Jawline device

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.

1 . 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. 
     
     
         2 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the two resilient rectangular rubber pieces with a cylindrical hollow at each end are 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. 
     
     
         3 . 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. 
     
     
         4 . The jaw muscle exercise device of  claim 3  wherein the two identical resilient rubber tubes 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. 
     
     
         5 . A method for exercising one's jaw muscles comprising the steps of:
 (a) 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   (b) repetitively biting down on the jaw exercise device, whereby resistance to deformity of the resilient bodies is repetitively imparted to one's jaw muscles.   
     
     
         6 . The exercise device of  claim 1 , wherein the device is inserted into the mouth to strengthen the muscles around the temporomandibular joint including the muscles used in mastication (chewing) and auxiliaries. 
     
     
         7 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the apparatus comprises 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. 
     
     
         8 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the apparatus has ridges designed to grip the teeth to prevent unwanted sliding front and back. 
     
     
         9 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the apparatus can be used by athletes off of the field in a training setting to strengthen the muscles of mastication and auxiliaries. 
     
     
         10 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the apparatus is a facial fitness device used for health and beauty purposes as well as athletics. 
     
     
         11 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the apparatus is 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. 
     
     
         12 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the apparatus is designed for a limited contact sport selected from the group consisting of basketball, soccer, baseball, cycling, gymnastics, inline skating, skateboarding, skiing, snowboarding, volleyball, and softball. 
     
     
         13 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the apparatus is designed for a noncontact sport selected from the group consisting of golf, running, swimming, weightlifting, yoga, pilates, tennis, bowling, shooting, and training. 
     
     
         14 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the apparatus can be used to tighten the skin of the lower face and neck. 
     
     
         15 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the apparatus can be stored in a carrying case. 
     
     
         16 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the apparatus can be cleaned with household antiseptic agents. 
     
     
         17 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the apparatus can be used by people to increase bone mineral density (BMD) and mandibular alveolar bone mass (MABM). 
     
     
         18 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the apparatus can be used by people to increase successful prognosis of a dental implantation procedure. 
     
     
         19 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the apparatus can be used by people to improve oral health, including the health of the teeth, gums, and bones.