WO1998051377A1

WO1998051377A1 - Device for exercising facial muscles

Info

Publication number: WO1998051377A1
Application number: PCT/US1998/006750
Authority: WO
Inventors: Maurice W. Haff; James Bond Godshalk; William F. Hellings
Original assignee: Haff Maurice W; James Bond Godshalk; Hellings William F
Priority date: 1997-05-12
Filing date: 1998-05-11
Publication date: 1998-11-19
Also published as: AU7357898A

Abstract

This invention is a device (10) for exercising facial muscles comprising a pair of spreader bars (13, 14) each spreader bar having fixed at one end thereof a lip-engaging piece (11, 12), and at the other end thereof a coupler (15, 16). Each spreader bar is coupled to a coupler attached to the other spreader bar. Preferred embodiments include curvilinear members (17, 18) for easy attachment of elastic bands (19). Preferred embodiments include locking systems (32, 34) for locking the spreader bar to the coupler.

Description

DEVICE FOR EXERCISING FACIAL MUSCLES

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION, 1. FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an oral appliance, and more particularly relates to a device for exercising facial muscles.

2. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION AND RELATED ART

Improvement in facial appearance and/or in retarding the development of the appearance of aging is often the subject of great concern to individuals. Methods of improving facial appearance include the use of cosmetics including creams and lotions. Cosmetic surgery is becoming increasingly popular as well. However, the effects of cosmetics are doubtful at best, and cosmetic surgery can be prohibitively expensive, as well as sometimes dangerous.

Many of the desirable improvements in facial appearance and maintaining a youthful appearance may be achieved by exercising facial muscles. Exercise may be performed in a variety of manners, but is most uniform and reproducible when an exercising device is used.

Several such facial exercising devices exist, but the best example is presented in U.S. Patent No.

4,671,260, to BUCKNER, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference as though set forth in full herein. BUCKNER discloses a facial exerciser for exercising the muscles of the face, chin, and neck. A pair of spreader bar shanks each have fixed thereto a lip-engaging piece, and a coupler.

In this device, each coupler includes an open groove into which the other shank is snapped, thereby connecting the shanks together in parallel, and allowing the shanks to slidably move with respect to each other. Each coupler includes a creased outer edge for holding an elastic band so that the lip engaging pieces are elastically biased apart, thereby offering resistance to a person's lips.

The BUCKNER device is designed to be snapped together, with the elastic band in place.

Because the band fatigues it must be periodically replaced. To replace the band, BUCKNER recommends unclipping the two parts of the exerciser, then removing and replacing the band, reassembling and positioning the new band. This complicated process can be difficult for those with crippling disabilities such as arthritis or with those having reduced manual dexterity, such as due to age or other reasons. Clearly, improvements are needed in the way the elastic band is held and replaced. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing, it is an object of the present invention to provide a device for exercising facial muscles which utilizes an elastic band for resistance.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improved device for exercising facial muscles, comprising members which serve as attachment sites for the elastic band that make its placement and replacement relatively easy in comparison with existing devices.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improved device for exercising facial muscles, comprising a locking system which prevents the device from easily disassembling in situations in which disassembly is undesirable.

In accordance with the present invention, a facial exerciser is provided which eliminates or substantially reduces the foregoing problems associated with existing facial exercisers.

The foregoing and other objects of the present invention are achieved by providing, in accordance with the present invention, a device comprising a pair of lip-engaging pieces which serve as points of engagement between the device and the lips of an individual. Location of the lip-engaging pieces and shape of the device allow engagement of lips at diametrically opposed positions in the mouth. Attached to each lip-engaging piece is a spreader bar. Preferably, the spreader bar is slightly curved. Each spreader bar is coupled to the other spreader bar, whereby the spreader bars may be moved in a direction generally parallel to each other. In preferred embodiments, each coupler comprises a member which extends away from the coupler, also referred to herein as an extended member, and serves as an attachment point for an elastic band. The shape of the extended member eases placement and replacement of the elastic band.

In preferred embodiments, the couplers comprise locking systems which prevent the two parts, each part comprising a lip-engaging piece, a spreader bar, and a coupler, from becoming separated after assembly. The locking system prevents the device from becoming disassembled during exercise, thereby increasing the safety of the device.

The elastic band provides a force of tension which pulls the couplers together, forcing the lip-engaging pieces into an extended position. Exercise is performed by the action of engaging the lip-engaging pieces with one's lips, followed by urging the facial exerciser into a compressed position. The elastic band provides resistance against the compressing movement.

This action exercises facial muscles.

These and other objects of the present invention are achieved through the provision of an apparatus for exercising facial muscle comprising: a pair of lip engaging pieces; a pair of rails, each connected to a different one of the lip engaging pieces; and a pair of couplers, each mounted to a different rail, thereby connecting each of the rails to the other rail, such that one rail may move in a path generally parallel to the other rail and such that the apparatus may be in expanded or contracted positions. Preferably, the couplers each further comprise curvilinear members and the curvilinear members are connected by an urging element whereby the appliance is urged into the expanded position. In a preferred embodiment, the curvilinear members comprise hooks. In other preferred embodiments the urging element comprises an elastic band, which preferably comprises natural latex. In accordance with the present invention, the rails preferably comprise a metal, which metal preferably comprises stainless steel. In preferred embodiments, the couplers comprise a self-lubricating material, which material preferably comprises a self-lubricating plastic. In addition, in preferred embodiments, the lip- engaging pieces also preferably comprise a self-lubricating material, which is preferably a self- lubricating plastic. These and other objects of the present invention are also achieved by the provision of an apparatus for exercising facial muscles comprising: a pair of lip engaging pieces; a pair of rails, each connected to a different one of the lip engaging pieces; and a pair of couplers, each mounted to a different rail, thereby connecting one of the rails to the other rail, such that one rail may move in a path generally parallel to the other rail and such that the apparatus may be in expanded or contracted positions. The couplers each further comprise a locking system. The locking system preferably renders each coupler inseparably coupled to a different rail. Preferably, the locking system comprises a fastener. The fastener preferably comprises a weld which is selected from the group consisting of spin welds, sonic welds, and heat welds. In other preferred embodiments, the fastener is selected from the group consisting of clasps, clips, buckles, and buttons. In other preferred embodiments, the fastener is selected from the group consisting of pins, bolts, dowels, nails, pegs, screws, spikes, tacks, and rivets.

These and other objects of the present invention are further achieved by the provision of an apparatus for exercising facial muscle comprising: a pair of lip engaging pieces; a pair of rails, each connected to a different one of the lip engaging pieces; and a pair of couplers, each mounted to a different rail, thereby connecting each of the rails to the other rail, such that one rail may move in a path generally parallel to the other rail and such that the apparatus may be in expanded or contracted positions. The couplers each further comprise curvilinear members as well as a locking system. The curvilinear members are connected by an urging element whereby the appliance is urged into the expanded position.

These and other objects of the present invention are further achieved by the provision of an apparatus for exercising facial muscle comprising: a pair of lip engaging pieces; a pair of rails, each connecting to a lip engaging piece at one end and to a coupler at the other end, a hole in the first coupler into which the second rail is slidably fitted; a hole also in the second coupler into which the first rail is slidably fitted so that one rail may move in a path generally parallel to the other and such that the apparatus may be in expanded or contracted positions. Such couplers each further comprise curvilinear members. The curvilinear members are connected by an urging element whereby the appliance is urged into the expanded position. The assembled parts of this embodiment are permanently connected together and cannot be separated. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following more particular description of the preferred embodiments, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters refer to the same, or like, parts throughout the various views, and wherein:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of one preferred embodiment of the present invention viewed from the front and slightly above and to one side, in fully extended position.

Figure 2 is a schematic illustration of one preferred embodiment of the present invention viewed from the back elevation, in fully extended position.

Figure 3 is a schematic illustration of one preferred embodiment of the present invention viewed from the front elevation, in fully compressed position.

Figure 4 is a schematic illustration of one preferred embodiment of the present invention viewed from the front elevation. Figure 5 is a schematic illustration of one preferred embodiment of the present invention viewed from the top elevation, in fully extended position.

Figure 6 is a schematic illustration of one preferred embodiment of the present invention viewed from the front elevation, in fully extended position.

Figure 7 is a schematic illustration of one preferred embodiment of the present invention viewed from the back elevation, in fully extended position.

Figure 8 is a schematic illustration of one preferred embodiment of the present invention viewed from the top elevation, in fully extended position. Figure 9 is a perspective view of one preferred embodiment of the present invention viewed from the front and slightly above and to one side, in fully extended position.

Figure 10 is a perspective view of one preferred embodiment of the present invention viewed from the back and slightly above and to one side, in fully extended position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED

EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to the preferred embodiment of Figure 1, there is shown a perspective view of one embodiment of the facial exerciser of the present invention, generally designated 10, viewed from the front and slightly above and to one side, in fully extended position. The facial exerciser 10 comprises a first lip-engaging piece 11 and a second lip-engaging piece 12.

The first lip-engaging piece 11 is fixed to a first spreader bar 13, which is fixed to a first coupler 15. The second lip-engaging piece 12 is fixed to a second spreader bar 14, which is fixed to a second coupler 16. The first coupler 15 further comprises a first curvilinear member 18. The second coupler 16 further comprises a second curvilinear member 17. The first curvilinear member 18 is held in tensionable assembly with the second curvilinear member 17 by an elastic band 19.

In greater detail, each lip-engaging piece 11 and 12 preferably includes a major lobe 21 and a minor lobe 23 formed in a manner in which a concavity is created. A saddle part 25 is preferably created, which serves to provide a uniform distribution of the pressure applied by a person's lips onto the spreader bars. The concavity provides an area of interaction between the appliance and the user's lips, and prevents the facial exerciser from being easily dislodged. While major and minor lobes are shown in the preferred embodiment of Figure 1, alternative embodiments in which both lobes are equal in shape and size are envisioned as well. The lip- engaging pieces are preferably formed from a plastic material. Preferably, the plastic material is a self-lubricating plastic material. Such materials are well known in the art. The material selected should be strong, FDA approved, resistant to fluids in mouth, soap, water, and detergents. The material selected is preferably durable, but easy to clean. Preferable materials include, but are not limited to, acetal, polypropylene, and rigid polyvinyl chloride. The most preferred material is acetal. The lip-engaging pieces may be manufactured in any manner known in the art, including, but not limited to, injection molding.

Standard injection molding techniques are set forth in Injection Molding Handbook, by Rosato and Rosato (Van Nostrand Reinhold Co., 1986). The entire disclosure of the Injection Molding Handbook is hereby incorporated by reference as though set forth in full herein. Preferably, in the injection molding process, the plastic is heated so that it becomes a viscous syrup that is then injected under pressure into the mold cavity. The melted plastic enters the mold through a sprue or single channel and it flows through runners to each cavity. The melted plastic enters each cavity through a gate of reduced cross section, filling the cavity, and quickly solidifying as it cools. When the gate solidifies, the injection pressure is turned off. Time is allowed for the part to cool at about room temperature, usually for about 10 to 60 seconds. The mold is then opened and the part ejected.

The spreader bars or members may comprise rails, rods, shafts, or poles, or any other suitable elongated member. As used herein, the terms rail and spreader bar are used interchangeably. As shown in the preferred embodiments herein the spreader bars are circular in cross-section, yet in other embodiments the spreader bars may be square, rectangular, oval, triangular, or any other suitable shape. The only requirement for the cross-sectional shape of the spreader bars is that they be manufactured in a shape which can slidably interact with the interacting coupler. The interacting couplers would, therefore, preferably be manufactured with a cavity of the same general shape. The spreader bars 13 and 14 are preferably constructed from a material which is strong, stiff, and resistant to fluids in the mouth, as well as soap, water, and detergents. The spreader bar material is preferably selected from those materials which will slidably interact with the material of the couplers 15 and 16. The spreader bars are preferably constructed from a material which will not significantly erode with continued use in the mouth. The spreader bars are preferably constructed from a metal such as 302 stainless steel, or a plastic such as acetal. The most preferred material for manufacturing the spreader bars comprises 302 stainless steel. The interconnection of the spreader bars and the lip-engaging pieces are preferably constructed in a manner which prevents rotation about the connection. Such construction of the interconnection includes, but is not limited to a flattening, or swallowtailing, at the point at which the end of the spreader bar is connected to the lip-engaging piece. The spreader bars may be manufactured in any manner known in the art, including, but not limited to, flattening in a wire forming machine.

Couplers 15 and 16 are preferably constructed from a material which may slidably interact with the material of the spreader bars 13 and 14. Preferable materials for such construction include, but are not limited to, rigid plastics. Preferably, the couplers are manufactured from the same material from which the lip-engaging pieces are manufactured. When the spreader bars are manufactured from acetal , the most preferred material for use in the couplers is acetal.

The couplers may also be manufactured from a self-lubricating plastic. Examples of suitable self-lubricating plastic include nylons and conventional plastics to which a lubricating material has been added. Such materials are well known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Couplers 15 and 16 preferably further comprise curvilinear members 17 and 18. The curvilinear members are preferably constructed from the same material from which the couplers are constructed. Preferably, the curvilinear members are continuous extensions of the couplers. The curvilinear members are preferably projections having a projecting axis generally transverse to the direction of the movement of the spreader bars. The curvilinear members preferably take the form of a rounded hook, or an angular L-shape, or a post with a knob on top to prevent the band from slipping off. A preferred embodiment is a hook shape. The specific shape and size of the curvilinear member is preferably selected in consideration of the ability of the curvilinear member to bear the force of the elastic band and the force applied during exercise without breaking or bending. The curvilinear member preferably does not interfere with the exercising action. The shape and size of the curvilinear member is also preferably selected in consideration of the ability of the curvilinear members to hold the elastic band in place during use. Other considerations include the ease of placing and replacing the elastic band around the curvilinear members. Consequently, while relatively large, extended, curvilinear members may hold the elastic band in place better, small curvilinear members promote an ease of placing and replacing the elastic band. These two considerations are preferably balanced against each other in selecting the size and shape of the curvilinear member. The curvilinear members (for example, hooks) are preferably spaced far enough apart so that the elastic band must be stretched slightly before attaching to the hooks. The band then rests firmly in place under the top knob in all positions of the exerciser without any tendency to fall off. Yet the band can preferably be easily pulled off for replacement. If the shapes of the curvilinear members are optimal, their size can be considered to be less important.

The elastic band 19 is preferably constructed from material that will maintain elasticity over continued use. The elastic bands are preferably made of a pure grade natural latex, similar to that used in the bands for dental braces. During a week of normal use, a band is often stretched to over twice its length almost 2000 times. Like most elastic materials, the band will likely fatigue, and is preferably replaced weekly.

Referring to Figure 2, there is shown a schematic illustration of a preferable embodiment of the present invention viewed from the back elevation, in fully extended position. Figure 2 offers a view of the back of the couplers 15 and 16. The first coupler 15 preferably has a groove 27 in into which the second spreader bar 14 is snapped. Similarly, the second coupler 16 preferably has a groove 28 into which the first spreader bar 13 is snapped. When snapped into position, first spreader bar 13 can be slidably moved through the groove 28 second coupler 16.

Similarly, second spreader bar 14 can be slidably moved through the groove 27 of first coupler 15.

Figure 3 shows a schematic illustration of a preferred embodiment of the present invention viewed from the front elevation, in fully compressed position. To achieve the compressed position during proper use, the lip-engaging pieces 11 and 12 are forced together, in opposition to the force of the elastic band 19. In its compressed position, the elastic band 19 is stretched. Upon relief of the inward force on the lip-engaging pieces 11 and 12, the facial exerciser will assume its extended position as the elastic band pulls the curvilinear members 17 and 18 together. Referring now to Figure 4, in a schematic illustration of one embodiment of the present invention viewed from the front elevation, attention is drawn to the connections between the spreader bars and lip-engaging pieces and couplers. First spreader bar 13 is fixed to first lip- engaging piece 11. At the point of connection, first spreader bar 13 has a flattened end 27. At the other end of first spreader bar 13, a flattened end 28 is affixed into first coupler 15. At the point of connection between second spreader bar 14 and second lip-engaging piece 12, a flattened end 30 can be observed. A similarly flattened end 29 is found at the connection of the other end of second spreader bar 14 and second coupler 16. The flattened ends of the spreader bars 13 and 14 help to prevent the bars from spinning inside the connections to the lip-engaging pieces 11 and 12 as well as to the couplers 15 and 16. Although the connections in the preferred embodiment shown in Figure 4 use flattened ends, any method for securing the connection may be used in accordance with the present invention. Other manners of securing the connection include, but are not limited to, dovetailing, swallowtailing, angling, and pinning. Obviously, other preferable shapes can be used such as flutes or knurls or ridges, if they resist rotation and separation of the bar. To fasten the bars into the plastic lip pieces and couplers, the preferred process is insert injection molding, the bars are preferably first placed in the plastic mold with their ends extending into the cavities that form the lip pieces and couplers. Preferably, with plastic injection, the ends of the bars are molded into place. Figure 5 is a schematic illustration of a preferred embodiment of the present invention viewed from the top elevation, in fully extended position. From the view shown in Figure 5, one can see the relative size and shape of curvilinear members 17 and 18 in proportion to the size and shape of the overall device, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Figures 1 through 5 have shown preferred embodiments in which the curvilinear members extend from the couplers at the side, such that when the facial exerciser is viewed from the top, as in Figure 5, the curvilinear members extend to the side. In contrast, Figure 6 shows a schematic illustration of a different preferred embodiment of the present invention viewed from the front elevation, in fully extended position. The curvilinear members 17 and 18 of the embodiment of Figure 6 extend from the top of the facial exerciser. When viewed from the top, the preferred embodiment shown in Figure 6 would have curvilinear members 17 and 18 extending in the plane of the page.

Figure 7 shows a schematic illustration of a preferred embodiment of the present invention which is similar to that of Figure 6, and which is shown from the back elevation, in fully extended position.

Figure 8 shows a schematic illustration of a preferred embodiment of the present invention which is similar to that shown in Figures 6 and 7, and which is shown from the top elevated position.

In reference to Figure 9, there is shown a perspective view of one embodiment of the present invention viewed from the front and slightly above and to one side, in fully extended position. First spreader bar 13 is fixed to first coupler 15, through which second spreader bar 14 slidably moves. First coupler 15 is locked onto second spreader bar 14 with first metal clip 32, such that first coupler 15 cannot be easily separated from second spreader bar 14, yet second spreader bar 14 is allowed to slidably move through first coupler 15. Similarly, second spreader bar 14 is fixed to second coupler 16, through which first spreader bar 13 slidably moves.

Second coupler 16 is secured onto first spreader bar 13 with second metal clip 34, such that second coupler 16 cannot be easily separated from first spreader bar 13. While reference is made in Figure 9 to a metal clip, any known system for securing a coupler to a spreader bar may be used, including, but not limited to, spin welding, sonic welding, and heat welding. Other preferred securing fasteners include clasps, clips, buckles, and buttons. In other preferred embodiments, the securing fastener may comprise pins, bolts, dowels, nails, pegs, screws, spikes, tacks, and rivets. Any manner of securing the spreader bar to the coupler constitutes a locking system in accordance with the present invention.

In Figure 10 there is shown a perspective view of one embodiment of the present invention viewed from the back and slightly above and to one side, in fully extended position. Like the embodiment shown in Figure 9, the embodiment of Figure 10 includes a locking system. First spreader bar 13 is coupled to second coupler 16, and is locked in place by second metal clip 34. Second metal clip 34 is further secured to second coupler 16 by second hot peen plastic 38. Similarly, second spreader bar 14 is coupled to first coupler 15, and is locked in place by first metal clip 32. First metal clip 32 is further secured to first coupler 15 by first hot peen plastic 36. While reference is made in Figure 10 to hot peen plastic for further securing the locking system to the coupler, any method known in the art may be used to achieve such further security.

In still other preferred embodiments a spreader bar may be snapped into a groove in a coupler. The coupler is then softened and the groove is closed around the spreader bar. Upon hardening of the coupler, a "lock" is formed, preventing separation of the spreader bar from the coupler. Assembly in this manner constitutes a locking system in accordance with the present invention.

In still other embodiments, spreader bars are placed in a mold in close parallel proximity to each other and the couplers and lip-engaging pieces are injection molded in a single process whereby the couplers are formed on one end of each spreader bar and around each opposing spreader bar. In this embodiment, slotted sleeves made of stainless steel or other compression resistant material are clipped onto and around the spreader bars and held in closed position with a 0.002 inch tolerance by the mold. The sleeves are preferably placed at a connection point between a spreader bar and an opposing coupler. The connection point serves as a point of slidable interaction between a spreader bar and an opposing coupler. The sleeves hold the injected plastic off the spreader bars during the molding process, and serve as part of the molding device whereby the coupler is formed around and "locked" on to the sleeve on the opposing spreader bar. The closure tolerance of the sleeve allows the molded couplers to slide on the spreader bars. There thus is no need for grooves in the couplers through which the spreader bars could either purposefully or accidentally be disassembled. Assembly in this manner is accomplished in a single step (that is, constitutes a single step process) which does not require further assembly such as snapping the spreader bars together at the couplers after molding a constitutes a locking system in accordance with the present invention. Although it is believed that the proper use of the present invention has been set forth in sufficient detail herein, additional details regarding specific exercise regimens using a facial exerciser can be found elsewhere. For example, the brochure for a particular commercial embodiment of BUCKNER, called Facial-Flex®, includes details for recommended exercise regimens. The entire disclosure of the Facial-Flex® brochure is hereby incorporated by reference as though set forth in full herein. In addition, the entire disclosure of copending U.S. Application 08/854,322, filed May 12, 1998, is hereby incorporated by reference as though set forth in full herein.

The foregoing specific embodiments are illustrative of embodiments in which the facial exerciser of the present invention can be manufactured. Those of ordinary skill in the art will readily understand that other embodiments are suitable for the facial exerciser of the present invention as well.

Without further elaboration, it is believed that one skilled in the art can, using the preceding description, utilize the present invention to its fullest extent. Although the invention has been described above with a certain degree of particularity with respect to the components and arrangements thereof, it should be understood that this disclosure has been made by way of example only. Consequently, changes in the details of the construction and in the arrangement of the elements will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, and may be resorted to without departing from the scope of the invention as claimed below.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An apparatus for exercising facial muscle comprising: a pair of lip engaging pieces; a pair of rails, each connected to a different one of said lip engaging pieces; and a pair of couplers, each mounted to a different rail, thereby connecting each of said rails to the other rail, such that one rail may move in a path generally parallel to the other said rail and such that said apparatus may be in expanded or contracted positions; said couplers each further comprising curvilinear members; said curvilinear members being connected by an urging element whereby the appliance is urged into the expanded position.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said curvilinear members comprise hooks.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said urging element comprises an elastic band.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein said elastic band comprises natural latex.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said rails comprise a metal.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein said metal comprises stainless steel.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said couplers comprise a self- lubricating material.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein said self-lubricating material comprises a self-lubricating plastic.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said couplers and said lip-engaging pieces comprise a self- lubricating material.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein said self-lubricating material comprises a self-lubricating plastic.

11. An apparatus for exercising facial muscle comprising: a pair of lip engaging pieces; a pair of rails, each connected to a different one of said lip engaging pieces; a pair of couplers, each mounted to a different rail, thereby connecting one of said rails to the other rail, such that one rail may move in a path generally parallel to the other said rail and such that said apparatus may be in expanded or contracted positions; and said couplers each further comprising a locking system.

12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein said locking system renders each coupler inseparably coupled to a different rail.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein said locking system comprises a fastener.

14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein said fastener comprises a weld.

15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein said weld is selected from the group consisting of spin welds, sonic welds, and heat welds.

16. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein said fastener is selectedJrom the group consisting of clasps, clips, buckles, and buttons.

17. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein said fastener is selected from the group consisting of pins, bolts, dowels, nails, pegs, screws, spikes, tacks, and rivets.

18. An apparatus for exercising facial muscle comprising: a pair of lip engaging pieces; a pair of rails, each connected to a different one of said lip engaging pieces; and a pair of couplers, each mounted to a different rail, thereby connecting each of said rails to the other rail at a connection point, such that one rail may move in a path generally parallel to the other said rail while sliding within a coupler, and such that said apparatus may be in expanded or contracted positions; said couplers each further comprising curvilinear members; said couplers each further comprising a locking system; said curvilinear members being connected by an urging element whereby the appliance is urged into the expanded position.

19. The apparatus for exercising facial muscle of claim 18, wherein said locking system comprises a portion of at least one of said couplers completely surrounding said other rail at said connection point.

20. A method of making a facial exercising apparatus wherein said apparatus comprises a pair of lip engaging pieces; a pair of metal rails, each connected to a different one of said lip engaging pieces; and a pair of couplers, each mounted to a different rail, thereby connecting each of said rails to the other rail at a connection point, such that one rail may move in a path generally parallel to the other said rail while sliding within a coupler, said method comprising the use of an empty mold with a cavity to form the complete apparatus, inserting into said empty mold said pair of metal rails, each rail having a sleeve at said connection point, then closing said mold and injecting molten plastic into the mold, which upon cooling forms a complete and operable apparatus.