Neck protector for protecting cervical vertebra and enhancing neck muscle group strength

Abstract

According to the neck protector, the physiological curvature of the cervical cone is protected through an elastic mechanical structure, excessive head lowering and forward leaning are prevented, and the neck muscle group strength is enhanced. Comprising an upper adjustable elastic supporting assembly, a lower adjustable elastic supporting assembly and a torsion spring assembly. The upper adjustable elastic supporting assembly and the lower adjustable elastic supporting assembly are connected through the torsion spring assembly and rotate with the torsion spring assembly acting on the rear portion of the neck as the rotating axis, and therefore the supporting and moving functions are achieved. Meanwhile, the fitting degree and the rotating resistance can be adjusted by adjusting the radian and the static included angle of the upper supporting assembly and the lower supporting assembly. When the neck is in a static state, the neck protector provides elastic supporting and relaxing functions for the lower jaw, the occipital bone, the cervical vertebra and the rear part of the neck; when the neck is in a dynamic state, the function of exercise training is provided for neck muscles, and finally the comprehensive nursing effects of protecting the natural physiological curvature of the cervical vertebra and enhancing the strength of the neck muscles are achieved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention is a neck protector which protects the physiological curvature of the cervical cone through an elastic mechanical structure, prevents excessive bowing and forward leaning, and enhances the strength of the neck muscles. Background Art

[0002] Due to long hours spent working at desks and using electronic devices with heads bent down, the habitually lowered head and forward-leaning neck posture has become commonplace for most people. Over time, this shifts the head's center of gravity, leading to undesirable deformations of the cervical spine, such as straightening or arching, and symptoms such as neck muscle strain, weakness, and stiffness. The key to resolving these symptoms lies in correcting poor posture, adjusting the head's center of gravity, keeping the head level or slightly tilted upward, restoring the cervical spine to its natural state, and strengthening the neck muscles to comprehensively improve neck problems. Therefore, a neck protector has emerged that uses the back of the neck as an elastic traction area and rotation axis to protect the cervical spine and train the neck muscles.

[0003] Currently, neck braces on the market are categorized into medical devices, neck collars and braces, and neck exercise products. Medical devices primarily use mechanical traction to treat cervical spondylosis. These devices are generally large, restricting their use in limited locations and requiring professional guidance. This poses the risk of patients aggravating their condition through improper independent manipulation. Neck collars and braces primarily restrict neck movement with a single physical structure. These products rely on a full-body wrap or brace to support the chin to prevent drooping. Due to their rigid structure, this restricts neck movement and can lead to symptoms such as lack of neck muscle movement, stiffness, and weakness after prolonged wear. Furthermore, the full-body wrap design of neck collars can be airtight, and the lack of traction at the back of the neck in a jaw brace can lead to forward neck tilt and undesirable deformations such as straightening or kyphosis. Neck exercise products primarily use a headband to secure a resistance component, or a shoulder brace with a fixed resistance component secured at the back of the head. These products use the head as a force source to counteract resistance, using the cervical spine as a lever. This exercise can actually increase stress on the cervical spine, creating a counterproductive effect.

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a progressive neck protector that is easy to operate, does not require installation, can not only protect the cervical vertebrae, but also can train the neck muscles to solve the above problems. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In order to address the deficiencies in the above-mentioned existing product technology, the purpose of the present invention is to provide a neck protector that protects the natural physiological curvature of the cervical cone, prevents excessive lowering of the head and forward leaning, and strengthens the neck muscles through an elastic mechanical structure. Specifically: by considering the comprehensive factors of the natural physiological curvature of the human cervical spine and activities that are beneficial to the neck, combined with the simulation of the movement characteristics of the neck, the neck protector uses the back of the neck as the elastic traction area and rotation axis, and the mandibular and clavicle areas as elastic fulcrums, forming an effective triangular control area to support and protect the neck. The unique elastic M and W curvature design structure of the occipital bone and the back of the neck and the torsion spring mechanical structure make the occipital bone and the back of the neck always in a curvature fit state. The elastic traction force generated by this structure can effectively prevent the head from leaning forward and maintain the natural physiological curvature of the cervical spine; the mechanical setting of the initial angles of the two arms of the torsion spring and the elevation angle design of the front support point of the neck protector make the head slightly raised after the neck protector is worn. When the neck is static, the neck brace provides elastic support to the mandible, occipital bone, cervical vertebrae and back of the neck, reducing neck pressure and meeting the wearer's needs for neck relaxation and rest; when the neck is dynamic, the structure of the neck brace generates elastic resistance under elastic mechanics, and the corresponding muscles of the neck are trained and strengthened by resisting the reverse resistance, ultimately achieving the effect of protecting the natural physiological curvature of the cervical spine and strengthening the strength of the neck muscles.

[0006] Specifically: 1. When the neck is static, the four spring balls of the neck protector provide elastic support to the left and right mandibles and left and right clavicle areas in opposite directions, effectively intervening in the habit of lowering the head; the elastic M and W curvature design of the neck protector for the occipital bone and cervical vertebrae forms elastic support points for the occipital bone and cervical vertebrae (atlas, axis, third to seventh cervical vertebrae). The traction formed by the support points not only protects the physiological curvature of the cervical spine, but more importantly, prevents excessive forward tilt of the neck: when the neck leans forward, the W curvature design structure of the lower half of the neck protector forms a lever fulcrum with the back of the neck, and the backward rotational force of the torsion spring causes the upper M curvature design structure to form traction in the opposite direction, and works together with the support points of the mandible and clavicle areas to increase the resistance to forward tilt of the neck, which can effectively prevent the neck from leaning forward and keep the center of gravity of the head from shifting, thereby alleviating symptoms such as strain, weakness, and stiffness caused by excessive stretching of the neck muscles. Second, when the neck is in motion, the brace's structure generates reverse elastic resistance under elastic mechanics. This not only serves as a reminder of poor neck posture but also provides passive resistance training for related muscles, thereby strengthening the neck muscles. Third, the wearer can also train the neck muscles through active neck movements. This involves active movement of the neck forward, backward, left, and right, allowing the key muscles involved, such as the platysma, sternocleidomastoid, scalenes, rectus capitis minor, rectus capitis major, superior obliques, inferior obliques, semispinalis capitis, splenius capitis, splenius cervicis, and longissimus cervicis, to stretch and contract accordingly, thereby strengthening the neck muscles and better protecting the cervical spine. By considering the natural physiological curvature of the human cervical spine and the various beneficial activities for the neck, combined with the simulated movement characteristics of the neck, the brace's design enhances the neck's forward and backward movement capabilities. The back of the neck incorporates an elastic traction area and a rotation axis. 4. The elastic mechanical combination structure design of the neck protector is formed in one piece through welding. The wearer does not need to install it, it is lightweight and portable, breathable, and easy to use, suitable for all kinds of indoor and outdoor scenes; the outer surface of the neck protector is made of breathable and antibacterial elastic fabric. Through the 4 adjustable elastic support points on the front of the neck and 3 elastic support points on the back of the neck, the comfort and durability of wearing are enhanced, which makes up for the lack of functionality of products on the market, can meet the wearer's needs for neck relaxation, rest, and exercise, and is simple to operate, so that the cervical spine can be easily exercised and the neck health care is carried out.

[0007] To achieve the above-mentioned objectives, the present invention provides a neck protector for protecting the cervical spine and strengthening the neck muscles, comprising an upper and lower adjustable elastic support assembly, a set of torsion spring assemblies, and an elastic combination structure formed by welding the various components together. The upper and lower adjustable elastic support assemblies with two embedded serpentine tubes enable the wearer to manually and freely adjust the arc of the neck or the static angle between the upper and lower support assemblies to adapt to the requirements of the neck dimensions and support strength, thereby achieving the effect of fitting and firm elastic support. The M and W curvature design of the middle section of the upper and lower adjustable elastic support assembly is connected and fixed by a set of torsion spring assemblies, forming a neck protector structure with an elastic traction area and a rotation axis, so that the curvature of the back of the neck fits when worn, and with this as the axis and the mandibular and clavicle areas as fulcrums, an effective triangular control area is formed to protect the natural physiological curvature of the cervical spine. Typically, the wearer can manually adjust the static angle between the upper and lower elastic support components to change the rotational resistance (torque) of the torsion spring, thereby adjusting the upper and lower support strength (torque T = Kθ, where: Torque T is proportional to the elastic coefficient K and the rotation angle θ; the larger the static angle, the greater the torque and the greater the support strength). If the wearer wants to increase the upper and lower support strength of the neck brace, they only need to increase the static angle between the upper and lower elastic support components when the neck brace is static; if they need to reduce the support strength, they can adjust the angle to decrease. The entire outer surface of the neck brace is covered with a breathable, antibacterial elastic fabric to meet the wearer's needs for skin-friendly, antibacterial, breathable and comfortable wear.

[0008] Preferably, the neck brace includes two upper and lower adjustable elastic support assemblies constructed from multiple spring steel wires. The middle sections of these two support assemblies utilize an M-shaped and W-shaped curvature when contacting the occipital bone and the back of the neck. This provides dynamic elastic support for the occipital bone and cervical vertebrae (atlas, axis, and third through seventh cervical vertebrae) when the head and neck are reclined for rest or exercise. The two upper and lower adjustable elastic support assemblies, each with an embedded serpentine tube, are welded together with multiple spring steel coils. The deformation support force of the serpentine tube is greater than the deformation rebound force of the elastic support outer frame, allowing for free adjustment of the elastic support assemblies. Furthermore, the rebound force of the outer frame provides an elastic fit and support. The M-shaped and W-shaped curvature of the middle sections of the upper and lower adjustable elastic support assemblies ensures conformity, support, and rebound between the wearer's occipital bone and the back of the neck, both at rest and in motion, providing both neck care and auxiliary training benefits.

[0009] Preferably, each end of the upper and lower sets of elastic support components containing embedded serpentine tubes of the neck protector is connected to a spring ball, forming an elastic combined structure with spring balls at both ends.

[0010] Preferably, the two serpentine tubes in the upper and lower adjustable elastic support components of the neck protector each contain a shaped steel bar fixed in the serpentine tube, and threaded heads are added at both ends of the shaped steel bar. The serpentine tube containing the shaped steel bar and the threaded head is embedded in the component, and the minimum diameter of the threaded head is larger than the gap of the spring ball, so that the position of the serpentine tube can be stabilized.

[0011] Preferably, the upper and lower adjustable elastic support components of the neck protector are connected and fixed by a set of torsion spring components, so that the upper and lower adjustable elastic support components with four spring balls form an overall elastic combination structure that rotates around the torsion spring as the axis.

[0012] Preferably, the surface of the integral neck protector is entirely wrapped with a breathable, antibacterial elastic fabric, so as to achieve breathable and antibacterial effects when in contact with the skin of the neck after being worn, and ensure the comfort of the device when worn for a long time.

[0013] The advantages of the present invention are: providing a neck protector that can be worn daily and is easy to operate, and has the nursing effects of protecting the cervical vertebrae and enhancing the strength of the neck muscles. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] FIG1 is a complete three-dimensional diagram of the embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] FIG2 is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] FIG3 is a partial enlarged view of the embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] FIG4 is a front and back wearing display diagram of the embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] FIG5 is a schematic diagram of the wearing and moving part of the present invention.

[0019] FIG6 is a comparative diagram showing the adjustment of the static angle of the upper and lower support assemblies using the spring steel rings C5 and D5 as adjustment areas according to the present invention.

[0020] FIG7 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] The following examples are merely used to illustrate possible implementations of the present invention, but are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0022] Please refer to Figures 1 and 2, which show the three-dimensional complete view and the three-dimensional exploded view of the embodiment. The neck brace of the present invention includes an upper elastic support outer frame A, a lower elastic support outer frame B, spring steel coils C1 to C5 and D1 to D5, upper and lower serpentine tubes S1 and S2, shaped steel bars F1 and F2 within the upper and lower serpentine tubes, threaded joints E1 to E4, four spring balls Q1 to Q4, and a set of torsion spring components H.

[0023] Please refer to Figure 2, which shows an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention. The serpentine tubes S1 and S2, each containing shaped steel bars F1 and F2, and threaded connectors E1 to E4, are assembled together to form the freely adjustable curvature serpentine tubes S1 and S2. These are respectively embedded within the shaped steel rings C1 to C5 and D1 to D5 of the upper and lower elastic support outer frames A and B. The outer diameter of the threaded connectors E1 to E4 at both ends of the serpentine tube is larger than the spacing between the spring balls. Therefore, the serpentine tube can be well fixed within A and B, achieving a snug fit on the neck when worn and freely adjustable curvature and angle.

[0024] Please refer to Figures 1, 2 and 3. The upper and lower elastic support outer frames A and B, four spring balls Q1 to Q4, spring steel coils C1 to C5 and D1 to D5 of A and B and a set of torsion spring components H of the embedded serpentine assembly are welded to form an integrated structure, and the curvature and angle can be freely adjusted when fitting the neck through the serpentine tubes S1 and S2.

[0025] Refer to Figure 4. This neck brace adapts to any neck size thanks to the elastic properties of the outer frames A and B. The wearer adjusts the neck fit perfectly, simultaneously supporting the jaw with the upper spring balls Q1 and Q2, and the clavicle with the lower spring balls Q3 and Q4. This support of the jaw and clavicle disperses pressure on the neck. The M and W curvatures of the occipital bone and back of the neck provide support, protecting the cervical spine's natural curvature and providing relaxation.

[0026] Please refer to Figures 5 and 6. The original setting of the torsion spring component H, that is, the mechanical setting of the initial angles of the two arms of the torsion spring and the elevation angle design of the front support point of the device, makes the head slightly raised when the neck brace is worn, and the head elevation angle can be freely adjusted according to needs.

[0027] Please refer to Figure 5. When the neck moves up, down, left, and right, it can form a corresponding rebound resistance with the original force of the torsion spring assembly H, so that the neck muscles can be exercised and strengthened accordingly; when the neck is relaxed, the elasticity and curvature fit properties of A and B can both provide good support and relaxation for the neck.

[0028] Please refer to Figure 6. The wearer can change the rotational resistance (torque) of the torsion spring by manually adjusting the static angle of the upper and lower elastic support components, thereby adjusting the upper and lower support strength. Taking C5 and D5 as the adjustment area as an example, the support strength can be adjusted by adjusting the static angle of the upper and lower support components.

[0029] Please refer to Figure 7. The surface of the neck protector is wrapped with a breathable and antibacterial elastic fabric to achieve breathable and antibacterial effects when it comes into contact with the neck skin after being worn, and to ensure the comfort of the device for long-term wearing.

[0030] The above is the preferred embodiment and implementation of the present invention and the technical principles used therein. For those skilled in the art, any obvious changes such as equivalent transformation, simple replacement, etc. based on the technical solution of the present invention, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, shall fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A neck protector for protecting the cervical spine and strengthening the neck muscles, comprising two sets of upper and lower elastic support components and a set of torsion spring components, characterized in that: The upper and lower sets of elastic support components are connected by a torsion spring component, and the torsion spring component acting on the back of the neck is used as the rotation axis to realize the rotation of the upper and lower support components. At the same time, the rotation resistance of the torsion spring is adjusted by adjusting the static angle of the upper and lower support components.

2. The neck protector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The torsion spring assembly acting on the back of the neck is mainly used as the rotation axis, and the upper and lower sets of adjustable elastic support assemblies acting on the mandible and clavicle area are used as fulcrums. The rotation resistance of the torsion spring is changed by adjusting the static angle of the elastic support assembly.

3. The neck protector according to claim 2, characterized in that: The upper and lower sets of adjustable elastic support components are composed of several spring steel wires, 4 spring balls, two serpentine tubes containing shaped steel bars, and several spring steel rings.

4. The neck protector according to claim 3, characterized in that: The upper and lower sets of adjustable elastic support components adopt M and W-shaped elastic fitting designs at the contact points on the occipital bone and the back of the neck, thus achieving dynamic elastic support for the wearer's occipital bone and cervical spine when the head and neck are tilted back for rest or exercise.

5. The neck protector according to claim 4, characterized in that The two ends of the upper and lower sets of adjustable elastic support components embedded in the serpentine tube are respectively provided with a spring ball, forming an elastic support component with spring balls at both ends.

6. The neck protector according to claim 5, characterized in that: Each of the two serpentine tubes contains a shaped steel bar, and the two ends of the steel bar are fixed with threaded heads, and the serpentine tubes containing threaded heads and shaped steel bars are embedded, finally forming two sets of upper and lower adjustable elastic support components with embedded serpentine tubes, which can realize the adjustment function of horizontal and vertical curvature and static angle.

7. The neck protector according to claim 6, characterized in that: The surface of the neck protector is entirely wrapped with breathable, antibacterial elastic fabric, which achieves breathable and antibacterial effects when it comes into contact with the neck skin after being worn, and ensures the comfort of wearing the device for a long time.

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