Abstract:
A weighted skull cap comprising integral weights for strengthening neck muscles during sport or physical therapy activities is herein disclosed. The apparatus comprises multiple layers that conceal a plurality of individual pockets about an entire interior surface of the cap. Each pocket comprises a flap-style locking closure for placement of a weight and secured with a fastening means to assist in retaining the weights therein the pockets during exercise activities. Each weight quantity is varied by the user to suit individual training needs.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present invention was first described in a notarized Official Record of Invention on Sep. 18, 2008, that is on file at the offices of Montgomery Patent and Design, LLC, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to skull cap type headwear, and in particular, to headwear particularly adapted to therapeutic and strength training headwear adapted for exercising or training neck and head muscles. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The head and neck contain many muscles which are utilized and strained on a daily basis. Neck pains are one of the most common forms of physical muscular distress experienced on a general basis, as the neck is subjected to many forms of duress during a common daily routine including craning from side to side for sight purposes, improper support due to poor sitting and standing postures, angled pressure experienced while sleeping, rapid movement during exercise and sporting events, and the like. 
     Despite the prevalence of neck discomforts and ailments, there are few commonly employed exercise devices utilized for purposes of strengthening and training the neck muscles, or for providing therapeutic benefits in the case where neck strain has already become an issue. This is in contrast to many portions of the human body, where common muscle training implements are well known and in widespread use. 
     Various attempts have been made to provide neck exercising apparatuses. Examples of these attempts can be seen by reference to several U.S. patents. U.S. Pat. No. 4,168,060, issued in the name of Hohenfeldt, describes a physical conditioning apparatus which combines headgear and jump-rope type ropes and grips in order to provide combined exercise capabilities to both the wrist and neck muscles. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,988,093, issued in the name of Forrest, Sr. et al., describes a fluid-filled neck exerciser. The Forrest, Sr. apparatus utilizes fluid filling means for air, water, or the like in order to provide exercise functionality to the integral headwear. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,000,066, issued in the name of Williams, describes an exercise helmet. The Williams apparatus allows a user to attach conventional dumbbell type weights to the apparatus in order to provide weight resistance capabilities. 
     Additionally, ornamental designs for a neck trainer exist, particularly U.S. Pat. No. D 566,799. However, none of these designs are similar to the present invention. 
     While these devices fulfill their respective, particular objectives, each of these references suffer from one (1) or more of the aforementioned disadvantages. Many such apparatuses are not adaptable to a wide range of training applications. In addition, many such apparatuses are unintuitive or uncomfortable to a user. Furthermore, many such apparatuses do not provide any peripheral benefits. Accordingly, there exists a need for a neck training apparatus without the disadvantages as described above. The development of the present invention substantially departs from the conventional solutions and in doing so fulfills this need. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In view of the foregoing references, the inventor recognized the aforementioned inherent problems and observed that there is a need for a means to provide headgear adapted for neck training exercises which provides comfort and customizability, as well as peripheral benefits such as similarities and uses as conventional headgear and aesthetic benefits commonly found in other types of exercise apparatuses. Thus, the object of the present invention is to solve the aforementioned disadvantages and provide for this need. 
     To achieve the above objectives, it is an object of the present invention to provide a means to strengthen neck muscles for the purposes of sports, physical therapy, and other fitness related activities comprising an outer cap, an inner cap, a plurality of pockets, and a plurality of weights. The overall apparatus takes the form of a conventional skull cap. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a removable inner cap which provides easy use, customization, and conventional headgear functionality. The inner cap is attachable removable from the outer cap by means of a conventional fastener. In a preferred embodiment, the inner cap comprises a plurality of loop fasteners which correspond with a plurality of hook fasteners located on an inner surface of the outer cap. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide a secure fit and secure weighting means to the apparatus by comprising a plurality of pockets, a plurality of straps, and a stretchable band. The inner cap is further fabricated of a mesh material to provide a comfortable stretching fit and to prohibit movement from the addition of weights. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide features associated with conventional recreational headgear. The outer cap provides conventional features of a skull cap, snow hat, or the like by comprising a conventional fabric surface, a plurality of apertures for ventilation, and the like. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide integral attachment to the plurality of pockets via the plurality of straps which radiate downwardly from the top center of the outer cap. The pockets are integrally sewn to the straps via conventional sewing techniques to provide a stabilizing means for the pockets and enclosed weights. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide secure housing to the weights via the pockets. The pockets comprise a conventional rectangular envelope type pocket, further comprising a rectangular portion into which a weight is inserted and a pocket flap which is selectively fastened to the pocket by means of a conventional fastener. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide a secure fit to a user&#39;s head by means of the stretchable band, which comprises a conventional elastic band integrally located at a lower end portion of the outer cap. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide aesthetic features particularly adapted for comfort during exercise activities. The inner cap is fabricated from a moisture-wicking synthetic material which provides absorption of moisture away from a user&#39;s head during use in order to keep the user&#39;s head cool and dry. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide user-customizable exercise configurations by means of a plurality of rectangular weights adapted to fit inside of the pockets. The weights may be selectively placed in any number, configuration and weight among the plurality of pockets to provide a desired resistance strength training experience. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide a method of utilizing the device that provides a unique means of selectively placing weights within the pockets of the outer cap in a desired manner, securing the pocket flaps to hold the weights in place, placing the inner cap securely within the outer cap via the hook and loop fasteners to provide further securing of the weights as well as comfort features for moisture absorption and padding, and comfortably securing the apparatus on a user&#39;s head in the manner of conventional headgear with added stability provided by the stretchable band. 
     Further objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from a consideration of the drawings and ensuing description. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a weighted skull cap  10  depicting a disassembled state, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a front view of an outer cap  20 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a front view of an inner portion of the outer cap  20 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a front view of an inner cap  50 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  is a front view of a weight  60 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and, 
         FIG. 6  is a rear perspective view of the outer cap  20  depicting an alternate securing means  80 , according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTIVE KEY 
     
         
         
           
               10  weighted skull cap 
               20  outer cap 
               21  outer cap surface 
               22  aperture 
               23  grommet 
               24  interior portion 
               26  pocket 
               27  pocket flap 
               28  pocket fastener 
               29  strap 
               30  stretchable band 
               40  top hook fastener 
               42  middle hook fastener 
               44  bottom hook fastener 
               50  inner cap 
               51  inner cap surface 
               52  interior inner cap 
               54  top loop fastener 
               56  middle loop fastener 
               58  bottom loop fastener 
               60  weight 
               62  weight body 
               70  sewing technique 
               80  additional securing means 
               85  additional fastener 
               87  securing device 
               89  securing material 
           
         
       
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of its preferred embodiment, herein depicted within  FIGS. 1 through 5  and alternately within  FIG. 6 . However, the invention is not limited to the described embodiment and a person skilled in the art will appreciate that many other embodiments of the invention are possible without deviating from the basic concept of the invention, and that any such work around will also fall under scope of this invention. It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items. 
     The present invention describes a weighted skull cap (herein described as the “apparatus”)  10 , which provides a means to strengthen neck muscles for the purpose of sports, physical therapy, or other fitness related activity. Said apparatus  10  comprises an outer cap  20 , a plurality of pockets  26 , an inner cap  50 , and a plurality of weights  60 . Said apparatus  10  allows a user the ability to strengthen their neck muscles in a quick, easy and effective manner so that increased dexterity and speed can be realized during other sporting activities. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , a perspective view of the apparatus  10  depicting a disassembled state, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The apparatus  10  comprises an outer cap  20  and inner cap  50  which are removably attachable from one (1) another therewith a conventional fastening technique as mentioned herein below. The detachability of the apparatus  10  enables the user to add or remove weights  60  as desired. An interior portion  24  of the outer cap  20  comprises a plurality of integral pockets  26 , thereby providing an enclosure for a desired amount of weights  60 . The inner cap  50  comprises a plurality of loop fasteners  54 ,  56 ,  58  (also see  FIG. 4 ) which operate in conjunction with a plurality of hook fasteners  40 ,  42 ,  44  (also see  FIG. 3 ) thereon the outer cap  20 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , a front view of an outer cap  20 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The outer cap  20  takes the form of a conventional skull cap, snow hat, or the like. Said outer cap  20  comprises an outer cap surface  21  which is preferably fabricated from a fleece material, yet other material may be utilized without limiting the functions of the apparatus  10 . Said outer cap surface  21  may further comprise script or logos based upon a user&#39;s preference and may include images such as, but not limited to: sports names/logos, personal names, symbols, pictures, and the like to further customize and personalize the apparatus  10  further comprising a variety of colors and patterns. 
     The outer cap  20  also comprises a plurality of apertures  22 , thereby providing ventilation to the apparatus  10 . At least two (2) apertures  22  are provided thereon an upper portion of each side of the apparatus  10 . Said apertures  22  are preferably reinforced with a grommet  23 , thereby preventing damage to the apparatus  10 . Each aperture  22  measures an appropriate diameter to maximize the flow of air into the apparatus  10 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , a front view of an inner portion of the outer cap  20 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The interior portion  24  of the outer cap  20  comprises a plurality of pockets  26 , a plurality of straps  29 , a stretchable band  30 , a top hook fastener  40 , a plurality of middle hook fasteners  42 , and a plurality of bottom hook fasteners  44 . Said interior portion  24  is preferably fabricated from a mesh material, thereby prohibiting movement from the addition of weights  60 , yet other materials may be utilized without limiting the functions of the apparatus  10 . 
     Said outer cap  20  and comprises a top hook fastener  40 , a middle hook fastener  42 , and a bottom hook fastener  44 , thereby providing an attachment means for said outer cap  20  thereto the inner cap  50  (also see  FIG. 4 ). Each hook fastener  40 ,  42 ,  44  is preferably the hook side of a conventional hook-and-loop fastener, yet other fastening means may be utilized such as, but not limited to: adhesives, buttons, latches, or the like without limiting the functions of the apparatus  10 . The top hook fastener  40  is located thereon the pinnacle portion of the interior portion  24  and takes the form of a circular or rectangular member. The middle hook fasteners  42  encompass an intermediate portion of the interior portion  24  and are preferably rectangular in shape, yet other shapes may be incorporated without limiting the functions of the apparatus  10 . The interior portion  24  comprises up to eight (8) middle hook fasteners  42 . The bottom hook fasteners  44  are located thereon a bottom portion of the outer cap  20  and also take on a shape similar thereto the middle loop fasteners  42 . The interior portion  24  also comprises up to eight (8) bottom hook fasteners  44 . Each hook fastener  40 ,  42 ,  44  engages and mates to a corresponding loop fastener  54 ,  56 ,  58  (also see  FIG. 4 ). 
     The interior portion  24  of the outer cap  20  also comprises a plurality of straps  29 . Each strap  29  comprises a pocket  26 , a pocket flap  27 , and a pocket fastener  28 . Said straps  29  downwardly radiate from the pinnacle top portion and the apparatus  10  which are attached to the interior portion  24  therewith conventional sewing techniques  70 . Said straps  29  restrain each pocket  26 , thereby securing said pocket  26  to the interior portion  24  which prohibits movement to the user inserted weights  60 . Each distal end portion of each strap  29  comprises a pocket  26 . The interior portion  24  comprises up to twelve (12) straps  29  hence the interior portion also comprises up to twelve (12) corresponding pockets  26 . The straps  29  and pockets  26  are preferably fabricated from a stabilizing material sewn into the interior portion  24  therewith conventional sewing techniques  70  as above-mentioned. 
     Each pocket  26  comprises a pocket flap  27  and pocket fastener  28 , thereby providing a secure housing to weights  60 . Each pocket  26  takes the form of a conventional rectangular envelope, yet other forms may be provided without limiting the functions of the apparatus  10 . In use, a triangular pocket flap  27 , located thereon the top half of each pocket  26  is lifted upwardly, thereby unfastening the pocket fastener  28 . Said pocket fastener  28  is preferably hook-and-loop-type fasteners, yet other fasteners such as, but not limited to: buttons, zippers, or the like may be incorporated without limiting the functions of the apparatus  10 . A weight  60  (also see  FIG. 5 ) is inserted into the pocket  26  and the pocket flap  27  is pressed down thereupon the outer surface of the pocket  26  and the pocket fastener  28  is fastened. 
     A lower distal portion of the interior portion  24  of the outer cap  20  comprises a conventional stretchable band  30 , thereby providing the user with a secure fit of the apparatus  10  to their head. Said stretchable band  30  encompasses the lower distal portion and is preferably fabricated from stretchable materials which comprise elastic properties, yet other materials may be incorporated without limiting the functions of the apparatus  10 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4 , a front view of an inner cap  50 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The apparatus  10  comprises a removably antimicrobial attachable inner cap  50  as abovementioned. Said inner cap  50  is similar in size and shape of the outer cap  20  and comprises a top loop fastener  54 , a middle loop fastener  56 , and a bottom loop fastener  58 , thereby providing an attachment means for said inner cap  50  thereto the outer cap  20 . Each loop fastener  54 ,  56 ,  58  is preferably the loop side of a conventional hook-and-loop fastener, yet other fastening means may be utilized without limiting the functions of the apparatus  10 . The top loop fastener  54  is located thereon the pinnacle portion of the inner cap  50  and takes the form of a circular or rectangular member. Said top loop fastener  50  mates therewith the top hook fastener  40  located thereon the interior portion  24  of the outer cap  20 . The middle loop fasteners  56  encompass an intermediate portion of the inner cap  50  and are preferably rectangular in shape, yet other shapes may be incorporated without limiting the functions of the apparatus  10 . Said middle loop fastener  56  mates therewith a corresponding middle hook fastener  42  located thereon the interior portion  24  of the outer cap  20 . The bottom loop fasteners  58  are located thereon a bottom portion of the inner cap  50  and also take on a shape similar thereto the middle loop fasteners  56 . Said bottom loop fastener  58  mates therewith a corresponding bottom hook fastener  44  located thereon the interior portion  24  of the outer cap  20 . 
     Said inner cap  50  is preferably fabricated from a moisture-wicking synthetic material, thereby enabling the absorption of moisture away from the user&#39;s cranium keeping said user dry and cool. Other materials may be incorporated for the inner cap  50  without limiting the functions of the apparatus  10 . Said inner cap  50  may also be fabricated in a variety of colors and patterns. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 5 , a front view of a weight  60 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The apparatus  10  comprises a plurality of rectangular weights  60 , one (1) for each pocket  26 . The weight body  62  measures appropriate dimensions slightly smaller than that of each pocket  26 , thereby enabling said weights  60  to be installed thereinside any pocket  26 . Each weight  60  also comprises an arcuate shape, thereby comfortably contouring to the users head. Each weight  60  weighs approximately six-and-four-fifths (6⅘) ounces, thereby providing a user with a maximum additional weight of approximately five-and-one-tenth (5 1/10) pounds. Each weight  60  is fabricated from materials such as, but not limited to: a sand bag, a metal plate, a metal short, or the like. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 6 , a rear perspective view of the outer cap  20  depicting an additional securing means  80 , according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The apparatus  10  may comprise an additional securing means  80 , thereby providing a supplementary fastener thereto further secure the outer cap  20  thereto a user&#39;s head. Said additional securing means  80  comprises an additional fastener  85 , a securing device  87 , and a securing material  89 . The additional fastener  85  preferably comprises a hook-and-loop fastener, yet other fastening means may be incorporated such as, but not limited to: snaps, buttons, or the like. Said additional fastener  85  is partially secured an inside bottom longitudinal rear portion of the outer cap  20  and secured therewith conventional sewing techniques  70 . The partial securing provides one (1) end portion to be freely inserted through a securing device  87  and wrapped around to secure back onto itself. The securing device  87  is preferably a metal or plastic “D”-ring, yet other securing devices may be utilized without limiting the functions of the apparatus  10 . Said securing device  87  is attached to a portion outer cap  20  adjacent thereto the additional fastener  85  via attaching thereto a securing material  89  which is further secured to the inside portion of the outer cap  20  therewith sewing techniques  70 . 
     It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The preferred embodiment of the present invention can be utilized by the common user in a simple and effortless manner with little or no training. After initial purchase or acquisition of the apparatus  10 , it would be installed as indicated in  FIG. 1 through 5 . 
     The method of installing and utilizing the apparatus  10  may be achieved by performing the following steps: acquiring the apparatus  10 ; detaching the loop fasteners  54 ,  56 ,  58  thereon the inner cap  50  from the hook fasteners  40 ,  42 ,  44  thereon the outer cap  20 ; opening a desired amount of pockets  26 , thereby unfastening the pocket fasteners  28  and lifting the pocket flaps  27  upwardly; inserting a weight  60  thereinto a desired pocket  26  until a desired amount of weights  60  are inserted into said desired amount of pockets  26 ; pressing the pocket flap  27  down thereupon the pocket  27  and fastening the pocket fasteners  28 ; attaching the inner cap  50  to the outer cap  20 , thereby aligning and fastening the top hook fastener  40  with the top loop fastener  54 , aligning and fastening the middle hook fasteners  42  with the middle loop fasteners  56 , and aligning and fastening the bottom hook fasteners  44  with the bottom loop fasteners  58 ; utilizing the stretchable band  30  to stretch the apparatus  10  onto a top portion of a user&#39;s head in order to accommodate said user&#39;s head; and, strengthening neck muscles, thereby wearing said apparatus  10 . 
     An alternate method of installing and utilizing the apparatus  10  may be achieved by performing the following steps: acquiring the apparatus  10 ; detaching the loop fasteners  54 ,  56 ,  58  thereon the inner cap  50  from the hook fasteners  40 ,  42 ,  44  thereon the outer cap  20 ; opening a desired amount of pockets  26 , thereby unfastening the pocket fasteners  28  and lifting the pocket flaps  27  upwardly; inserting a weight  60  thereinto a desired pocket  26  until a desired amount of weights  60  are inserted into said desired amount of pockets  26 ; pressing the pocket flap  27  down thereupon the pocket  27  and fastening the pocket fasteners  28 ; attaching the inner cap  50  to the outer cap  20 , thereby aligning and fastening the top hook fastener  40  with the top loop fastener  54 , aligning and fastening the middle hook fasteners  42  with the middle loop fasteners  56 , and aligning and fastening the bottom hook fasteners  44  with the bottom loop fasteners  58 ; utilizing the stretchable band  30  to stretch the apparatus  10  onto a top portion of a user&#39;s head in order to accommodate said user&#39;s head; utilizing the additional securing means  80  thereto add additional support to the apparatus  10 , thereby inserting the additional fastener  85  through the securing device  87  and fastening the additional fastener  85  thereto itself; and, strengthening neck muscles, thereby wearing said apparatus  10 . 
     The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention and method of use to the precise forms disclosed. Obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, and to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions or substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient, but is intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention.