Multi-functional, structurally corrective neck exerciser

Abstract

Provided is an exercise device for exercising the neck and spine of a user. The exercise device comprises a neck band defining a pair of opposed end portions, with the neck band being disposable adjacent a rear side of a neck of the user. The exercise device further includes a pair of extension members. Each extension member defines a distal end portion and a proximal end portion connected to a respective one of the pair of opposed end portions of the neck band. Each extension member is extendable between an extended position and a retracted position. The distance along the extension member between the distal end portion and the neck strap increases as the extension member is moved from the retracted position toward the extended position.

1 . An exercise device for exercising the neck and spine of a user, the exercise device comprising:
 a neck band defining a pair of opposed end portions, the neck band being disposable adjacent a rear side of a neck of the user; and   a pair of extension members, each extension member defining a distal end portion and a proximal end portion connected to a respective one of the pair of opposed end portions of the neck band, each extension member being extendable between an extended position and a retracted position, the distance along the extension member between the distal end portion and the neck strap increasing as the extension member is moved from the retracted position toward the extended position.   
     
     
         2 . The exercise device as recited in  claim 1 , further comprising a pair of connectors connected to respective ones of the pair of end portions of the neck band, each connector being connectable to a respective one of the pair of extension members to connect the respective extension member to the respective one of the pair of end portions. 
     
     
         3 . The exercise device as recited in  claim 2 , wherein each connector includes a pair of loops connected to the neck band, the proximal end portion of the respective one of the pair of extension members connected to the respective connector being threaded through the pair of loops to connect the extension member to the connector. 
     
     
         4 . The exercise device as recited in  claim 1 , wherein each extension member is configured to be grippable by the user and to provide resistance as the user extends the extension member from the retracted position to the extended position. 
     
     
         5 . The exercise device as recited in  claim 4 , wherein each extension member is configured to provide variable resistance. 
     
     
         6 . The exercise device as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the pair of extension members are independently moveable between the extended and retracted positions. 
     
     
         7 . The exercise device as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the extension members are formed from an elastic material. 
     
     
         8 . The exercise device as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the neck band is formed from a substantially inelastic material. 
     
     
         9 . The exercise device as recited in  claim 1 , wherein each extension member defines a loop when the extension member is connected to the neck band. 
     
     
         10 . A neck exercise device configured for use by a user to stretch the neck of the user, the neck exercise device comprising:
 an elongate neck engagement member configured to be disposable adjacent the neck of the user, the neck engagement member defining a first end portion and an opposing second end portion;   a first resistance strap connectable to the first end portion of the neck engagement member, the first resistance strap being extendable relative to the neck engagement member between a retracted position and an extended position; and   a second resistance strap connectable to the second end portion of the neck engagement member, the second resistance strap being extendable relative to the neck engagement member between a retracted position and an extended position;   the elongate neck engagement member applying a force to the neck of the user as at least one of the first and second resistance straps are moved from the retracted position toward the extended position.   
     
     
         11 . The neck exercise device of  claim 10  wherein as least one of the first resistance strap and the second resistance strap defines a pair of enlarged end portions connectable to the elongate neck engagement member. 
     
     
         12 . The neck exercise device as recited in  claim 11 , further comprising a pair of connectors connected to respective ones of the first and second end portions, each connector being connectable to a respective one of the first and second resistance straps to connect the respective resistance strap to the respective one of the first and second end portions. 
     
     
         13 . The neck exercise device as recited in  claim 12 , wherein each connector includes a pair of loops connected to the neck engagement member, the enlarged end portions of each resistance strap being threaded through the loops of a respective connector to connect the resistance strap to the neck engagement member. 
     
     
         14 . The neck exercise device as recited in  claim 10 , wherein each resistance strap is configured to be grippable by the user and to provide resistance as the user extends the resistance strap from the retracted position to the extended position. 
     
     
         15 . The neck exercise device as recited in  claim 14 , wherein each resistance strap is configured to provide variable resistance. 
     
     
         16 . The neck exercise device as recited in  claim 10 , wherein the first resistance strap is independently moveable relative to the second resistance strap. 
     
     
         17 . The neck exercise device as recited in  claim 10 , wherein the first and second resistance straps are formed from an elastic material. 
     
     
         18 . The neck exercise device as recited in  claim 10 , wherein the neck engagement member is formed from a substantially inelastic material. 
     
     
         19 . The neck exercise device as recited in  claim 10 , wherein first and second resistance straps each defines a loop when connected to the neck engagement member. 
     
     
         20 . The neck exercise device as recited in  claim 10 , wherein the neck engagement member includes an outer sheath and an inner strap disposed within the outer sheath.