Abstract:
The present invention is directed to a vision applications training device prevent head tilting when appropriate, which comprises: a main housing; an ear attachment means connected to the main housing, and having a first and second component connected to one another to be movable relative to one another from a first, open, position to a second, closed, position and arranged to create the closed position for fixed placement on a human ear; a speaking tilt alarm system within the main housing includes a battery, a sound chip, a speaker, a tilt activation mechanism and functional connections, the sound chip having at least one speaking command; and, wherein a user may attach the device to the user&#39;s ear and when the user&#39;s head tilts at least a predetermined angle from horizontal, the tilt activation mechanism activates the chip and the at least one speaking command is played through the speaker.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION 
       [0001]    a. Field of Invention 
         [0002]    The invention relates generally to a training device that may be used for visual applications training, that is, vocational, hobby, recreational or sports training wherein it is desirable for a trainee to not look down. More specifically, the present invention relates to a device that opens and closes and is securely fastened to a human ear. 
         [0003]    b. Description of Related Art 
         [0004]    The following patents are representative of the field pertaining to the present invention: 
         [0005]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,331,168 to Socci et al. describes an apparatus and method for using head gear to sense the motion of the wearer&#39;s head and output a signal indicative of the motion. Sensors are used to detect head motion about two mutually perpendicular axes. The sensor signal is fed into a microprocessor to compute a feedback signal indicative of the deviation of the motion from a desired, preprogrammed path. The feedback signal is delivered to an indicator to alert the wearer of the head motion. The device is adaptable to monitor head motions for various athletic, sporting and safety applications. 
         [0006]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,147,612 to Ruan et al. describes a dual function sleep preventing system comprising a micro optic eyelid monitor, a micro optic tilting monitor, a signal combination circuits and an alarming unit. The eyelid monitor is placed in the vicinity of an eye by an appropriate mounting device when in use, using an emitter to transmit modulated appropriate light signals towards the eye, and using optic sensors to sense the influenced light by the eyelid, to detect the movement of eyelid. The tilting monitor comprises an optic tilt switch set on the side head of a user, using a micro optic monitor to detect a small ball&#39;s rolling in a closed tube system inside the switch when tilting. Both the monitors are connected to a signal combination circuits, which has an input signal filtering device, a switch part and a counter. The filtering device sets an appropriate time delay range to pick up dangerous long symptoms, base on signal length and the difference between a monitor signal&#39;s appearing time and another monitor&#39;s. The counter circuits records the times of those signals&#39; occurrence. When finding such a symptom, the combination circuits will stimulate a pre-alarming immediately to detect the sleepy state of a user. A fully alarming will follow if the user has no response after a limited waiting time, or if the times of repeating pre-alarming reaches a criteria value set in the counter. 
         [0007]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,048,324 to Socci et al. describes an apparatus and method for using head gear to sense the motion of the wearer&#39;s head and output a signal indicative of the motion. Sensors are used to detect head motion about two mutually perpendicular axes. The sensor signal is fed into a microprocessor to compute a feedback signal indicative of the deviation of the motion from a desired, preprogrammed path. The feedback signal is delivered to an indicator to alert the wearer of the head motion. The device is adaptable to monitor head motions for various athletic, sporting and safety applications. 
         [0008]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,841,354 to Bae et al. describes a position-sensing waking system and method that includes an ear plug for slidably inserting into an ear of a person, a housing rotatably connected with the ear plug, an alarm mechanism for generating an alarm sound, a detection switch disposed inside the housing, a control circuit for controlling the position-sensing waking system, and a battery for supplying power to the position-sensing waking system, the housing containing the alarm system, the system switch, the detection switch, the control circuit and the battery, wherein the detection switch is activated according to a movement of the ear to generate the alarm sound by the alarm mechanism. 
         [0009]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,684,461 to Jones describes a sleep prevention device for a driver of a vehicle including a head set with a U-shaped configuration. Also included is a mercury switch assembly with at least one mercury switch. Mercury resides within each mercury switch and closes contacts located therein upon a head of the driver tilting forward or rearwardly. Upon the closing of such and closes activation signal may be transmitted. Further provided is an alarm unit including an alarm for indicating to the driver the receipt of the activation signal. The alarm unit is connected to contacts of the mercury switches, the alarm, and a power source and further adapted to transmit an alarm signal to the alarm upon the transmission of the activation signal. 
         [0010]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,558,585 to Nolan, Jr. describes a device for detecting head movement of an individual during an activity of the individual is provided. The device includes a weighted wheel for establishing a reference with respect to an initial position of the individual&#39;s head, and a first angular encoder and second angular encoder for detecting angular movement of the head with respect to the reference. The detected head movement is processed by a controller and the output is provided by a display and a speaker. 
         [0011]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,430,435 to Hoch et al. describes an athletic training system that includes a position processor which can be mounted on the head of an athlete by means of, for example, a head band. The position processor includes a sensor in the form of two tilt sensors mounted at right angles to each other. The direction of tilt is sampled by a microprocessor as output voltages from the sensors for further processing. Software of the microprocessor processes the sensed directions by filtering and hysterisis algorithms in order to eliminate rapid changes of state of the switches of the sensor due to sporadic movement caused by the motion of the athlete. The positional information is conveyed to the athlete as a pattern of lights and tones. Proper and improper head positions are indicated for a plurality of directions of tilt. The training system is user controllable by means of rotary switches to adjust, among other things, the level of sensitivity of the system. The system can also self-center by adjusting all sampled directions by a sampled reference value. 
         [0012]    U.S. Pat. No. 3,999,177 to Greene describes an apparatus for keeping a vehicle operator awake by means of an audible alarm or signal responsive to a nodding or tilting forward movement of the head of the operator of the vehicle. The apparatus includes a switch mounted on a hat, car hook or head band, worn by the vehicle operator and which switch is closed upon the tilting forward of the operator&#39;s head to complete an electrical circuit providing power from a battery to an alarm. The battery and alarm may be enclosed in a casing which may be clipped to the operator&#39;s wearing apparel, or mounted on the dash board of a vehicle and a flexible electrical line interconnects the hat, head band or ear hook and the casing or dash board to permit freedom of operator movement; also, an electrical connector may be provided on the flexible electrical line to permit the hat, head band or ear hook and casing or dashboard to be electrically and mechanically disconnected. A manually operable switch is provided to permit the alarm means to be selectively turned on or off. 
         [0013]    U.S. Pat. No. 3,906,478 to Smey describes a hollow shallow cylindrical member that is provided with a clip for detachably securing the member to an ear of a driver of a vehicle or other user. The member transmits external noise to the ear and is also provided with a battery powered buzzer turned on by a normally open mercury containing tilt switch when the user&#39;s head tilts forward, sideways or backward at an angle of at least 40°. The noise of the buzzer prevents the user from falling asleep. 
         [0014]    Notwithstanding the prior art, the present invention is neither taught nor rendered obvious thereby. 
       SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
       [0015]    The present invention is directed to a vision applications training device to assist a user in preventing head tilting in environments where it is appropriate, which comprises: a main housing; an ear attachment mechanism connected to the main housing, the ear attachment mechanism having a first component and second component being connected to one another so as to be movable relative to one another from a first position, being an open position, to a second position, being a closed position, and arranged to create the closed position for fixed placement on a human ear; a speaking tilt alarm system contained within the main housing that includes a battery, a sound chip, a speaker, a tilt activation mechanism and functional connections, the sound chip having at least one speaking command; and, wherein a user may attach the device to the user&#39;s ear and when the user&#39;s head tilts at least a predetermined angle from horizontal, the tilt activation mechanism activates the chip and the at least one speaking command is played through the speaker. 
         [0016]    In some preferred embodiments of the present invention the vision applications training device the main housing includes a battery access mechanism to permit battery replacement. 
         [0017]    In some preferred embodiments of the present invention the vision applications training device the tilt activation mechanism is a mercury switch with a non-horizontal orientation of predetermined angle. 
         [0018]    In some preferred embodiments of the present invention the vision applications training device the tilt activation mechanism is a digital level sensor. 
         [0019]    In some preferred embodiments of the present invention the vision applications training device the tilt activation mechanism is a floating contact ball with a non-horizontal oriented ball track. 
         [0020]    In some preferred embodiments of the present invention the vision applications training device the device further includes padding attached to a portion of the device to reduce impact-based head injury. 
         [0021]    In some preferred embodiments of the present invention the vision applications training device further including: a speaking instructions system that further at least includes a battery connection, a sound chip, a speaker and a programmed control chip for playing the sound chip at preset intervals, the sound chip having at least one speaking instruction. 
         [0022]    In some preferred embodiments of the present invention the vision applications training device the speaking instructions system battery connection is functionally connected to the speaking tilt alarm system battery. 
         [0023]    In some preferred embodiments of the present invention the vision applications training device the speaking instructions system includes an off-on control switch. 
         [0024]    In some preferred embodiments of the present invention the vision applications training device the speaking tilt alarm system includes an off-on control switch. 
         [0025]    In some preferred embodiments of the present invention the vision applications training device the first component and the second component are connected to one another by a movement mechanism selected from the group consisting of a rotation mechanism, a slide mechanism and a stretch mechanism. 
         [0026]    In some preferred embodiments of the present invention the vision applications training device the first component is an elastic component and the second component is a non-elastic component being connected to one another to create a closed expandable-contractible loop. 
         [0027]    In some other preferred embodiments of the present invention a vision applications training device to assist a user in preventing head tilting in environments where it is appropriate: a main housing; an ear attachment mechanism connected to the main housing, the ear attachment mechanism having a first component and second component being connected to one another so as to be movable relative to one another from a first position, being an open position, to a second position, being a closed position, and arranged to create the closed position for fixed placement on a human ear; a speaking tilt alarm system contained within the main housing that includes a battery, a sound chip, a speaker, a tilt activation mechanism and functional connections, the sound chip having at least one speaking command; wherein a user may attach the device to the user&#39;s ear and when the user&#39;s head tilts at least a predetermined angle from horizontal, the tilt activation mechanism activates the chip and the at least one speaking command is played through the speaker. 
         [0028]    In some preferred embodiments of the present invention the vision applications training methodology for environments where it is appropriate to prevent head tilting the step a) involves using the vision applications training device, wherein the main housing includes a battery access mechanism to permit battery replacement. 
         [0029]    In some preferred embodiments of the present invention the vision applications training methodology for environments where it is appropriate to prevent head tilting the step a) involves using the vision applications training device, wherein the tilt activation mechanism is a mercury switch with a non-horizontal orientation of predetermined angle. 
         [0030]    In some preferred embodiments of the present invention the vision applications training methodology for environments where it is appropriate to prevent head tilting the step a) involves using the vision applications training device, wherein the tilt activation mechanism is a digital level sensor. 
         [0031]    In some preferred embodiments of the present invention the vision applications training methodology for environments where it is appropriate to prevent head tilting the step a) involves using the vision applications training device, wherein the tilt activation mechanism is a floating contact ball with a non-horizontal oriented ball track. 
         [0032]    In some preferred embodiments of the present invention the vision applications training methodology for environments where it is appropriate to prevent head tilting the step a) involves using the vision applications training device, wherein the device further includes padding attached to a portion of the device to reduce impact-based head injury. 
         [0033]    In some preferred embodiments of the present invention the vision applications training methodology for environments where it is appropriate to prevent head tilting the step a) involves using the vision applications training device, wherein the vision applications training device further includes: a speaking instructions system that further at least includes a battery connection, a sound chip, a speaker and a programmed control chip for playing the sound chip at preset intervals, the sound chip having at least one speaking instruction. 
         [0034]    In some preferred embodiments of the present invention the vision applications training methodology for environments where it is appropriate to prevent head tilting the step a) involves using the vision applications training device, wherein the speaking instructions system battery connection is functionally connected to the speaking tilt alarm system battery. 
         [0035]    In some preferred embodiments of the present invention the vision applications training methodology for environments where it is appropriate to prevent head tilting the step a) involves using the vision applications training device, wherein the speaking instructions system includes an off-on control switch. 
         [0036]    In some preferred embodiments of the present invention the vision applications training methodology for environments where it is appropriate to prevent head tilting the step a) involves using the vision applications training device, wherein the speaking tilt alarm system includes an off-on control switch. 
         [0037]    In some preferred embodiments of the present invention the vision applications training device the first component and the second component are connected to one another by a movement mechanism selected from the group consisting of a rotation mechanism, a slide mechanism and a stretch mechanism. 
         [0038]    In some preferred embodiments of the present invention the vision applications training device the first component is an elastic component and the second component is a non-elastic component being connected to one another to create a closed expandable contractible loop. 
         [0039]    Additional features, advantages, and embodiments of the invention may be set forth or apparent from consideration of the following detailed description, drawings, and claims. Moreover, it is to be understood that both the foregoing summary of the invention and the following detailed description are exemplary and intended to provide further explanation without limiting the scope of the invention as claimed. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0040]    The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention and together with the detail description serve to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings: 
           [0041]      FIG. 1  is a diagrammatic representation of details and options for the present invention vision applications training device; 
           [0042]      FIG. 2  is a side view of an embodiment of the present vision applications training device with a rotation mechanism in an open position; 
           [0043]      FIG. 3  is a side view of the embodiment of the present vision applications training device shown in  FIG. 2  in its closed position. 
           [0044]      FIG. 4  is a side view of an embodiment of a present invention vision applications training device showing a closed loop device with an elastic component and a non elastic component; 
           [0045]      FIG. 5  is a side view of another embodiment of a present invention vision applications training device showing a rotation mechanism with a single open and single closed position; 
           [0046]      FIG. 6  is a side view of another embodiment of a present invention vision applications training device showing a closed loop device with two non elastic components that securely slide together; and, 
           [0047]      FIG. 7  is an enlarged cutaway view of an embodiment of the locking mechanism shown in  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
       [0048]    Referring now in detail to the drawings wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views, various embodiments of the present invention are shown. 
         [0049]      FIG. 1  is a diagrammatic representation of details and options for the present invention vision applications training device. The Housing Configurations  1  block details four possible embodiments of the main housing. The first embodiment described in Housing Configurations  1  block is a hinged rotation mechanism with two distinct locking positions. The first position is an open position for placing or removing the device from the ear, while the second is a closed position for securely holding the device to the ear. 
         [0050]    The second Housing Configuration  1  described is a hinged rotation mechanism with multiple locking positions. A ratcheting type mechanism may be used to allow the two components of the housing of the device to be locked into multiple positions relative to each other, permitting the device to be positioned as needed for a secure fit on the ear. 
         [0051]    The third Housing Configuration  1  described is a slide mechanism. The two components of the housing will have complimentary slide mechanisms that allow them to be slid together into a secure locked position for placement on the ear when in use. 
         [0052]    The fourth Housing Configuration  1  described is a closed loop formed by an elastic and a non elastic component of the present device housing. The two components are securely connected at all times and sized to that the device may be slid over the ear comfortably and will securely hold the device in place while in use. 
         [0053]    The Tilt Activation Mechanism  3  block describes three possible embodiments of the tilt activation mechanism used in the tilt alarm system. The first embodiment is a mercury switch. A mercury switch may be mounted within the housing in a non-horizontal orientation such that the globule of mercury contained within the mercury switch closes the tilt alarm circuit when it is at a predetermined angle from horizontal. 
         [0054]    The second embodiment of the Tilt Activation Mechanism  3  described is a digital level sensor. A digital level sensor may be mounted within the housing such that the tilt alarm system is activated when a predetermined tilt angle from horizontal is detected. 
         [0055]    The third embodiment of the Tilt Activation Mechanism  3  described is a floating contact ball. A floating contact ball may be mounted within the housing in a non-horizontal orientation such that the contact ball contained within the device closes the tilt alarm circuit when it is at a predetermined angle from horizontal. 
         [0056]    The Battery Configurations  5  block of  FIG. 1  details three possible embodiments of the battery used to power the tilt alarm system. While the actual battery may use any conventional cell, it should fall into one of three subsets selected from the group consisting of replaceable, rechargeable, and one time use batteries. Replaceable batteries can be placed in the device such that they can easily be removed and replaced as needed. A rechargeable battery may be permanently mounted within the device housing and provided with a charging mechanism, or may consist of a rechargeable battery that can be removed for charging. The third embodiment described in Battery Configurations  5  is a one time use battery. In this embodiment the entire present invention vision applications training device is considered disposable and may be thrown away after use. 
         [0057]    In addition to the Housing configurations  1 , Tilt Activation Mechanism  3 , and Battery Configurations  5  described above, Additional Required Components  7  are needed for the present invention vision applications training device to function properly. A sound chip having at least one speaking command is needed to alert the user of the position of the device. The speaker relays the signals of the sound chip to the user through audible alarms or speaking commands. Finally, a programmed control chip is required to control interactions between all components of the present invention vision applications training device. 
         [0058]    There are also a number of Optional Components  9  that are not required for the present invention vision applications training device to function properly, but rather improve comfort and usability of the device. While it is expected that the device be made out of a material that does not irritate the skin of the user, such as rubberized plastics, additional protective foam padding may be applied to the device. By adding protective foam padding, device comfort and fit can be improved while providing additional protection in the event of an impact to the device. 
         [0059]    The present invention vision applications training device may also be fitted with On-off switches for the speaking commands of tilt alarm system. An On-off switch for the at least one speaking command may allow the user of the present invention to select between a simple audio alarm and speaking commands. An On-off switch for the tilt alarm system allows the entire device to be shut off when the device is not in use to preserve the battery. 
         [0060]      FIG. 2  is a side view of an embodiment of the present vision applications training device with a rotation mechanism in an open position. The training device  2 A is formed by the first housing component  11  and the second housing component  13 . First housing component  11  is designed to be placed over the ear and is attached to the second housing component  13 . The second housing component  13  is sized to comfortably fit behind the ear of the user and is made of a non abrasive non elastic material such as rubberized plastic. The first housing component  11  and the second housing component  13  are not positioned on the same plane, but offset from each other to facilitate proper fit on the ear of the user. Locking mechanism  15  allows first housing component  11  and the second housing component  13  to swing open and closed when depressed out of the locked position. The first housing component  11  and the second housing component  13  can be locked into place by removing pressure from locking mechanism  15 , which is returned to the locked position by spring  17 . 
         [0061]    The numerous tilt alarm components of the present invention are mounted within the training device  2 A. Battery  19  is located within the second housing component  13  and can be removed by access door  33  for replacement. The battery  19  as shown can either be rechargeable or replaceable. 
         [0062]    Connected to battery  19  is the programmed control chip  21 . The programmed control chip  21  controls interactions between all components of the training device  2 A. 
         [0063]    The tilt activation mechanism  23  is shown mounted within the second housing component  13  in a non-horizontal orientation. The tilt activation mechanism  23  should be located within the training device  2 A such that it is in a relatively consistent position on all users to facilitate proper orientation. The tilt activation mechanism  23  should be selected from the group consisting of a mercury switch, a digital level, and a floating contact ball switch. 
         [0064]    The sound chip  25  is located within the second housing component  13 . The sound chip  25  stores the at least one speaking command to be issued should the tilt activation means  23  be at a predetermined angle as set by the programmed control chip  21 . The sound chip  25  is able to receive downloadable commands, such as pro-player voices, celebrity voices, and other commands. This may be accomplished through the use of wave files or other suitable transferable file types. Wiring circuit  27  connects the battery  19 , programmed control chip  21 , tilt activation mechanism  23 , and sound chip  25 . 
         [0065]    Once the tilt activation mechanism  23  is at a predetermined angle from horizontal as set by the programmed control chip  21 , sound chip  25  sends a signal along second wiring circuit  29  to the speaker  31 . Second wiring circuit  29  is mounted in first housing component  11  such that rotation of first housing component  11  relative to second housing component  13  about locking mechanism  15  is not impeded. Speaker  31  is mounted at the end of first housing component  11 , which is at the maximum open position to allow easy placement and removal of the device on the user&#39;s ear. 
         [0066]      FIG. 3  is a side view of an embodiment of the present vision applications training device as described in  FIG. 2  in a closed position. The training device  2 B is formed by the first housing component  11  and the second housing component  13 . The first housing component  11  is designed to be placed over the ear and is attached to the second housing component  13 . The second housing component  13  is sized to comfortably fit behind the ear of the user and is made of a non abrasive non elastic material such as rubberized plastic. The first housing component  11  and the second housing component  13  are not positioned on the same plane, but offset from each other to facilitate proper fit on the ear of the user. Locking mechanism  15  the first housing component  11  and the second housing component  13  to swing open and closed when depressed out of the locked position. The first housing component  11  and the second housing component  13  can be lock into place by removing pressure from locking mechanism  15 , which is returned to the locked position by spring  17 . 
         [0067]    The numerous tilt alarm components of the training device  2 B are mounted within the first housing component  11  and the second housing component  13 . Battery  19  is located within the second housing component  13  and can be removed by access door  33  for replacement. The battery  19  as shown can either be rechargeable or replaceable. 
         [0068]    The battery  19  is connected to the programmed control chip  21 . The programmed control chip  21  controls interactions between all components of the training device  2 B. 
         [0069]    The tilt activation mechanism  23  is shown mounted within the second housing component  13  in a non-horizontal orientation. The tilt activation mechanism  23  should be located within the training device  2 B such that it is in a relatively consistent position on all users to facilitate proper orientation. The tilt activation mechanism  23  should be selected from the group consisting of a mercury switch, a digital level, and a floating contact ball switch. 
         [0070]    The sound chip  25  is located within the second housing component  13 . The sound chip  25  stores the at least one speaking command to be issued should the tilt activation means  23  be at a predetermined angle as set by the programmed control chip  21 . Wiring circuit  27  connects the battery  19 , programmed control chip  21 , tilt activation mechanism  23 , and sound chip  25 . 
         [0071]    Once the tilt activation mechanism  23  is at a predetermined angle from horizontal as set by the programmed control chip  21 , sound chip  25  sends a signal along second wiring circuit  29  to the speaker  31 . Second wiring circuit  29  is mounted in first housing component  11  such that rotation of first housing component  11  relative to second housing component  13  about locking mechanism  15  is not impeded. Proper placement of the speaker  31  relative to the user&#39;s ear can be achieved by allowing locking mechanism  15  to be locked in multiple positions. Speaker  31  is mounted at the end of first housing component  11  and is designed to be placed in or over the ear canal of the user. It is also possible for a speaker  31  placed forward over the tragus during use. 
         [0072]      FIG. 4  is a side view of an embodiment of the present vision applications training device showing a closed loop device with an elastic component and a non elastic component. The training device  4  is formed by the first housing component  11  and the second housing component  13 . The first housing component  111  is non elastic and is designed to be placed over the ear and is attached to the second housing component  113 . The second housing component  113  is elastic to allow it to be stretched over the ear while placing the present invention present vision applications training device. When in position the second housing component  113  holds the first component of the housing device  111  firmly in place. The first housing component  11  and the second housing component  13  are not positioned on the same plane, but offset from each other to facilitate proper fit on the ear of the user. Locking mechanisms  115  and  117  connect the first housing component  11  and the second housing component  13  together. Locking mechanisms  115  and  117  are shown as a permanent connection consisting of a male and female locking component integrated into first housing component  111  and second housing component  113 , however other permanent locking mechanisms may be used. 
         [0073]    The numerous tilt alarm components of the training device  4  are mounted the first housing component  11  and the second housing component  13 . Battery  119  is located within the first housing component  111  is shown permanently mounted within. The battery  119  as shown can be recharged using an external charging unit not pictured. 
         [0074]    The next component of the training device  4  shown is the programmed control chip  121 . The programmed control chip  121  controls interactions between all components of the training device  4 . 
         [0075]    An optional On-off switch  133  for the tilt alarm is shown. The On-off switch allows the present invention vision applications training device to be turned off when not in use to conserve battery  119 . 
         [0076]    The tilt activation mechanism  123  is shown mounted within the first housing component  111  in a non-horizontal orientation. The tilt activation mechanism  123  should be located within the present invention vision applications training device such that it is in a relatively consistent position on all users to facilitate proper orientation. The tilt activation mechanism  123  should be selected from the group consisting of a mercury switch, a digital level, and a floating contact ball switch. 
         [0077]    The sound chip  125  is located within the first housing component  111 . The sound chip  125  stores the at least one speaking command to be issued should the tilt activation means  123  be at a predetermined angle as set by the programmed control chip  121 . Wiring circuit  127  connects the battery  119 , programmed control chip  121 , tilt activation mechanism  123 , and sound chip  125 . 
         [0078]    Once the tilt activation mechanism  123  is at a predetermined angle from horizontal as set by the programmed control chip  121 , sound chip  125  sends a signal along wiring circuit  127  to the speaker  131 . Speaker  131  is mounted along first housing component  111  and is designed to be placed in or over the ear canal of the user. It is also possible for a speaker  131  to be positioned forward, over the tragus during use. 
         [0079]      FIG. 5  is a side view of an embodiment of the present vision applications training device consisting of with a rotation mechanism in a closed position. Unlike the embodiment shown in  FIG. 2  and  FIG. 3 , the first housing component  211  and second housing component  213  of training device  6  form a nearly complete loop when locked in the closed position. The first housing component  211  is designed to be placed over the ear and is attached to the second housing component  213 . The second housing component  213  is sized to comfortably fit behind the ear of the user and is made of a non abrasive non elastic material such as rubberized plastic. The first housing component  211  and second housing component  213  are not positioned on the same plane, but offset from each other to facilitate proper fit on the ear of the user. Locking mechanism  215  allows device housing components  211  and  213  to swing open and closed when depressed out of the locked position. The first housing component  211  and second housing component  213  can be lock into an open or closed position by removing pressure from locking mechanism  215 , which is returned to the locked position by spring  217 . 
         [0080]    The numerous tilt alarm components of the training device  6  are mounted within the housing components  211  and  213 . Battery  219  is located within the second housing component  213 . As shown, battery  219  is not removable and can either be considered a rechargeable or one time use battery. 
         [0081]    The battery  219  is connected to the programmed control chip  221 . The programmed control chip  221  controls interactions between all components of the training device  6 . 
         [0082]    The tilt activation mechanism  223  is shown mounted within the second housing component  213  in a non-horizontal orientation. The tilt activation mechanism  223  should be located within the present invention vision applications training device such that it is in a relatively consistent position on all users to facilitate proper orientation. The tilt activation mechanism  223  should be selected from the group consisting of a mercury switch, a digital level, and a floating contact ball switch. 
         [0083]    The sound chip  225  is located within the second housing component  213 . The sound chip  225  stores the at least one speaking command to be issued should the tilt activation means  223  be at a predetermined angle as set by the programmed control chip  221 . Wiring circuit  227  connects the battery  219 , programmed control chip  221 , tilt activation mechanism  223 , and sound chip  225 . 
         [0084]    Once the tilt activation mechanism  223  is at a predetermined angle from horizontal as set by the programmed control chip  221 , sound chip  225  sends a signal along second wiring circuit  229  to the speaker  231 . Second wiring circuit  229  is mounted in first housing component  211  such that rotation of first housing component  211  relative to second housing component  213  about locking mechanism  215  is not impeded. Speaker  231  is mounted along the first housing component  211  so as to fit in or over the ear canal of the user when the device is closed. It is also possible for a speaker  231  placed forward over the tragus during use. 
         [0085]    Unlike the embodiment of the present invention present vision applications training device shown in  FIG. 2  and  FIG. 3 , the training device  6  of  FIG. 5  has only two locking positions allowed by locking mechanism  215 . An open position is provided for placing and removing the device and a closed position is provided for securing the device on the ear of the user. 
         [0086]      FIG. 6  is a side view of an embodiment of the present vision applications training device showing a closed loop training device  8  consisting of a first housing component  311  and a second housing component  313  with a sliding lock mechanism for attaching the two. The first housing component  311  is designed to be placed over the ear. The second housing component  313  is designed to be placed behind the ear while fitting the device. When in position the second housing component  313  holds the first housing component  311  firmly in place through slide mechanism  317  and locking mechanism  315 . Slide mechanism  317  is a protrusion on second housing component  313  that fits into a corresponding channel in first housing component  311 . A locking mechanism  315  consists of a male clip system on second housing component  313  that clips onto first housing component  311 , although other similar locking mechanisms may be used. The first housing component  311  and second housing component  313  are not positioned on the same plane, but offset from each other to facilitate proper fit on the ear of the user. 
         [0087]    The numerous tilt alarm components of the training device  8  are mounted within the housing components  311  and  313 . Battery  319  is located within the first housing component  311  is shown permanently mounted within. The battery  319  as shown can be recharged using an external charging unit not pictured. Battery  319  may also be considered a one time use device. 
         [0088]    The battery  319  is connected to the programmed control chip  321 . The programmed control chip  321  controls interactions between all components of the training device  8 . 
         [0089]    An optional On-off switch  333  for the training device  8  is shown. The On-off switch  333  allows the present invention vision applications training device  8  to be turned off when not in use to conserve battery  319 . It is also possible for On-off switch  333  to control the output of sound chip  325 , switching the chip between speaking commands and non speaking commands as desired by the user. 
         [0090]    The tilt activation mechanism  323  is shown mounted within the first housing component  311  in a non-horizontal orientation. The tilt activation mechanism  323  should be located within the training device  8  such that it is in a relatively consistent position on all users to facilitate proper orientation. The tilt activation mechanism  323  should be selected from the group consisting of a mercury switch, a digital level, and a floating contact ball switch. 
         [0091]    The sound chip  325  is located within the first housing component  311 . The sound chip  325  stores the at least one speaking command to be issued should the tilt activation means  323  be at a predetermined angle as set by the programmed control chip  321 . Wiring circuit  327  connects the battery  319 , programmed control chip  321 , On-off switch  333 , tilt activation mechanism  323 , sound chip  325 , and speaker  331 . 
         [0092]    Once the tilt activation mechanism  323  is at a predetermined angle from horizontal as set by the programmed control chip  321 , sound chip  325  sends a signal along wiring circuit  327  to the speaker  331 . Speaker  331  is mounted along first housing component  311  and is designed to be placed in or over the ear canal of the user. It is also possible for a speaker  331  to be positioned forward, over the tragus during use. 
         [0093]      FIG. 7  is an enlarged cutaway view of an embodiment of the locking mechanism used in training device  2 C as shown in  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2 . The interaction of locking mechanism  15 , first housing component  11  and second housing component  13  is illustrated in more detail in this figure. Locking mechanism  15  has a geared flare  37  at one end. A female complementary geared recession  35  is provided in second housing component  13 . When no pressure is applied to locking mechanism  15 , spring  17  presses locking mechanism  15  firmly into second housing component  13 , locking geared flare  37  with the geared recess  35  in second housing component  13 . When sufficient pressure is applied to locking mechanism  15 , spring  17  compresses, and geared flare  37  completely disengages from geared recess  35  in second housing component  13 . This allows second housing component  13  to rotate relative to first housing component  11 . When a desired fit is achieved, the pressure is released from locking mechanism  15  and the device is held in place on the user&#39;s ear. 
         [0094]    Although particular embodiments of the invention have been described in detail herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to those particular embodiments, and that various changes and modifications may be effected therein by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention as defined in the appended claims.