User operable neck isometric and isokinetic exercise device and method

Abstract

A compact and easy-to-use isometric and isokinetic exercise apparatus that is particularly applicable to exercising the neck to improve strength and flexibility and to help alleviate neck pain. Different embodiments provide different arrangements that allow the user to control the level of exercise resistance to meet the tolerance or desires of the user. In all embodiments, the apparatus allows for controlled and graded resistance to the neck that allows the user to regulate the amount of resistance in an incremental manner. One embodiment of a neck exercising apparatus according to the present invention comprises an attachment mechanism for attaching to a user's head. Actuating mechanisms can also be included that allow the user to provide a movement force to the apparatus, wherein the movement force is transferred to said attachment mechanism. The apparatus is arranged such that movement from the actuating mechanisms in one direction causes movement of the attachment mechanism in a different direction.

1 . An isometric and isokinetic neck exercising apparatus, comprising:
 an attachment mechanism for attaching to a user's head;   actuating mechanisms that allow the user to provide a movement force to the apparatus, wherein the movement force is transferred to said attachment mechanism, wherein said apparatus is arranged such that movement of the actuating mechanisms in one direction causes movement of the attachment mechanism in a different direction.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , mountable to the upper body of a user and wherein said actuating mechanisms comprise one or two handles that can be actuated by one or both hands. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein said handles can be moved away from the front of the user's body to provide a force to the attachment mechanism toward the back of the user's body. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the movement of said handles causes movement of the attachment mechanism through one or more cables. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the movement of handles causes movement of the attachment mechanism through one or more cables running along the back of the user. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , comprising one or more risers. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , comprising one or more resistance bands between said handles and said attachment mechanism. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 7 , wherein the movement force applied to said attachment mechanism is at least partially dependent upon the stretching tension of said resistance bands. 
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 7 , wherein movement of the actuating mechanisms or said attachment mechanism can stretch said resistance bands. 
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 7 , wherein said resistance bands are removable and replaceable to allow for the use of resistance bands having different stretching tensions. 
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , comprising a vest mountable to a user, said vest having adjustment points to fit the size of the user. 
     
     
         12 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , having points that allow for connection of exercise attachments. 
     
     
         13 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , comprising an exercise attachment that allows for isometric and isokinetic neck exercising force in a direction opposite the force provided by said actuating mechanisms. 
     
     
         14 . A portable isometric and isokinetic neck exercising apparatus, comprising:
 a means for mounting to the upper body of a user;   an attachment mechanism attached to said means for mounting, said attachment mechanism capable of being mounted to the user's head;   handles attached to said means for mounting, said handles arranged for grasping by the user, said apparatus arranged such that movement of the handles causes a movement force to said attachment mechanism, wherein said head mechanism is moveable against the force of said handles to provide said isometric and isokinetic neck exercise.   
     
     
         15 . The apparatus of  claim 14 , wherein said means for mounting comprises a partial vest. 
     
     
         16 . The apparatus of  claim 14 , wherein said handles can be moved away from the front of the user's body to provide a force to the attachment mechanism toward the back of the user's body. 
     
     
         17 . The apparatus of  claim 14 , wherein the movement of said handles causes movement of the attachment mechanism through one or more cables. 
     
     
         18 . The apparatus of  claim 14 , wherein the movement of handles causes movement of the attachment mechanism through one or more cables running along the back of the user. 
     
     
         19 . The apparatus of  claim 14 , comprising one or more risers, the movement force of said handles transferred to said attachment mechanism through said risers. 
     
     
         20 . The apparatus of  claim 14 , comprising one or more resistance bands between said handles and said attachment mechanism. 
     
     
         21 . The apparatus of  claim 20 , wherein the movement force applied to said attachment mechanism is at least partially dependent upon the stretching tension of said resistance bands. 
     
     
         22 . The apparatus of  claim 20 , wherein said resistance bands are removable and replaceable to allow for the use of resistance bands having different stretching tensions. 
     
     
         23 . The apparatus of  claim 14 , having points that allow for connection of exercise attachments. 
     
     
         24 . A method for providing isometric and isokinetic neck exercise, comprising:
 providing a movement force from a user's hands in a first direction;   transferring said hand movement force to the user's head in a second direction that is different from said first direction, said second direction force providing said isometric and isokinetic neck exercise force to the user's head.   
     
     
         25 . The method of  claim 24 , wherein said first direction is opposite said second direction. 
     
     
         26 . The method of  claim 24 , wherein said first direction is away from the front of the user's body, wherein said second direction is toward the back of the user. 
     
     
         27 . The method of  claim 24 , comprising the further step of providing movement of the user's head against said hand force transferred to the users' head.