CA3070329A1

CA3070329A1 - Neck exercise device

Info

Publication number: CA3070329A1
Application number: CA3070329A
Authority: CA
Inventors: Moussa Bakr
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2020-01-30
Filing date: 2020-01-30
Publication date: 2021-07-30

Abstract

ABSTRACT
An isometric/isotonic neck exercise device designed to attach around a person's head, at the forehead level as would a typical headband be worn. Attached to this head band as an integral component of this device to provide the medium by which the device can perform the function for which it is designed, is a nylon strap piece hanging down the side of the user's chin that includes single alloy "D" configuration ring for accessory attachment continuity and at four opposing positions there are double "D"
configuration rings for accessory attachment continuity. Once the device is secured in place on the user's head, accessory resistance band/s with coupler on both ends is used to perform the desired exercise. one coupler end of the resistance tube attached to the head band and the other coupler end of the resistance tube attached to a pulley hand grip, which will provide a multitude of exercises that focus on all muscle groups and tendons in the neck, mid and upper spine to specifically and dramatically improve mobility and motion, for strength, fitness and rehabilitation purposes at levels which have not previously been obtained.

Description

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.

2 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

3 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

4 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.

5 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

6 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

7 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

8 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.

9 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

10 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

11 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.

Claims

CLAIM
What is claimed is:

1. An exercise device for use in exercising the neck of a user by performing rotation, lateral bending, flexion, or extension exercises, the device comprising:
(a) a cotton strap having first and second sides, said first side having a rubber surface for engagement with a user's head and said second side having Velcro fasteners for creating an adjustable closed loop around a user's head and on top of the user's head;
(b) A short nylon strap having ends sewn to said cotton strap with single D-ring;
(c) Attachment D-rings that attached to said nylon strap; said rings configured to attach to an exercise resistance band;
(d) a head crown strap having Velcro one wrap tie adjustably attached to said cotton strap for adjustable positioning on the crown of a user; and Wherein said cotton strap and said head crown strap are adjustably positioned on a user's head for providing a neck harness for resistive exercise.