Patent ID: 6454680
Filing Date: 2002-09-24
Classification: A63B,Y10S

Abstract:
An apparatus for exercise and/or rehabilitation of neck extensors by flexion and extension movements, said apparatus comprising:an equipment frame (1), a seat (2) provided with a back rest (3), and holding means (4) for holding a person's body substantially immobile in position relative to the back rest; a link rod (5) pivoted by its first end (6) on the equipment frame via a first joint (7) permitting a turning motion about a swing axis (8) perpendicular to a vertical middle plane of the seat; a head rest (9) functionally connected to the link rod (5) so that the link rod participates in turning the head rest during an exercise movement while the person's head is leaning against the head rest; a resistance means (10) for generating a force opposing the exercise movement; adjusting elements (11) for adjustment of a position of the seat in relation to the equipment frame (1); the head rest (9) being substantially fitted to receive an upper part of the person's neck; and a multi-joint angular linkage mechanism (12), of which the link rod (5) constitutes a part, said multi-joint angular linkage mechanism (12) being connected to the head rest (9) so as to cause it to move during an exercise movement along a curved path that substantially coincides with a natural path of the person's neck during flexion and extension movements of the person's neck without producing any relative motion between the head rest (9) and a point of contact between the person's neck and the head rest (9).