Device Configured to be Worn on or at least Partially around the Neck of a Person to Produce an Intended Physiological Effect

Abstract

An improved device configured to be worn on or at least partially around the neck of a person and intended to apply a compressive force on the neck of the person to produce an intended physiological effect that is beneficial and/or protective of the person is disclosed. The device comprises a base, a core (or structure) and a cover. The device may be formed as a molded plastic component. The device may be configured to facilitate and/or provide enhanced comfort and convenience for the person wearing the device. The device may be configured to be produced efficiently in commercial volume using developed/improved manufacturing/assembly techniques with selected/commercially-available materials.

1 . A device configured to be worn at least partially around a neck of a person and intended to produce a physiological effect comprising:
 (a) a base;   (b) a core adjacent the base;   (c) a cover over the core;   wherein the core is configured to provide a force on the neck of the person; and   further comprising at least one gap formed between the base and cover.   
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the cover encloses the core in the base. 
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the at least one gap comprises at least one of a feature or an air pocket to provide a cushion for the cover and the base. 
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 3  wherein the feature comprises at least one of a molded feature or a gel material or a strip of material. 
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the core comprises a set of ends to provide a compressive force on the neck in use. 
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 5  wherein the set of ends of the core comprises a first end and a second end; further comprising a first hinge at the first end and a second hinge at the second end. 
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 5  further comprising a set of hinges to snap the set of ends from an open position to fit on the neck to a closed position. 
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the base comprises a molded plastic material; wherein the cover comprises a molded plastic material; and wherein the cover is molded on the base. 
     
     
         9 . The device of  claim 1  further comprising an identifier on the base; and wherein the identifier comprises at least one of a symbol or a label molded into the cover or a molded feature. 
     
     
         10 . A device configured to be worn at least partially around a neck of a person and intended to produce a physiological effect comprising:
 (a) a base;   (b) a core comprising a set of ends and a set of hinges; and   (c) a cover over the core;   wherein the core is between the cover and base and configured to provide a force on the neck of the person;   wherein the set of ends of the core comprises a first end and a second end;   wherein the set of hinges comprises a first hinge adjacent the first end and a second hinge adjacent the second end;   wherein the first hinge is configured so that the first end can move from an open position to a closed position and the second hinge is configured so that the second end can move from an open position to a closed position;   wherein the open position is configured to facilitate placement on the neck and the closed position is configured for use.   
     
     
         11 . The device of  claim 10  wherein the base comprises a molded plastic material;
 wherein the cover comprises a molded plastic material; and wherein the cover is molded on the base. 
 
     
     
         12 . The device of  claim 10  further comprising at least one gap between the base and cover. 
     
     
         13 . The device of  claim 12  wherein the at least one gap comprises at least one of a feature or an air pocket. 
     
     
         14 . The device of  claim 13  wherein the feature comprises at least one of (a) an air pocket between the core and the base or (b) a molded feature or (c) a gap adjacent the first end and a gap adjacent the second end. 
     
     
         15 . The device of  claim 10  wherein the first hinge is configured to snap the first end into the closed position; wherein the second hinge is configured to snap the second end into the closed position. 
     
     
         16 . The device of  claim 10  wherein the core comprises a metal band; wherein the first hinge is formed in the metal band; and wherein the second hinge is formed in the metal band. 
     
     
         17 . The device of  claim 10  further comprising an identifier on at least one of the base and the cover. 
     
     
         18 . A device configured to be worn at least partially around a neck of a person and intended to produce a physiological effect comprising:
 (a) a base;   (b) a core; and   (c) a cover;   wherein the base comprises a molded plastic material;   wherein the cover comprises a molded plastic material;   wherein the cover is molded on the base;   wherein the core is between the base and cover;   wherein the core is configured to provide a force on the neck of the person; and   further comprising an identifier on at least one of the base and the cover.   
     
     
         19 . The device of  claim 18  wherein the identifier comprises at least one of (a) an in-mold label or (b) a symbol or (c) a molded feature. 
     
     
         20 . The device of  claim 18  wherein the core comprises a set of ends; wherein the set of ends of the core comprises a first end and a second end. 
     
     
         21 . The device of  claim 18  further comprising at least one gap between the cover and base. 
     
     
         22 . The device of  claim 19  wherein the at least one gap comprises an air pocket between the cover and the base. 
     
     
         23 . The device of  claim 20  further comprising a first hinge at the first end and a second hinge at the second end. 
     
     
         24 . The device of  claim 18  wherein the core comprises at least one of a metal band or an insert. 
     
     
         25 . The device of  claim 18  further comprising a module adjacent the base; wherein the module comprises at least one of a data storage function and data communication function.