Apparatus for Restricting Head Movement

This application is a Continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 18/362,700 filed on Jul. 31, 2023, which issues on Aug. 5, 2025 as U.S. Pat. No. 12,376,632, which is a Continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 17/694,559 filed on Mar. 14, 2022, which issued on Aug. 1, 2023 as U.S. Pat. No. 11,712,073, which is a Continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 16/552,452 filed on Aug. 27, 2019, which issued on Mar. 15, 2022 as U.S. Pat. No. 11,272,748, which are incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

It is intended that the referenced application may be applicable to the concepts and embodiments disclosed herein, even if such concepts and embodiments are disclosed in the referenced application with different limitations and configurations and described using different examples and terminology.

The present disclosure generally relates to restricting head movement.

In some situations, beginner basketball players have a tendency to look down while dribbling a basketball. For example, during practice or a basketball game, many opportunities for passing or shooting may be lost from this tendency. Thus, the conventional strategy is to use “dribbling glasses” that black out the bottom half of a player's vision in order to impede looking down. This often causes problems because the conventional strategy does not account for alternate ways of looking down and observing the basketball. For example, the dribbling glasses may cause the player to develop other negative tendencies such as looking down at a sharper angle to bypass the vision blockers, or dribbling the basketball at a greater height to locate the basketball with the limited vision allowed from the dribbling glasses. A device for impeding a basketball player from looking down while dribbling is needed.

This brief overview is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below. This brief overview is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter. Nor is this overview intended to be used to limit the claimed subject matter's scope.

Disclosed herein are an apparatus and system for limiting head movement while, for example, but not limited to, dribbling a basketball. The apparatus may comprise a chin guard module. The chin guard module may comprise a shaft submodule and a chin surface submodule. The apparatus may further comprise at least one securing means. The securing means may comprise a connecting means and a fastening means.

The apparatus may comprise a substantially rigid support structure configured to be positioned adjacent to a user's neck. The support structure may be coupled to a chin engagement member configured to contact a lower surface of the user's chin. The apparatus may further comprise a neck securing assembly configured to removably attach the apparatus to the user's neck. The apparatus may be configured to permit lateral rotation of the user's head while restricting downward tilting of the user's head beyond a predetermined angle.

In one embodiment, the support structure may comprise a vertically oriented shaft portion and a horizontally oriented chin support portion forming an angular configuration. The angular configuration may form an inverted L-shape. The chin engagement member may comprise a contoured surface configured to conform to the user's chin anatomy. The contoured surface may comprise a malleable material configured to adapt to different chin shapes.

In another embodiment, the neck securing assembly may comprise a flexible strap configured to encircle the user's neck and a fastening mechanism configured to adjustably secure the strap around the user's neck. The fastening mechanism may comprise at least one of a hook and loop fastener, a buckle, a clasp, a snap connector, or an adjustable clamp. The support structure may comprise a telescoping portion configured to adjust a distance between the chin engagement member and the neck securing assembly.

In yet another embodiment, a basketball training device may comprise a neck collar configured to be worn around a player's neck. A vertical support member may extend upwardly from the neck collar. A chin rest may be disposed at an upper end of the vertical support member and configured to maintain contact with the player's chin. The device may be configured to prevent the player from looking downward while permitting lateral head movement during basketball activities. The neck collar may comprise an adjustable circumference to accommodate different neck sizes. The vertical support member may comprise a rigid material selected to resist bending under normal use conditions.

In still another embodiment, a sports training apparatus may comprise a wearable base configured to be secured to a user's neck region. A positioning element may extend from the wearable base toward the user's chin. A chin contact surface may be disposed on the positioning element and configured to engage the user's chin. The apparatus may be configured to maintain the user's head in a substantially upright orientation while allowing rotational movement of the head about a vertical axis. The wearable base may comprise a flexible band with an adjustable closure system configured to provide a secure yet comfortable fit around the user's neck.

Both the foregoing brief overview and the following detailed description provide examples and are explanatory only. Accordingly, the foregoing brief overview and the following detailed description should not be considered to be restrictive. Further, features or variations may be provided in addition to those set forth herein. For example, embodiments may be directed to various feature combinations and sub-combinations described in the detailed description.

As a preliminary matter, it will readily be understood by one having ordinary skill in the relevant art that the present disclosure has broad utility and application. As should be understood, any embodiment may incorporate only one or a plurality of the above-disclosed aspects of the disclosure and may further incorporate only one or a plurality of the above-disclosed features. Furthermore, any embodiment discussed and identified as being “preferred” is considered to be part of a best mode contemplated for carrying out the embodiments of the present disclosure. Other embodiments also may be discussed for additional illustrative purposes in providing a full and enabling disclosure. Moreover, many embodiments, such as adaptations, variations, modifications, and equivalent arrangements, will be implicitly disclosed by the embodiments described herein and fall within the scope of the present disclosure.

Accordingly, while embodiments are described herein in detail in relation to one or more embodiments, it is to be understood that this disclosure is illustrative and exemplary of the present disclosure and are made merely for the purposes of providing a full and enabling disclosure. The detailed disclosure herein of one or more embodiments is not intended, nor is to be construed, to limit the scope of patent protection afforded in any claim of a patent issuing here from, which scope is to be defined by the claims and the equivalents thereof. It is not intended that the scope of patent protection be defined by reading into any claim a limitation found herein that does not explicitly appear in the claim itself.

Thus, for example, any sequence(s) and/or temporal order of steps of various processes or methods that are described herein are illustrative and not restrictive. Accordingly, it should be understood that, although steps of various processes or methods may be shown and described as being in a sequence or temporal order, the steps of any such processes or methods are not limited to being carried out in any particular sequence or order, absent an indication otherwise. Indeed, the steps in such processes or methods generally may be carried out in various different sequences and orders while still falling within the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, it is intended that the scope of patent protection is to be defined by the issued claim(s) rather than the description set forth herein.

Additionally, it is important to note that each term used herein refers to that which an ordinary artisan would understand such term to mean based on the contextual use of such term herein. To the extent that the meaning of a term used herein—as understood by the ordinary artisan based on the contextual use of such term-differs in any way from any particular dictionary definition of such term, it is intended that the meaning of the term as understood by the ordinary artisan should prevail.

Regarding applicability of 35 U.S.C. § 112, ¶6, no claim element is intended to be read in accordance with this statutory provision unless the explicit phrase “means for” or “step for” is actually used in such claim element, whereupon this statutory provision is intended to apply in the interpretation of such claim element.

Furthermore, it is important to note that, as used herein, “a” and “an” each generally denotes “at least one,” but does not exclude a plurality unless the contextual use dictates otherwise. When used herein to join a list of items, “or” denotes “at least one of the items,” but does not exclude a plurality of items of the list. Finally, when used herein to join a list of items, “and” denotes “all of the items of the list.”

The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings.

Wherever possible, the same reference numbers are used in the drawings and the following description to refer to the same or similar elements. While many embodiments of the disclosure may be described, modifications, adaptations, and other implementations are possible. For example, substitutions, additions, or modifications may be made to the elements illustrated in the drawings, and the methods described herein may be modified by substituting, reordering, or adding stages to the disclosed methods. Accordingly, the following detailed description does not limit the disclosure. Instead, the proper scope of the disclosure is defined by the appended claims. The present disclosure contains headers. It should be understood that these headers are used as references and are not to be construed as limiting upon the subjected matter disclosed under the header.

The present disclosure includes many aspects and features. Moreover, while many aspects and features relate to, and are described in, the context of restricting head movement, embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to use only in this context.

I. APPARATUS OVERVIEW

This overview is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below. This overview is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter. Nor is this overview intended to be used to limit the claimed subject matter's scope.

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide an apparatus for restricting head movement comprised of a set of elements, including, but not limited to a chin guard module, and at least one securing means. By way of non-limiting example, the securing means may connect to the chin guard module. In some embodiments, the securing means may comprise a connecting means. In further embodiments, the securing means may connect to a neck.

Embodiments of the present disclosure may comprise methods, systems, and components comprising, but not limited to, at least one of the following:

Details with regard to each component is provided below. Although components are disclosed with specific functionality, it should be understood that functionality may be shared between components, with some functions split between components, while other functions duplicated by the components. Furthermore, the name of the component should not be construed as limiting upon the functionality of the component. Moreover, each stage disclosed within each component can be considered independently without the context of the other stages within the same component or different components. Each stage may contain language defined in other portions of this specifications. Each stage disclosed for one component may be mixed with the operational stages of another component. In the present disclosure, each stage can be claimed on its own and/or interchangeably with other stages of other components.

The following depicts an example of a method of a plurality of methods that may be performed by at least one of the aforementioned components. Various hardware components may be used at the various stages of operations disclosed with reference to each component. For example, although methods may be described to be performed by a single apparatus, it should be understood that, in some embodiments, different operations may be performed by different apparatuses in operating in conjunction with each other. For example, an apparatusmay be employed in the performance of some or all of the stages disclosed with regard to the methods. Similarly, one apparatus may be employed in the performance of some or all of the stages of the methods. As such, the apparatus may comprise at least one of the architectural components disclosed herein.

Furthermore, although the stages of the following example method are disclosed in a particular order, it should be understood that the order is disclosed for illustrative purposes only. Stages may be combined, separated, reordered, and various intermediary stages may exist. Accordingly, it should be understood that the various stages, in various embodiments, may be performed in arrangements that differ from the ones claimed below. Moreover, various stages may be added or removed without altering or deterring from the fundamental scope of the depicted methods and systems disclosed herein.

Both the foregoing overview and the following detailed description provide examples and are explanatory only. Accordingly, the foregoing overview and the following detailed description should not be considered to be restrictive. Further, features or variations may be provided in addition to those set forth herein. For example, embodiments may be directed to various feature combinations and sub-combinations described in the detailed description.

A chin guard module may be provided. A shaft submodule consistent with the embodiments of the current disclosure may connect to a chin surface submodule. The shaft submodule connected to the chin surface submodule may create an inverted “L” shape. In this way, the chin guard module may conform to the neck and a chin.

An at least one securing means may be provided. The at least one securing means, consistent with the embodiments of the current disclosure may comprise a connecting means. The connecting means may connect the securing means to the neck. In this way, apparatusmay be secured to the neck.

illustrates one possible operating environment through which apparatusconsistent with embodiments of the present disclosure may be provided. Accordingly, embodiments of the present disclosure provide an apparatus for restricting head movement comprised of a set of elements, including, but not limited to a chin guard module and an at least one securing means.

illustrates a chin guard modulecomprising a shaft submoduleand a chin surface submodule.

Chin surface submodulemay comprise a curved surface. In this way, chin guard modulemay provide a surface for the chin to be ergonomically applied to the apparatus.

Chin surface submodulemay comprise a plurality of interchangeable surfaces. In this way, chin guard modulemay provide a surface that can accommodate a plurality of different users' chin types and forms, thereby enabling a comfortable fit.

In some embodiments, the plurality of interchangeable surfaces may comprise a surface comprising a plurality of protrusions. The chin guard modulemay be positioned against the user's chin and neck, such that the shape and protrusions impede the user from lowering their chin.

Shaft submodulemay comprise a plurality of surfaces, and at least one aperture. In some embodiments, the plurality of surfaces may connect. In this way, the plurality of surfaces may form an external housing. In further embodiments, the connected plurality of surfaces may be continuous. In this way, apparatusmay minimize edges and protrusions created from the connecting surfaces. In other embodiments, the connected plurality of surfaces may meet to form an at least one edge. In this way, the shaft submodule may more rigidly adhere to the user's neck.

In some embodiments, shaft submodulemay be rigid. In other embodiments, shaft submodulemay be retractably extendable. In this way, the chin guard may accommodate for a plurality of neck lengths, shapes, and forms.

In some embodiments, shaft submoduleconnected to chin surface submodulemay create an inverted “L” shape. In this way, apparatusmay concurrently be applied to the user's neck and chin, thereby providing a rigid structure that prevents chin surface submodulefrom bending, or from bending beyond a certain angle relative to shaft submodule. It should be understood that any shape to achieve the same function may be employed, and that chin surface submoduleand shaft submodulemay be comprised of a single, continuous, and/or uniform material.

illustrates at least one securing meanscomprising a connecting means and a fastening means. Employing the connection means and the fastening means, at least one securing meansmay be used to secure apparatusto the user. At least one securing meansmay connect and be fastened to apparatusvia chin guard module.

By way of non-limited example, in some embodiments, at least one securing meansmay be fastened to chin guard modulethrough shaft submodule. In further embodiments, at least one securing meansmay connect to chin guard modulethrough the at least one aperture of shaft submodule. In this way, the fastening means may secure at least one securing meansto the user's neck. In turn, at least one securing meansmay prevent undesired movement of apparatuswhen secured to the user's neck. By way of non-limiting example, the fastening means may comprise the following:

In some embodiments, the connecting means may comprise an expandable material. In this way, at least one securing meansmay adjust for a plurality of neck sizes. In other embodiments, the connecting means may comprise a rigid material. In this way, at least one securing meansmay connect to the neck immovably. In still other embodiments, the connecting means may comprise a pliable material on at least one side. In this way, comfort may be increased when apparatusis used.

It should be understood that at least one securing meansmay be secured to other portions of the user, via other portions of chin guard. For example, at least one securing meansmay be connected to and/or fastened against chin guard module. Moreover, in various embodiments, chin guardmay be integrated into, for example, but not limited to, a headgear, or any other object worn by the user and fastened thereto.

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide apparatusoperative by a set of comprising instructions configured to operate the aforementioned modules in accordance with the methods. The following depicts an example of a method of a plurality of methods that may be performed by at least one of the aforementioned modules. Various hardware components may be used at the various stages of operations disclosed with reference to each module.

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide apparatusoperative as a distributed system of modules. The method may comprise the following stages:

Although the stages are disclosed in a particular order, it should be understood that the order is disclosed for illustrative purposes only. Stages may be combined, separated, reordered, and various intermediary stages may exist. Accordingly, it should be understood that the various stages, in various embodiments, may be performed in arrangements that differ from the ones claimed below. Moreover, various stages may be added or removed from the without altering or deterring from the fundamental scope of the depicted methods and systems disclosed herein.