Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
1
NECK EXERCISE DEVICE
DESCRIPTION
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of invention
The neck is one of the body's most flexible joints. Due to the mobility
required of the neck,
and the load the neck must carry, a complex arrangement of muscles, tendons,
ligaments,
and soft tissue are involved in supporting the head and absorbing shock in
this area of the
body. As part of the neck's normal daily function, neck movement includes
rotation, flexion,
extension, lateral bending, and combinations of all these movements. The neck
muscles
are easily strained if they are not sufficiently strong. Neck muscles are very
susceptible to
injury or other painful problems from a variety of sources, including jarring
motion from
motor vehicle accidents or contact sports; posture-related fatigue, and
emotional stress.
When the head is suddenly jerked in one direction without warning, as in a
motor vehicle
accident or in a contact sport, the neck muscles contract in spasm, which
holds the muscle
in a foreshortened position, and causes pain and interference with neck
function and
posture. When office workers sit for long hours at a desk or in front of a
computer, they
suffer neck fatigue due to improper posture, inactivity, and poor circulation;
which can
adversely affect a person's performance.
Furthermore, many people store emotional tension in the neck, which can result
in
headaches, sleeplessness, and even spasm when the tension does not get
released.
There are common techniques employed in the rehabilitation of spasm and
general muscle
tension. Isometric contraction (where the force exerted by the muscle matches
the
resistance offered and movement does not occur), has been shown to induce a
relaxation
in the antagonist muscle group, and lessen the degree of spasm. Isotonic
contraction
(where the force exerted by the muscle overcomes resistance and movement does
occur),
has been shown to retrain weak muscles to normality, increase circulation, and
in effect
flush inflammation and tension from a muscle. Neither approach calls for heavy
loading. In
all cases the resistance is less than the muscle is capable of overcoming.
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A need has thus arisen for an exercise device for use on a daily basis to
rehabilitate,
develop, and strengthen the muscles of the neck and the surrounding area,
affording the
usage of both isometric and isotonic techniques; employing a safe, limited
resistance.
A need has further arisen for an exercise device to allow neck injury
sufferers to perform
light exercise, either isometric or isotonic, especially with the injured
muscle or its
antagonist in isolation, to reduce spasm, relieve pain, and enable an injured
patient to
return to normal activities of daily living. As the injury heals, continued
exercising, with
slightly more resistance, employing complex movement, can be prescribed to
strengthen
the surrounding muscles, improve posture, and help prevent recurrence of
injury.
A need has further arisen for a simple, portable, inexpensive, and safe device
that can be
prescribed for rehabilitation and ongoing general neck wellness.
Description Of Prior Art
One of the known devices used in the prior art for exercising the human neck,
involves the
use of a series of straps of cloth material which are sewn or otherwise
secured together to
form a hat-like pocket for cradling the head of the person whose neck is to be
exercised.
Portions of the straps are arranged to depend from the hat portion of this
prior art device
so as to extend substantially below the neck and shoulders of the person
performing a
neck exercise routine but not, typically, below the waist of such user. The
ends of such
straps terminate in loops for anchoring suitable weighted objects thereto.
The use of this prior art neck exercising device involves placing the hat
portion over the
head of the person whose neck is to be exercised, affixing one or more
weighted objects to
the looped portions of the depending straps and thereafter moving the neck up
and down
and side to side. The weighted objects provide a constant pull or "force"
which is
transmitted to the user's neck via the depending straps and the hat structure
formed by the
sewn straps. The neck is thereby exercised along with the muscles of the human
body
which are associated with the movement of the human neck. At least one
deficiency with
this prior art device lies in the inability of the user to comfortably stand
up and exercise his
neck; the contact of the weighted objects with his body is in some cases
intolerable and in
other cases, simply a nuisance and a source of irritation.
Another prior art neck exercising device includes an upright frame capable of
surrounding
the upper torso of a person. This device includes: a pair of handles manual
gripping of the
frame, a plurality of weighted objects, and some flexible ropes. One end of
each rope is
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secured to one of the weighted objects. The device further includes guide
means secured
to a frame for guiding each of the plurality of ropes; means for securing the
ropes to the
weighted objects; and means for securing the unattached ends of the ropes to
the head of
the person using the device.
The use of this prior art device relies on movements of the weights which are
intended to
strengthen the neck. This device, however, can present problems when used by
patients
with a herniated disc. The weights can cause additional compression of the
cervical spine
and therefore, possibly exacerbate the injuries of the cervical spine. In
addition, the use of
the frame is cumbersome and a nuisance.
At this time, there is a continuing need for a device for exercising the
cervical spine as it
relates to rehabilitation of injuries to the cervical spine, deformities of
the cervical spine
and disease of the spine affecting the neck area. There is also a need for
strengthening
soft tissues and ligamentous tissues, such as the anterior, posterior and left
and right
lateral longitudinal ligaments of the cervical spine. A device is especially
needed when
these areas have been exposed to trauma and injury has resulted. A device is
also needed
for those people suffering from a weakness in the cervical spine from other
causes other
than trauma. Especially needed is a device which can address the above needs
while
depending solely on isotonic responses (without weights) to natural movements,
and
allows the person to use the device while engaging in almost any type of
activity. Such a
device would an improvement over the prior art and is described herein.
SUMMARY
This device is based from the foundation of a padded cotton strap with Velcro
one wrap tie
on top of the head band and back of the head band as adjusting and fastening
system.
That provides the nucleus for which this device is constructed, manufactured
and utilized.
In order for this device to be used as intended, a Velcro one wrap tie
material is attached
to the end of the cotton strap on top of the head to adjust and fasten
vertically and on the
back of the head to adjust and fasten horizontally around the head of the
user. Velcro one
wrap tie portion on one side and a single loop slider ring on the other side.
The Velcro one
wrap tie tip threads through the loop slider and wrap it onto itself, then
becomes the
element with which this exercise device is to be properly positioned and
secured in place
for use. Attached to this cotton strap on the outer parameter circumference at
four
separate opposing points are double "D" configuration rings and tow nylon
webbing strap
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pieces hanging beside the chin at which each end is attached (as sewn) onto
the outer
circumference of the cotton webbing strap at opposing points that becomes the
medium by
which this device is able to function as intended. All alloy "D" configuration
rings
incorporated within the construction of this device. These "D" configuration
rings are used
to facilitate the attachment of accessory resistance band/s with coupler at
each end to
complete the intended function and use of this exercise device. The inner
parameter of
the cotton strap is covered with padding material for comfort and to secure
the headband
around the user's head. The first end of the resistance band coupler is
attached to the
preferred D-Ring and the second end of the resistance band is attached to the
pulley hand
grip which is in the hand of the user doing neck exercise.
Based on the design of this exercise device, it is capable of allowing for a
full range of
lateral and rotational motion neck exercises at a level that cannot be
achieved by any prior
devices. Depending on the requirements from the user, the object of this
device from a
health standpoint is to rejuvenate and rehabilitate injured or damaged muscles
and
itendons in the neck, mid and upper spine to regain a proper and acceptable
level of
mobility. From a fitness standpoint, the user is capable of attaining nearly
unlimited muscle
and tendon strength and flexibility in all areas of the neck, mid and upper
spine.
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to exercise devices, and more particularly to an
exercise
device for the rehabilitation, development, and ongoing wellness of muscles of
the neck.
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DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is an upper perspective side illustration of this exercise device in
the unsecured
position.
FIG. 2 is a rear-view perspective illustration of this exercise device in the
secure position.
FIG. 3 is an upper perspective rearward side illustration of this exercise
device in the
secured position
FIG. 4 is an upper perspective forward illustration of this exercise device in
the unsecured
position
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION
This device is based from the foundation of a padded cotton strap with Velcro
one on top
of the headband and back of the head band as adjusting and fastening system.
That
provides the nucleus for which this device is constructed, manufactured and
utilized. In
order for this device to be used as intended, a Velcro one material is
attached to the end of
the cotton strap on top of the head to adjust and fasten vertically and on the
back side of
the headband to adjust and fasten horizontally around the head of the user.
Velcro one
wrap tie portion on one side and a single loop slider ring on the opposing
side. The Velcro
one wrap tie tip threads through the loop slider and wrap it onto itself, then
becomes the
element with which this exercise device is to be properly positioned and
secured in place
for use. Attached to this cotton strap on the outer parameter at four separate
opposing
points are double "D" configuration rings and tow nylon webbing strap pieces
beside the
user's chin at which each end is attached (as sewn) onto the outer
circumference of the
cotton strap at opposing points that becomes the medium by which this device
is able to
function as intended. All alloy "D" configuration rings incorporated within
the construction of
this device. These "D" rings are used to facilitate the attachment of
accessory resistance
band/s with coupler at each end to complete the intended function and use of
this exercise device. The inner parameter of the cotton strap is covered with
padding
material for comfort and to secure headband. The first end of the resistance
band coupler
is attached to the preferred D-Ring and the second end of the resistance band
is attached
to the pulley hand grip which is in the hand of the user doing neck exercise.
Based on the design of this exercise device, it is capable of allowing for a
full range of
lateral and rotational motion neck exercises at a level that cannot be
achieved by any prior
devices. Depending on the requirements from the user, the object of this
device from a
health standpoint is to rejuvenate and rehabilitate injured or damaged muscles
and
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tendons in the neck, mid and upper spine to regain a proper and acceptable
level of
mobility. From a fitness standpoint, the user is capable of attaining nearly
unlimited muscle
and tendon strength and flexibility in all areas of the neck, mid and upper
spine.
FIG. 1
Illustrates the exercise device with all the components that comprise the
device to be
complete as follows:
Item #101 represents the cotton webbing strap material that provides the
primary
foundation with which all the other components shown and described are
attached, in
order for this device to provide the proper function as designed, constructed
and intended
for the user. Item #102 represents the nylon webbing strap material at which
each end is
attached (as sewn) onto the outer circumference of the cotton webbing strap
#101 hanging
down on the side of the face at the designated opposing points indicated as
#102a. One of
these attachment points is illustrated as shown FIG. 1 on the side of the
device. The other
attachment point #102a as indicated on the opposing side of this device is not
visible in
this illustration FIG. 1. This nylon strap becomes the medium by which this
device is able
to perform the exercise functions as designed and intended for the user. Item
#103
represents a neoprene rubber type material which is attached to the inner
circumference of
the cotton strap #101 by being sewn onto the circumference of the cotton
strap. This
rubber material #103 provides comfort to the user and prohibits movement of
the device
during use. Item #104 indicates single alloy "D" configuration ring that is
specifically
incorporated within the construction of the nylon webbing strap material
hanging down on
the side of the user's face (beside the chin), these "D" rings are used to
facilitate the
attachment from one end of an accessory resistance band/s, of which the other
end of the
resistance band's would be attached to a pulley hand grip in order to complete
the
intended function and use of this exercise device. Item #105 indicates double
alloy "D"
configuration rings that are specifically incorporated (as sewn) onto the
outer
circumference of the cotton strap #101. The double alloy "D" rings are
positioned at four
different opposing points on the outer circumference of the cotton strap. Two
opposing
points are not shown in this FIG. 1 but they are clearly shown in FIG. 4.
These alloy "D"
rings are used to facilitate the attachment from one end of an accessory
resistance band/s,
of which the other end of the resistance band's would be attached to a pulley
hand grip in
order to complete the intended function and use of this exercise device. Item
#106
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indicates a Velcro one wrap tie portion that padded with neoprene rubber
material in the
inside to provide comfort to the user's head. The loop portion of the Velcro
one wrap tie
indicated as #106a and hook portion of the Velcro one wrap tie indicated as
#106b, they
are sewn onto each outer circumference side of the cotton strap #101 that
facing upward
to secure vertically which is shown in this FIG. 1, and in the back side to
secure
horizontally. The back-side Velcro one wrap tie pad is not shown in FIG. 1 but
it is clearly
shown in FIG. 4. Item #107 indicates cotton padded strap material attached (as
sewn) onto
one side of the cotton strap #101 and the other one is on the back of the
cotton strap #101.
a single loop slider ring attached (as sewn) to the end of item #107 facing
upward
indicated as #107a to receive the Velcro one wrap tie portion in the opposite
side item
#106 to secure the cotton strap vertically and horizontally around the user's
head. Item
#108 represents a neoprene rubber type material which is attached to the inner
circumference of the padded cotton strap #107 by being (as sewn) underneath
item #107a
in one side of the padded cotton strap facing upward and the other at the back
of the
padded cotton strap to secure the cotton strap around the user's head.
FIG. 2
Illustrates the exercise device with all the components that comprise the
device to be
complete as follows:
Item #101 represents the cotton webbing strap material that provides the
primary
foundation with which all the other components shown and described are
attached, in
order for this device to provide the proper function as designed, constructed
and intended
for the user. Item #102 represents the nylon webbing strap material at which
each end is
attached (as sewn) onto the outer circumference of the cotton webbing strap
#101 hanging
down on the side of the face at the designated opposing points indicated as
#102a which
are not shown in FIG. 2. This nylon strap becomes the medium by which this
device is able
to perform the exercise functions as designed and intended for the user. Item
#103
represents a neoprene rubber type material which is attached to the inner
circumference of
the cotton strap #101 by being sewn onto the circumference of the cotton
strap. This
rubber material #103 provides comfort to the user and prohibits movement of
the device
during use. Item #104 indicates single alloy "D" configuration ring that is
specifically
incorporated within the construction of the nylon webbing strap material
hanging down on
the side of the user's face (beside the chin), these "D" rings are used to
facilitate the
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attachment from one end of an accessory resistance band/s, of which the other
end of the
resistance band's would be attached to a pulley hand grip in order to complete
the
intended function and use of this exercise device. Item #105 indicates double
alloy "D"
configuration rings that are specifically incorporated (as sewn) onto the
outer
circumference of the cotton strap #101. In this FIG. 2, the back-side D-rings
are shown
clearly. Frontal two opposing points are not shown in this FIG. 1 but they are
clearly shown
in FIG. 4. These alloy "D" rings are used to facilitate the attachment from
one end of an
accessory resistance band/s, of which the other end of the resistance band's
would be
attached to a pulley hand grip in order to complete the intended function and
use of this
exercise device. Item #106 indicates a Velcro one wrap tie pad portion that
padded with
neoprene rubber material in the inside to provide comfort to the user's head.
The loop
portion of the Velcro one wrap tie indicated as #106a which is shown in this
FIG. 2, but the
hook portion of the Velcro one wrap tie indicated as #106b is not shown in
this FIG. 2.
They are sewn onto each outer circumference side of the cotton strap #101 that
facing
upward to secure vertically and in the back side to secure horizontally. The
back-side
Velcro one wrap tie pad is not shown in FIG. 2 but it is clearly shown in FIG.
4. Item #107
indicates cotton padded strap material attached (as sewn) onto one side of the
cotton strap
#101 and the other one is on the back of the cotton strap #101, a single loop
slider ring
attached (as sewn) to the end of item #107 facing upward (vertical) and back
side
(horizontal) indicated as #107a to receive the Velcro one wrap tie portion in
the opposite
side item #106 to secure the cotton strap vertically and horizontally around
the user's
head. Item #108 represents a neoprene rubber type material which is attached
(as sewn)
onto the inner circumference of the padded cotton strap item#107. It prevents
item #107a
from contacting the user's head. Item #108 attached (as sewn) underneath item
# 107 in
one side of the padded cotton strap facing upward and the other at the back of
the padded
cotton strap to secure the cotton strap around the user's head.
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FIG. 3
Illustrates the exercise device in the secure position with all the components
that comprise
the device to be complete as follows:
Item #101 represents the cotton webbing strap material that provides the
primary
foundation with which all the other components shown and described are
attached, in
order for this device to provide the proper function as designed, constructed
and intended
for the user. Item #102 represents the nylon webbing strap material at which
each end is
attached (as sewn) onto the outer circumference of the cotton webbing strap
#101 hanging
down on the side of the face at the designated opposing points indicated as
#102a which
only one is shown in this FIG. 3. This nylon strap becomes the medium by which
this
device is able to perform the exercise functions as designed and intended for
the user.
Item #103 represents a neoprene rubber type material which is attached to the
inner
circumference of the cotton strap #101 by being sewn onto. This rubber
material #103
attached to the cotton strap #101provides comfort to the user and prohibits
movement of
the device during use. Item #104 indicates single alloy "D" configuration
rings at two
opposing points that are specifically incorporated within the construction of
the hanging
nylon strap material that hanging down on the side of the user's face
#102.These "D" rings
are used to facilitate the attachment from one end of an accessory resistance
band/s, of
which the other end of the resistance band's would be attached to a pulley
hand grip in
order to complete the intended function and use of this exercise device. Item
#105
indicates double alloy "D" configuration rings that are specifically
incorporated (as sewn)
onto the outer circumference of the cotton strap #101. The double alloy "D"
rings are
positioned at four different opposing points on the outer circumference of the
cotton strap.
Two same side points are not shown in this FIG. 3. These alloy "D" rings are
used to
facilitate the attachment from one end of an accessory resistance band/s, of
which the
other end of the resistance band/s would be attached to a pulley hand grip in
order to
complete the intended function and use of this exercise device. Item #106
indicates a
Velcro one wrap tie pad portion that padded with neoprene rubber material in
the inside to
provide comfort to the user's head. The loop portion of the Velcro one wrap
tie indicated
as #106a which is shown in FIG. 3 and the hook portion of the Velcro one wrap
tie
indicated as #106b is not shown in this FIG. 3 they are sewn onto each outer
circumference side of the cotton strap #101 that facing upward to secure
vertically and in
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the back side to secure horizontally. Item #107 indicates two cotton padded
strap material
attached (as sewn) onto one side of the cotton strap #101 and the other one is
on the back
side of the cotton strap #101. a single loop slider ring attached (as sewn) to
the end of item
#107 facing upward (vertical) and back side (horizontal) indicated as #107a to
receive the
Velcro one wrap tie portion in the opposite side item #106 to secure the
cotton strap
vertically and horizontally around the user's head. Item #108 represents a
neoprene rubber
type material which is attached (as sewn) onto the inner circumference of the
padded
cotton strap item#107. It prevents item #107a from contacting the user's head.
Item #108
attached (as sewn) underneath item #107 in one side of the padded cotton strap
facing
upward and the other at the back of the padded cotton strap to secure the
cotton strap
around the user's head.
FIG. 4
Illustrates the exercise device with all the components that comprise the
device to be
complete as follows:
Item #101 represents the cotton webbing strap material that provides the
primary
foundation with which all the other components shown and described are
attached, in
order for this device to provide the proper function as designed, constructed
and intended
for the user. Item #102 represents tow nylon strap materials hanging downward
at which
each end is attached (as sewn) onto the outer circumference of the cotton
webbing strap
#101 hanging down on each side of the user's face at two opposing points at
the
designated opposing points indicated as #102 a. both of these attachment
points are
illustrated as shown FIG. 4 except one of the attachment points #102a is not
shown. This
nylon strap material becomes the medium by which this device is able to
perform the
exercise functions as designed and intended for the user. Item #103 represents
a
neoprene rubber type material which is attached (as sewn) to the inner
circumference of
the cotton strap #101. This neoprene rubber material #103 provides comfort to
the user
and prohibits movement of the device during use. Item #104 indicates single
alloy "D"
configuration rings that are specifically incorporated within the construction
of the nylon
strap material Item #102. The two "D" rings are used to facilitate the
attachment from one
end of an accessory resistance band/s, of which the other end of the
resistance band/s
would be attached to a pulley hand grip in order to complete the intended
function and use
of this exercise device. Item #105 indicates double alloy "D" configuration
rings that are
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specifically incorporated (as sewn) within the outer circumference of the
cotton strap #101.
The double alloy "D" rings are positioned at four different opposing points on
the outer
circumference of the cotton strap. One of the double alloy "D" rings point is
not shown on
this FIG. 4, but it was clearly shown on FIG. 3. The other three points are
shown in this,
FIG. 4. These alloy "D" rings are used to facilitate the attachment from one
end of an
accessory resistance band/s, of which the other end of the resistance band's
would be
attached to a pulley hand grip in order to complete the intended function and
use of this
exercise device. Item #106 indicates a Velcro one wrap tie portion that padded
with
neoprene rubber material in the inside to provide comfort to the user. Velcro
one loop
portion #106a and Velcro one hook portion #106b material pad is sewn onto each
outer
circumference side of the cotton strap #101, item #106 facing upward to secure
the
vertical position and the one facing back side to secure the horizontal
position. The
overhead Velcro one wrap tie and the back-side Velcro one wrap tie materials
are clearly
shown on FIG. 4. Item #107 indicates two cotton padded strap material attached
[as sewn]
onto one side of the cotton strap #101 and the other one is on the back side
of the cotton
strap #101. Item #107 is clearly shown in this FIG. 4. Item #108 represents a
neoprene
rubber type material which is attached (as sewn) onto the inner circumference
of the
padded cotton strap #107. It prevents item #107a from contacting the user's
head. Item
#108 attached (as sewn) underneath item # 107 in one side of the padded cotton
strap
facing upward for vertical adjustment and the other at the back of the padded
cotton strap
to secure the cotton strap around the user's head horizontally. Item #108 is
clearly shown
in this FIG. 4 but item #107 is not shown in this FIG. 4.
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