GB2609968A

GB2609968A - An apparatus for exercising a user's jaw

Info

Publication number: GB2609968A
Application number: GB2111913.6A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Gardner Oliver
Original assignee: Og Sourcing Ltd
Current assignee: Og Sourcing Ltd
Priority date: 2021-08-19
Filing date: 2021-08-19
Publication date: 2023-02-22
Also published as: GB202111913D0

Abstract

An apparatus 10 for exercising a user’s jaw, includes: a main body 12 formed from a resiliently deformable material for deformation by a user’s teeth, the main body 12 including a first 14, upper, portion and a second 16, lower, portion connected by a third portion 17, wherein the first 14 and second 16 portions are engaged by a user’s teeth during use; wherein the first 14 portion is generally arcuate; and/or wherein the second 16 portion is generally arcuate; wherein the first 14, second 16and third 17 portions are integrally formed. The main body 12 may be movable from a first condition to a second condition via compressing and uncompressing due to pressure from a user’s teeth. The main body 12 may include openings in a front or side surfaces.

Description

AN APPARATUS FOR EXERCISING A USER'S JAW

FIELD

The present invention relates to an apparatus for exercising a user's jaw. Particularly, but not exclusively, the present invention relates to an apparatus for strengthening a user's jaw to enable a user to develop a more defined/chiselled jaw or to recover for an illness or injury which has impaired a user's ability to effectively use their jaw.

BACKGROUND

Jaws can become weakened or damaged due to a number of illnesses, infections or injuries, e.g. temporomandibular joint (TMJ) syndrome which is a disorder of the jaw muscles and nerves caused by injury or inflammation to the temporomandibular joint. People can also be born with a jaw, or jaw muscles, that is/are comparatively weak such that they cannot eat food or drink normally. To assist the recovery of these people it is common practice for such people to use physical therapy to strengthen their jaw. People also strengthen their jaw for aesthetic purposes, i.e. to develop a larger/more defined/chiselled jaw. The exercises required for this typically require the use of a jaw exerciser which provides a resistance against which a user's jaw must act to enable them to close their jaw. Such resistance is provided by separate distinct parts of the jaw exerciser moving relative to each other to provide movement and resistance to that movement.

A problem with existing jaw exercisers is that they place too much pressure on a user's teeth and the teeth are then susceptible to being broken. Existing jaw exercisers also only work in a single dimension and so cannot account readily for other movements of a user's jaw and strengthen those also. Jaw exercisers can also "pinch" or damage the inside of a user's mouth in use which is clearly undesirable.

The present invention seeks to ameliorate issues arising from existing jaw exercisers.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the invention we provide an apparatus for exercising a user's aw, including: a main body formed from a resiliently deformable material for deformation by a user's teeth in use, the main body including a first, upper, portion and a second, lower, portion connected by a third portion, wherein the first and second portions are engaged by a user's teeth during use; wherein the first portion is generally arcuate; and/or wherein the second portion is generally arcuate; wherein the first, second and third nor ions are integrally formed.

The first portion may follow an outhne of a user's teeth, e.g. the general shape defined by the upper and lower teeth respectively.

The second portion may follow an outline of a user's teeth.

According to a second aspect of the invention we provide an apparatus for exercising a user's jaw, including: a main body formed from a resiliently deformable material for deformation by a user in use the main body including a first, upper, portion and a second, lower, portion connected by a third portion, wherein the first and second portions are engaged by a user's teeth during use; wherein the first portion follows an outline of a user's teeth, e.g. the general shape defined by the upper and lower teeth respectively; and/or wherein the second portion follows an outline of a user's teeth; wherein the first, second and third portions are integrally formed.

The main body may be movable from a first condition to a second condition.

In the first condition the main body may be uncompressed.

In the second condition main body may be at least partially compressed.

The main body may be movable from the first condition to the second condition by the application of pressure to the first and second portions by a user's teeth.

The apparatus may be permitted to move from the second condition to the first condition by the removal of pressure to the first and second portions by a user's teeth.

The main body may be U-shaped.

The third portion may include an outwardly facing third surface which in use faces outwardly away from a user's mouth.

The third portion may include an inwardly facing, fourth surface which may in use face inwardly towards a user's mouth.

The third surface may extend between respective sides of the first and second portions.

The fourth surface may extend between respective sides of the first and second portions.

The third surface may be generally arcuate.

The third surface may be U-shaped in plan view.

The fourth surface ma e generally arcuate.

The fourth surface may be U-shaped in plan view.

The third portion may include formations to permit deformation of the main body during use.

The formations may define spaces within the third portion for permitting the first and second portions to move towards and away from each other during use.

The formations may include a first formation which includes a first opening defined by the third surface.

The first opening may be generally rectangular when viewed from a front of the apparatus and may include at least one outwardly curved side, e.g. bowed outwardly away from an opposing side of the rectangle.

Preferably each side of the rectangle may be outwardly curved.

The first opening may be generally rectangular.

The first opening may be generally circular.

The first opening may be generally triangular.

The first opening may be generally semi-circular.

The first opening may be generally segment-shaped.

The ning may be generally obround.

The first formation ay include a second opening defined by fourth surface.

The second opening may be generally rectangular and may include at least one outwardly curved side, e.g. bowed outwardly away from an opposing side of the rectangle.

Preferably each side of the rectangle may be outwardly curved.

The second opening may be generally rectangt The second opening may be generally circular.

The second opening may be generally triangular.

The second opening may be generally semi-circular.

The second opening may be generally segment-shaped.

The second opening may be generally obround.

The second opening may be positioned generally opposite the first opening.

The first opening may be larger than the second opening.

The second opening may be larger than the first opening.

The first opening may be the same size as the second opening.

The first formation may include a passage which extends between the first and second openings.

The passage may taper as the passage extends in a direction from the first opening to the second opening The passage may taper as the passage extends in a direction from the second opening to the first opening.

A cross-sectional area of the passage may be generally constant.

A cross-sectional area of the passage may be generally rectangular and may include at least one outwardly curved side, e.g. bowed outwardly away from an opposing side of the rectangle.

Preferably each side may be outwardly curved.

A cross-sectional area of the passage may be generally rectangular.

A cross-sectional area of the passage may be generally circular.

A cross-sectional area of the passage may be generally triangular.

A cross-sectional area of the passage may be generally semi-circular.

A cross-sectional area of the passage may be generally segment-shaped.

A cross-sectional area of the passage may be genera obround.

The main body may have a height and a width.

The first formation may be positioned generally centrally of h height and/or the width of the main body.

The main body may include a front and a rear.

In use the rear may be positioned adjacent user's molars.

The front may be positioned adjacent a user s incisors.

The first formation ay be positioned at the front.

The formations may include further formations provided on the third portion.

The further formations may be positioned to first and/or second, opposite, sides of the first formation.

One or more or all of the further formations may include a first opening defined by the third surface.

One or more or all of the further formations may include a second opening defined by the fourth surface.

One or more or all of the further for -nay include a passage which extends between the first and second openings.

One or more or all of the further formations may include one or more or f the features described in relation to the first formation.

The main body may be generally symmetrical about a plane A which extends generally vertically with respect to the main body, preferably perpendicularly to the first and second portions.

The main body may be generally syrnrneMcal about a plane B which extends generally horizontally with respect to the main body, preferably midway between the first and second portions.

The apparatus may include a first gripping formation for a user's teeth to grip, positioned on a surface of the first portion.

The first PP formation may extend across all of the surface of the first portion.

The first gripping formation may include a first protrusion for a user to grip with their teeth, in use The first protrusion may be generally dome shaped and preferably may be partially spherical.

The first gripping formation may include a plurality of first protrusions positioned on the surface of the first portion.

The apparatus may include a second gripping formation for a user's teeth to grip, positioned on surface of the second portion.

The second gripping formation may extend across all of the surface of the second portion.

The second gripping formation may include a first protrusion for a user to grip with their teeth in use, The first protrusion may be generally dome shaped and preferably may be partially spherical.

The second gripping formation may include a plurality of first protrusions positioned on the surface of the second portion.

The main body may be formed of a material having a hardness of at least: 20; 30; 40; 50; 60 70; or Shore A; and/or a hardness of at most: 90; 80; 70; 60; 50; 40; or 30 Shore A. The main body may be formed of a material having a density of at least: 1.10; 1.12; 1.14; 1.16; 1.18; 1.20; 1.21; 1.22; or 1.24 gicrns; and/or a density of at most: 1.26; 1.24; 1.22; 1.21: 1.20; 1.18; 1.16; 1.14 or 1.12 gicms.

The main body may be formed of a material having a tensile strength of at east: 75: 8.0 or 8.5 MPa; and/or a tensile strength of at most: 9.0; 8.5 or 8 0 MPa.

The main body may be formed of a material having an elongation characteristic of at least: 300; 360; 420; 500; 580; 650; 720; or 820%; and/or an elongation characteristic of at most: 900; 820; 720; 650; 580; 500; 420; or 360%.

The main body may be formed of a material having a tear strength of t least: 20 5; 30 or 35 kN/m; and/or a tear strength of at most: 40; 35; 30 or 25 kN/m.

The main body may be formed of a material having a shrinkage of at least: 2.5; 2.8; 3.0; 3.1; 3.2; 3.3; 3.4; 3.5; 3.6; 3.7: 3.8 or 3.9%; and/or a shrinkage of at most: 42; 3.9: 3.8; 3.7; 3.6; 3.5; 3.4; 3.3; 3.2; 3.1; 3.0 or 2.8%.

The main body may be formed of a material having a plasticity of at least: 160; 180; 205; 210; 230; 245; 265; 285; 305 or 335; and/or a plasticity of at most: 355; 335: 305; 285; 265; 245; 230; 210; 205 or 180.

The main body may include, or be formed from, silicone, est fumed silicone.

The first aspect of the invention may include one or more or all of the features of the second aspect of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

In order that the present disclosure may be more readily understood, an embodiment of the present disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of an apparatus for exercising a user's jaw in accordance with the

present disclosure;

FIGURE 2 is a further perspective view of the apparatus of figure 1; FIGURE 3 is a top view of the apparatus of figure 1; FIGURE 4 is a bottom view of the apparatus of figure 1; FIGURE 5 is a front view of the apparatus of figure 1; FIGURE 6 is a rear view of the apparatus of figure 1; FIGURE 7 is a first side view of the apparatus of figure 1; and FIGURE 8 is a second side view of the apparatus of figure 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

Referring to the figures there is provided an apparatus 10 for exercising a user's jaw in accordance with the present disclosure.

The apparatus 10 includes a main body 12. The main body 12 includes first and second respective portions 14, 16 (see figures 1, 3 and 4 in particular) which are positioned on generally opposite sides of a third portion 17 of the main body 12. The first and second portions 14, 16 each include an outwardly facing surface and may each define a top and bottom of the main body 12 and/or the apparatus 10 respectively. In other words the first and second portions 14, 16 may be spaced apart from each other by the third portion 17. In the present embodiment the main body 12 is generally U-shaped or is shaped to generally follow an outline of a user's teeth. By follow an outline of a user's teeth we mean the general shape which is formed by the respective sets of a user's upper and lower teeth.

The first portion 14 is generally arcuate, as shown in figures 1 to 3. In particular, the first portion 14 in the present embodiment is generally U-shaped in plan view, or may be shaped to generally follow an outline of a user's teeth (as shown in figure 3). In embodiments the first surface 14 may, alternatively, be generally D-shaped.

The second portion 16 is generally arcuate, as shown in figures 1 to 4. In particular, the second portion 16 in the present embodiment is generally U-shaped in plan view, or may be shaped to generally follow an outline of a users teeth (as shown in figure 4). In embodiments the second portion 16 may, alternatively, be generally 0-shaped.

Such arcuate portions are advantageous. These portions permit the surfaces to follow an outline of a user's teeth and enable a user to use all of their teeth to engage the first and second portions 14, 16. This enables the pressure being exerted by the user to be distributed across all of their teeth rather than only their front teeth. This is advantageous as it reduces the risk of a user damaging their teeth through using the jaw exerciser and also increases user comfort. The arcuate portions also enable a user to achieve quicker and more efficient results than was previously possible (typically after a few weeks of use). The arcuate portions also provide increased control and comfort to a user.

The third portion 17 in the present embodiment is substantially the same shape, in plan view, as the first and second portions 14, 16. In embodiments the third portion 17 may have a different shape in plan view to the first and/or second portions 14, 16 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the first and/or second portions 14, 16 may be D-shaped in plan view as described above whilst the third portion 17 may be U-shaped in plan view.

Alternatively the first and/or second portions 14, 16 may be U-shaped in plan view as described above whilst the third portion 17 may be D-shaped in plan view.

The first and second portions 14, 16 are generally planar, or the outwardly facing surfaces of the first and second portions 14, 16 are generally planar. In the present embodiment the first and second portions 14, 16 and/or the outwardly facing surfaces of the first and second portions 14, 16 are parallel. Such a construction is advantageous as it ensures proper engagement of all of a user's teeth in use. In embodiments the first portion and/or the outwardly facing surface of the first portion may be inclined at an angle to the second portion and/or the outwardly Icing surface of the second portion. In embodiments the first and second portions 14, 16 and/or the outwardly facing surfaces of the first and second portions 14, 16 may not be planar. For example, the first and second portions and/or the outwardly facing surfaces of the first and second portions 14, 16 may be concave or convex or may be formed as any other curvilinear shape without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

The third portion 17 may include an outwardly facing third surface 18 and an inwardly facing fourth surface 20. The third and fourth surfaces 18.20 extend between respective sides of the first and second portions 14, 16. The third surface 18 faces outwardly away from a user's mouth in use and may be considered to be an outer surface of the apparatus 10. The fourth surface 20 faces inwardly towards a user's mouth in use and may be considered to be an inner surface of the apparatus 10.

In the present embodiment the third surface 18 is perpendicular to the first and/or second portions 14, 16. In embodiments the third surface 18 may be inclined at an angle to the first and/or second portions 14. 16 In the present embodiment the fourth surface 20 is perpendicular to the first and/or second portions14, 16. In embodiments the fourth surface 20 may be inclined at an angle to the first and/or second portions 14, 16.

In the present embodiment the third and fourth surfaces 18 20 are generally arcuate in plan view, e.g. when viewed in a direction generally perpendicular to the first and/or second surfaces 14, 16. In the present embodiment the fourth surface 20 is positioned inwardly of the third surface 18 with respect to the first and second portions 14, 16. In particular the fourth surface 20 is generally concentric with the third surface 18. In embodiments this may not be the case. For example the fourth surface 20 may be generally linear and may extend between and connect first and second respective ends of the third surface 18. The third and fourth surfaces 18, 20 may therefore jointly form a D-shape in plan view.

The main body 12 includes a front and a rear. in use the rear 33 is positioned adjacent a user's molars and the front 31 is positioned adjacent a users incisors.

The third portion 17 also includes first and second respective ends 22, 24 (best shown in figure 6). The first and second respective ends 22. 24 extend between the first and second portions 14, 16.

The first and second ends 22, 24 also extend between the third and fourth surfaces 13, 20. In use, the first and second ends 22, 24 are positioned between a user's molars. In particular, the first and second ends 22, 24 are positioned at the rear 33 of the main body 12. In embodiments where the fourth surface connects first and second respective ends of the third surface 18 the first and second ends 20, 22 may not be present.

In the present embodiment the first and second ends 22, 24 are generally planar. However in other embodiments this may not be the case. For example, the first and second ends 22, 24 may be concave or convex or may be formed as any other curvilinear surface without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. This may be advantageous in following the outline of a user's rear teeth or the shape of a rear of a user's mouth to ensure that their jaw can effectively move when using the apparatus 10.

The first and second ends 22, 24 are generally perpendicular to the first and second portions 14, 16. The first and second ends 22, 24 are generally perpendicular to the third and fourth surfaces 18, 20. In other words, the first and second ends 22, 24 are positioned at free ends of the U-shape defined by the main body 12 in plan view. In embodiments the first and second ends 22, 24 may not be perpendicular to the first and second portions and/or third and fourth surfaces 14, 16, 18, 20. For example, the first and/or second ends may be inclined at an angle to the first portion and/or second portion and/or third surface and/or fourth surface without departing from the scope of the

present disclosure.

In the present embodiment the respective portions 14, 16 and surfaces 18,20 and ends 22,24 meet each other at generally curved/rounded corners 26. This is advantageous in making the apparatus 10 more comfortable for a user to hold in their mouth, in particular in respect of the gum and cheek tissue adjacent the corners 26. In other embodiments the corners 26 may not be rounded. For example, the corners 26 may meet at a sharp point defined by the respective surfaces and ends which for the corner 26.

A generally vertical plane A may extend between the first and second ends, e.g. generally perpendicularly to the first and second portions 14, 16. A generally horizontal plane B may extend across and through the third portion 17 in a direction generally parallel to the first and second portions 14, 10. The apparatus 10, and in particular, the main body 12 are generally symmetrical about the plane A and/or the plane B. This is advantageous as it ensures that any force a user applies to the main body 12 may be distributed evenly across the main body 12. This is advantageous in ensuring a user's jaw, and a user's jaw muscles, are exercised evenly. In the present embodiment the first and second portions 14, 16 and third and fourth surfaces 18, 20 are symmetrical about the plane A. in the present embodiment the first and second ends 22, 24 and third and fourth surfaces 18,20 are symmetrical about the plane B. This is advantageous in ensuring a good fitment of the jaw exerciser in a user's mouth. In other embodiments this may not be the case. For example, the main body 12 and/or the first portion 14 and/or the second portion 16 and/or the third surface 18 and/or the fourth surface 20 and/or the first end 22 and/or the second end 24 may not be symmetrical about the plane A and/or the plane B. This may be advantageous in attempting to focus on exercising particular sections of the jaw. In the present embodiment, the first end 22 is a mirror image of the second end 24 about the plane A. In other embodiments this may not be the case.

In the present embodiment the main body 12 is formed from a resiliently deformable material for deformation by a users teeth in use. In the present embodiment the first, second and third portions 14; 16 17 are formed from a resiliently deformable material for deformation by a users teeth in use.

In particular, the first, second and third portions 14, 16, 17 are integrally formed. By integrally formed we mean that the first, second and third portions 14, 16, 17 are formed as part of the same process, e.g. as part of the same moulding process, so that they form a unitary construction. This may be achieved by injection moulding, overmoulding, rotational moulding, compression moulding, extrusion moulding or thermoforming. In the present embodiment the first; second and third portions 14, 16, 17 are formed of the same material (because they are part of the main body 12). In other embodiments the first portion 14 and second portion 16 may be formed from second and third respective materials which differ to the material from which the third portion 17 is made.

Such a unitary construction is advantageous. The above construction simplifies the manufacturing process for the jaw exerciser and so makes it easier to set up manufacturing for the jaw exerciser. A unitary construction also significantly reduces the risk of the jaw exerciser failing/breaking: particularly in use. This is advantageous for producing a more robust jaw exerciser which is less likely to injure a user in use. A unitary construction is also advantageous in that it ensures that a resistance is provided across the entire of a user's teeth/jaw and so removes any pressure points that may have existed previously. In other words a unitary construction ensures that resistance to movement of a user's jaw is provided where needed. A unitary construction also permits a user to move their jaw in different directions, e.g. up, down, foiwards and backwards, whilst still providing a resistance to each of the movements. Therefore, the unitary construction provides a more complete exercise for the jaw.

The first, second and third portions 14, 16, 17, and therefore the main body 12 and apparatus 10, may be formed of a material having a hardness of at least: 20; 30; 40; 50; 60; 70, or 80 Shore A; and/or a hardness of at most: 90; 80; 70; 60; 50; 40; or 30 Shore A. The first, second and third portions 14, 16, 17, and therefore the main body 12 and apparatus 10, may be formed of a material having a density of at least: 1.10; 1.12; 1.14; 1.16; 1.18; 1.20; 1.21; 1.22; or 1.24 g/crn3; and/or a density of at most: 1.26; 1.24; 1.22; 1.21; 1.20; 1.18; 1.16; 1.14 or 1.12 g/crn3.

The first, second and third portions 14, 16, 17, and therefore the main body 12 and apparatus 10, may be formed of a material having a tensile strength of at least: 8.0 or 8.5 MPa, and/or a tensile strength of at most: 9.0; 8.5 or 8.0 ivli=a.

The first, second and third portions 14, 16, 17, and therefore the main body 12 and apparatus 10, may be formed of a material having an elongation characteristic of at least 300; 360; 420; 500; 580; 650; 720; or 820%; and/or an elongation characteristic of at most: 900; 820; 720; 650; 580; 500; 420; or 360%.

The first, second and third portions 14. 16, 17, and therefore the main body 12 and apparatus 10, may be formed of a material having a tear strength of at least: 20; 25; 30 or 35 kN/rn; and/or a tear strength of at most: 40; 35; 30 or 25 kN/rn The first, second and third portions 14, 16, 17, and therefore the main body 12 and apparatus 10, may be formed of a material having a shrinkage of at least: 2.5; 2.8; 3.0; 3.1: 3.2; 3.3; 3.4; 3.5; 3.6; 3.7; 3.8 or 3.9%; and/or a shrinkage of at most: 4.2; 3.9; 3.8; 3.7; 3.6; 3.5; 3.4; 3.3; 3.2; 3.1; 3.0 or 2.8%.

The first, second and third portions 14, 16, 17, and therefore the main body 12 and apparatus 10, may be formed of a material having a plasticity of at least: 160; 180; 205; 210; 230; 245; 265; 285; 305 or 335; and/or a plasticity of at most: 355; 335; 305; 285; 265; 245; 230; 210; 205 or 180.

These characteristics for the material of which the apparatus 10 is formed have been found to provide an optimum resistance to the movement of a user's jaw to effectively exercise the jaw.

In the present embodiment the first, second and third portions 14, 16, 17, and therefore the main body 12 and apparatus 10, are formed of a material including silicone, for example fumed silicone. In particular the first, second and third portions 14, 16, 17, and therefore the main body 12 and apparatus 10, are formed from fumed silicone. Other materials such as thermoplastic elastomers or rubber could be included in the first, second and third portions 14, 16, 17, and therefore the main body 12 and apparatus 10, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

The third portion 17 includes formations to permit deformation of the main body 12 during use. In the present embodiment these formations are provided by openings which are connected by passages as explained in more detail below. In embodiments, the formations may be provided by closed spaces in the third portion 17, slits or cuts in the third portion 17, recesses in the third portion 17, or any other formations which may provide a weakness in the third portion. The formations may be defined at least partially by the third and/or fourth surfaces 18, 20. The formations advantageously permit material from the main body 12 to flow into the space produced by the deformation of the formation when the main body 12 is compressed.

The formations include a first formation 28 which includes a first opening 30 (see figure 5) positioned in the third, outer, surface 18. The first opening 30 is conlioured to be resiliently deformable upon application of pressure by a user's teeth. The first opening 30 is advantageous.

The opening permits further deformation of the apparatus 10 which assists in providing an optimum resistance to the force exerted by a user in use. The opening also enables resistances to be engineered into the apparatus at specific points to optimise the resistance provided by the apparatus 10 at different locations.

The first formation 28 includes a second opening 40 (see figure 6) positioned in the fourth, inner, surface 20. The second opening 40 is configured to be resiliently deformable upon application of pressure by a user's teeth. The second opening 40 is advantageous. The opening permits further deformation of the apparatus 10 which assists in providing an optimum resistance to the force exerted by a user in use. The opening also enables resistances to be engineered into the apparatus at specific points to optimise the resistance provided by the apparatus 10 at different locations. The second opening 40 is positioned generally opposite the first opening 30. In embodiments the first opening 30 may not be positioned generally opposite the second opening 40. For example, the first opening 30 may be offset to a top, bottom, left or right side with respect to the second opening 40 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

The first formation 28 includes a passage 50 which extends between the first and second openings 30, 40. The passage may permit fluid communication between the first and second openings 30, 40. The passage 50 is positioned in the third portion 17 and extends therethrough. The passage 50 in the present embodiment tapers as it extends in a direction from the first opening 30 to the second opening 40. In particular in the present embodiment the passage 50 tapers linearly as it extends from the first opening 30 to the second opening 40. In embodiments the passage 50 may taper in other ways, for example curvilinearly, in a sawtooth profile, parabolically, convexly, concavely or in other envisaged ways. In embodiments the passage 50 may taper as it extends in a direction from the second opening 40 to the first opening 30. The passage 50 may taper in this direction in a similar way as described above in relation to the passage 50 tapering in a direction from the first opening 30 to the second opening 40. In embodiments the passage 50 may not taper and may maintain a constant cross-sectional area and/or shape.

The passage 50 is advantageous. The passage provides a space into which the main body 12 can deform when pressure is applied to the first and/or second surfaces 14, 18. This reduces the volume of material of the main body 12 deforming outwardly away from the third and fourth surfaces 18, 20. This in turn reduces the risk of damaging any guru or cheek tissue of a user due to it being pinched by the jaw exerciser in use.

In the present embodiment the passage 50 tapers along an axis which extends between the first and second openings 30, 40 and which may be positioned generally centrally with respect to the first and second openings 30, 40. In the present embodiment the axis is also defined by the intersection between the planes A and B though this need not necessarily be the case. This is advantageous as it permits easy cleaning of the apparatus 10 after use whilst also providing the necessary resistance to a user's jaw for exercise.

The first formation 28, and the first and/or second openings 30, 40 and/or the passage 50, is/are positioned generally centrally in the third portion 17. In particular, the main body 12 has a height and a width and the first formation 28 and/or the first opening 30 and/or the second opening 40 and/or the passage 50 is positioned generally centrally with respect to the height and/or width of the main body 12. The first formation 28 in the present embodiment is positioned at the front 31 of the apparatus 10.

In the present embodiment the planes A and B extend through the first formation 28 and/or the first opening 30 and/or the second opening 40 and/or the passage 50. In embodiments only the plane A or the plane B may extend through the first formation 28 and/or first opening 30 and/or second opening 40 and/or the passage 50.

In the present embodiment the first opening 30 is generally rectangular when viewed from the front 31 of the apparatus, i.e. generally perpendicular to the first and second portions 14, 16 and/or the planes A and B. In particular, for the first opening 30 in the present embodiment each side of the rectangle is outwardly curved or bowed to form a shape having convex sides. In embodiments at least one of the sides of the rectangle is outwardly curved or bowed away from a generally opposite side of the rectangle. In embodiments the at least one or each of the sides of the rectangle may be inwardly curved or bowed without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In embodiments the first opening 30 alternatively be generally circular, or triangular, or semi-circular, or segment-shaped or obround without departing from the present disclosure.

The second opening 40 and/or the passage 50 may be a similar shape or have a similar cross-sectional area to those described for the first opening 30.

In the present embodiment the first opening 30 is larger than the second opening 40. In embodiments the second opening 40 may be larger than the first opening or the first opening 30 may be the same size as the second opening 40.

The formations in the present embodiment include further formations 29, 35 positioned to first and second respective sides of the first formation 28. In other words the further formations 29, 35 are positioned on generally opposite sides of the first formation. The further formations 29 are positioned between the first formation 28 and the first end 22 and the further formations 35 are positioned between the first formation 28 and the second end 24.

The further formations 29 35 may include one or more of all of the features of the first formation 20 28.

In the present embodiment the further formations 29, 35 include first and second openings as similar to those of the first formation. Only the differences therebetween will be described. The first and second openings of the further formations 29, 35 are generally obround and the passage which extends between the first and second openings has a generally constant cross-sectional area. Two further formations 29 are positioned between the first formation 28 and the first end 22 and two further formations 35 are positioned between the first formation 28 and the second end 24. In embodiments the first and second openings and passages of the further formations may be any shape described in relation to the first opening 30 and may be any size described in relation to the first opening 30.

The apparatus 10 of the present disclosure includes a first gripping formation 60. The first gripping formation is for a user's teeth to grip in use The first gripping formation 60 is positioned on the outwardly facing surface of the first portion 14. The first gripping formation 60 in the present embodiment extends across ail of the outwardly facing surface of the first portion 14. In embodiments the first gripping formation 60 may extend across only a part of the outward y facing surface of the first portion, e.g. where a user's molars are positioned in use. The apparatus 10 also includes a second gripping formation 70. The second gripping formation is also for a user's teeth to grip in use. The second gripping formation 70 is positioned on the outwardly facing surface of the second portion 16. The second gripping formation 70 in the present embodiment extends across all of the outwardly facing surface of the second portion 16. In embodiments the second gripping formation 70 may extend across only a part of the outwardly facing surface of the second poition, e.g. where a user's molars are positioned in use. In embodiments further gripping formations may be positioned on the third and/or fourth surfaces 18, 20 without departing from the

scope of the present disclosure.

The provision of first and second gripping formations 60, 70 is advantageous. The gripping formations provide additional surface area which a user's teeth may grip in use. This ensures that the apparatus 10 is held more effectively in position during use.

The first and second gripping formations 60, 70 are substantially the same and so only the first gripping formation 60 will be described in detail. Reference numerals used in relation to the first gripping formation relate to similar features of the second gripping formation with the addition of 10.

The first gripping formation 60 includes a first protrusion 62 for a user to grip with their teeth in use The first protrusion 62 may be generally dome-shaped and/or may be partially spherical. In embodiments the first protrusion may be cube shaped, cuboidal, partially cylindrical, cone shaped, frusto-conical, pyramid-shaped, a frustum of a pyramid or triangular prism-shaped without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

The first gripping formation 60 in the present embodiment includes a plurality of first protrusions 62 for a user to grip with their teeth, in use. In embodiments only a single protrusion 62 may be provided. The first protrusions 62 may differ in size and shape without departing from the scope of

the present disclosure.

The protrusions 62 are distributed evenly across the outwardly facing surface of the first portion 14. In embodiments this may not be the case. For example, more protrusions 62 may be positioned at or near the first and second ends 22, 24, e.g. where a user's molars are positioned in use, compared to at or near the front 31 of the apparatus 10, e.g. where a user's incisors are positioned in use, without depading from the scope of the present disclosure. Such a distribution of protrusions 62 has been found to be advantageous in ensuring a user can effectively grip the apparatus 10 in use.

The gripping formations 60, 70 in the present embodiment are formed from the same material as a remainder of the apparatus 10, e.g. the first, second and third portions 14, 16, 17. In other embodiments this may not be the case. For example, the formations 60, 70 may be formed of a material which has a greater density and/or hardness and/or tensile strength and/or elongation characteristic and/or tear strength and/or shrinkage and/or plasticity than a remainder of the apparatus 10. Alternatively, the formations/protrusions 60, 70 may be formed of a material which has a lesser density and/or hardness and/or tensile strength and/or elongation characteristic and/or tear strength and/or shrinkage and/or plasticity than a remainder of the apparatus 10. This may assist with providing an improved grip for a user's teeth on the gripping formations 60, 70.

In use the apparatus, or the main body 12, is movable from a first condifion to a second condition.

The main body 12 is moved from the first condition to the second condition, in particular, by the application of pressure to the first and/or second portions 14, 16 and/or the first and/or second gripping formations 60, 70 by a user clenching the apparatus 10 between their teeth. Once a user releases the pressure applied by their teeth the main body 12 is permitted to move from the second condition to the first condition.

By moving the main body 12 from the first condition to the second condition the main body becomes at least partially compressed, i.e. the main body 12 is uncompressed/at rest in the first condition and is compressed in the second condition. This compression causes the formations to deform. This permits material of the main body 12 to move into the space defined by the formations. This prevents the main body 12 from extending outwardly away from the third and fourth surfaces 18, 20 and so reduces the risk of a user's gums and cheeks being pinched in use. The compression of the main body 12 provides resistance against which a user's jaw must act, thereby strengthening the user's jaw.

Moving from the second to the first condition the main body 12 is permitted to decompress. As the main body 12 decompresses the material of the main body 12 returns to its original position and the formations are permitted to assume their original position before they were deformed. This is advantageous as it ensures that the same resistance is provided each time a user uses the apparatus 10.

The present apparatus 10 is advantageous. Using the apparatus 10 can improve the aesthetic appearance of a user. For example, use of the apparatus 10 provides a workout for a user's jaw and face. This in turn provides changes in appearance to user's face similar to a natural face-lift.

Use of the apparatus 10 may also reduce the appearance of a user's wrinkles and provide a user with a "defined" and "youthful" appearance. Using the apparatus 10 may also tone the jaw, face and neck areas and may also reduce tat around those areas.

Use of the apparatus 10 may also strengthen any muscles which have been weakened as a result of illness, injury or birth defects. This is turn may olive a user a stronger bite and assist in preventing future jaw injuries. Use of the apparatus 10 has also been found advantageously assist users in recovering from Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) syndrome.

Advantageously, use of the apparatus 10 has also been found to mitigate against physical and mental stress. Use of the apparatus 10 has also been found to reduce the risk of concussions and to mitigate against the impacts of blows to the head and jaw. Therefore, use of the apparatus 10 has been found to improve performance in full contact sports such as boxing, MMA, American football, rugby and other sports.

Use of the apparatus 10 has been found to increase blood flow and oxygen levels in the head, and in particular in the brain. This can improve a user's mood and improve a user's awareness and ability to complete tasks When used in this specification and claims, the terms "comprises" and "comprising" and variations thereof mean that the specified features, steps or integers are included. The terms are not to be interpreted to exclude the presence of other features, steps or components.

The invention may also broadly consist in the parts, elements, steps, examples and/or features referred to or indicated in the specification individually or collectively in any and all combinations of two or more said parts, elements, steps, examples and/or features. In particular, one or more features in any of the embodiments described herein may be combined with one or more features from any other embodiment(s) described herein.

Protection may be sought for any features disclosed in any one or more published documents referenced herein in combination with the present disclosure.

Although certain example embodiments of the invention have been described, the scope of the appended claims is not intended to be limited solely to these embodiments. The claims are to be construed literally, purposively, and/or to encompass equivalents.

Claims

An apparatus for exercising a user's jaw, including: a main body formed from a resiliently deformable material for deformation by a user's teeth in use, the main body including a first, upper, portion and a second, lower, portion connected by a third portion, wherein the first and second portions are engaged by a user's teeth during use; wherein the first portion is generally arcuate: and/or wherein the second portion is generally arcuate; wherein the first, second and third portions are integrally forme 2. An apparatus according to claim I wherein the first portion follows an outline of a user's teeth,e.g. the general shape defined by the upper and lower teeth respectively; and/or wherein the second portion follows an outline of a user's teeth.
3. An apparatus for exercising a user's jaw, including: a main body formed from a resiliently deformable material for deformation by a user in use the main body including a first, upper, portion and a second, lower, portion connected by a third portion, wherein the first and second portions are engaged by a user's teeth durind use; wherein the first portion follows an outline of a user's teeth, e.g. the general shape defined by the upper and lower teeth respectively; and/or wherein the second portion follows an outline of a user's teeth; wherein the first, second and third portions are integrally formed.
4. An apparatus according to any preceding claim herein the main body is movable from a first condition to a second condition; wherein, in the first condition, the main body is uncompressed and in the second condition the main body is at least partially compressed: optionally wherein the main body is movable from the first condition to the second condition by the application of pressure to the first and second portions by a user's teeth; and/or wherein the apparatus is permitted to move from the second condition to the first condition by the removal of pressure to the first and second portions by a user's teeth.An apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the main body is U-shaped 6. An apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the third portion includes an outwardly facing third surface which in use faces outwardly away from a user's mouth, and an inwardly facing, fourth surface, said third and fourth surfaces extend between respective sides of the first and second portions, optionally wherein the third and/or fourth surface stare generally arcuate an fare preferably U-shaped in plan view.7, An apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the third portion includes formations to permit deformation of the main body during use.8 An apparatus according to claim 7 wherein the formations define spaces within the third portion for permitting the first and second portions to move towards and away from each other during use.9. An apparatus according to claim 7 or claim 8, when dependent directly or indirectly on claim 6, wherein the formations include a first formation which includes a first opening defined by the third surface; optionally wherein the first opening is generally rectangular when viewed from a front of the apparatus and includes at least one outwardly curved side, e.g. bowed outwardly away from an opposing side of the rectangle, preferably wherein each side is outwardly curved] or wherein the first opening is generally rectangular, circular, triangular, semi-circular, segment-shaped or obround.10. An apparatus according to any one of claims 7 to 9, when dependent directly or indirectly on claim 6, wherein the first formation includes a second opening defined by the fourth surface; optionally wherein the second opening is generally rectangular and includes at least one outwardly curved side, e.g. bowed outwardly away from an opposing side of the rectangle, preferably wherein each side is outwardly curved; or wherein the second opening is generally rectangular,circular, triangular, semi-circular, segment-shaped or obround, optionally wherein the second opening is positioned generally opposite the first opening.11. An apparatus according to claim 10 when dependent on claim 9 wherein the first opening is larger than the second opening; or wherein the second opening is larger than the first opening; or wherein the first opening is the same size as the second opening.12. An apparatus according to claim 10 or claim 11 wherein the rsformation includes a passage which extends between the first and second openings; optionally wherein the passage tapers as the passage extends in a direction from the first opening to the second opening; and/or wherein the passage tapers as the passage extends in a direction from he second opening to the first opening; or wherein a cross-sectional area of the passage is generally constant; optionally wherein a cross-secfional area of the passage is generally rectangular and includes at least one outwardly curved side, e.g. bowed outwardly away from an opposing side of the rectangle, preferably wherein each side is outwardly curved; or wherein a cross-sectional area of the passage is generally rectangular, circular, triangular, semi-circular, segment-shaped or obround.13. An apparatus according to any preceding when dependent, directly or indirectly, on claim 9 wherein the main body has a height and a width and wherein the first formation is positioned generally centrally of the height and/or the width of the main body; and/or wherein the main body includes a front and a rear, wherein in use the rear is positioned adjacent a user's molars and the front is positioned adjacent a user's incisors, and wherein the first formation is positioned at the front.14. An apparatus according to claim 13 wherein the formations include further formations provided on the third portion, wherein the further formations are positioned to first and/or second, opposite, sides of the first formation.15. An apparatus according to claim 14 wherein one or more or all of the further formations include one or more or all of the following: a) a first opening defined by the third surface; b) a second opening defined by the fourth surface; c) a passage which extends between the first and second openings.16. An apparatus according to claim 15 wherein the further formations nclude one or more or all of the features of the first formation as claimed in claims 9 to 12.17. An apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the main body is generally symmetrical about a plane A which extends generally vertically with respect to the main body, preferably perpendicularly to the first and second portions; and/or wherein the main body is generally symmetrical about a plane B which extends generally horizontally with respect to the main body, preferably midway between the first and second portions.18. An apparatus according to any preceding claim including first and/or second gripping formations for a user's teeth to grip, positioned on respective surfaces of the first and/or second portions; optionally wherein the first and/or second gripping formations extend across all of the respective surfaces; optionally wherein the first / second gripping formation(s) include(s) a first protrusion for a user to grip with their teeth, in use; optionally wherein the first protrusion is genera fly dome shaped and preferably is pa daily spherical; optionally wherein the first / second gripping formation(s) ) a plurality of s protrusions positioned on the respective surfaces.19. An apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the main body is formed of a material having: a) a hardness of at least: 20; 30; 40; 50; 60; 70; or 80 Shoreand/or a hardness of at most: 90; 80; 70; 60; 50; 40: or 30 Shore A: b) a density of least: 1.10; 1.12; 1.14; 1.16; 1.18; 1.20; 1.21; 1.22; or 1.24 g/crn3; and/or a density of at most.26; 1.24; 1.22; 1.21; 1.20; 1.18; 1.16; 1.14 or 1.12 glcm3; ) a tensile strength of at least: 7.5; 8.0 or 8.
5 MPa; and/or a tensile strength of at most: 9.0, 8.5 or 8.0 MPa; d) an elongation characteristic of at least: 300; 360; 420; 500; 580; 650; 720; 01 820%; and/or an elongation characteristic of at most: 900; 820; 720: 650; 580; 500; 420; or 360%; e) a tear strength of at least, 20 25; 30 or 35 kftrn; and/or a tear strength of at most: 40; 35; 30 or 25 kNim; t) a shrinkage of at least: 2.5.8; 3.0; 3.1; 3.2; 3.3; 3.4; 3.5; 3.6; 3.7; 3.8 or 3.9%; and/or a shrinkage of at most: 4.2 -9; 3.8; 3.7; 3.6; 3.5; 3.4; 3.3; 3,2; 3,1; 3.0 or 2.8%; g) a plasticity of at least: 160; 180; 205; 210; 230; 245; 265; 235; 305 or 335; and/or a plasticity of at most: 355; 335; 305; 285; 265; 245; 230; 210; 205 or 180, 20. An apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the main body includes, or is forrned from, silicone, e.g. fumed silicone,