Neck support apparatus and applications thereof

Abstract

In one aspect, neck support apparatus are described herein. In some embodiments, a neck support apparatus comprises a band comprising a first end, a second end and a neck support region positioned between the first end and the second end, the first end comprising a first fastener and the second end comprising a second fastener, wherein the neck support region has one or more dimensions sufficient to restrain, prevent, or inhibit neck extension beyond a 70 degree angle when the band is placed in tension by coupling the first and second ends to body equipment on the torso of an individual, the angle defined by the intersection of a line drawn from the tragus of the ear to the canthus of the eye and a horizontal line of the tragus.

That which is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A neck support apparatus comprising:
 a band comprising a first end, a second end and a neck support region positioned between the first end and the second end, the first end comprising a first fastener and the second end comprising a second fastener, wherein the neck support region has a thickness sufficient to restrain neck extension beyond a 70 degree angle when the band is placed in tension by coupling the first and second ends to body equipment on the torso of an individual, the angle defined by the intersection of a line drawn from the tragus of the ear to the canthus of the eye and a horizontal line of the tragus.   
     
     
         2 . The neck support apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the neck support region has a thickness sufficient to restrain neck extension beyond a 35 degree angle. 
     
     
         3 . The neck support apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the band partially encircles the neck of the individual. 
     
     
         4 . The neck support apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the body equipment comprises football shoulder pads. 
     
     
         5 . The neck support apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the body equipment comprises an armored vest or flak jacket. 
     
     
         6 . A method of supporting an individual's neck comprising:
 providing a band comprising a first end, a second end and a neck support region positioned between the first end and the second end;   positioning the neck support region adjacent to the neck of the individual; and   placing the band in tension by coupling the first end and the second end to body equipment on the torso of the individual, wherein the neck support region has a thickness sufficient to restrain neck extension beyond a 70 degree angle defined by the intersection of a line drawn from the tragus of the ear to the canthus of the eye and a horizontal line of the tragus.   
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein the neck support region has a thickness sufficient to restrain neck extension beyond a 35 degree angle. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein the band partially encircles the neck of the individual. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 6  further comprising altering the angle by adjusting the tension of the band. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the angle is increased by reducing the tension of the band. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the angle is decreased by increasing the tension of the band.