NECK PROTECTION DEVICE

Abstract

A neck protection device, which is a life-saving protective device designed specifically for hockey players to guard against skate cuts to the throat. The neck protection device comprises a body component that is constructed using Kevlar or carbon fiber weave to maximize protection and create a cut-resistant barrier. The rear of the body component comprises a flexible, adhesive strip, which allows a user to apply the body component to a user's neck. Thus, the body component provides a cut-resistant barrier without restricting motion. Once a game or practice is over, the body component can be peeled off and thrown away.

Claims

1. A neck protection device that provides a user with a life-saving protective device designed specifically for hockey players, the neck protection device comprising: a body component, wherein the body component is adhered to a user's neck, and further wherein the body component provides a cut-resistant barrier for a hockey player during games and practices.

2. The neck protection device of claim 1, wherein the body component comprises a front surface and a rear surface.

3. The neck protection device of claim 2, wherein the body component can be manufactured in various shapes and sizes to cover the user's neck, such as small, medium, and large sizes.

4. The neck protection device of claim 3, wherein the body component can be sized and shaped to cover a front and a part of at least one side of the user's neck.

5. The neck protection device of claim 4, wherein the body component is configured in a U-shaped configuration, such that elongated sides of the U-shape protect sides of the user's neck and a front portion protects the front of the user's neck.

6. The neck protection device of claim 5, wherein the body component is sized and shaped to cover a back of the user's neck.

7. The neck protection device of claim 6, wherein the body component is a two-piece configuration applied to the user's neck.

8. The neck protection device of claim 7, wherein the body component is a one-piece configuration applied to the user's neck.

9. The neck protection device of claim 8, wherein the body component is manufactured of a flexible, cut-resistant material.

10. The neck protection device of claim 9, wherein the body component is manufactured of a Kevlar, a ballistic nylon, or a carbon fiber weave.

11. The neck protection device of claim 10, wherein the body component is manufactured of a flexible material to not impede a user's movements when applied to the user's neck.

12. The neck protection device of claim 11, wherein the rear surface of the body component comprises a flexible, adhesive strip or adhesive section, which allows a user to adhere the body component to the user's neck.

13. A neck protection device that provides a user with a life-saving protective device designed specifically for hockey players, the neck protection device comprising: a body component comprising a front surface and a rear surface; wherein the body component is adhered to a user's neck; wherein the body component can be sized and shaped to cover a front and a part of at least one side of the user's neck; wherein the body component is manufactured of a Kevlar, a ballistic nylon, or a carbon fiber weave; wherein the body component is manufactured of a flexible material to not impede a user's movements when applied to the user's neck; wherein the rear surface of the body component comprises a flexible, adhesive strip, which allows a user to adhere the body component to the user's neck; and wherein the body component provides a cut-resistant barrier for a hockey player during games and practices.

14. The neck protection device of claim 13, wherein the body component can be manufactured in various shapes and sizes to cover the user's neck, such as small, medium, and large sizes.

15. The neck protection device of claim 13, wherein the body component is sized and shaped to cover a back of the user's neck.

16. The neck protection device of claim 13, wherein the adhesive strip comprises a protective liner, which is removed before use.

17. The neck protection device of claim 14, wherein once a game or practice is over, the body component can be peeled off and thrown away, allowing the neck protection device to be disposable.

18. The neck protection device of claim 13, wherein the body component is manufactured of a flexible material that is both durable and flexible, so as not to restrict a user's motion during hockey games or practices.

19. The neck protection device of claim 13 further comprising a plurality of indicia.

20. A method of protecting a user's neck while playing hockey, the method comprising the following steps: providing a neck protection device comprising a body component with an adhesive back; choosing the shape and size of the body component needed to protect a user's neck; removing the liner paper from the back of the body component to expose the adhesive side; applying the adhesive side to the user's neck for protection during a hockey game or practice; and peeling off the body component from a user's neck and throwing it away after use.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

[0023] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the neck protection device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0024] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the neck protection device of the present invention showing a two-piece version of the device in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0025] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the neck protection device of the present invention showing the device secured to a front of the neck in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0026] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the neck protection device of the present invention showing the device secured to a back of the neck in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0027] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the neck protection device of the present invention showing the device in use in accordance with the disclosed architecture; and

[0028] FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart showing the method of protecting a user's neck while playing hockey in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0029] The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.

[0030] As noted above, there is a long felt need in the art for a neck protection device that provides users with a flexible protective device worn on and around the neck area while playing hockey. There is also a long felt need in the art for a neck protection device that improves safety for hockey players, guarding against skate cuts to the vulnerable throat area. Further, there is a long felt need in the art for a neck protection device that utilizes Kevlar or carbon-fiber weave materials to maximize protection. Moreover, there is a long felt need in the art for a device that provides cut resistance without restricting range of motion. Further, there is a long felt need in the art for a neck protection device that functions as a disposable device that can be easy applied, then peeled away and discarded once off the ice. Finally, there is a long felt need in the art for a neck protection device that includes a flexible, adhesive strip for adhering the device to a user's neck.

[0031] The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is a novel neck protection device. The neck protection device comprises a body component that is constructed using Kevlar or carbon fiber weave to maximize protection and create a cut-resistant barrier. The rear of the body component comprises a flexible, adhesive strip, which allows a user to apply the body component to a user's neck. Thus, the body component provides a cut-resistant barrier without restricting motion. Once a game or practice is over, the body component can be peeled off and thrown away. The present invention also includes a novel method of protecting a user's neck while playing hockey. The method includes the steps of providing a neck protection device comprising a body component with an adhesive back. The method also comprises choosing the shape and size of the body component needed to protect a user's neck. Further, the method comprises removing the liner paper from the back of the body component to expose the adhesive side. The method also comprises applying the adhesive side to a user's neck for protection during a hockey game or practice. Finally, the method comprises peeling off the body component from a user's neck and throwing it away after use.

[0032] Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the neck protection device 100 of the present invention. In the present embodiment, the neck protection device 100 is an improved neck protection device 100 that provides a user 106 with a life-saving protective device designed specifically for hockey players to guard against skate cuts to the throat. Specifically, the neck protection device 100 comprises a body component 102 with an adhesive backing 104, which allows a user 106 to apply the body component 102 to a user's neck 108. The neck protection device 100 creates a cut-resistant barrier for a hockey player. Once a game or practice is over, the body component 102 can be peeled off and thrown away.

[0033] Generally, the neck protection device 100 is a flexible, protective device worn on and around the neck area 108 while playing hockey. Typically, the device 100 improves safety for hockey players, guarding against skate cuts to the vulnerable throat area. The device 100 is available in one or two piece versions applied to the neck area 108 of a user 106.

[0034] Further, the neck protection device 100 comprises a body component 102. The body component 102 comprises a front surface 110 and a rear surface 112. The body component 102 can be manufactured in various shapes and sizes to cover a user's neck 108, i.e., small, medium, and large sizes. Further, the body component 102 can be any suitable shape and size as is known in the art, as long as the body component 102 acts to cover at least a portion of a user's neck 108. Specifically, the body component 102 can be sized and shaped to cover the front 114 and part of at least one side 116 of a user's neck 108. For example, the body component 102 can be configured in a U-shaped configuration, such that the elongated sides 118 of the U-shape protect the sides 116 of a user's neck 108 and the front portion 120 protects the front 114 of a user's neck 108. In another example, the body component 102 is sized and shaped to cover the back 122 of a user's neck 108. Specifically, the neck protection device 100 can be applied to the side parts 116 of a user's neck 108 to protect the main artery and/or positioned at the front 114 of a user's neck 108 to protect the laryngeal area.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 2, the body component 102 is a two-piece configuration applied to a front 114 and/or a back 122 of a user's neck 108. The body component 102 in the two-piece configuration is typically applied to either side 116 of a user's neck 108 for protection. In another embodiment, the two-piece configuration can be applied to a front 114 and back 122 of a user's neck 108 for protection.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 3, the body component 102 is a one-piece configuration applied to a front 114 and/or a back 122 of a user's neck 108. In another embodiment, the one-piece configuration is applied to either side 116 of a user's neck 108 for protection.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 4, the body component 102 is manufactured of a flexible, cut-resistant material, such as Kevlar, ballistic nylon, or carbon fiber weave, etc., or any other suitable cut-resistant barrier as is known in the art. Further, the cut-resistant fabric used according to the invention should, in particular, be movable in order to limit the player's movements as little as possible. For example, 100% Kevlar fabric, possibly uncoated, undyed, 220 g/m2, etc. Typically, the cut-resistant protection itself, is at least partly a woven fabric, most suitably wire-cloth, which is flexible and moves in all directions. Further, the cut-resistant material allows the body component 102 to be flexible and to not impede a user's movements when applied to a user's neck 108.

[0038] Further, the rear surface 112 of the body component 102 comprises a flexible, adhesive strip 104 or adhesive section, which allows a user 106 to apply the body component 102 to a user's neck 108. Specifically, the adhesive strip 104 or section comprises a protective liner 124, which protects the adhesive strip 104 or section from dirt and debris before use. When ready for use, the user 106 removes the protective liner 124 and applies the body component 102 to a user's neck 108. The body component 102 is applied, such that the adhesive strip/section 104 adheres to a user's neck 108 and adheres the body component 102 to a user's neck 108 for use. Thus, in use, a player securely positions the neck protection device 100 around his/her neck 108 for a hockey game or practice. Once a game or practice is over, the body component 102 can be peeled off and thrown away, allowing the neck protection device 100 to be disposable.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 5, the body component 102 is manufactured of a flexible material that is both durable and flexible. Once the neck protection device 100 is applied to a user's neck 108, the flexibility of the body component 102 prevents any restriction of movement during use. Thus, the neck protection device 100 provides a cut-resistant barrier without restricting a user's motion during hockey games and/or practices.

[0040] In yet another embodiment, the neck protection device 100 comprises a plurality of indicia 500. The body component 102 of the device 100 may include advertising, a trademark, or other letters, designs, or characters, printed, painted, stamped, or integrated into the body component 102, or any other indicia 500 as is known in the art. Specifically, any suitable indicia 500 as is known in the art can be included, such as but not limited to, patterns, logos, emblems, images, symbols, designs, letters, words, characters, animals, advertisements, brands, etc., that may or may not be hockey, neck protection, or brand related.

[0041] FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart of the method of protecting a user's neck while playing hockey. The method includes the steps of at 600, providing a neck protection device comprising a body component with an adhesive back. The method also comprises at 602, choosing the shape and size of the body component needed to protect a user's neck. Further, the method comprises at 604, removing the liner paper from the back of the body component to expose the adhesive side. The method also comprises at 606, applying the adhesive side to a user's neck for protection during a hockey game or practice. Finally, the method comprises at 608, peeling off the body component from a user's neck and throwing it away after use.

[0042] Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different users may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein neck protection device, neck device, protection device, and device are interchangeable and refer to the neck protection device 100 of the present invention.

[0043] Notwithstanding the forgoing, the neck protection device 100 of the present invention can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the neck protection device 100 as shown in FIGS. 1-6 is for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the neck protection device 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the neck protection device 100 are important design parameters for user convenience, the neck protection device 100 may be of any size that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.

[0044] Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.

[0045] What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term includes is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term comprising as comprising is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.