Abstract:
A two part device for teaching a wearer to maintain a neutral head position while performing an action, like a gymnastics move. The device comprises a top part having a flat top surface and a thickness that is shaped to curve around the neck of a wearer and a bottom part shaped like a wedge which is securely connected to the top part on one end while the opposing end presses into the sternum or chest area of a wearing when the top part is positioned around the neck. The device is placed around the neck and pressed against the sternum or chest area of a user to ensure the wearer&#39;s head is in a neutral position. If the wearer performs the action and the device remains in place, the wearer knows that their head remained in a neutral position during the entire action, providing instant feedback.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority from U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 62/149,536, entitled “Head Position Training Device Providing Instant Feedback”, filed on 18 Apr. 2015. The benefit under 35 USC §119(e) of the United States provisional application is hereby claimed, and the aforementioned application is hereby incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH 
       [0002]    Not Applicable 
       SEQUENCE LISTING OR PROGRAM 
       [0003]    Not Applicable 
       TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    The present invention relates generally to sports equipment. More specifically, the present invention relates a device for maintaining the head in a neutral position during sports training. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    Increasingly in sports, head position is becoming more and more of an important issue, not only for performance, but also for safety. Gymnastics as well as many other sports usually require that a participant learn to identify chin/head in and chin/head out positions, neutral head position, as well as turn/side-tilt positions. In order to learn these positions and to recognize when a participant is using the muscles in the neck to hold a position of the head, feedback is necessary. Typically feedback comes from coaches during practice, other participants, or by reviewing video footage at a later time. Therefore, what is needed is a simple device that teaches a participant using the device to keep their head in a desired position and that provides instant feedback when the head leaves the desired position which was attempted to be maintained by the participant during the exercise or action. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    The present invention consists of a two parts, a top part having a flat top surface and a thickness that is shaped to curve around the neck of a wearer and a bottom part shaped like a wedge which is securely connected to the top part on one end while the opposing end presses into the sternum or chest area of a wearing when the top part is positioned around the neck. 
         [0007]    The device is placed around the neck and pressed against the sternum or chest area of a user to ensure the wearer&#39;s head is in a neutral position for performing a gymnastic action. Instant feedback is provided during the use of the device. If the wearer performs the action and the device remains in place, the wearer knows that their head remained in a neutral position during the entire action. If the device slips, moves, or falls out completely during the action event, the wearer is provided with instant feedback that either not enough pressure was applied to the device or their head moved from the neutral position to an open position, which resulted in the loss of the device from its location between the next and sternum/chest area. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0008]    The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein a form a part of the specification, illustrate the present invention and, together with the description, further serve to explain the principles of the invention and to enable a person skilled in the pertinent art to make and use the invention. 
           [0009]      FIG. 1  is the representation of a perspective view of one embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0010]      FIG. 2  is the representation of a front view of one embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0011]      FIG. 3  is the representation of a back view of one embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0012]      FIG. 4  is the representation of a top view of one embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0013]      FIG. 5  is the representation of a bottom view of one embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0014]      FIG. 6  is the representation of a left view of one embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0015]      FIG. 7  is the representation of a right view of one embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0016]      FIG. 8  is the representation of a front view of an one embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0017]      FIG. 9  is the representation of a right side view of an one embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0018]      FIG. 10  is a front view of one embodiment of the present invention in use on a person. 
           [0019]      FIG. 11  is a side profile view of one embodiment of the present invention the device in use on a person. 
           [0020]      FIG. 12  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0021]      FIG. 13  is the representation of a top planar view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0022]      FIG. 14  is the representation of a side planar view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0023]      FIG. 15  is the representation of a bottom planar view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DEFINITIONS 
       [0024]    Head In/Out: A gymnasts head is “in” when their chin is tucked on their chest, or close to. A gymnasts head is out when their head is tilted back. 
         [0025]    Neutral Position: If a person stands with their body still and looks straight ahead, the head, in this position, is said to be in the neutral or level head position. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0026]    In the following detailed description of the invention of exemplary embodiments of the invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings (where like numbers represent like elements), which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific exemplary embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, but other embodiments may be utilized and logical, mechanical, electrical, and other changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined only by the appended claims. 
         [0027]    In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, it is understood that the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and techniques known to one of ordinary skill in the art have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure the invention. Referring to the figures, it is possible to see the various major elements constituting the apparatus of the present invention. 
         [0028]    Now referring to Figures, the embodiments of the head position training device are shown.  FIG. 1  is the representation of a perspective view of one embodiment of the present invention. The present invention is comprised of two parts, a top part  101  and a bottom part  102 . The top part  101  is “U” shaped and intended to fit around the front neck area of a person and extend no further back than the chin area. The bottom part  102  is “wedge” shaped and is attached to the top part  101 . The bottom part  102  is of a sufficient length to be pressed into the sternum or chest area of a wearer while the top part  101  is wrapped around the neck area, under the chin so that the wedge length of the bottom part  102 , when held in place by the user applying pressure on the top surface of the top part  101  to retain the device between the chin and chest/sternum area, places the head in a neutral position. 
         [0029]    In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1-6 , the top surface  103  of the top part  101 , which is the surface that engages and contacts the chin area is also provided with a bump  104 . The bump  104  on the top surface  103  of the top part  101  provides a protrusion, in the form of the bump  104 , that a wearer can use to better grip or retain the device under the chin while maintaining the head in a neutral position. 
         [0030]    A front view of one embodiment of the present invention and a back view of one embodiment of the present invention are represented in  FIGS. 2-3 . In these views the bump  104  on the top surface  103  is clearly visible. The bump  104  can be flat or also slightly curved as shown to better engage the chin of a wearer. The portion of the top part  101  facing away from the neck  105  is also typically curved, making the top part  101  appear as a “u” shape, but could be of any shape. The portion of the top part that engages the neck  106  and is opposite the top part facing away from the neck  105  is shaped into a “U” curve of varying size to accommodate the varying size of wearers from children to adults. 
         [0031]      FIGS. 4-5  are representations the top and bottom views of one embodiment of the present invention. In these figures the “U” shape of the top portion  101  is clearly visible. In this embodiment, the “U” shape only extends to the chin area of a wearer. In another embodiment of the present invention, the sides ends of the “U”  107  and  108  can be extended in back further to wrap around the side of a wearer&#39;s neck. In one embodiment, the “U”  105  could extend up to half way around the side of the wearer&#39;s neck. 
         [0032]      FIGS. 6-7  are representations of the side views of one embodiment of the present invention. In these figures the wedge shaped bottom piece is clearly visible. The angle of the wedge can be change or adjusted as necessary to provide differing shapes for different body sizes and shape of a wearer&#39;s sternum/chest area. In addition to varying the angle, the length of the wedge and angled surface/side/edge can be adjusted longer or shorter as well. By increasing or decreasing the slope of the wedge, the fit can be change for wearer&#39;s of varying size as the angle and length of the wedge of the bottom part would be very different for children of varying ages, adolescents, and adults. 
         [0033]      FIGS. 6-7  also show the bump  104  on the top surface  103  of the top part  101 . The bump  104  can be flat or also slightly curved as shown to better engage the chin of a wearer. In this embodiment, the bump  104  is shown with a rounded edge and top, but other shapes could also be used but the use of a shape with an edge would likely be very uncomfortable, so a rounded shape was chosen by the Inventors. 
         [0034]      FIGS. 8-9  are representations of the side views of and alternative embodiment of the present invention here there is no bump on the top surface  103  of the top portion  101 . In these figures the wedge shaped bottom piece  102  is clearly visible. The angle of the wedge  109  can be changed or adjusted as necessary to provide differing shapes for different body sizes and shapes of a wearer&#39;s sternum/chest area  110 . In addition to varying the angle  109 , the length  111  of the wedge  102  and angled surface/side/edge can be adjusted longer or shorter as well. By increasing or decreasing the slope of the wedge angle  109  the fit can be change for wearer&#39;s of varying size as the angle  109  and length  111  of the wedge of the bottom part  102  would be very different for children of varying ages, adolescents, and adults. 
         [0035]    In yet another embodiment, the wedge of the bottom part  102  may be construction of one or more pieces. Using multiple pieces allows for the changing and customizing the length  111  and angle  109  of the device for use a larger amount of users of varying body shapes and sizes. 
         [0036]    Additionally, the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 6-9  shown the device made as two parts. In more alternative embodiments, the device&#39;s two parts may be integrated and molded into one part during the manufacturing process. During the manufacturing process, in either a one piece or two-piece construction, the device may further receive a vinyl dipping or other coating for durability and cleanliness, friction, or sanitary purposes. The device would typically be made from a foam material in either a one or two piece construction. Material selection for the device includes rubber, foam, plastic, nylon, silicone, latex, vinyl, composites, polyethylene foam, EVA foam, memory foam, Expanded PolyPropylene (EPP), Expanded PolyUrethane (also abbreviated PU or EPU), Expanded PolyStyrene (EPS), 1.5 lb x-link closed cell foam, or any combination thereof for the top and bottom parts. 
         [0037]    Also, during manufacturing, the device may have its edged beveled or made from different shapes to accommodate different users and for improved comfort. The surface may also be treated or covered in a separate material to increase friction so that the device is easier to retain in place. The top and bottom parts  101  and  102  may or may not be comprised of materials with varying or different coefficients of friction. 
         [0038]      FIG. 10  is a front view of one embodiment of the present invention in use on a person. In this illustration one can clearly see how the top part “U” shaped portion  101  fits around the neck and under the chin. The bump  104  on the top surface of the top part  101  is also visible under the chin of the wearer. This bump  101  serves to provide an area of better grip for retaining and holding the device in place. The bottom part wedge  102  is also clearly shown connected to the top part  101  and engaging the sternum/chest area  110  of a wearer who is holding the device in place be creating a squeezing force or pressure by trying to push the chin down toward the sternum/chest area with the device in place forcing the head to remain in a neutral position. 
         [0039]      FIG. 11  is a side profile view of one embodiment of the present invention the device in use on a person. In this illustration one can clearly see how the top part “U” shaped portion  101  fits around the neck and under the chin. The bottom part wedge  102  is also clearly shown connected to the top part  101  and engaging the sternum/chest area  110  of a wearer who is holding the device in place be creating a squeezing force or pressure by trying to push the chin down toward the sternum/chest area  110  with the device in place forcing the head to remain in a neutral position. 
         [0040]    Here the appearance of two angles is subtly shown in the drawing. The first angle is the angle  109  of the bottom wedge part  102 . 
         [0041]    Now referring to  FIGS. 12-15 , an alternative embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. In this embodiment, the device includes an added extrusion for the chin  113 , a trimmed outside edge  114 , a changed angle  115 , a deeper neck cutout  116 , and added support wings to the sides of the neck cut out  117 . Dimensions are shown for one specific embodiment of the top part  101  and bottom part  102 , but it is understood that the dimensions are flexible and are adjustable to ensure the device fits users of varying size, weight, and build, as well as to provide adjustability in the angle  119 . Overall function has not changed, the device still helps train the neutral head positioning and results in a decreased excessive head movement across any sport or activity, especially in sports where the head may come into contact with equipment, another person, or a fixed object such as a floor, wall, or equipment like that in gymnastics where having the head in a neutral position greatly reduces the chances of severe injury or death in the event of a forceful impact. 
         [0042]    In some embodiments of the present invention, two or more wedge portions  102  may be securely fastened to each other and a top portion  101  to ensure a better and more accurate fit to a wearer of the device and allow for multiple top parts  101  and bottom parts  102  to be removeably attached to each other so they can be mixed and matched by wearers of varying sizes and shapes. In a removeably attached scenario, the parts would likely be comprised of VELCO, a hook and loop attachment means, or equivalent which would allow for the quick combination or removal of top and bottom sections  101  and  102 , or the combination of top sections  101  and bottom sections  102  of varying size to provide a more custom fit to the wearer. 
         [0043]    In yet another embodiment of the invention, in either the one or multi-part embodiments, the top and bottom section or entire device can be an inflatable design, which varying air pressure used to adjust fit and support. 
         [0044]    In still other embodiments of the present invention, one or more sensors  112  can be placed in the top and/or bottom portions  101  and  102  of the device. The sensors  112  can be pressure sensors for measuring the force used to hold the device in place during an action or exercise. Sensors  112  may also be incorporated to measure the motion of the device during an exercise or action. The data may then be downloaded to a computer or other mobile electronic device for review. Such review could not only show the pressuring being applied to the device, but the motion of the device over a period of time during the execution of an action or activity to identify when and where a problem keeping the head in a neutral position or a tendency to tighten the next in an effort to force it into the chest during an action or exercise. 
         [0045]    With the use of sensors  112 , the device can also be provided with audio and visual alerts for tracking holds and losses of the device during an action or exercise and providing audio feedback/output. 
         [0046]    Thus, it is appreciated that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variation in size, materials, shape, form, function, and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the above description are intended to be encompassed by the present invention. 
         [0047]    Furthermore, other areas of art may benefit from this method and adjustments to the design are anticipated. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, rather than by the examples given.