Neck exercise device

Abstract

The invention relates to an exercise device suitable for a specific part of a body, in particular a neck exercise device. The neck exercise device comprises the following main elements: a bracket, a headband and an elastic element for transmitting a load. The bracket includes a frame having a shoulder rest and a handle attached to an underside thereof. The frame is also equipped with outward and upward brackets. The design of the head band enables the head band to be worn on the head and fixed on the head. One end of the elastic element is connected with the headband, and the other end is connected with the bracket, so that the headband is hung in the middle of the frame through the stretched elastic element. Each side of the frame is provided with at least one bracket. The purpose of the present invention is to more effectively exercise neck muscles by exercising different neck muscle groups in various directions at the same time.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a device suitable for exercising various parts of the body, namely, a device for exercising the neck. The exercise device can be used for sports and also for post-injury rehabilitation. Background Art

[0002] As we all know, of the five regions of the spine, the cervical region is the first and most mobile. The cervical region consists of seven vertebrae joined together by cartilaginous tissue, where the intervertebral discs house the muscles that provide head movement. According to the international standard Terminologia Anatomica (TA), the intrinsic muscles of the neck (lat.mm.proprii colli) include two superficial lateral muscles, four deep lateral muscles and two medial muscles according to the Russian classification. All these muscles play a very important role in the human body: the vertebrae in the cervical region keep the human head balanced; ensure the rotation and tilt of the head; the process of swallowing food and making different sounds depends on these muscles. There are many reasons for the occurrence of lesions in the neck, but most of them appear due to insufficient exercise of the neck muscles and weakening of the neck muscles. Neck diseases include osteomalacia, cervical disc herniation, neuralgia, spondylosis, etc. Therefore, the correct development of the neck muscles is very important for everyone, not just for athletes. Therefore, it is necessary to do neck exercises.

[0003] Stretching and strengthening the neck muscles should be done at a gentle pace without sudden movements. Safety and correct exercise techniques are the most important when stretching and strengthening the neck muscles. Any carelessness can lead to injury and chronic disease.

[0004] In order to exercise the neck muscles, it is necessary to use some special devices, such as exercise devices.

[0005] For example, RU2548507C1 (published on April 20, 2015) discloses a device for restoring muscle bands in the cervical spine region. The device comprises a set of weights, an armchair for the patient, which rotates relative to its vertical axis and comprises shoulder strap fixing elements and a Glisson loop, which is connected to the weights by a flexible pull rope suspended on a pulley. The pulley is arranged relative to the armchair in such a way that the tension part between the Glisson loop fixed to the patient's head on the armchair and the pulley forms an angle of 10° to 30° relative to the vertical direction. The armchair is provided with a locking device to ensure that the angular position of the chair is strictly fixed with a certain degree of precision during the entire process of the chair rotating 360°, regardless of the direction of rotation of the chair.

[0006] The training effect of this exercise device is extremely poor, because the shoulders of the exerciser are fixed in the exercise device while sitting, and the chin is fixed to the Gleason ring on the head. One end of the flexible pull rope is connected to the Gleason ring and the other end is connected to the weight, so the exerciser has no opportunity to observe the weight while sitting, and it is also impossible to independently adjust the weight and the speed of exercise during the exercise. In addition, this device does not allow all the muscle groups of the neck to be exercised in different directions. Considering that the human musculoskeletal system is built on the principle of tension division, it will cause vertical loads on the cervical spine and the lower vertebrae, which is unsafe. The exercise device is designed for traction of the spine, so it is necessary to consider the contraindications of spinal traction: osteoporosis, acute inflammation, tumors, vertebral instability, epilepsy, kidney stones. Improper weight selection and excessive use of this exercise device can lead to a series of complications, such as intervertebral herniation and micro-tears of muscle tissue.

[0007] US8840528 B2 (published on September 23, 2014) discloses a portable neck exercise device, which includes an adjustable frame detachably disposed between two sides of a door frame, a set of pulleys attached to the frame, a headband, and a flexible tension belt attached to the headband, the flexible tension belt passing through the pulleys and detachably connected to the frame with various tensions, so that the user can variably exercise his neck muscles by moving his head, neck, and torso in various directions. According to US8840528 B2, the frame is adjustably mounted on the doorway and can be adjusted in length.

[0008] The known solutions also have the disadvantage of being inefficient due to lack of mobility, since the exercise device can only be used at doorways, which limits its scope of use. Movement can only be performed in one vertical plane at a time, which means that only certain muscles can be exercised.

[0009] The device is designed without modules and elements of the underlying structure of the musculoskeletal system that stabilizes (fixes the body) relative to the neck area, which actually excludes the possibility of isolated training of the muscles in the neck area, that is, training with the inclusion of the muscles in the underlying area, thereby partially eliminating the load on the neck muscles and reducing the training effect.

[0010] RU2050883 C1 (published on December 27, 1995) discloses a device for exercising the neck muscles, comprising: a base, on which a rotating support with a seat is mounted; a rotating member with a head holder and a connecting device to the support; a device for generating a load, the device having a load unit for the rotating member and the support, wherein the load unit comprises a friction element. The friction element of the load unit for the support is fixed to the support via a vertical axis, and the friction element of the load unit for the rotating member is fixed to the sleeve via a horizontal axis. The rotating fork consists of two parts, which are connected to each other via an axial element with a rotatable indexing disk.

[0011] A disadvantage of the known technical solutions is that they are less mobile due to the presence of bulky elements in the design and exercises can only be performed on the exercise device in a sitting position, which brings many difficulties to the exercise process.

[0012] The device allows the head to tilt in the vertical plane and the trunk to rotate in the horizontal plane, but for this, the nut handle must be rotated, which is inconvenient during exercise. In addition, this load will produce unnecessary tensile and compressive stress on the spine, which is unsafe and requires correct training techniques.

[0013] An analysis of the prior art shows that the known neck exercise devices have common disadvantages, mainly that they are not ergonomic, since for them to work the load-generating elements must be fixed to fixed objects, such as walls, doorways, while the exerciser is tied to a certain training place (chair, doorway).

[0014] Furthermore, in order to change the direction of the load, it is necessary to change the fixture, which results in forced interruption of the exercise. Another problem is that the described exercise devices are not considered effective and safe, since they are intended to exercise only certain muscles of the neck: the sternocleidomastoid muscle, the trapezius muscle; the exerciser performs a translation-rotation movement in one plane, making it impossible to perform a qualitative exercise and monitor the amplitude of the exercise. This can lead to adverse consequences due to incorrect load direction, which is particularly important during rehabilitation. Summary of the invention

[0015] The object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems, namely to create a portable and easy-to-use exercise device, which is independent of auxiliary devices (armchairs, doorways, etc.) and does not require any re-equipment compared to the prior art - i.e. replacement of parts of the exercise device, in order to exercise different muscle groups simultaneously, while meeting safety requirements and providing exercise of a large number of neck muscles - sternocleidomastoid muscles, trapezius muscles, capitis muscles, cervical girdle muscles, short extensors (superior oblique muscles, inferior oblique muscles, rectus major, rectus minor), cervical ligaments, ligaments and joints of the cervical spine itself, and the back of the neck.

[0016] The purpose of the present invention is to improve the efficiency of neck muscle training. Compared with similar products in the prior art, the present invention can train different neck muscle groups in all directions at the same time without causing vertical load on the cervical spine. In addition, all exercises are performed on the training device without auxiliary devices, without being limited to a specific training venue, and without changing the device to train different muscle groups.

[0017] The technical result is achieved by the proposed design of an exercise device. The exercise device comprises the following main elements: a support, a headband and an elastic element for generating a load. The support comprises a frame, to the bottom of which is connected a shoulder support with a handle. A bracket is also provided on the outside of the frame with a vertical arm facing upward. The headband can be worn and fixed on the head. One end of the elastic element is connected to the headband and the other end is connected to the bracket, so that the headband is suspended in the center of the frame by the elastic element stretched laterally. At least one bracket is provided on each side of the frame. The elastic element for generating a load is a spring, a strap, a rubber band or other similar device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] The essence of the present invention is explained by the foregoing description and the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0019] Figure 1 is an overall view of the exercise device;

[0020] Figure 2 is a side view of the exercise device;

[0021] Figure 3 is a top view of the exercise device; and

[0022] Figure 4 One embodiment of the exercise device has two brackets on each side of the frame. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] The main structural elements of the neck exercise device are as follows: a frame, a headband and an elastic element for transmitting the load.

[0024] The stand comprises a frame to which the shoulder rest 1 is connected from below.

[0025] The shoulder support 1 is used to place the exercise device on the shoulders of the exerciser. The handles 2 for wrist gripping extend downward from the shoulder support 1 so that they are located at both sides of the body so that the exercise device can be held comfortably.

[0026] The upper part of the support fixed on the shoulder rest 1 is formed into a closed frame 3. The frame 3 firmly connects the shoulder rests 1 to each other.

[0027] The shape of the frame 3 can be circular, oval, square or other shapes, which is not important for achieving the technical effect. In the embodiment of the present invention, a rectangular frame with rounded corners is shown.

[0028] The size of the frame circumference can be determined according to the exerciser's physical characteristics, but in order to facilitate the exerciser's use, the distance between the frame and the neck should be no less than 3 cm and no more than 70 cm.

[0029] A bracket 4 is attached to each side of the frame 3 and faces the outside of the frame with the vertical arms of the bracket pointing upwards.

[0030] The headband 5 is a strap or helmet that enables it to fit snugly on the exerciser's head. This strap consists of a horizontally placed circular ring that can be adjusted to suit the size of the head, and an adjustable vertical semicircular ring attached at the top that goes around the top of the head; and an adjustable semicircular ring at the bottom chin. The strap can be made of leather or eco-leather, textiles, plastic and other similar materials.

[0031] A tactical helmet can be used instead of the straps.

[0032] The belt is connected to an elastic element 6 that generates a load. Any component with elastic properties, such as a spring, a strap, a shock absorber or rubber, etc., can be used as such an element. Since the element that generates the load can be replaced, the stiffness and the resistance can be changed, so that the exercise device can be used for different purposes of rehabilitation, warm-up, exercise, neck strengthening, etc., with exercises of different complexity and load.

[0033] One end of the elastic element 6 generating the load is connected to the headband 5 and the other end is connected to the upper part of the bracket 4 fixed to the edge of the frame, these brackets are replaceable. Due to the connection of the elastic element 6, the headband is located in the center of the frame and is suspended by the load-generating element 6 stretched laterally.

[0034] Figure 4 A frame comprising two brackets on each side is shown, providing for variations in the loads used.

[0035] The exercise device is used as follows.

[0036] In the assembled state, the exercise device is "worn" on the head. The shoulder pad is placed on the shoulder and the strap is worn on the head (it is recommended to use a thin cap under the strap to ensure hygiene and avoid that the elements of the strap squeeze the skin and hair). Hold the handles with both hands. Exercise by tilting the head in all directions and at all angles: forward, backward, right, left, etc.

[0037] By replacing the load cell, the intensity of the head tilt can be adjusted.

[0038] The exercise device works by providing smooth, progressive movements in all directions, allowing for the proper development and correction of the neck muscles.

[0039] The design of the exercise device stabilizes (immobilizes) the shoulder so that the device impacts the right and left sides equally, providing the same effect on the paired muscles. The exercise device helps to address imbalances in the neck muscles. During the exercise, there are no upward or downward forces, all forces are maintained in a horizontal plane with a slight inclination. Importantly, all force vectors are generated horizontally, while the spine is vertical (perpendicular to the force vectors), which eliminates tensile and compressive loads on the spine. Movements in all directions can be performed at any speed, with any load (depending on the purpose of the exercise), and with any amplitude (from minimal to maximal) according to anatomical capabilities. The effectiveness of the exercise, especially during rehabilitation, is affected by the maximum portability of the device and the ability to exercise anywhere. The design of the exercise device allows one to vary the stiffness and resistance by changing the elements that generate the load (straps, rubber bands, springs, shock absorbers) and the number of brackets. When the maximum number of brackets is set, it is possible to use only the brackets that are currently required and not unnecessary brackets. Therefore, the proposed exercise device is more effective in exercising different muscles of the neck, is safer than similar products in the prior art, and is more portable and ergonomic when used.

Claims

1. A neck exercise device, characterized in that: It includes a headband and an elastic element for transmitting loads which are connected to each other, and a frame, to which a shoulder rest and a bracket containing a handle are connected. The bracket is fixed on each side of the frame and faces the outside of the frame, and the vertical arm of the bracket faces upward. The headband is connected to the elastic element, and the other end is connected to the vertical arm of the bracket.

2. The neck exercise device according to claim 1, characterized in that: At least one of the brackets is disposed on each side of the frame.

3. The neck exercise device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The elastic elements that generate loads include springs, straps, shock absorbers, and rubber bands.

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