APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR PREVENTING EATING

Abstract

Apparatuses, systems, and methods are disclosed for preventing eating. A head covering is shaped to surround a user's head. The head covering includes a neck portion positioned to contact the user's neck, and a mouth portion positioned to cover the user's mouth. The mouth portion includes breathable material configured to obstruct the passage of food into the user's mouth. A security device is configured to secure the neck portion around the user's neck.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/706,582 entitled “APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR PREVENTING EATING” and filed on Sep. 27, 2012 for Lana Davidson, which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

This invention relates to eating and more particularly relates to preventing eating.

BACKGROUND

Many people find it difficult to limit their consumption of food. Some people may wish to change their dietary intake in order to lose or maintain weight, but find it difficult to break established dietary habits.

People who regularly work with food, such as chefs, cooks, or parents who cook their family meals, may have trouble avoiding unplanned eating. Other people may compulsively overeat. Eating may also accompany sleepwalking, so that people with Nocturnal Sleep-Related Eating Disorder are unaware of their nighttime eating.

Various devices, such as refrigerator locks, help prevent undesired eating by limiting access to food. However, such devices have a variety of shortcomings.

SUMMARY

The subject matter of the present application has been developed in response to the present state of the art, and in particular, in response to the problems and needs associated with dieting devices that have not yet been fully solved by currently available methods, apparatus, and systems. Accordingly, the subject matter of the present application has been developed to provide methods, apparatus, and systems for controlling the consumption of food, which overcomes at least some of the above-discussed shortcomings of prior art methods, apparatus, and systems.

An apparatus is presented for preventing eating. In one embodiment, a head covering is shaped to surround a user's head. In a certain embodiment, the head covering may include a neck portion positioned to contact the user's neck. In a further embodiment, the head covering may include a mouth portion positioned to cover the user's mouth. In some embodiments, the mouth portion may include breathable material configured to obstruct the passage of food into the user's mouth. In certain embodiments, a security device may be configured to secure the neck portion around the user's neck.

In one embodiment, the mouth portion includes a drinking opening. In a further embodiment, the drinking opening is at most the size of a drinking straw. In a certain embodiment, a drinking straw may be coupled to the drinking opening.

In a certain embodiment, the head covering may include a hood of a hooded garment. In another embodiment, a top portion and the neck portion of the head covering may include material stronger than the breathable material of the mouth portion.

In one embodiment, the security device may include a replaceable, single-use device. In a further embodiment, the condition of the security device may indicate whether tampering has occurred.

Another apparatus is presented for preventing eating. In one embodiment, the apparatus may include a cap and a neckband. In a certain embodiment, a face covering may be coupled to the cap and the neckband. In a further embodiment, the face covering may have openings sized to obstruct the passage of food. In some embodiments, a drawstring includes a central portion coupled to the neckband and end portions. In certain embodiments, a security device may be configured to couple the end portions of the drawstring.

In one embodiment, the face covering includes a drinking opening. In a further embodiment, the drinking opening is at most the size of a drinking straw. In a certain embodiment, a drinking straw may be coupled to the drinking opening.

In one embodiment, the drawstring may include a chain. In a further embodiment, the neckband may include one or more grommets disposed at one or more positions where the drawstring passes through the neckband.

In one embodiment, the security device may include a lock. In some embodiments, the security device may include a replaceable, single-use device. In further embodiments, the condition of the security device may indicate whether tampering has occurred.

In one embodiment, a support may be configured to hold the face covering away from a user's mouth. In a certain embodiment, the support may include a ring-shaped support coupled to the face covering. In a further embodiment, the ring-shaped support may have an opening sized to admit the user's head. In another embodiment, the support may include a brim of the cap.

A method is presented for preventing eating. In one embodiment, the method includes covering a user's head with a head covering. In a further embodiment, the method includes securing the head covering around the user's neck. In certain embodiments, the method may include unsecuring the head covering in response to the passage of a period of time selected by the user. In further embodiments, the method may include removing the head covering from the user's head.

The described features, structures, advantages, and/or characteristics of the subject matter of the present disclosure may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments and/or implementations. In the following description, numerous specific details are provided to impart a thorough understanding of embodiments of the subject matter of the present disclosure. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that the subject matter of the present disclosure may be practiced without one or more of the specific features, details, components, materials, and/or methods of a particular embodiment or implementation. In other instances, additional features and advantages may be recognized in certain embodiments and/or implementations that may not be present in all embodiments or implementations. Further, in some instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the subject matter of the present disclosure. The features and advantages of the subject matter of the present disclosure will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the subject matter as set forth hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the advantages of the invention will be readily understood, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments that are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a front view of an apparatus for preventing eating, in one embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a front view of an upper portion of an apparatus for preventing eating, in one embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a front view of a middle portion of an apparatus for preventing eating, in one embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a front view of a lower portion of an apparatus for preventing eating, in one embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a back view of a lower portion of an apparatus for preventing eating, in one embodiment; and

FIG. 6 is a schematic block diagram illustrating one embodiment of a method for preventing eating.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It is recognized that some devices prevent a user from eating by limiting access to food for a group of people, such as roommates or family members. The apparatus and method disclosed herein prevent users from eating, without requiring others to change their own eating habits. The subject matter of the present application has been developed in response to the present state of the art, and in particular, in response to problems and needs that have not yet been fully solved by currently available eating prevention devices and methods. Accordingly, the subject matter of the present application has been developed to provide an apparatus and method for preventing eating that overcomes many of the shortcomings of the prior art.

FIG. 1 depicts a front view of one embodiment of an apparatus 100 for preventing eating. In one embodiment, the apparatus 100 includes a head covering 102 and a security device 112. In a further embodiment, the head covering 102 includes a cap 104, a face covering 106, a neckband 108, and a drawstring 110. In general, the apparatus 100 can be used to prevent eating by placing the head covering 102 over a user's head, and securing the head covering 102 around the user's neck with the security device 112. When the head covering 102 is thus secured in place, the user's mouth is covered, thereby preventing the user from eating.

In general, a user may find the head covering 102 useful to avoid unplanned eating, such as sleep eating, or uncontrolled snacking. A user may also use the head covering 102 to control certain behaviors associated with eating disorders, such as binging, purging, or the like. Additionally, with child obesity at epidemic highs, a parent may find it useful to have a child wear a head covering 102 to prevent uncontrolled snacking during sedentary activities, such as television watching, gaming, and the like. Thus, parents may curb or modify poor eating habits as children become accustomed to controlled eating patterns.

In the depicted embodiment, the head covering 102 is of a size sufficient to completely cover a user's head. In one embodiment, the head covering 102 is configured so that it completely covers a user's head, from the crown of the head to the neck. In another embodiment, the head covering 102 is large enough to completely cover a user's head but is not configured to actually cover every surface of the head. For example, in one embodiment, the head covering 102 may have gaps at the back to reduce the amount of material used or to accommodate long hair.

As used herein, directional words such as “back,” “front,” “up,” “down,” “upper,” “lower,” “horizontal,” “vertical,” “left,” “right,” and the like refer to the apparatus 100 in position over the head of a user, who is in an upright position. Thus, the portion of the apparatus 100 that covers a user's mouth is toward the front, and the portion that covers the crown of the head is toward the top. These terms are used, where applicable, to provide some clarity of description when dealing with relative relationships. But, these terms are not intended to imply absolute relationships, positions, and/or orientations. For example, with respect to an object, an “upper” surface can become a “lower” surface simply by turning the object over. Nevertheless, it is still the same object.

In one embodiment, the head covering 102 may be shaped to surround a user's head. For example, in the depicted embodiment, the head covering 102 is shaped as a pouch or bag, for enclosing the top and sides of the user's head. In one embodiment, the head covering 102 may be shaped to surround the user's head by encircling the sides of the user's head, whether or not the top of the head is covered. In another embodiment, the head covering 102 may be shaped to surround the user's head at the sides and the top of the head. In some embodiments, the head covering 102 may be shaped to closely surround the user's head. In certain embodiments, the head covering 102 may be shaped to surround the user's head at a distance.

In one embodiment, the head covering 102 may be shaped to surround the user's head by completely covering every surface of the head. In various other embodiments, the head covering 102 may not be shaped to completely cover every surface of the head, but may include openings such as eye holes, breathing holes, drinking holes, mesh openings, or the like, or larger open spaces to avoid using excess material where possible. Nevertheless, the head covering 102 still may be shaped to surround the user's head if portions of the head covering 102 would encircle the user's head in some way.

In one embodiment, a portion of the front of the head covering 102 is breathable, so that a user can wear the head covering 102 without risk of suffocation. For example, a mesh fabric or wire screen may be used in a portion of the head covering 102 that covers the user's nose or mouth. In a further embodiment, at least a portion of the head covering 102 admits light so that a user can see. For example, the head covering 102 may have a mesh front, or eye holes. In a different embodiment, the head covering 102 is not configured to admit light. For example, the upper front of the head covering 102 may be opaque so that the head covering 102 also serves as a sleep mask, or blindfold, for a sleeping user.

In one embodiment, the head covering 102 may include a neck portion positioned to cover the user's neck, such as a collar, neckband 108, or the like. In a further embodiment, the head covering 102 may include a mouth portion positioned to cover the user's mouth. In one embodiment, the mouth portion, such as face covering 106, may additionally cover most of the user's face, and, possibly, the sides of the head. In another embodiment, the mouth portion may be a smaller region configured to cover the mouth without covering the full face. In a further embodiment, other portions of the head covering 102 may be configured to cover the remainder of the face, or the head covering 102 may include openings leaving other parts of the face uncovered. In one embodiment, the mouth portion of the head covering 102 may be positioned to closely cover the user's mouth. In another embodiment, the mouth portion may be positioned to cover the user's mouth at a distance, while still preventing eating.

In one embodiment, the mouth portion of the head covering 102 may include breathable material, so that the user can breathe comfortably. In a further embodiment, the breathable material for the mouth portion may be configured to obstruct the passage of food into the user's mouth. In various embodiments, “obstructing” the passage of food may refer to significantly impeding eating to various degrees. For example, in one embodiment, the breathable material for the mouth portion may be a mesh capable of admitting small pieces of food, such as individual legumes, grains, or crumbs, but may obstruct the passage of food by significantly impeding the larger quantities of food (e.g., spoonfuls). In fact, a determined user may slurp less solid foods such as juices, thin soups, gelatin desserts, or the like, through many types of breathable material in various embodiments of head coverings 102. Thus, in further embodiments, the mouth portion of a head covering 102 may include a drinking opening to more easily admit such liquid foods, as described below with reference to FIG. 3. However, a head covering 102 with a drinking opening may still obstruct the passage of food by significantly impeding a user's ability to eat more solid foods.

In one embodiment, the breathable material of the mouth portion may be a weaker fabric, such as a mesh. Thus, in a further embodiment, a top portion of the head covering 102 and the neck portion may include a material that is stronger than the breathable material of the mouth portion, to reinforce the head covering 102. For example, in the depicted embodiment, the cap 104 and neckband 108 include non-mesh fabric supporting and reinforcing the mesh face covering 106. Thus, the head covering 102 in the depicted embodiment may be more durable than a weaker, all-mesh head covering 102. However, in certain embodiments, strength may be sacrificed for light weight or comfort. For example, certain users unaccustomed to wearing hats may prefer using lighter weight embodiments of a head covering 102, such as an all-mesh head covering 102.

In the depicted embodiment, the head covering 102 is a standalone garment, and is not configured to interface with a user's clothing. In another embodiment, the head covering 102 may be coupled to a user's other clothing. For example, the head covering 102 may be configured to attach to the collar of another garment using fasteners such as a zipper, buttons, snaps, ties, or the like. In a further embodiment, the head covering 102 may be integral to another garment. For example, in one embodiment, the head covering 102 may comprise the modified hood of a hooded garment such as a sweatshirt, pajamas, or the like, with added netting to cover a user's mouth.

In one embodiment, the head covering 102 is made from a flexible material. The flexible material for the head covering 102 may also be thin, or lightweight. For example, in the depicted embodiment, most portions of the head covering 102 are made of a fabric. A fabric head covering 102 may allow a user to move easily, and to sleep, while wearing the head covering 102, without any thick or rigid portions causing discomfort while moving or asleep. In another embodiment, the head covering 102 may include one or more rigid portions. For example, a rigid helmet-type head covering 102 may position the front of the head covering 102 further forward than it would be in a fabric head covering 102, thus minimizing discomfort from the front of the head covering 102 contacting the user's face.

In various embodiments, the head covering 102 may include various materials. For example, in one embodiment, a head covering 102 for night-time use may include soft and/or padded material, such as plush fabric, foam, or the like, to provide comfort while sleeping. In a further embodiment, a head covering 102 for night-time use may include opaque eye coverings, to facilitate sleep. In another embodiment, a head covering 102 for day-time use may include stiffer material. In a further embodiment, a head covering 102 for day-time use may include transparent or nearly-transparent material, such as a light mesh, covering the face, allowing the user to see clearly, and allowing other's to easily recognize the user's face.

In one embodiment, the head covering 102 may be large enough to loosely fit any user's head. In another embodiment, the head covering 102 may be configured to closely fit the crown of a user's head. For example, in a certain embodiment, a head covering 102 may be configured to fit a user having a particular hat size. In some embodiments, the head covering 102 may be more loosely sized. For example, in one embodiment, the head covering 102 may be sized to fit most adults, but may be looser than desired for a child user. Thus, in a further embodiment, a head covering 102 may be sized to fit most children, but may be smaller than desired for an adult user.

In certain embodiments, the security device 112 is configured to secure the neck portion of the head covering 102 (such as neckband 108) around a user's neck. For example, in the depicted embodiment, the head covering 102 includes a chain drawstring 110, and the security device 112 is a lock that couples together end portions of the drawstring 110 by locking through chain links on either end, so that the drawstring 110 fits closely around the user's neck. In another embodiment, the security device 112 may secure the neck portion of the head covering 102 around a user's neck in another way. For example, the security device 112 may connect two portions of a neckband 108 of the head covering 102, so that the diameter of the neckband 108 is reduced, and the head covering 102 cannot be removed until the security device 112 is disengaged.

In the depicted embodiment, the security device 112 is a lock. In one embodiment, the security device 112 is a small padlock similar to those used on luggage. In embodiments where the security device 112 is a keyed lock, the key may be retained by the user, as the inconvenience of unlocking the security device 112 to remove the head covering 102 may serve as a sufficient incentive to avoid eating. Alternatively, the user may give the key to another trusted person, such as a family member or roommate, with instructions to unlock the security device 112 at a later specified time, so that the user cannot eat until that time. The key could also be kept in a box or other secured container that opens on a timer, so that no other person is required for securing and providing the key. In a further embodiment, a timer interfaces directly with the lock, either as an integral device, or as a remote timer, so that no key is required. In another embodiment, the security device 112 may be something other than a lock. For example, if the apparatus 100 is used while the user sleeps at home, to prevent sleep eating, the security device 112 may be as simple as a knot tied in a drawstring 110 of the head covering 102. A sufficiently complicated knot may be enough to require a user to wake up before untying the knot and removing the head covering 102, so that sleep eating is prevented.

The security device 112 or the head covering 102 may, in some embodiments, have features enabling a user to circumvent them in an emergency. For example, the security device 112 may be a low security keyed lock, so that it can be opened with a paperclip or the like if the key is lost. Alternatively, a user may cut a fabric head covering 102 to remove it in an emergency.

In one embodiment, users trying to prevent themselves from eating may use security devices 112, such as locks, that effectively physically prevent the users from removing the head covering 102 to eat. Physically preventing the head covering 102 from being removed is useful if the user's own willpower is otherwise insufficient to prevent eating. In another embodiment, a person trying to prevent another user from eating, such as a parent trying to control a child's excessive snacking habits, may use a security device 112 that does not significantly physically prevent removing the head covering 102, but may indicate if the head covering 102 has been removed. Thus, the user, such as a child, may be more comfortable knowing that he or she could remove the head covering 102 if needed, but may be psychologically prevented from removing the head covering 102 by the desire to avoid showing another person, such as a parent, that they have removed the head covering 102 to eat.

In general, the condition of a tamper-evident security device 112 may indicate whether a user has tampered with the apparatus 100 by removing, loosening, or otherwise circumventing the security device 112. Often, the change in the condition of the security device 112 after tampering is irreversible, or not easily reversed, so that a user cannot easily hide tampering. Also, in some embodiments, removing the head covering 102 when eating is desirable may cause the same change to the condition of the tamper-evident security device 112 as removing the head covering 102 when eating is not desirable. Thus, in certain embodiments, a tamper-evident security device 112 may include a replaceable, single-use device, so that a new security device 112 is applied each time the head covering 102 is worn. For example, in one embodiment, a security device 112 used with a head covering 102 for a child may be a breakaway device, allowing the child to easily remove the head covering 102 if needed, but breaking to indicate that the head covering 102 has been removed, so the child may have eaten. In various embodiments, many types of replaceable, single use devices may indicate by their condition whether the user has tampered with the apparatus 100. For example, a security device 112 may include a fastener, seal, or the like, that locks closed, and is destroyed when removed, such as a ratcheting cable tie (“zip-tie”), plastic padlock seal, metal strap seal, cable seal, tamper evident tape with security cuts that destroy the tape upon removal, or the like. Such a security device 112 may be easily removed, but the destroyed condition of the device will indicate its removal.

The depicted embodiment of the head covering 102 includes a cap 104, a face covering 106, a neckband 108, and a drawstring 110, as described below with reference to FIGS. 2-5. However, it is clear in light of this disclosure that many types of head coverings 102 can be used with security devices 112 as an apparatus 100 for preventing eating.

FIG. 2 depicts an upper portion of one embodiment of a head covering 102. In the depicted embodiment, the head covering 102 includes a cap 104 and a face covering 106. In this embodiment, the cap 104 is configured to rest on the top of a user's head, with the face covering 106 extending downward from the cap 104 to a neckband 108 to cover the user's mouth. As shown, in one embodiment, the cap 104 is a type of skull cap configured to fit relatively closely on and around the crown of a user's head without protruding parts. In another embodiment, the cap 104 further includes a brim, so that the face covering 106 can be held away from a user's face. In certain embodiments, a brim of the cap 104 may extend toward the front, in the manner of a baseball cap. In some embodiments, the brim of the cap 104 may extend all around the cap 104, in the manner of a cowboy hat, or sombrero. In one embodiment, the cap 104 is made of a fleece fabric for warmth. In another embodiment, the cap 104 is made of a lightweight or ventilated fabric for keeping the user cool. In a different embodiment, the cap 104 is made of rigid, non-fabric materials. In certain embodiments, the cap 104 may be ornamented. In some embodiments, the cap 104 may be unornamented. In one embodiment, the cap 104 may be in one of many traditional shapes for hats. In another embodiment, the cap 104 may be in another shape suitable for wearing on a user's head but not traditionally used for a hat. In light of this disclosure, it is clear that in various embodiments, various materials may be used for the cap 104, and that the cap 104 may be formed in a variety of suitable shapes.

FIG. 3 depicts a middle portion of one embodiment of a head covering 102. In the depicted embodiment, the head covering 102 includes a face covering 106. The face covering 106 may be made of a mesh fabric, a rigid mask material with air holes, or any other suitable breathable material. In certain embodiments, the face covering 106 (or other mouth portion of the head covering 102) may include openings sized to obstruct the passage of foot. As described above, the openings in the face covering 106 may “obstruct” the passage of food by significantly impeding eating, even if the size of the openings admits some types of food. For example, in one embodiment, a face covering 106 may be made of loose mesh to provide a comfortable level of breathability, and the holes in the mesh may be sized to make eating difficult, even if they might admit some food.

As described above with reference to FIG. 2, and below with reference to FIG. 4, the face covering 106 extends between the cap 104 and the neckband 108, thus covering the user's mouth. The face covering 106 may be coupled to the cap 104 and the neckband 108 by sewing, gluing, or any other attachment method suitable for the particular materials of the head covering 102.

In one embodiment, the face covering 106 (or other mouth portion of the head covering 102) includes a drinking opening 302. The drinking opening 302, in certain embodiments, may be positioned in a portion of the head covering 102 that covers the user's mouth, so that the user may drink through the drinking opening 302 and avoid dehydration. In some embodiments, the drinking opening 302 is large enough to admit a drinking straw. In further embodiments, the drinking opening 302 is close to the size of a drinking straw, so that no larger foods may be introduced. In fact, in certain embodiments, the drinking opening 302 may be at most the size of a drinking straw.

In one embodiment, a drinking straw may be separate from the drinking opening 302. In another embodiment, a drinking straw may be coupled to the drinking opening 302. In certain embodiments, a drinking straw attached or coupled to the drinking opening 302 may be removable for washing. In some embodiments, a drinking straw may be non-removable or otherwise integral with the drinking opening 302.

In one embodiment, a support is configured to hold the face covering 106 away from a user's mouth. Holding the face covering 106 away from the user's mouth may prevent eating while avoiding discomfort from close contact with the face covering 106. In various embodiments, a support may comprise stiff, resilient, springy, or rigid material, or the like, suitable for maintaining a distance between the face covering 106 and the user's face or mouth. In one embodiment, the support may be a ring-shaped support coupled to the face covering 106 to hold the face covering 106 away from the user's head on each side. Thus, in a further embodiment, the ring-shaped support may have a central opening sized to admit the user's head. In another embodiment, the support may comprise one or more linear members that contact the user's head or the back of the head covering 102 to hold the face covering 106 away from the user's mouth In a certain embodiment, the support may be the brim of the cap 104, so that a face covering 106 coupled to the brim of the cap 104 naturally drapes away from the user's face and mouth. In light of this disclosure, many types of disclosure are clear that will suitably hold the face covering 106 away from a user's mouth.

FIG. 4 depicts a lower portion of one embodiment of a head covering 102, as seen from the front. A security device 112 is also shown. In the depicted embodiment, the head covering 102 includes face covering 106, a neckband 108, and a drawstring 110. In this embodiment, the face covering 106 extends up from the neckband 108 to the cap 104 thus covering the user's mouth.

In one embodiment, the neckband 108 (or other neck portion of the head covering 102) is configured to surround the user's neck when the head covering 102 is worn. In one embodiment, the neckband 108 may open to a circular position, with a diameter large enough to admit a user's head into the head covering 102. The diameter of the neckband 108 may also be reduced once the user's head is covered, preventing the head covering 102 from being removed. A reduction of the diameter of the neckband 108 may be accomplished by gathering or folding the neckband 108, by using a drawstring 110, or by similar means. The security device 112 may then secure the head covering 102 around the user's neck by securing the neckband 108 in the reduced-diameter position. For example, the security device 112 may couple end portions of the drawstring 110 together. In another embodiment, the neckband 108 may be folded or gathered until two holes in the neckband 108 overlap, and a security device 112 may fix the neckband 108 in the reduced diameter position by locking through the two holes. In another embodiment, instead of opening to a circular position, the neckband 108 may have two ends which are joined when the security device 112 is engaged.

In the depicted embodiment, the neckband 108 is made of the same material as the cap 104. In another embodiment, the neckband 108 and the cap 104 may be made of different materials. For example, a fabric neckband 108 may be used with a rigid cap 104.

In one embodiment, the neckband 108 operates together with a drawstring 110. The drawstring 110 may include a central portion and end portions, with the central portion coupled to the neckband 108. In FIG. 4, the neckband 108 obscures the central portion of the drawstring 110, and only the end portions can be seen. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the drawstring 110 is disposed within the neckband 108. For example, in the depicted embodiment, the neckband 108 includes two layers of fabric attached near the edges to form an interior cavity, and the central portion of the drawstring 110 is coupled to the neckband 108 by threading the drawstring 110 through the interior cavity of the neckband 108. In another embodiment, the central portion of the drawstring 110 may be coupled to a neckband 108 without an interior cavity by threading the drawstring 110 in and out of alternating sides of the neckband 108.

When a drawstring 110 is used, the security device 112 may be configured to couple the end portions of the drawstring 110 together. For example, in one embodiment, the drawstring 110 includes a chain, and the security device 112 locks chain links of the drawstring 110 together. In another embodiment, the drawstring 110 includes a cord with loops for receiving the security device 112. In various embodiments, the drawstring 110 may be configured in a variety of ways to allow the security device 112 to couple the end portions of the drawstring 110 together.

In certain embodiments, the neckband 108 includes one or more reinforced portions 402 disposed at one or more positions where the drawstring 110 passes through the neckband 108. The reinforced portions 402 may protect the neckband 108 from being damaged by the weight of the security device 112 on the drawstring 110, from general fraying at the openings, or from other damage. In some embodiments, the reinforced portions 402 may include additional stitching, additional layers of the neckband material, or grommets formed of a different material from the neckband 108, such as rubber or metal grommets.

In one embodiment, the neckband 108 includes reinforced portions 402 such as grommets at each point where the drawstring 110 passes through the neckband 108. In another embodiment, the neckband 108 includes reinforced portions 402 at one or some of the points where the drawstring 110 passes through the neckband 108. For example, in one embodiment, the drawstring 110 may be threaded in and out of alternating sides of the neckband 108, and the neckband 108 may be reinforced where the end portions of the drawstring 110 pass through the neckband 108, but not at other positions. In another embodiment, the neckband 108 may include an interior cavity as discussed above, so that at least a portion of the drawstring 110 is disposed within the neckband 108, and reinforced portions 402 may be disposed where end portions exit the interior cavity, but not at other portions where the central portion temporarily exits the interior cavity to avoid a seam. In light of this disclosure, it is clear that a variety of reinforced portions 402 may be placed at various positions along the neckband 108, in various embodiments.

FIG. 5 depicts a lower portion of one embodiment of a head covering 102, as seen from the back. In the depicted embodiment, the head covering 102 includes a face covering 106 and a neckband 108, substantially as described above, with reference to FIG. 4. In certain embodiments, the face covering 106 and neckband 108 include seams 502, 504. The seams 502, 504, may be placed in many locations of the head covering 102; in the depicted embodiment, the seams 502, 504 are positioned at the back of the head covering 102 so they do not touch a user's face or interfere with a user's vision. As described above, a central portion of the drawstring 110 may be positioned in an interior cavity of the neckband 108. In some embodiments, the seam 504 of the neckband 108 closes this interior cavity along the seam 504, so the drawstring 110 must exit the interior cavity on one side of the seam 504 and reenter on the other side of the seam 504, as seen in FIG. 5.

FIG. 6 depicts a schematic flow diagram of a method 600 for preventing eating. The method 600 begins and a head covering 102 is used to cover 602 a user's head. A security device 112 secures 604 the head covering 102 around the user's neck, thereby preventing the user from eating, and the method 600 ends. In certain embodiments, the method 600 further includes unsecuring the head covering 102 in response to the passage of a period of time selected by the user. For example, the user could select a period of time between meals, so that the head covering 102 could be secured after lunch, and removed before dinner. As another example, the user could select a period of time typical for sleeping, so that the head covering 102 is unsecured in the morning, in response to the sleep period passing. In a further embodiment, the method 600 may include removing the head covering 102 from the user's head.

Although some of the embodiments of the apparatus and method disclosed herein have been described as being operable to prevent eating, it is recognized that the embodiments of the present disclosure may also be operable for other purposes. For example, the apparatus 100 for preventing eating may be used similarly to prevent smoking, nail biting, thumb sucking, nose picking, or any other undesired habit that requires access to the mouth or face.

Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment, but mean “one or more but not all embodiments” unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms “including,” “comprising,” “having,” and variations thereof mean “including but not limited to” unless expressly specified otherwise. An enumerated listing of items does not imply that any or all of the items are mutually exclusive and/or mutually inclusive, unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms “a,” “an,” and “the” also refer to “one or more” unless expressly specified otherwise.

In the above description, certain terms may be used such as “up,” “down,” “upper,” “lower,” “horizontal,” “vertical,” “left,” “right,” and the like. These terms are used, where applicable, to provide some clarity of description when dealing with relative relationships. But, these terms are not intended to imply absolute relationships, positions, and/or orientations. For example, with respect to an object, an “upper” surface can become a “lower” surface simply by turning the object over. Nevertheless, it is still the same object.

Additionally, instances in this specification where one element is “coupled” to another element can include direct and indirect coupling. Direct coupling can be defined as one element coupled to and in some contact with another element. Indirect coupling can be defined as coupling between two elements not in direct contact with each other, but having one or more additional elements between the coupled elements. Further, as used herein, securing one element to another element can include direct securing and indirect securing. Additionally, as used herein, “adjacent” does not necessarily denote contact. For example, one element can be adjacent another element without being in contact with that element.

The schematic flow chart diagrams included herein are generally set forth as logical flow chart diagrams. As such, the depicted order and labeled steps are indicative of one embodiment of the presented method. Other steps and methods may be conceived that are equivalent in function, logic, or effect to one or more steps, or portions thereof, of the illustrated method. Additionally, the format and symbols employed are provided to explain the logical steps of the method and are understood not to limit the scope of the method. Although various arrow types and line types may be employed in the flow chart diagrams, they are understood not to limit the scope of the corresponding method. Indeed, some arrows or other connectors may be used to indicate only the logical flow of the method. For instance, an arrow may indicate a waiting or monitoring period of unspecified duration between enumerated steps of the depicted method. Additionally, the order in which a particular method occurs may or may not strictly adhere to the order of the corresponding steps shown.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

Claims

1. An apparatus for preventing eating, the apparatus comprising:

a head covering shaped to surround a user's head, the head covering comprising a neck portion positioned to contact the user's neck and a mouth portion positioned to cover the user's mouth, the mouth portion comprising a breathable material configured to obstruct the passage of food into the user's mouth; and

a security device configured to secure the neck portion around the user's neck.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the mouth portion further comprises a drinking opening.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein a size of the drinking opening is at most the size of a drinking straw.

4. The apparatus of claim 2, further comprising a drinking straw coupled to the drinking opening.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the head covering comprises a hood of a hooded garment.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein a top portion of the head covering and the neck portion comprise a material stronger than the breathable material of the mouth portion.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the security device comprises a replaceable, single-use device, a condition of the device indicating whether tampering has occurred.

8. An apparatus for preventing eating, the apparatus comprising:

a cap;

a neckband;

a face covering coupled to the cap and the neckband, the face covering having openings sized to obstruct the passage of food;

a drawstring comprising a central portion and end portions, the central portion coupled to the neckband; and

a security device configured to couple the end portions of the drawstring.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the face covering further comprises a drinking opening.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein a size of the drinking opening is at most the size of a drinking straw.

11. The apparatus of claim 9, further comprising a drinking straw coupled to the drinking opening.

12. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the drawstring comprises a chain.

13. The apparatus of claim 8, the neckband further comprising one or more grommets disposed at one or more positions where the drawstring passes through the neckband.

14. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the security device comprises a lock.

15. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the security device comprises a replaceable, single-use device, a condition of the device indicating whether tampering has occurred.

16. The apparatus of claim 8, further comprising a support configured to hold the face covering away from a user's mouth.

17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the support comprises a ring-shaped support coupled to the face covering, the ring-shaped support having an opening sized to admit the user's head.

18. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the support comprises a brim of the cap.

19. A method for preventing eating, the method comprising:

covering a user's head with a head covering; and

securing the head covering around the user's neck.

20. The method of claim 19, further comprising:

unsecuring the head covering in response to the passage of a period of time selected by the user; and

removing the head covering from the user's head.