Rehabilitation and Exercise Device

The present invention was made with no government support.

Not applicable

The present invention is directed generally to an exercise and rehabilitation device. More specifically, the present invention is directed to a unique muscle resistance training and physical rehabilitation device for strengthening various muscles of the human body, while improving flexibility of the cervical spine, providing relief of muscle pain and discomfort, particularly in the neck area, and improving overall physical health.

Both resistance strength training and isometric and isotonic exercises for the human neck and the upper body musculature are the safest and most effective way to strengthen the neck, shoulders, chest and back and to relieve neck pain. Experts in the field of human physiology typically recommend that clients use their own hands or utilize rubber and elastic straps to provide resistance during isometric, isotonic, extension and strength exercises for the neck and the upper body. The problem with these recommendations is that they often put the clients into awkward or dangerous physical positions. Current prescribed methods are cumbersome and complicated and limited in functionality. There are additional dangers with the often prescribed or utilized rubber stretch bands. These elastic bands are typically wrapped about the head and may break or become untied, causing the strap to snap back at the user causing injury. With commonly prescribed methods of elastic band exercises being cumbersome and difficult, clients tend to discontinue recommended neck and upper body rehabilitation and exercise programs before the user really gets the benefit of the intended isometric and isotonic neck and upper body exercise routines. There are also significant limitations with the trajectory of elastic band exercises being limited by points of the band's connectivity, be it a doorknob or door frame mount, where the elastic band is in a fixed position thus limited in its range of usefulness.

Alternatively, some experts recommend the use of a wall and a ball for isometric and isotonic neck exercises. Clients have been instructed to use a ball between the head and a wall. This positioning of a ball is very uncomfortable for the client as the ball can move around and even fall to the ground causing the client's head to collide with force against the wall as the client's full body weight is directed to the wall.

Prior art neck exercise devices such as neck head harnesses and four-way neck machines promote shearing forces since the cervical spine is repeatedly flexed and extended under a fixed, measured weighted resistance which can lead to cervical neck and muscle damage, particularly if the device is used improperly or under excessive load. Furthermore, such devices are expensive and otherwise quite complicated and relatively difficult to use properly.

One particular prior art neck exercise device employs a neck head harness with weights, attached through cables, as opposed to simply using one's hands. Such machines are flawed in that they have been found to often cause a number of associated neck disk herniations. A safer, more effective, and more functional device would have a continuously variable resistance and variable directional ability where infinitely variable plane of resistance and trajectories could be achieved.

In general, conventional resistance training typically requires several very expensive pieces of equipment that take up a significant amount of space and are not easily stored. Also, strength and resistance training equipment is often not easily transportable.

The present invention provides for an improved, easy to use and novel device for facilitating both isometric and isotonic resistance exercises while also offering a method for application of cervical traction.

Prior art resistance training and rehab devices provide limited functionality, are relatively expensive, are not portable and are generally impractical.

The device of the present invention offers a Positive and Negative XYZ AXIS resistance variation. The device offers strength training and range of motion exercises to an otherwise inaccessible method of neck musculature training and rehabilitation.

The device of the present invention may be used in a sitting, lying down or standing position.

An embodiment of the present invention is lightweight and may be broken down into sections, thereby allowing for the device to be easily stored and transported in a gym bag and the like.

An objective of the present invention is also to provide a neck exercise, strengthening and rehabilitation aid for the cervical spine and surrounding musculature.

Another objective of the present invention is to provide a versatile, lightweight and easily transportable resistance exercise and rehab device.

A further objective of the present invention is to provide a means of achieving effective upper body exercise for the elderly or other individuals who may have physical limitations, whereby gains in strength, range of motion and endurance may be achieved by using a lightweight, versatile exercise device.

An embodiment of the present invention comprises a flexible strap that fits around the user's head in the manner of a headband, a rigid outer ring, and a webbing of elastomeric cords that are threaded through evenly spaced holes in the flexible headband strap and that operably join the headband strap to the outer ring.

An embodiment of the present invention further may include an adjustment mechanism allowing for the adjustment of the tightness of fit of the headband strap to the user's head.

An embodiment of the present invention further may include elastomeric cords which may be adjusted to provide for variability in the resistance level provided by the device. As the tension of the elastomeric cords is adjusted, the resistance force created by the device may accordingly be increased or reduced. Higher resistance or heavier elastomeric cord may be utilized for a more intense, higher resistance training session. The outer ring may be reinforced with a rigid continuous ring and not collapsable.

In view of the above, it is an object of the present invention to overcome the shortfalls in the related art by presenting an improved, broad-spectrum neck and upper body rehabilitation and exercise training device which facilitates either or both isotonic and isometric methods of exercise.

The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to and should not be interpreted to limit the embodiments described herein. Although particular embodiments are described, those embodiments are merely exemplary implementations of the present invention. The following descriptions and illustrations herein should be considered illustrative in nature, and thus, not in any way limiting the scope of the present invention. One skilled in the art will recognize other embodiments are possible and all such embodiments are intended to fall within the scope of the present disclosure. While the preferred embodiments are described with reference to the above drawings, there is no intent to limit the disclosure to the embodiments shown in the drawings or disclosed herein. Rather, the intent is to include all alternatives, modifications and equivalents that embody the spirit and scope of the disclosure.

It is also to be understood that the disclosure uses terminology for the purpose of describing particular embodiments and such terminology is not intended to be limiting. Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used in this disclosure have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which is applicable to this disclosure.

As will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reading this disclosure, each of the embodiments described and illustrated herein has discrete components and features which may be readily separated or combined with features of any of the other possible embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

Musculoskeletal disorders are one of the most common causes of physical disability. One of the most common musculoskeletal disorders is neck pain. Nearly a quarter of the population at any given time may be plagued with some form of neck pain. Diagnosis and treatment of neck pain are relatively misunderstood and, therefore, treating neck pain is a challenging endeavor. Managing and treating neck pain has proven to be enhanced by the use of devices that allow for strengthening of the neck muscles and for increasing rotational strength and mobility of the neck.

The present invention provides a novel device and method for applying resistance to various muscles of the body, allowing for strengthening and rehabilitation of the muscles of the user's body.

One preferred embodiment of the present invention provides a novel device and method for applying resistance to the neck and cervical spine, allowing for strengthening and rehabilitation of the user's neck.

shows an embodiment of the present invention that functions as a neck exercise and rehabilitation device. The deviceshown comprises a headband strapthat fits around a user's head in the manner of a headband, a rigid outer ring, and a webbing of elastomeric cordsthat are threaded under tension between the headbandand the outer ring, thereby operably joining the headband strapto the outer ring.

As further shown in, a plurality of elastomeric cords, each of which are at one end threaded through preferably evenly spaced holesand at their opposite end threaded through an eyelet cord fasteneraffixed to the outer ring, thereby operably join the headband strapto the rigid outer ring. In the embodiment shown, each of the elastomeric cordsis secured to the headband strapby means of weaving the cordthrough holesin the headband strapwhich are in close proximity and binding the cordwith hog ring, as shown. These holesare preferably distributed evenly around the entirety of the headband strapin multiple sets of two holeswhich are close in proximity, with the sets of holesseparated by a wider spacing. Any other suitable locking device may be employed to keep the cordsecured to the head bandthus, keeping the cordsessentially bound to the head band. In the embodiment shown in, the elastomeric cordsare affixed to the outer ringby means of a plurality of screw eyesaffixed to the outer ring. Any other known suitable means for attaching and securing the elastomeric cordsto the headband strapand outer ring, respectively, may be employed and are within the contemplation of the present invention. The embodiment offurther comprises a foam sleevethat envelops the entirety of the outer ring.

In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, as shown in, the elastomeric cordsmay be threaded through a number of orificesin the outer ringand into the interior of the outer ring, attaching to a fixed termination point. Each of the cordsmay be terminated at any preferred point within the outer ring. For example, each of the cordscould be terminated at an attachment point of the reinforcing ring. This allows utilization of longer, retractable cordsthat extend the effective range of motion of the exercise device. In accordance with the principles of “Hooke's law,” this manner of attaching each of the retractable cordsis beneficial in gaining more effective range of motion with use of the exercise deviceof the present invention.

The preferred embodiment shown inincludes a headband strapthat is flexible and may be made from a flexible and sturdy lightweight material, such as nylon. In the preferred embodiment shown, the headband strapis preferably approximately 1.5 inches wide and 16 inches long, but the width and length of the headband strapmay vary and may be any size that is suitable for a comfortable fit around a user's head. As illustrated in, the headband strapof the preferred embodiment has an adjuster sectionfor securing the strapfirmly to a user's head and for adjusting the length of the headband strap, by either loosening or tightening the headband strap, to provide a secure fit. A ratcheting knob, as shown in, may be provided to actuate clamping of the headband strap, thus securing the headband strapsecurely to a user's head. It is understood that other materials may be used for the headband strapand likewise, other connection materials (such as Velcro, for example) may be used to secure the headband strapto the user's head. As shown in, a head band cushionmay be releasably secured to the adjustable headbandby Velcro, for example, or by other means known in the art.

shows an over the head strapthat may fit over the top of a user's head and be engaged with the headband strapas illustrated in. The over the head strapin this particular embodiment may be secured in place by a Velcro attachment means at each opposing end of the over the head strap, as shown in. Any other suitable means for securing the over the head strapmay be employed, such as a snap or button fastener, or the like. Similarly, an under the chin strapmay also be provided to fit snugly under the user's chin, employing the same type of attachment means as described for the over the head strap, above. The headband assemblyshown in, comprised of the combination of the headband, the over the head strap, and the under the chin strapprovides additional stability to secure the exercise and rehab deviceof the present invention firmly to the user's head while in use. Additional straps may be employed to obtain the desired functionality. For example, an additional similar strap (not shown) may be employed to hold or support the occipital part of the head. It should be understood that the ability of the deviceto assist in applying traction is created with the use of the over the head and under the chin straps,and adjustable head bandwhen combined with the appropriate opposing forces applied to the outer ring.

The configuration of the elastomeric cords, shown inis a preferred arrangement that offers the desired resistant force to be applied to the user's body part in any direction. The preferred embodiment, thus, offers 360-degree negative and positive X-Y-Z AXIS omni-directional resistance variation without the need to modify the device. In the embodiment shown in, wheeled cord lock stoppersare provided as cord locking mechanisms, which allow for the ability to modify the trajectory and tension of the elastomeric cordsand, thus, makes the device of the present invention easily and highly adjustable to serve the varying requirements of a physical rehabilitation and training device. The outermost position of stoppersprovides for more resistance, while positioning the stopperscloser to the center of the devicelessens the resistance.

In the preferred embodiment shown in, each pair of elastomeric cordsexiting from the headbandare then threaded through the wheeled cord lock stopper devices, in the manner shown in. Each of these cord lock stopper devicesmay slide along a respective pair of elastomeric cordsand self-lock when in the desired position. The cord lock stopperspreferably have a release tab to release the locking feature and thus allows the return of these “couplers” to the innermost position for a less resistive effect. It is advantageous to adjust the resistance in this manner for a variety of reasons, including accounting for the cordspotentially losing some elasticity over time and with intended use. The cord lock stoppersmay also be utilized to remove any slack exhibited by the elastic cords. Alternatively, a simpler cord lock device, such as the cord clipshown in, may be employed in place of the wheeled cord lock stopper devicesdescribed above.

The elastomeric cordsmay be comprised of one continuous strand connected end to end after threading the cordappropriately, but alternatively could be comprised of multiple pieces of cord connected at any connection point.

The outer ringshown inmay be comprised of a lightweight plastic, such as the type of plastic tubing material that is typically used to make hula hoops. However, any suitable, preferably lightweight and sturdy material may be used to construct the outer ringand is within the contemplation of the present invention. In a preferred embodiment, the outer ringmay be constructed of sectional pieces that allow for the ring to be broken down for ease of storage and portability.show how a reinforcing rodmay be housed within the outer ringto provide enhanced stability to the outer ring. The reinforcing rodmay preferably be constructed of a lightweight, sturdy and rigid material such as fiberglass or any other similar material known in the art. As shown in, the respective ends of the reinforcing rodare coupled together to form a closed loop.shows a solid, pre-formed continuous reinforcement ring. The coupling of the ends of the reinforcing rodis preferably achieved by a binding sleevein which the ends of the reinforcing rodare inserted and secured. As can be seen in, the binding sleevemay have holesthrough which a cotter pinmay be inserted to keep the respective ends of the reinforcing rodin place and securely fitted within the binding sleeve. Alternatively, a continuous reinforcement ring, like the one shown in, may be situated within the outer ringas shown in.

Turning to the use of the device, as shown in, a user may secure the preferred embodiment of the invention to the head by securing the headband straparound one's head. As shown in, the user grasps the outer ringto hold the outer ringin a secured position. The user then may manipulate the position of the outer ringor, alternatively, may motion the head in any direction, thereby creating a force that applies resistance to the user's neck muscles. The user may also utilize a combination of head movement and manipulation of the position of the outer ringto effectuate the desired force and apply pressure to the neck muscles. More specifically, the user may manipulate the positioning of the outer ringto create the desired resistance level and then rotate the head simultaneously and in unison with the outer ringto achieve an even resistance to the head and neck rotation, while maintaining the self-governed resistance level through a complete range of motion in any desired direction. Because of the way the deviceallows the user to employ head movement or to manipulate the position of the outer ringin any direction and to apply whatever degree of resistance that is desired, the deviceadvantageously allows for the user to control the quality and the linearity characteristics of the resistance applied to the neck muscles. Therefore, the device of the present invention allows for flexion, stretching, strength training and exercise of neck muscles that otherwise are functionally inaccessible with traditional training and exercise methods and equipment.

shows how the devicemay be utilized by the user in a sitting position and the devicemay alternatively be utilized in a standing position, as shown in. Whether in a standing or sitting position, the user may utilize the present invention in the manner described above. Alternatively, the user could stand or sit next to a wall and rest the outer ringagainst the wall and employ head movement or manipulation of the positioning of the outer ringto allow for the wall to facilitate applying the desired resistant force to the neck muscles. As shown in, the user similarly may utilize the devicein a lying down position and use the deviceresting against the ground or floor surface to facilitate the application of force to the neck muscles. As further shown in, depending upon the manner in which the user is lying down, resistance can be exerted at a number of different angles, thus allowing for exercise of different muscles of the neck.

In another preferred embodiment, a hub ring assembly, as shown in, comprising a hub ringand a handlemay be inserted securely inside the headband assembly. The handleis fixedly secured to the hub ring. In the hub ring assemblyshown in, the handleis secured to the hub ringby means of handle retaining pinsinserted into opposing ends of the handlein the manner illustrated in. The retaining pinsare then held in position by the headband assembly. The handlemay freely rotate by utilizing the pinsas spindles. The tension adjustment knobmay tighten the adjustable headband, thus securing the handletightly to the headband assembly, restricting entirely the movement of the handlerelative to the headband assembly. In this mode, as illustrated in, rotational movement of the handleby hand under tension provides resistance, thereby allowing the user to exercise the muscles required to produce the rotational movement, including the user's forearm and hand muscles. Alternatively, the tension adjustment knobmay be loosened slightly, thus allowing the hub ring assemblyto rotate within the headband assembly. In another embodiment of the invention (not shown), an inner and outer hub ring assembly with ball bearings therebetween may be provided to facilitate the rotational action of the hub ring assembly. The rotational ability of the hub ring assemblymay be hindered by tightening the headband assembly. Those skilled in the art will understand any other suitable means to allow for the rotation of the hub ring assembly may be applied.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the hub ringmay be inserted in the headbandand provided without a handle, as shown in, allowing for the user to operate the exercise device in the manner illustrated inandand described herein. For such embodiments, the user may operate the exercise device and perform the method of using the same by grasping the hub ring.

shows an alternative embodiment of the present invention wherein additional resistance bandsare secured to the exercise device by connecting each of the bandsto a corresponding eye boltand connection ringby utilizing resistance band connectors. Each resistance bandincludes a resistance band termination loopand thermal plastic or metal crimp connectionto facilitate affixing the resistance band to the resistance band connector.also shows the utilization of eye boltsas fasteners for connecting each cordto the rotary hub ring.further shows eye boltsas connection points for the resistance bands.

show components of a rotating hub assembly, comprising two outer half hubs,, a rotary hub ring(also shown in) and a hub connection ringwith a handle. In this particular preferred embodiment of the rotating hub assembly, the hub connection ringmay be adhered or bonded to the inside surfaces of the half hubs half hubs,. Alternatively the half hubs,may be fastened to each other with screws, rivets or any other bonding method that will secure the rotary hub ringand the hub connection ring. The hub connection ringalso acts as a spacer that determines the size of the gap for the rotary hub ringto be situated within. The rotary hub ringwill be able to rotate freely within half hub assemblage of half hub,.illustrates how the components of this hub ring assembly fit together andillustrates a fully assembled rotating hub assembly. A suitable lubricant may be provided between the rotary hub ringand the hub halves,to facilitate the free rotation of the hub ring assemblywithin the headband assembly.

shows a rotating hub assemblyhaving two foam padding elementsadhesively secured to the rotating hub assembly. The foam padding elementsprovide a means for the user to grip the rotating hub assemblyand to protect the wrists when utilizing the handlewhile using the exercise deviceof the present invention. The foam padding elementsand the foam sleevedepicted inmay also provide the advantages of providing an adhesive or gripping effect on any surface upon which the deviceis applied during use and further protecting such surfaces from damage that could occur due to the devicecontacting said surfaces during use.further shows a locking pinwhich may be inserted into the rotating hub assemblyto prevent rotational movement of the rotating hub assemblyby securing the rotary hub ringto the hub connection ringor either hub half,with the locking pininserted into pre-drilled aligned holes.

In yet another embodiment of the invention including a rotating hub assembly, as described herein, the devicemay include elastomeric cordsor resistance bandsof varying gauge. The resistance provided by these elastomeric cordsand bandsvaries and by rotating the rotating hub assembly, the user can rotate, reposition and orient the elastomeric cordsand the resistance bandsto different relative positions that offer varying levels of resistance.

shows a hub hook handlewhich may be utilized by a user of the deviceof the present invention to allow for the user to exert pulling or pushing force by hooking the hub hook handleto the rotating hub assembly, as shown in. Multiple hub hook handlesmay be employed to facilitate the use of both arms simultaneously.

shows an attachable weight, which may be attached to the deviceof the present invention. In the embodiment shown in, the weightincludes Velcro strapsthat pass through slotsin the weight. The weightshown inis releasably secured by its Velcro strapsto the foam sleeveof the embodiment shown.

In addition to the methods of using the device of the present invention already described herein,illustrates a user utilizing an embodiment of the deviceof the present invention from a sitting position, where one of the user's feet stabilizes the devicewhile the user's other foot and leg may be raised or lowered against the resistance provided by the device.similarly illustrates use of the devicewith the lowering or raising of the user's leg, but in a lying position.

Another method of using a preferred embodiment is illustrated in, where the deviceis secured by one of the user's arms by placing one hand through the hub ringand applying lateral pulling force with the other hand, as shown in.

illustrates yet another method of using a preferred embodiment by resting the deviceupon a seating surface and applying upward or downward force with the user's arm.

illustrates yet another method of using a preferred embodiment where the user secures the devicebetween the user's legs, grasps the hub ringand applies either a pulling or pushing force with the user's arm or arms. This method may similarly be employed with the user grasping the handleor the headband assembly, rather than the hub ringor a rotating hub assembly.

illustrates another method of using a preferred embodiment of the present invention, where the user grasps the rotating hub assemblyand the foam sleevewith one hand and then squeezes with the hand, thus exercising the user's hand grip muscles.