US20140094346A1

Movatterモバイル変換

Info

Publication number: US20140094346A1
Application number: US13/973,581
Authority: US
Inventors: Ian S. BROWN; Dennis M. Brown
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2012-08-22
Filing date: 2013-08-22
Publication date: 2014-04-03

Abstract

The present invention provides an effective way to strengthen the muscles of the jaw. In general, a device according to the present invention is a device constructed of plastic and resistance rubber to be inserted in the mouth to strengthen the muscles of the jaw to improve the shape of the jawline and increase the strength of the muscles of mastication; wherein the device is dimensioned for placement in the mouth such that a user can repeatedly bite down on the resistance rubber to strengthen the muscles of the jaw. The device can strengthen the temporomandibular joint to reduce the risk of head injury from trauma. The device can be provided with a case to hold and store the device.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention is directed to a device intended to strengthen the muscles of mastication, which enable the voluntarily controlled movement of the temporomandibular joint, intended to stabilize and protect the temporomandibular joint.

In particular, contact sports such as football, ice hockey, and rugby can frequently result in impacts to the jaw, which, in turn, can lead to head injury. Head injury in contact sports has become a major problem for athletes. Impact delivered to the chin and/or jaw has been implicated in the cause of traumatic brain injuries (TBI). More than 250,000 concussions occur in high school football in the United States each year. The United States Center for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that more than 3,800,000 total sports brain injuries (SBI) occur each year. Trauma to the “jaw joint” or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) has been associated with concussions in contact sports either through direct impact or through jolt of the chin-strap. In order to reduce the incidence of TMJ related concussion, the TMJ should be stabilized and protected. Therefore, there is a need for a device that can stabilize and protect the TMJ.

In addition, as we age, time and gravity take their effects on our physical appearance due to the decreased elasticity of the skin, atrophy of skeletal muscle, and many other physiological mechanisms. The human face is perhaps the place where the effects of aging are most prominent. Our skin begins to sag, and the angles of our youthful face begin to soften. The jawline is one of the most important components of facial attractiveness in both males and females. A square jaw is subconscious judged as more attractive, healthier, and sexier by the opposite sex than a narrow jaw. A square jaw gets its shape from the inherent shape of the mandible bone (jaw bone) as well as the muscles that attach to it. The muscles that attach to the mandible bone include the masseter muscle, temporalis muscle, and platysma muscle, among others. The motion of chewing utilizes the major muscles connected to the jaw.

Therefore, there is a need for an improved device for reversing the effects of aging and improving the appearance of the jawline.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a device to strengthen the muscles of the face or neck. The present invention is used preventatively to reduce jaw injury. The present invention provides a method to strengthen the major muscles of the jaw; these muscles are used in the motion of chewing. The present invention also protects the TMJ and thus reduces the risk of head injury.

In general, the invention comprises a device constructed of a U-shaped plastic piece connected to two rectangular resistance rubber piece with a cylindrical hollow to be inserted in the mouth to strengthen the muscles of the jaw to improve the shape of the jawline.

A preferred embodiment of a device according to the present invention comprises:

- (1) two rectangular, rubber, sidepieces, each with a cylindrical hollow and resilient following compression therein; and
- (2) a plastic U-shaped band which inserts and attaches permanently to the rubber side pieces, wherein the device is dimensioned for placement in the mouth such that a user can repeatedly bite down on the resistance rubber to strengthen the muscles of the jaw.

The device can strengthen the temporomandibular joint to reduce the risk of head injury from trauma.

Another aspect of the invention is a kit comprising:

- (1) a device according to the present invention as described above; and
- (2) a case dimensioned to hold and store the device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:

FIG. 1 is a top view of a device according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side view of a device according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a rear view of a device according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a top view of a device according to the present invention showing further detail.

FIG. 5 is a side view of a device according to the present invention showing further detail.

FIG. 6 is another top view of a device according to the present invention showing further detail.

FIG. 7 is another side view of a device according to the present invention showing further detail.

FIG. 8 is another top view of a device according to the present invention showing further detail.

FIG. 9 is yet another side view of a device according to the present invention showing further detail.

FIG. 10 is an expanded side view of a device according to the present invention showing further detail.

FIG. 11 is a perspective side view of a device according to the present invention showing further detail.

FIG. 12 is a side view of a case to hold and store a device according to the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a top view of the case in opened position.

FIG. 14 is a bottom view of the case in opened position.

FIG. 15 is a side view of the case in opened position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As shown inFIGS. 1 through 15, the present invention is a device designed to strengthen the muscles of the face and neck generally indicated as10. The device will be used inside of the oral cavity and create resistances that target muscles of mastication. This device creates an easy way to exercise the muscles of the face and neck. Facial fitness has been proven to reduce and even reverse unwanted signs of aging. This device makes facial fitness easier and more efficient using resistance rubber inside the mouth. By biting down repeatedly on the device that offers resistance via rubber suspension, the muscles that attach to the jaw bone will be strengthened and over time hypertrophied. This will lead to a more defined, squarer jaw, which is considered to be more attractive in both sexes, men in particular.

In orthopedics, it is common practice to stabilize a joint by strengthening the muscles that surround that joint. In this case, the muscles of mastication are the muscles that surround the TMJ. Therefore, by strengthening the muscles of mastication, the TMJ becomes more secure and incidence of concussion could decrease. The device of the present invention is specifically designed to strengthen all muscles involved in mastication. By providing resistance to chewing through a rubber and plastic appliance, the muscles around the jaw-joint are strengthened.

FIG. 1 is a top view of the device. Thedevice10 is constructed of plastic and resistance rubber and includes a generally U-shaped plastic piece connected to two generally

rectangular sidepieces

12 and14, each including

holes

16 and18 therein, as well as a connectingmember20. The connectingmember20 includes three segments: a firsttransverse segment22, alateral segment24, and a secondtransverse segment26.

FIG. 2 is a side view of thedevice10 showing the

sidepieces

12 and14 and the connectingmember20.

FIG. 3 is a rear view of thedevice10 showing the

sidepieces

12 and14 and the connectingmember20.

FIG. 4 is a top view of thedevice10 showing further detail.

FIG. 5 is a side view of thedevice10 showing further detail.

FIG. 6 is another top view of thedevice10 showing further detail.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of thedevice10 showing further detail.

FIG. 8 is another top view of thedevice10 showing further detail.

FIG. 9 is a front view of thedevice10 showing further detail.

FIG. 10 is an expanded side view of thedevice10 showing further detail.

FIG. 11 is a perspective side view of thedevice10 showing further detail.

The device of the present invention can be packaged with a case. Typically, the case is roughly triangular in shape and is reversibly closable with a hinge that is an integral part of the case. A side view of thecase100 is shown inFIG. 12. A top view of thecase100 in opened position is shown inFIG. 13, depicting afirst segment102 of thecase100, asecond segment104 of thecase100, and thehinge106. Thecase100 can further include

protrusions

108,110, and112 to hold the device. A bottom view of thecase100 in opened position is shown inFIG. 14. A side view of thecase100 in opened position is shown inFIG. 15. The case can be constructed of any suitable rigid or semi-rigid material, such as metal or a plastic such as polyethylene, polypropylene, or polycarbonate.

The device is typically constructed of plastic and resistance rubber; preferably, the resistance rubber is natural rubber.

Typically, the width of the rectangular sidepieces is about 21 mm. The height of the rectangular sidepieces is about 18.44 mm. The length of the rectangular sidepieces is about 25 mm.

Typically, the height of the connectingmember20 is about 7.39 mm.

Typically, the diameter of the cylindrical hollow is from about 10 to about 15 mm.

Typically, the width of the device as measured from the outer edges is about 80 mm.

Therefore, in general, the present invention comprises a device constructed of plastic and resistance rubber to be inserted in the mouth to strengthen the muscles of the jaw.

Typically, such a device comprises:

- (1) two rectangular rubber sidepieces, each with a cylindrical hollow and resilient following compression therein; and
- (2) a plastic U-shaped band which inserts and attaches permanently to the rubber side pieces, wherein the device is dimensioned for placement in the mouth such that a user can repeatedly bite down on the resistance rubber to strengthen the muscles of the jaw;
  wherein the device is dimensioned for placement in the mouth such that a user can repeatedly bite down on the resistance rubber to strengthen the muscles of the jaw.

As described above, the device can be sold together with a case to hold and store the device. Accordingly, another aspect of the invention is a kit comprising: (1) a device according to the present invention as described above; and (2) a case dimensioned to hold and store the device.

A device according to the present invention is used by placing the device in the mouth so that the user can bite down repeatedly on it, thereby strengthening the muscles that attach to the jawbone. This will lead to a more defined, squarer jaw line.

Another aspect of the invention is an exercise apparatus for the jaw and facial muscles comprising a generally U-shaped plastic band having two symmetrical ends, which are permanently inserted into two resilient rectangular rubber pieces with a cylindrical hollow at each end, wherein the exercise apparatus is used intra-orally, sitting between back teeth of a user.

In this exercise apparatus, the two resilient rectangular rubber pieces with a cylindrical hollow at each end can be identical and symmetrical tubes wherein each tube has an upper and lower, and inner and outer surface with ridges on the upper and lower surfaces for gripping the teeth.

The exercise apparatus can be inserted into the mouth to strengthen the muscles around the temporomandibular joint including the muscles used in mastication (chewing) and auxiliaries. The exercise apparatus can comprise a plastic U-shaped piece inserted into a rubber, compressible square-like piece at each end which shall sit between the user's back teeth.

The exercise apparatus can have ridges designed to grip the teeth to prevent unwanted sliding front and back. The exercise apparatus can be used by athletes off of the field in a training setting to strengthen the muscles of mastication and auxiliaries. Alternatively, the exercise apparatus can be a facial fitness device used for health and beauty purposes as well as athletics.

The apparatus can be designed for a full contact sport selected from the group consisting of ice hockey, football, lacrosse, martial arts, boxing, field hockey, wrestling, Australian rules football, and rugby. Alternatively, the apparatus can be designed for a limited contact sport selected from the group consisting of basketball, occer, baseball, cycling, gymnastics, inline skating, skateboarding, skiing, snowboarding, volleyball, and softball. In another alternative, the apparatus can be designed for a noncontact sport selected from the group consisting of golf, running, swimming, weightlifting, yoga, pilates, tennis, bowling, shooting, and training.

The apparatus can be used to tighten the skin of the lower face and neck.

The apparatus can be stored in a carrying case and can be cleaned with household antiseptic agents in common use.

Additionally, devices according to the present invention can, by strengthening the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), prevent head injury, such as might occur in contact sports.

Another aspect of the present invention is a jaw muscle exercise device inserted into the mouth comprising a generally U-shaped plastic band including therein two resilient rectangular rubber tubes, whereby, when a user inserts the device into the mouth and bites down repetitively on the upper and lower surfaces of the resilient rubber tubes, the resistance to deformity of the resilient tubes is imparted to the jaw muscles of the user. In this jaw muscle exercise device, the two identical resilient rubber tubes can comprise different rubber grades offering a weight system wherein said rubber of a higher duro will be increasingly more difficult to deform allowing the jaw muscles to experiences a variety of tensions.

Yet another aspect of the present invention is a method for exercising one's jaw muscles comprising the steps of:

- (1) inserting into one's mouth a jaw muscle exercise device comprising a generally U-shaped plastic band inserted into two identical resilient rubber hollows each of which has an upper and lower surface as well as two lateral surfaces, whereby the upper and lower surfaces are in contact with the upper and lower teeth of the user respectively while the lateral surface deforms and returns in response to the user biting down bilaterally; and
- (2) repetitively biting down on the jaw exercise device, whereby resistance to deformity of the resilient bodies is repetitively imparted to one's jaw muscles.

Devices according to the present invention can be manufactured by conventional methods of molding rubber products.

ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a convenient, effective and safe way to strengthen the muscles attached to the jawbone. Use of the device is safe and effective to provide a more pronounced jawline and to strengthen the muscles of the jaw for protection in contact sports. Additionally, a device according to the present invention can strengthen the temporomandibular joint and potentially reduce injuries resulting from trauma.

A device according to the present invention possesses industrial applicability as an article of manufacture.

The inventions illustratively described herein can suitably be practiced in the absence of any element or elements, limitation or limitations, not specifically disclosed herein. Thus, for example, the terms “comprising,” “including,” “containing,” etc. shall be read expansively and without limitation. Additionally, the terms and expressions employed herein have been used as terms of description and not of limitation, and there is no intention in the use of such terms and expressions of excluding any equivalents of the future shown and described or any portion thereof, and it is recognized that various modifications are possible within the scope of the invention claimed. Thus, it should be understood that although the present invention has been specifically disclosed by preferred embodiments and optional features, modification and variation of the inventions herein disclosed can be resorted by those skilled in the art, and that such modifications and variations are considered to be within the scope of the inventions disclosed herein. The inventions have been described broadly and generically herein. Each of the narrower species and subgeneric groupings falling within the scope of the generic disclosure also form part of these inventions. This includes the generic description of each invention with a proviso or negative limitation removing any subject matter from the genus, regardless of whether or not the excised materials specifically resided therein.

In addition, where features or aspects of an invention are described in terms of the Markush group, those schooled in the art will recognize that the invention is also thereby described in terms of any individual member or subgroup of members of the Markush group. It is also to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. Many embodiments will be apparent to those of in the art upon reviewing the above description. The scope of the invention should therefore, be determined not with reference to the above description, but should instead be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. The disclosures of all articles and references, including patent publications, are incorporated herein by reference.