Cervical spine protection apparatus and methods of use

摘要

The invention is directed to a cervical spine protection apparatus one or more composite bands attached to provide restraint of one or more motions of the cervical spine of a wearer. The apparatus is designed to protect a wearer from incurring cervical spinal injuries, and/or to reduce the severity of cervical spine injuries without substantially compromising the normal functional range of motion of the wearer's cervical spine.

主权项

1. A protection apparatus to be worn by a wearer comprising:
(i) a composite band, wherein the composite band comprises:
(A) an elastic band having a modulus of elasticity of from about 20 psi to about 30,000 psi;(B) a second band having a substantially higher modulus of elasticity; and(C) a non-solid viscous material positioned relative to the elastic band and second band to enable dampening of movement of the composite band; and (ii) a structure selected from the group consisting of a brace, shoulder pads and a platform, attached to a proximal portion of the composite band, (iii) whereby there is sufficient slack in said second band to permit said elastic band to stretch a distance which corresponds to a desired range of motion for the wearer of the composite band, (iv) wherein the protection apparatus is at least part of protective sports or athletic gear.