Neck Exercise Device

Abstract

A neck exercise device comprising a lightweight folding semi-rigid frame across which a wide elastomer band is interlaced to provide variable resistance during exercise and tension force for cervical traction. The device can be placed on a supportive surface and used in lying, sitting and standing by positioning the head on the elastomer band to perform multiple neck exercises in a variety of directions. The frame folds flat for portability.

I claim: 
     
         1 . An exercise device comprising: a rigid base from which a plurality of semi-rigid arms are pivotally attached to the base to form a substantially U-shaped frame across which a wide elastomer band spans parallel to the base and is held substantially at each end. 
     
     
         2 . The exercise device of  claim 1 . wherein said semi-rigid arms fold flat into the base. 
     
     
         3 . The exercise device of  claim 1 . wherein said semi-rigid arms have a narrow void at their free ends. 
     
     
         4 . The exercise device of  claim 1 . wherein said semi-rigid arms have a narrow void at their free ends through which said wide elastomer band is interlaced. 
     
     
         5 . The exercise device of  claim 4 . wherein the ends of said elastomer band interlace through said voids at the free ends of the arms and back onto themselves such that friction between the layers of said elastomer band holds them firmly in place. 
     
     
         6 . An exercise device comprising: a rigid base from which a plurality of semi-rigid arms are pivotally attached to the base to form a substantially U-shaped frame across which a wide non-elastomer band spans parallel to the base and is held substantially at each end. 
     
     
         7 . The exercise device of  claim 6 . wherein said semi-rigid arms fold flat into the base. 
     
     
         8 . The exercise device of  claim 6 . wherein said semi-rigid arms have a narrow void at their free ends. 
     
     
         9 . The exercise device of  claim 6 . wherein said semi-rigid arms have a narrow void at their free ends through which said wide non-elastomer band is interlaced. 
     
     
         10 . The exercise device of  claim 9 . wherein the ends of said non-elastomer band interlace through said voids at the free ends of the arms and back onto themselves such that friction between the layers of said non-elastomer band holds them firmly in place. 
     
     
         11 . An exercise device comprising: a rigid base from which a plurality of semi-rigid arms are fixed firmly at an angle to the base to form a substantially U-shaped frame across which a wide elastomer band spans parallel to the base and is held substantially at each end. 
     
     
         12 . The exercise device of  claim 11 . wherein said semi-rigid arms have a narrow void at their free ends. 
     
     
         13 . The exercise device of  claim 11 . wherein said semi-rigid arms have a narrow void at their free ends through which said wide elastomer band is interlaced. 
     
     
         14 . The exercise device of  claim 13 . wherein the ends of said elastomer band interlace through said voids at the free ends of the arms and back onto themselves such that friction between the layers of said elastomer band holds them firmly in place.