. The earpiece assembly may be pivoted from the use position to a storage position. The amount of pivoting is generally 90.degree. or more, and preferably approximately 180.degree.. In a first storage position, the earbud front face is generally normal to the stem longitudinal axis. In a second storage position where the earbud front face is generally parallel to the stem longitudinal axis. For storage, the earpiece assembly is preferably mated with the associated electronic device such that the stem is at least partially within a suitable recess in the casing of the electronic device. The ability of the earbud to pivot relative to the stem allows the earbud to assume a variety of configurations. In addition, the stem may include a microphone that is optionally operable even when the earpiece assembly is stored. In some embodiments, the portion of the stem adjacent the microphone is not surrounded by the recess, but instead is exposed, allowing…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.