Abstract: An isometric neck exerciser includes a main platform that houses three separate cushioned supports. A first of the supports is contoured and positioned to maintain firm pressure on the mid cervical spine. The second support is contoured to form a notch which is positioned to maintain firm pressure on the upper cervical vertebra and to contact a plurality of acupressure points. The third support is positioned to provide general positive support for the base of the skull. Each support reliably achieves constant support for the particular portion of the cervical system as the neck is moved through three primary axes of motion, (flexion/extension, lateral flexion and rotation). One or more stepping platforms can be added to selectively elevate the main platform to tailor the exerciser for different sized individuals.

Abstract: Portable multi-purpose exercise device has an elongated generally tubular, and preferably cylindrical, cushion or pillow portion which is adapted to be placed behind a user's head and neck or other body portion while handle members attached to the outer ends of a stretchable cord-like tension member extending from each end of the pillow portion are engaged and pulled by the user's hands. The pillow portion preferably comprises one or more layers of resilient foam surrounding rigid sleeve members through which the tension member passes. The device is very lightweight and compact, and yet permits many exercise routines to be performed to strengthen a wide range of muscle groups. The device is especially helpful in providing head and neck support while doing ab crunches, for example.

Abstract: An exercise device for use in exercising the neck of a user includes a mouthpiece to be received by the mouth of a user and held in the user's mouth. The mouthpiece includes first and second sides. The device includes a first elastomeric band having first and second ends. The first end of the first elastomeric band is attached to the first side of the mouthpiece. A second elastomeric band includes first and second ends. The first end of the second elastomeric band is attached to the second side of the mouthpiece. The second ends of the first and second elastomeric bands are held in the hands of the user doing neck exercises.

Abstract: A resistance exercise device is disclosed for an amputee which includes a harness assembly configured to engage the stump portion of an amputated limb. The harness assembly includes a circumferential support strap and a depending retention portion. A mechanism is provided for affording dynamic resistance to the amputee during the performance of an exercise, and fastening members are associated with said circumferential support strap for engaging the resistance mechanism.

Abstract: A support device for performing shoulder rotation exercises, of a shape such that it rests against and on top of the upper shoulders of a typical person and passes under and partially around both upper arms of the person. The shape is also such that it supports the upper arms of the person in a position somewhat below and forward of the shoulders of the person, and restricts the upper arms of the person from moving forward, backward, or downward, but allows the upper arms of the person to rotate. The shape is also such that it does not rest against or cause force to be transmitted to the neck of the person.

Abstract: Assistance in the restoring of genetic loss of function is achieved by a method providing incremental controlled movements of the head and neck muscles and wherein the body assumes the supine, prone and left and right lateral positions, all in a horizontally aligned disposition while atop a plane surface. Head/neck lift movements are executed in an exercise series involving successive movements in a vertical and left to right direction, initially terminating with a rest pause following each head/neck lift. Following a sequence of a plurality of levels, the full muscular range of motion is obtained, in an incremental manner, through the use of a firm support element inserted beneath the upper back in certain of the levels involving the supine position, beneath the chest in certain of the levels involving the prone position and beneath the head in certain of the levels involving the left and right lateral positions.

Abstract: An apparatus for exercising the muscles surrounding the cervical spine of a person, comprising: a belt adapted to be secured about the waist of a person, and including frontal and posterior portions; a pair of suspenders connecting at their frontal ends of opposing frontal portions of the belt, extending over opposing shoulders of the person, and connecting at their posterior ends to opposing posterior portions of the belt; a chin cup adapted to fit around the person's chin; a head band adapted to fit around the person's head and including frontal and posterior portions; a first elastic strap adapted to provide a tensile load between the chin cup and the frontal portion of the belt; and a plurality of elastic straps adapted to provide tensile loads between the frontal portion of the head band, across the person's head, and the posterior portion of the belt or suspenders.

Abstract: An apparatus for exercising the muscles surrounding the cervical spine of a person in an isokinetic manner, comprising: a headband adapted to fit around the person's head; a breast plate; a back plate; at least one strap adapted to hold the breast plate and back plate in position on the person's body; a belt adapted to fit around the person's lower torso and lower back, wherein the belt is coupled to the breast plate or back plate; a lumbar belt adapted to fit around the person's waist; a plurality of adjustable non-elastic straps with isokinetic tensioners adapted to provide tensile loads between the headband and the breast and back plates; a plurality of adjustable elastic straps adapted to provide tensile loads between the headband and the breast and back plates; and a plurality of adjustable elastic straps adapted to provide tensile loads between the breast and back plates and the lumbar belt.

Abstract: Elastic cable exercise apparatus is provided with adjustably positionable, rotatable hand-hold grips, safety loop means for arresting cable contraction when a door is utilized for anchoring the cable, and a harness for being worn on the head and attached to a cable to facilitate exercise of neck muscles.

Abstract: A jaw and neck muscle exercise apparatus which includes a spring loaded support arm attached to a soft chin support on one end and to a chest plate on the other end. The chest plate is strapped around the chest bone/collar bone area and the back of the neck by a collar strap. The lower jaw may then be exercised by opening the mouth or lowering the entire head against the resistance of the spring. The resistance is selected to be proper for the size and strength of the user and the progress of the exercise program to date. Proper use of this device will cause the muscles of the face, chin and neck to become toned and conditioned, eliminating fatness below the chin and wrinkles, particularly exercising the hyoid, the infrahyoid and digastric muscles.

Abstract: A neck exercising and manipulating device, for stimulating the range of motion of the intervertebral joints of the neck in several directions is in the form of a strap with loops at each end for gripping in the hands. In the middle of the strap is a padded central portion with a high friction surface on one side, for engaging against the back of the neck at various levels depending on the joints to be stimulated. A series of different stimulating exercises are disclosed, for improving the range of motion and comfort of the cervical spine as well as other exercises.

Abstract: There is disclosed an exercise device for exercising the facial muscles of a user. The device includes a first elastic strap for encircling the face of a user. The elastic strap is secured in position over the forehead and under the chin by a plurality of additional straps. One of the straps of the device, when in use, is positioned beneath the ears for maintaining stability of the elastic strap and preventing lateral movement of the jaw during use.

Abstract: An exercise machine (10) and method for testing and exercising the cervical muscles of a patient or user. A movement arm (58) is mounted for pivotal movement about a horizontal axis defined by stub shafts (64, 66) and has a head pad (60) adapted to be contacted by the head of the patient. The exercise machine (10) has a chair (22) mounted for rotation to a desired angular position and mounted for vertical adjustment by actuation of a foot lever (38) to position the chair (22) relative to movement arm (58) and head pad (60). Chair (22) is also mounted for translatory horizontal movement parallel to the pivot axis of the movement arm (58) and for translatory horizontal movement perpendicular to the pivot axis of the movement arm (58) by movable bases (45, 46) thereby to precisely position the head of a user relative to head pad (60) while the user is seated in the chair (22) and pivoted among angular positions.

Abstract: An apparatus for exercising the muscles surrounding the cervical spine of a person, comprising: a belt adapted to be secured about the waist of a person, and including frontal and posterior portions; a pair of suspenders connecting at their frontal ends to opposing frontal portions of the belt, extending over opposing shoulders of the person, and connecting at their posterior ends to opposing posterior portions of the belt; a chin cup adapted to fit around the person's chin; a head band adapted to fit around the person's head and including frontal and posterior portions; a first elastic strap adapted to provide a tensile load between the chin cup and the frontal portion of the belt; and a plurality of elastic straps adapted to provide tensile loads between the frontal portion of the head band, across the person's head, and the posterior portion of the belt or suspenders.

Abstract: An improved head, neck and shoulder apparatus is provided which can be utilized for exercise and/or therapy of the cervical spine and/or muscles associated with the cervical spine. The machine includes a head frame which receives a person's head, and a main frame which can receive a person in a seated position. A ball joint is provided for allowing relative movement of the head frame with respect to the main frame, with the ball joint positionable such that it can be located adjacent a desired location along the person's cervical spine, preferably at the cervico thoracic junction. Various aspects of the invention are also applicable to exercise machines designed for conditioning other muscles and/or muscle groups.

Abstract: A head alignment system for a person having reduced musculature or loss of muscle control of their neck and shoulders, whereby the device maintains the head of the person in a generally upright position. The device comprises at least one pulley attached to a support, a headband having two ends, and a cord having two ends, each of the ends of the cord being adjustably attached to a corresponding one of the ends of the headband. The cord being received by the pulley and the headband and the cord forming an adjustable loop. The loop being adapted for placement about the head of the person, whereby the cord is adjusted so that the head of the person is held generally upright. The cord, by moving about the pulley, permits the headband to move with the head of the person as the person rotates their head about an axis extending from their neck through the top of their head.

Abstract: A modular apparatus comprising a neck band and a variety of inserts to provide different functional capabilities useful and beneficial for the treatment of an injury to the neck and the rehabilitation associated therewith. The neck band is provided with a pocket for receiving the interchangeable insertion of the various inserts. One of the inserts in conjunction with the neck bank provides an apparatus for immobilizing or limiting movement of the neck. A cylindrical insert in conjunction with the neck band provides an apparatus beneficial for improving articular motion of the joints of the neck. An insert filled with a medium that may be either heated or cooled in conjunction with the neck band provides either a hot pack or a cold pack. The neck band is of an elastic material and has formed loops on each of its ends to facilitate utilization of the neck band for exercise routines, either by using the band by itself or using the band with one of the inserts inserted in the pocket.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to an easily disassembled sit down exercise device to enable the user to concentrate on exercising primarily the muscles of the face and neck particularly enabling the selective use of low weight poundage thus permitting physically able persons to improve their facial and neck muscle tone. This sit down device has a front bench having hand grips and rear legs having foot plates on each side; front adjustable supports housing a single front pulley; an intermediate support and guide member containing a carriage, multiroller assembly and a lower intermediate pulley to which a desired selected poundage of weights can be attached; a common base for the bench rear legs, front and intermediate supports; a cable permitting movement of the selected weight(s) during exercise, passing over the upper intermediate pulley and under the front pulley and connected at one end to a harness which is connected to a headband worn by the exerciser.

Abstract: A neck exerciser for a user preferably lying prone and moving his head up or down includes a helmet secured to the head by a chinstrap. A selectable number of removable weights are each affixed to a band portion of the helmet. The position of each weight is selectable to produce the maximum movement of force for a given amount of weight so that the maximum training effect is achieved with a minimized amount of weight.

Abstract: A neck exercising apparatus (10) including an elongated support member (14) adapted to be suspended from a door (100) and operatively connected to a generally U-shaped leaf spring member (20) having a head rest member (30) movably attached to the outboard leg (22) of the spring member (20); wherein, the position of the head rest member (30) on the spring member (20) determines the amount of resistance provided by the spring member (20).

Abstract: Method and apparatus for testing and/or exercising the rotary neck muscles which are used to twist or turn the neck from side-to-side about a generally vertical pivot axis passing through the cervical vertebrae. The head is held by and between a pair of pads mounted on a rotatable frame fixed to a movement arm in the form of a vertical pivot shaft rotatable about the pivot axis. The movement arm is connectable to resistance weight stack to oppose pivotal movement of the movement arm in one direction. During exercise, the subject is seated against a backrest with a front pad assembly immobilizing the chest and shoulder areas of the subject. Additionally, the head pads prevent forward and rearward movement of the neck in extension and flexion so that only the rotary torsion muscles of the neck are exercised.

Abstract: A head, neck and shoulder therapeutic exercise device which mechanically assists the human head and neck with intermittent rearward/forward movement in order to help correct or attenuate by means of muscular conditioning the cervical misalignment associated with forward head and flexible cervical lordosis. Mounted on a chair, an adjustable frame supports above the patient's head a motor assembly in fixed position and a motion-assist assembly which is horizontally moveable. The latter comprises in part a roller block with affixed roller bearing plate extending down behind the patient's head. The motor shaft, also behind the patient's head, has a cam which rides against a roller bearing in the roller bearing plate. As the cam's high side rotates against the bearing, the bearing plate moves away from the patient, thereby transferring rearward tension to the head by means of stretchable straps attached to said bearing plate and placed around the patient's forehead and chin.